European cities are rarely renowned for being affordable and kind to your wallet. However, a lot of that is due to ‘crowd mentality’ – we all desire to go where everybody is going. Despite this, there are several other cities in Europe that possess such charm and beauty at a fraction of the cost. Here are a few of those cities which are a must to visit if you are thriving on a minimal budget.
Top 7 Cheapest Cities To Visit in Europe
Here are some of the cheapest European cities to visit in 2023 while you are having the best time of your life:
Athens, Greece
Athens is an open-air museum with a long history spanning thousands of years. As the capital of ancient and modern-day Greece, Athens is home to some of the oldest architectural wonders whilst also being one of the cheapest cities to travel to in Europe this year. So it is indeed surprising that it is ranked one of the cheapest cities to visit in 2023 by thePost Office City Costs Barometer.
Athens is home to the Temple of Zeus, the Acropolis, and the Agora, regarded as some of the greatest wonders of the ancient world, alongside many other buildings and artifacts in Athens and Greece. For this reason, it might come to be a pleasant surprise to some people that it is quite cheap to visit and stay in. The sheer amount of fun you can have is not proportional to the budget as you can enjoy much without paying a lot for your trip. For this reason, it is a must-visit if you’re willing to choose budget accommodation.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is the second biggest city in Poland and one of the cheapest cities in Europe. It rivals the medieval charm of Prague, although it doesn’t draw in as many tourists as the latter. You will find plenty of cheap hotels here, making it one of the cheapest European destinations there is.
For the folks who can’t get enough of Europe’s old towns, you’ll love visiting Krakow. The city’s Main Market Square (“RynekGłówny”) is the largest medieval square in Europe! Here, horse-drawn carriages glide past beautiful buildings and a near-perfect basilica. The Polish currency, the zloty, also has a pretty favorable exchange rate to the US dollar and the Euro, hence why the visit to Polish cities can be found to be cheaper than most European countries. If you enjoy inspecting medieval architecture, this city is the place for you.
ČeskýKrumlov, Czech Republic
Located in the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, ČeskýKrumlov is one of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit and live in. It’s only a couple of hours south of Prague (the Capital of the Czech Republic) and looks like it came straight out of a fantasy with its spirited architecture and well-preserved Old Town.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ČeskýKrumlov is set on a quaint river with beautiful Baroque and Renaissance architecture as far as the eye can see. A 13th-century castle towers over the historic center, offering a beautiful panoramic view. You can sit in a restaurant or café outside, all for a cheap price! Its unique style of architecture is what sets it apart from most of the other cheap cities, making it worth a visit if you’re on budget accommodation.
Porto, Portugal
Porto is a famous coast in Portugal, which is likely the cheapest country in Western Europe. It is often compared to the country’s capital, Lisbon, though it’s less metropolitan and more off the beaten path. Porto is one of the most vibrant cities in all of Europe that you should absolutely visit, especially if you are a budget traveler who’s looking to spend as much as possible whilst still enjoying your trip.
Many of the top attractions in Porto are free to enjoy, which include the Ponte de Dom Luis I and Cais da Ribeira that bestride the Douro River. Another claim to fame for Porto is the infamous Porto Cathedral, a Romanesque Kirk that was constructed in 1100 AD. From the cathedral’s terrace, you’ll have an incredible view of the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Porto, you could easily live on $50 a day and still be able to experience it to its fullest. For that reason, it deserves a top spot as one of the cheapest cities in Europe.
Budapest, Hungary
Perhaps being one of the most interesting cities in Europe, in Budapest you’ll be in for a treat. It’s one of the most idyllic cities on this list and one of the most ideal cheap vacation spots. The city gracefully nests along the Danube River, with access to the area’s best thermal baths, a graceful attraction since the Roman ages.
The city is known for having the most delicious cuisine in central and Eastern Europe. If you’re a history and architecture lover, you’ll be blown away by the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle. Though you’ll have to pay a little extra for the thermal baths, the prices of food and accommodations are quite reasonable here, making it one of the cheapest European cities to visit in 2023.
Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is an underappreciated gem when it comes to budget-friendly cities in Europe. This beautiful city is rich with history, culture, and plenty of budget-friendly activities. Its history and diverse culture are what make it so special, as well as its medieval structures that stun tourists from all around the globe.
But history isn’t the only thing Warsaw has to offer. The city is home to an incredible food scene, and with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, it’s easy to find a budget-friendly meal that won’t disappoint. It also has a thriving music and arts scene, with countless clubs, bars, and cultural events to choose from. With affordable drinks and cover charges, you can party the night away without emptying your wallet. Overall, Warsaw is a budget-friendly city that has something for everyone. It’s not difficult to see why it’s top amongst the cheapest places in Europe.
Bucharest, Czech Republic
Being Romania’s capital with over 1.8 million people, Bucharest has been underrated for incredibly long. For a city so cheap, it has a lot to offer. It is home to the Parlamentului (Palace of Parliament), with 12 floors and 1,100 rooms, and is the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon. It also has several other sights worth seeing, such as the Romanian Athenaeum and King Michael I Park.
Bucharest is a great launch pad for exploring the other cultural and natural gems strewn around Romania. For a glimpse of the city’s older side, it’s worth checking out the Old Town. This place is home to medieval ruins and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. It’s quite an interesting city that can easily be explored on a cheap budget.
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you understand and know about the cheapest cities to visit in Europe in 2023. The purpose of this article was to help you have fun whilst saving as much money as possible. In addition to choosing the cheapest cities in Europe to visit, there are many other effective ways to save money on your trip. For more information on saving money, visit AdvisingMama website to understand more about how to save your money effectively. I hope this helps!