What Are The Cheapest Places In Europe To Travel To?

Are you dreaming of a European adventure but worried about the cost? The Cheapest Places In Europe To Travel To offer stunning scenery, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank. With SIXT.VN, you can explore Europe affordably, accessing the best travel deals and tips to make your dream vacation a reality. Discover how to enjoy budget travel, affordable destinations, and cheap European getaways with our expert advice.

1. Why Europe Is More Affordable Than You Think

Many travelers assume that Europe is an expensive destination, but with careful planning, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a budget-friendly trip. Several factors contribute to Europe’s affordability:

• Variety of Destinations: Europe boasts a wide range of countries, each with its own cost of living. Eastern and Southern Europe, in particular, offer excellent value for money.
• Off-Season Travel: Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can significantly reduce costs, as flights and accommodations are typically cheaper.
• Free Activities: Many European cities offer free attractions such as parks, museums (on certain days), and walking tours.

2. Top 10 Cheapest Places in Europe to Travel To

2.1. Copenhagen, Denmark

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Copenhagen, the Danish capital, is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant food scene. Average round-trip airfare is around $688.32.

What Makes Copenhagen Affordable?

• Free Attractions: Visit the National Museum of Denmark, the Little Mermaid statue, and the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace for free.
• Bike Rentals: Renting a bike is an affordable and convenient way to explore the city.
• Affordable Accommodations: Average nightly hotel rates are around $215 between August and October, making it one of the more affordable Scandinavian cities.

2.2. Dublin, Ireland

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Dublin offers a rich cultural experience with its festivals and historic sites. Average round-trip airfare is about $756.08.

How to Save Money in Dublin:

• Leap Visitor Card: Use the Leap Visitor Card for unlimited travel on public transport.
• Free Walking Tours: Sign up for free walking tours to see the city’s highlights without spending a fortune.
• Free Attractions: Visit the National Museum of Ireland and explore parks like St. Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park for free.
• Affordable Pub Meals: Enjoy affordable meals and live music at traditional pubs, especially outside tourist areas.
• Budget-Friendly Hotels: Dublin ranks among the top 15 European destinations with cheaper hotel prices, averaging around $273 per night.

2.3. Nice, France

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Nice, located on the French Riviera, is known for its beaches and vibrant culture. The average round-trip airfare is about $779.49.

Budget Tips for Nice:

• Visit in the Shoulder Season: Travel in the early fall for lower airfare and lodging rates.
• Free Attractions: Visit Castle Hill for the best city views and explore the charming Old Town.
• Local Markets: Skip restaurant lunches and visit the Cours Saleya Market for affordable local food.
• Day Trip to Cannes: Take a 40-minute train ride to Cannes for less than 9 euros each way.

2.4. London, England

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London, a city of royal palaces and historic landmarks, has an average round-trip airfare of $790.35.

Saving Money in London:

• Free Attractions: Visit the British Museum, the National Gallery, and witness the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace for free.
• Parks: Enjoy the mild autumn weather and lush foliage in Hyde Park and Kew Gardens.
• Borough Market: Sample eclectic eats at Borough Market for a lower price than a fancy lunch.
• Visitor Oyster Card: Save on transportation costs with a Visitor Oyster Card.
• London Pass: Skip the lines, book attractions online, and snag discounts with a London Pass.
• TKTS Booth: Get cheap, last-minute tickets to West End shows at the TKTS booth.

2.5. Paris, France

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Paris, known for its iconic landmarks and romantic ambiance, has an average round-trip airfare of $797.55.

Budget-Friendly Paris:

• Visit in the Shoulder Season: Travel in mid-August or early fall to avoid crowds and high prices.
• Paris Pass: Get access to over 75 attractions and sightseeing tours with the Paris Pass.
• Public Transportation: Use readily available and inexpensive public transportation.
• Free Walking Tours: Explore the city with free walking tours.
• Tap Water: Order a “carafe d’eau” (tap water) in Parisian restaurants to avoid the cost of bottled water.
• Refillable Bottle: Carry a refillable bottle for public drinking fountains.
• Free Museums: Enjoy free admission to several museums, including Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and Musée Carnavalet.

2.6. Reykjavik, Iceland

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Reykjavik offers stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. The average round-trip airfare is $812.18.

