Europe is a great place, and there are many places to visit. However, some of us don’t have the money to visit all the European destinations. That’s why we created a list of great, affordable destinations for those seeking cheap travel destinations in Europe.
But let me set the record straight: cheap destinations are a thing of the past. You won’t find places where a beer costs just five cents or a room is only a dollar a night. Prices across Europe have risen significantly.
So, what I’m offering you today is a top 5 list of destinations that provide the best value for your money. We’ll consider factors like public transportation options, the number of sites to see (both paid and free), ease of access, and affordable flights, whether it’s through budget airlines like EasyJet or other cost-effective options.
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Bari, Italy
One of the top places I recommend visiting is Bari in Italy, specifically in the Puglia region. Most people who visit Italy for beaches tend to go to the Amalfi Coast. While the Amalfi Coast is beautiful, it’s expensive and packed with tourists.
Instead, consider going to Puglia and staying in Bari, one of the cheap travel destinations in Europe. You can enjoy “orecchiette,” the local pasta shaped like little ears, and even watch grandma make it by hand. Don’t miss the Norman castles, and Bari also offers fantastic day trips.
You can visit Alberobello, famous for its “trulli” houses that look like gnome hats—such a unique sight. Another must-see is Matera, a city where buildings are carved into caves. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The nearby beach town of Polignano a Mare is also stunning.
The best part? Puglia is a fraction of the cost compared to the Amalfi Coast, making it one of the best budget-friendly cities in Europe in 2024. To put it into perspective, we stayed in Bari for four nights at the same price as one night on the Amalfi Coast.
So, if you’re considering a trip to Positano for one night, you could enjoy three or four nights in Bari for the same cost. Bari is one of the most affordable European vacation spots for 2024 that’s well worth it.
So, we have talked about how cheap Bari is and why it is considered one of the cheap travel destinations in Europe. Now let me give you the numbers. One thing you should know is that the prices can change depending on the time when you visit Bari, but these are estimated costs that you will see yourself spending if you visit Bari.
The first thing you need to know is how much the hotels cost per night. If you want to stay in a hostel or budget hotel, these start at €10 and will rise depending on the hotel. Also, if you rent an Airbnb with a kitchen, it will help you with food and other expenses.
You can enjoy focaccia barese for €2-4, panzerotti from street vendors for €3-6, or orecchiette pasta at a trattoria for €5-8. Local pastries like pasticciotti or sporcamuss can cost €1.50-3 each.
You might not need to take transportation because the city is very walkable, but public transport is cheap. A train from Rome to Bari costs about €37.50. One tip is to avoid taxis, as they’re costly.
The Petruzzelli Theatre charges €5, and the Swabian Castle costs €10. For a scenic day trip, a train to Polignano a Mare costs €3-5.30. With €350-€550, you can enjoy Bari for three days. After considering all this, I think you’ll agree that it is one of the cheap travel destinations in Europe.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Number two on my list is Bratislava, Slovakia, one of the cheap travel destinations in Europe. When traveling through Central Europe, many people stick to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague.
However, Budapest has become more expensive over the years, Vienna has always been pricey, and while Prague is still relatively affordable (we’ll get to that later), you might wonder if there’s another great option. That’s where Bratislava comes in.
When you arrive from Vienna, you’ll immediately notice how friendly the locals are, especially compared to Austrians. Plus, the prices in Bratislava are incredibly affordable, making it one of the best low-cost destinations in Europe for 2024 travel.
You can dine out, enjoy yourself, and explore without breaking the bank. Visit the castle, check out the quirky UFO bridge, and enjoy everything the city has to offer at a fraction of the cost of staying in Vienna. If you’re a budget traveler, I highly recommend staying in Bratislava and taking a cheap train day trip to Vienna.
You can see the sights there and then come back. With friendly people, great food, and affordable prices, Bratislava is among the top affordable places to visit in Europe—how could you say no?
Prague, The Czech Republic
Prague is probably the most famous city on this list, not just for its renown but also for the sheer number of things to do, making it one of the top cheap travel destinations in Europe.
You can visit the iconic Charles Bridge, which is free to walk across, and the Old Town Square—arguably the most beautiful town square in the world. Prague is incredible for its history and charm.
When it comes to dining, you can enjoy affordable meals like duck and dumplings, and the beer is also reasonably priced. Some people say Prague is expensive, but that’s usually because they dine at the Old Town Square or the main tourist areas.
