After two years of the globe suffering through the pandemic and being unable to travel, this summer, travel restrictions were lifted, and people have been globe-trotting. However, traveling to Europe can be costly with record inflation and the rippling effects of the financial strain from the pandemic. Below we highlight the cheapest cities to travel to in Europe.
- Krakow, Poland– One of the cheapest cities in Europe that mirrors the beauty and charm of Prague but at a fraction of the cost. If you love old castles and cobblestone streets, this is your place. The city’s primary market is the largest medieval square in Europe, boasting beautiful churches, gothic architecture, and charming cafes and restaurants.
- Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic– This city is a couple hours south of Prague and is one of the cheapest places to visit and live in Europe. This city is best known for some of the oldest buildings in Europe. Even though many towns surrounding Cesky Krumlov have seen war and ruins, this city has always remained peaceful and calm over the centuries.
- Budapest, Hungary- Budapest is a romantic city known for its spectacular thermal baths. This city is known for some of the best cuisines in central Europe, with dishes like Goulash, Langos, and Halaszle.
- Ljubljana, Slovenia- One of the most underrated European countries is Slovenia. Located on the border of Austria and Italy, this country is full of beautiful medieval architecture, coastal harbor cities, and unique cuisines for a fraction of the price. This city is green and pedestrian-friendly as the Old Town has been car-free since 2008. In the summer, many cafes are set up along the Ljubljana River, making it a lovely place to experience.
- Split, Croatia- This beautiful coastal city straddles the Adriatic Sea and is often overshadowed by its neighbor city Dubrovnik. The port city is over 1700 years old and was once home to the Roman Emperor Diocletian. One of the most remarkable sights is the Saint Domnius Cathedral, built in 305 AD, making it the oldest surviving Christian Church. The waterfront promenade in Riva is a place you won’t want to miss, with no shortage of restaurants, shops, hotels, and homes. Split is perhaps the cheapest city in Europe and probably the most fun.
They say the best time to visit Europe is early spring and early fall, where the weather is lovely and not too hot, and the influx of tourism hasn’t begun. Traveling to these places in the off-season is also cheaper when tourism has died down.
In addition to choosing the cheapest places to travel in Europe, there are other ways you can significantly save money. Our blog on ‘Where To Buy Foreign Exchange’, discusses the best ways to exchange your currency and avoid costly fees.