How to Explore Reykjavik on a Budget:

• Reykjavik City Card: Get free bus travel and entry to many attractions with the Reykjavik City Card.
• Outdoor Adventures: Hike Mount Esja, Glymur Waterfall, and Kerid Crater for free scenic views.
• Thermal Pools: Enjoy restorative soaks in various thermal pools.
• Local Bakeries: Treat yourself to affordable pastries at local bakeries like BakaBaka and Bernhoftsbakari.
• Affordable Hotels: Average nightly hotel rates are around $273.

2.7. Lisbon, Portugal

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Lisbon, with its rich history and vibrant nightlife, has an average round-trip airfare of $868.94.

Saving Money in Lisbon:

• Lisboa Card: Use trams, buses, and the metro, and buy a Lisboa Card for unlimited travel and free entry to many museums.
• Alfama Neighborhood: Explore the beautiful Alfama neighborhood and watch free live Fado performances.
• Beaches: Enjoy the beaches of the Iberian Peninsula, only 30 minutes from the city center.
• Affordable Hotels: Average nightly hotel rates are around $240.

2.8. Barcelona, Spain

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Barcelona, known for its beachfront and festivals, has an average round-trip airfare of $872.05.

Budget Travel in Barcelona:

• T10 Ticket: Buy a T10 ticket for discounted travel on public transportation.
• Local Markets: Skip the touristy La Boqueria and visit local markets like Santa Catarina for fresh and affordable food.
• Parks and Beaches: Soak up the sun at the beach or visit Park Güell.
• Affordable Hotels: Average nightly room rates are around $261.

2.9. Manchester, England

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Manchester provides an affordable way to experience English culture. The average round-trip airfare is $873.04.

Tips for Saving Money in Manchester:

• Free Attractions: Visit the Science and Industry Museum, the Central Library, and the Manchester Town Hall for free.
• Parks: Head to Runway Visitor Park or Whitworth Park for a tranquil escape.
• Free Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Service: Take advantage of the free hop-on, hop-off bus service to get around the city.
• Free Walking Tours: Join free walking tours offered daily.

2.10. Zurich, Switzerland

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Zurich, though known for being pricey, can be affordable with the right planning. The average round-trip airfare is $891.88.

How to Visit Zurich on a Budget:

• Visit in the Shoulder Season: Traveling in late summer and early fall can save you money.
• Public Transportation: Use the efficient public transport system with day passes for unlimited travel.
• Walking Tours: Opt for small group walking tours over private options.
• Parks and Lakes: Explore Lake Zurich, Greifensee, Belvoir Park, and Chinagarten.
• Affordable Hotels: Average hotel rates are around $237 per night.

3. How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Europe

Finding affordable flights is crucial for a budget-friendly European trip. Here are some tips:

• Be Flexible with Travel Dates: According to research from Skyscanner in 2023, flying mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday) is typically cheaper than flying on weekends.
• Use Flight Comparison Websites: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines.
• Book in Advance: Booking your flight several months in advance can often result in lower prices. Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report indicates that booking 2-3 months ahead can yield significant savings.
• Consider Alternative Airports: Flying into smaller or less popular airports can sometimes be cheaper.
• Look for Deals and Promotions: Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel agencies to be notified of special deals and promotions.

4. Affordable Accommodation Options in Europe

Accommodation can be a significant expense, but there are many ways to save:

• Hostels: Hostels are a great option for budget travelers, offering dormitory-style rooms at low prices. According to Hostelworld, the average price for a hostel bed in Europe is around $25-35 per night.
• Airbnb: Renting an apartment or room through Airbnb can be more affordable than a hotel, especially for longer stays.
• Guesthouses and Budget Hotels: Look for guesthouses and budget hotels outside of the city center for lower rates.
• Free Accommodation: Consider options like Couchsurfing or WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) for free or very low-cost accommodation in exchange for services.
• Travel in the Off-Season: Lower demand equals lower prices.

5. Eating Cheap: Tips for Affordable Dining in Europe

Food costs can add up quickly, but there are ways to eat well without overspending:

• Shop at Local Markets: Buy groceries at local markets and prepare your own meals.
• Eat Street Food: Enjoy delicious and affordable street food.
• Look for Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer lunch specials at lower prices than dinner.
• Avoid Tourist Traps: Dine at restaurants frequented by locals, which are usually more affordable.
• Take Advantage of Free Breakfasts: Many hostels and hotels offer free breakfasts.