As with any major city, if you venture just two or three blocks from the main street connecting the square to Charles Bridge and up to the castle, prices drop by about half. You can still have a fantastic experience at a much lower cost. And not to mention how safe this place is. It is one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe. For a solo traveler, Prague is both affordable and safe.
It’s one of the most affordable European vacation spots for 2024. While you’re there, you can explore the Jewish Quarter, take a ride on a tourist train, or even see a concert or opera—all at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Vienna. Prague ranks high among the top affordable places to visit in Europe for its rich cultural experience and value.
Bamberg, Germany
Another Central European gem and my favorite city in Germany is Bamberg. I was just there a couple of months ago, and it felt like inflation hadn’t hit this place—prices have remained the same for the past decade, making it one of the top cheap travel destinations in Europe.
Bamberg is stunning, and it probably has the most beautiful Town Hall in Germany, the Old Town Hall, which is simply gorgeous. You can also visit the Michaelsberg Abbey, a massive church on a hill that features a beer museum and beer garden—it’s Germany, after all!
Bamberg is famous for its beer, especially its smoked beer, “Rauchbier.” You absolutely must try it along with the white sausage, pretzel, and sweet mustard. There’s also the Bamberg Cathedral, the Royal Residence, and so many other historical spots, all at very affordable prices.
What’s great about Bamberg is that most of the tourists are German, so you get a truly authentic experience. Despite being a popular destination, it’s still one of the most affordable European vacation spots for 2024.
It’s one of the prettiest cities in Germany, and if you’re planning to visit Munich, staying in Bamberg is a much cheaper option. It takes a few hours by train to get to Munich, but it’s well worth it as one of the inexpensive European destinations for summer 2024. One other thing to mention is that this is the best place to visit in October, so if you are a traveler, you should consider going there in October.
Cordoba, Spain
Let’s move away from Central Europe to somewhere sunnier—Cordoba, Spain. When people think of Spain, they often focus on Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, or Malaga. And yes, those cities are fantastic, but Cordoba offers something special: rich culture, deep history, affordable prices, amazing food, and warm, welcoming people.
It’s only about a 1.5-hour train ride from Madrid and 45 minutes from Seville, making it super accessible. Once you’re there, you’ll find UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the Mezquita, an incredible mosque with a cathedral built inside, featuring stunning double arches. There’s also the Roman bridge crossing the river, the charming Juderia district with its winding streets, not to mention the impressive Alcazar.
If you visit during the right time of year, you can also enjoy the vibrant fiestas and parties. And the best part? Compared to cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or even Seville, Cordoba is one of the cheape travel destinations in Europe.
While many international tourists pass through for day trips from Seville, I’d recommend staying in Cordoba and treating Seville as a day trip instead. Cordoba is truly one of the best budget-friendly cities in Europe and an affordable European vacation spot for 2024.
Córdoba is ideal for budget travelers exploring southern Spain. To cut transportation costs, stay centrally in budget hotels like Los Patios (€40 per night) or Hostal Almanzor (€30), or choose cheaper dorms in hostels for €15-20 per night.
The city is walkable, but for longer distances, local AUCORSA buses are €1.30 per trip; avoid taxis by walking to train and bus stations. Dining is budget-friendly at spots like Cafetin Halal, Restaurante-Meson Campanero, La Fragua, Bar Santos, and Campanero, with tapas costing just a few euros each.
If your accommodation has a kitchen, cooking some meals can further save money. Key attractions include the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (€10), and exploring the historic center, Jewish Quarter, and Roman Bridge is free. The Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs and Calahorra Tower cost around €4-5 each. Personally, this amount tells me that this place is one of the best cheap travel destinations in Europe.
Prices fluctuate seasonally, with lower rates often in the off-season (July-August). Booking at least two days in advance and avoiding peak times in April can help reduce costs. With a daily budget of €50-70 (excluding accommodation), you can enjoy Córdoba’s sights and cuisine comfortably. For a trip, $300 to USD 400 is a reasonable budget to experience Córdoba’s charm and attractions.
Conclusion
When it comes to cheap travel destinations in Europe, there are many options to choose from if you know about this topic. I visited some of these places a few months ago, and some of these cities are on my list for this year. All this information is up-to-date, so you can completely depend on it for a mindful and enjoyable European travel experience.
As mentioned before, there are many places, but personally, I think Bari, Bratislava, Prague, Bamberg, and Córdoba are the five best and most unique Cheap Travel Destinations in Europe for solo travelers. You can consider visiting these places in 2024 for your vacation.
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