Travelling Europe on a budget? Start with these 9 countries

You don’t always have to pay through the nose for Europe. Sure, places like Paris, Zurich and Amsterdam can put a pinch on your pocket, but plenty of countries serve up all the history, not to mention beautiful landscapes and dynamic food scenes that their upscale counterparts offer, but at less than luxury prices. Offering budget-friendly accommodation, easy transport and cheap eats, you can visit these places without raking up the bills.

Hungary, particularly Budapest, is still among the best value in Europe. With its bargain offerings in accommodation, eating, and public transport, the capital is a mecca for backpackers. It’s home to thermal baths, riverside architecture and friendly bars. There are even more affordable lodgings and a mellower vibe in smaller towns like Eger and Pécs.

Portugal is still one of the best-value Western European destinations. Lisbon and Porto have budget hotels, inexpensive public transportation, and cheap seafood. Outside the cities, the Algarve and Alentejo regions, provide beautiful coastlines, vineyards and quaint villages that are equal to Spain or France, at lower prices.

Poland offers culture and history without the high cost of a tourist destination. Cities such as Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław have stunning old towns, cheap museums and hearty local fare. Poland is a country to travel around, with its ever-growing system of trains convenient and cheap.

For value, there’s nowhere better than Romania, particularly outside Bucharest. Its medieval towns (including Brașov, or Sibiu), the Carpathian mountains, and Transylvania’s fairytale castles are only some of what makes it a diverse experience and also an affordable one. The cost of food, housing and transportation is still among the budget-friendly in the EU.

There are beach escapes, mountain getaways and centuries-old monasteries, — all at affordable prices. Sofia is one of Europe’s cheapest capitals, and tourists are beguiled by Plovdiv’s Roman ruins and cobbled streets. The value is great for dining, domestic travel and accommodations.

Latvia, particularly Riga, balances affordability and elegance. Its art nouveau architecture, intimate cafés and compact old town mean it’s a joy to explore on a budget. Hotel and restaurant prices are still low by Western European standards, not to mention natural getaways like beaches and forests that are within easy reach.

One of Europe’s most overlooked destinations, Bosnia and Herzegovina pulls together Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Balkan influences. Mosar and Sarajevo are full of great culture, inexpensive food and beautiful landscapes. There will be rivers, bridges and warm hospitality at irresistible prices.

Serbia is great if you want party, culture and travel on a budget. Belgrade’s café life and music scene are the stuff of legends, and the food and drinks among the affordable in Europe. Because of low-cost transportation and accommodations, it’s a haven for curious explorers.

North Macedonia is still one of Europe’s best budget value spots. The Ottoman bazaars and striking monuments of Skopje sit in contrast to the beauty of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest lakes. With low daily costs and less tourists, it’s a great pick for travelers looking for the real thing.