6. Getting Around: Affordable Transportation Options

Transportation costs can be reduced by:

• Public Transportation: Use buses, trams, and metros, which are generally affordable.
• Walking and Biking: Explore cities on foot or by renting a bike.
• Budget Airlines and Trains: Use budget airlines for long-distance travel and trains for regional travel.
• Travel Passes: Purchase travel passes for unlimited travel within a city or region.

7. Free Activities and Attractions in Europe

Many European cities offer free activities and attractions:

• Parks and Gardens: Visit public parks and gardens.
• Free Museums: Take advantage of free admission days at museums.
• Walking Tours: Join free walking tours.
• Historic Sites: Explore historic sites and landmarks.
• Festivals and Events: Attend free festivals and events.

8. Smart Planning: Budgeting and Saving Tips

• Create a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend each day and stick to it.
• Track Your Expenses: Keep track of your spending to identify areas where you can cut back.
• Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected expenses.
• Pack Light: Avoid checked baggage fees by packing light and using a carry-on.
• Take advantage of discounts: Student discounts, senior discounts, and group discounts are available.
• Learn Some Basic Phrases: Knowing some basic phrases in the local language can help you navigate and potentially get better deals.

9. Essential Apps and Resources for Budget Travel in Europe

• Maps.me: An offline map app that helps you navigate without using data.
• XE Currency Converter: A currency converter app to help you keep track of exchange rates.
• Google Translate: A translation app to help you communicate with locals.
• Rome2Rio: A transport app that helps you plan your journey by comparing different modes of transport.
• The Points Guy: A website that provides information on travel deals and rewards programs.
• Nomadic Matt: A blog with budget travel tips and guides.

10. SIXT.VN: Your Partner for Affordable European Travel

Planning a budget trip to Europe can be overwhelming, but SIXT.VN is here to help. We offer:

• Expert Travel Advice: Our travel experts can provide personalized recommendations for the cheapest places in Europe to travel to.
• Customized Itineraries: We can create customized itineraries tailored to your interests and budget.
• Accommodation Booking: We help you find affordable accommodation options, including hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels.
• Transportation Assistance: We assist with booking flights, trains, and buses at the best prices.
• Tour Packages: Our tour packages are designed to offer the best value for money, with included activities and accommodations.
• 24/7 Support: We offer 24/7 support to assist you with any issues that may arise during your trip.

FAQ About The Cheapest Places In Europe To Travel To

What is the cheapest country to visit in Europe?

Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary are generally considered the cheapest to visit, offering excellent value for money in terms of accommodation, food, and activities.

What is the best time to travel to Europe for budget travelers?

The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are the best times to travel to Europe for budget travelers, as prices are lower and there are fewer crowds.

How much money do I need for a week in Europe?

Depending on your travel style and destination, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1500 per week in Europe. Budget travelers can get by on $50-$100 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend $100-$200 per day.

Are there any free things to do in European cities?

Yes, many European cities offer free activities, such as visiting parks and gardens, exploring historic sites, and joining free walking tours.

How can I find affordable accommodation in Europe?

You can find affordable accommodation by staying in hostels, Airbnb apartments, guesthouses, or budget hotels outside of the city center.

What are some tips for eating cheap in Europe?

Shop at local markets, eat street food, look for lunch specials, and avoid tourist traps to save money on food.

What is the best way to get around Europe on a budget?

Use public transportation, walk or bike, and consider budget airlines and trains for longer distances.

Is it safe to travel to Europe on a budget?

Yes, it is generally safe to travel to Europe on a budget. However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.

Can SIXT.VN help me plan my budget trip to Europe?

Yes, SIXT.VN can provide expert travel advice, customized itineraries, and assistance with booking affordable accommodation and transportation.

What are the most common scams I should be aware of in Europe?

Be aware of common scams such as pickpocketing, fake taxi services, and overpriced souvenirs. Always use reputable services and keep your belongings safe.

With careful planning and the right resources, exploring Europe on a budget is entirely achievable. The cheapest places in Europe to travel to offer incredible experiences without draining your bank account. Let SIXT.VN help you plan your dream European adventure today! Contact us at Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam. Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358. Website: SIXT.VN for more information and personalized assistance.