Summary
- Discover hidden gem cities in Europe like Riga, Kotor, and Tallinn for an affordable and enriching travel experience under $1,000 per week.
- Enjoy budget-friendly activities, historic sites, and stunning views while exploring these European cities without breaking the bank.
- From shopping for unique goods to relaxing on beautiful beaches, these lesser-known destinations offer the most travel value for international travelers.
Two weeks of sitting by the coast and drinking wine in Portugal? A week-long getaway island hopping in Greece? No problem! In 2024, travelers are discovering that travel in Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. While big-name cities like Paris or Zurich will usually have a big price tag attached to them, many European destinations can be inexpensive on the ground and offer the most travel value to the U.S. dollar.
This year, expand your travel horizon and indulge your senses in these lesser-known, hidden gem cities in Europe. Not only will you find beautiful streets, architecture, and scenery, but these destinations are insanely cheap to visit and offer you the biggest bang for your buck. Here are seven cheap European cities to visit in 2024. And the best part? Each destination costs under $1,000 to visit.
All “average costs” for visiting these European cities, including hotels, meals, and transportation, are calculated on Budget Your Trip.
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7 Riga, Latvia
Average cost to visit: $777 per week
Right on the Baltic Sea is the capital city of Latvia, which does not disappoint. As one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe, Riga offers a rich history, captivating architecture, and energetic culture at a fraction of the cost compared to other European cities.
Luckily, $777 per week can get you pretty far in Riga. You can spend a day shopping for unique eats and handmade goods at the Central Market, take your pick from more than 44 museums throughout the city, and dine at diverse restaurants without spending a fortune or sacrificing a high-quality experience.
6 Kotor, Montenegro
Average cost to visit: $746 per week
Fancy a secluded European getaway surrounded by crystal blue water, towering mountains, and ancient city walls? Say hello to Kotor, Montenegro. Tucked away in the Bay of Kotor, travelers find the city’s maze of cobblestoned streets, charming squares filled with café patios, and a stunning beach to be the perfect setting for a quiet and relaxed European vacation.
One of the perks of Kotor is that there are plenty of free sightseeing opportunities and outdoor activities around the city. You can spend a day relaxing by the beach, walk around the city walls and fortifications, or explore the hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor.
|
Budget-Friendly Activities |
St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, Kotor Beach, Old Town Square |
|---|---|
|
Average Hotel Cost |
$52 |
|
Average Meal Cost |
$46 |
|
Average Transportation Cost |
$10 |
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5 Tallinn, Estonia
Average cost to visit: $712 per week
One of the best high-value low-cost European cities for tourists is Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. This Baltic city is an absolute stunner when it comes to architecture, local charm, and million-dollar views. And the best part is that the majority of museums and historic sites can be accessed for free.
Tallinn’s Old Town is the highlight of the city. You can explore the medieval walls, towers, and the beautiful Town Hall Square all for free. Be sure to visit Tallinn from mid-November to the end of December to witness the pure magic of Tallinn’s Christmas market. The winter season transforms Tallinn into a fairytale and is rightly considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
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4 Budapest, Hungary
Average cost to visit: $637 per week
Another capital city in Europe where travelers can live in luxury while on a budget is Budapest. Centered on the Danube River, Budapest’s eye-catching structures, trendy food scene, and unmatched beauty are just a few of the many aspects that draw millions of tourists each year. Sites like Fisherman’s Bastion, the Szechenyi Baths, and the Hungarian Parliament Building are absolute must-sees here in Budapest and offer a beautiful glimpse into the culture of Hungary.
Budapest is beautiful and budget-friendly all year round, but for a truly magical experience, head to Budapest during the Christmas season to experience its dazzling Christmas market.
3 Zagreb, Croatia
Average cost to visit: $574 per week
Just a few hours away from the shores of Kotor is another architectural marvel and unbelievably cheap city that should be on your bucket list this year. Zagreb, Croatia is known for its never-ending food markets, charismatic streets, coffee culture, and incredibly affordable price tag. This historic and walkable Croatian city is a great place to indulge in a leisurely lifestyle and enjoy the captivating scenery.
There’s no shortage of inexpensive things to do here in Zagreb. The Museum of Broken Relationships and the Museum of Hangovers are unique hotspots in Zagreb that cost less than $10, and Tkalčićeva Street is a vibrant and popular avenue with restaurants, bars, and outdoor patios.
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2 Sofia, Bulgaria
Average cost to visit: $455 per week
Bulgaria is one of those underrated and under-hyped Eastern European countries that more people should talk about. Its capital city, Sofia, is a beautiful and inexpensive destination full of off-the-beaten-path things to do.
Like many European cities, Sofia is a host to several free walking tours that give an in-depth history of the city, its monuments, Roman ruins, and even the surrounding countryside. For less than $500 per week, travelers can stay in thre-e and four-star hotels and eat delicious Bulgarian food for less than $20 per day.
1 Gdańsk, Poland
Average cost to visit: $382 per week
Located on the Baltic Coast is one of the most architecturally stunning and unique cities to visit in Poland. Gdańsk’s eye-catching colors, beautiful ports, and bustling town squares are enough to lure international tourists here, but the incredibly low travel costs in Poland are an added bonus.
Gdańsk’s incredible history and cultural influences can still be experienced today. In fact, Gdańsk offers free walking tours throughout the city where tourists can learn about Polish architecture, WWI and WWII history, and the significance of Gdańsk’s shipyard. This city is an enriching destination in Europe for every kind of budget traveler.