Skip the tourist traps and discover cheap underrated destinations in Europe where your money stretches further and crowds thin out.
These budget-friendly gems offer authentic experiences, stunning architecture, and local cuisine without the premium prices.
15 Cheap Underrated Destinations in Europe
These 15 budget-friendly gems prove that the best European adventures don’t require emptying your savings account.
1. Kraków, Poland
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $76 (zł298) per day
Despite its growing popularity, Kraków remains surprisingly affordable compared to Western European cities.
The well-preserved medieval old town centers around Europe’s largest market square, while the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz offers trendy cafés and historic synagogues.
The nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine and sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial provide powerful day trips.
Student influence keeps prices reasonable, with milk bars serving traditional Polish comfort food at budget prices.
2. Brasov, Romania
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $81 (lei367) per day
This Transylvanian gem combines medieval charm with modern affordability.
Gothic architecture and the picturesque Council Square create a postcard setting without tourist crowds.
As one of the most accessible cheap places to go in Europe, Brasov serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby Bran Castle.
3. Gjirokastër, Albania
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $97 (Lek8,799) per day
This UNESCO-protected Ottoman town cascades down a mountainside beneath an imposing fortress.
Stone-built houses with slate roofs create a distinctive landscape rivaling more expensive heritage sites.
As one of the most authentic cheap places to see in Europe, Gjirokastër offers cultural immersion through family-run guesthouses.
4. Eger, Hungary
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $97 (Ft35,979) per day
This baroque beauty offers thermal baths, wine culture, and historic sights at prices far below Budapest.
The imposing castle dominates the skyline, while the nearby Valley of the Beautiful Women houses dozens of wine cellars.
One of the most rewarding cheap holiday places in Europe, Eger’s pedestrian-friendly center makes exploration easy with affordable restaurants.
5. Gdańsk, Poland
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $72 (zł280) per day
This Baltic port city features colorful Dutch-influenced architecture and maritime history without Western European prices.
The reconstructed old town rivals Amsterdam or Copenhagen with its gabled houses and merchant halls.
As one of the most interesting cheap places to visit in Europe, Gdańsk combines cultural attractions with budget accommodations in historic buildings.
6. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $80 (Kč1,850) per day
This fairytale medieval town built along a horseshoe bend in the Vltava River offers Renaissance architecture at prices below Prague.
The massive castle complex provides hours of exploration, while local taverns serve hearty Czech meals.
The compact, walkable size eliminates transportation costs.
One of the more affordable cheap countries in Europe, Český Krumlov is best experienced in shoulder seasons to keep costs low.
7. Rijeka, Croatia
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $130 (€120) per day
Croatia’s third-largest city offers Habsburg elegance and Adriatic access without Dubrovnik’s premium prices.
The Korzo promenade brings locals together at cafés showcasing Croatian coffee culture, while seafood restaurants serve fresh catches.
Rijeka is one of the best cheap beach places in Europe. Visit nearby islands like Krk and Cres with pristine beaches at lower costs than other coastal hotspots.
8. Sighișoara, Romania
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $79 (lei356) per day
This perfectly preserved medieval citadel transports visitors back in time with its cobblestone streets, colorful guild houses, and imposing clock tower.
Family-run pensions offer authentic accommodation within the citadel walls at remarkable prices.
The UNESCO World Heritage status hasn’t inflated prices, making it a rare opportunity to experience medieval Europe without modern price tags.
9. Szentendre, Hungary
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $97 (Ft35,979) per day
Just a short journey from Budapest, this riverside artists’ colony delivers the charm of Hungary without capital city prices.
Brightly painted Baroque houses line cobblestone streets filled with ceramics shops, galleries, and museums.
Szentendre is perfect for day-trippers who decide to stay longer, with small pensions and restaurants serving Hungarian classics at reasonable prices
10. Saranda, Albania
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $119 (Lek10,785) per day
This coastal city offers Mediterranean beaches and crystal waters rivaling Greece or Italy at a fraction of the price.
Nearby attractions like the Blue Eye spring, popular Ksamil beach and Butrint archaeological site offer exceptional value.
Saranda remains one of best cheap sunny places in Europe year-round, with shoulder season apartment rentals perfect for digital nomads.
11. Šibenik, Croatia
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $125 (€115) per day
Unlike Split and Dubrovnik, Šibenik maintains authenticity while offering similar architectural beauty at lower prices.
The UNESCO-listed Cathedral showcases remarkable Renaissance stonework, while four impressive fortresses provide both history and Adriatic views.
Šibenik offers exceptional value as a base for exploring Krka National Park’s famous waterfalls and accessing less crowded beaches and islands.
12. Maribor, Slovenia
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $103 (€95) per day
Slovenia’s second-largest city offers riverside charm and wine culture without Ljubljana’s capital city premiums.
The Old Vine House showcases the world’s oldest producing grape vine, while traditional Slovenian specialties like štruklji and prekmurska gibanica pair perfectly with local wines.
The nearby Pohorje mountains offer outdoor activities without Alpine resort rates.
13. Telč, Czech Republic
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $87 (Kč2,007) per day
This small UNESCO-listed town showcases one of Europe’s most beautiful town squares, ringed by pastel-colored houses.
The Renaissance château overlooking a tranquil pond system offers elegant interiors at modest entrance fees.
Telč’s family-run pensions and traditional Czech taverns keep costs surprisingly low despite the town’s extraordinary beauty.
14. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $98 (₺175) per day
One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Plovdiv layers Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture, and a thriving arts scene.
The ancient amphitheater hosts performances against 2,000 years of history, while the trendy Kapana district offers creative cafés.
The Old Town’s painted Revival-era houses provide colorful exploration backdrops.
Affordable guesthouses and family-run hotels offer authentic accommodations in historic buildings.
15. Bansko, Bulgaria
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $98 (₺175) per day
This ski resort town nestled in the Pirin Mountains offers winter sports at half the price of the Alps.
In summer, hiking and mountain biking take over. The old town features cobblestone streets with traditional mehanas (taverns) serving hearty Bulgarian cuisine.
One of the best cheap places in Europe for outdoor enthusiasts , Bansko also offers nearby hot springs and national park access.
Final Thoughts on Cheap Destinations in Europe that are Underrated
These hidden gems prove European adventures don’t require emptying your savings.
While tourists crowd famous capitals, savvy travelers can discover authentic experiences where your money stretches twice as far.
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Explore our comprehensive Europe travel guide for more destination ideas and budget-friendly itineraries.
