The best cheap countries to visit in Europe

When it comes to value for money in Europe, few places can touch Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo and Mostar remain relatively affordable, but the real value lies elsewhere in the country, particularly in the central region. Travnik is a true delight, a small city packed with sumptuous architecture and the best grilled meat in the country, while it still beggars belief that Jajce isn’t overrun by tourists. Waterfalls in the centre of town? You’ll find it there. Whether you are admiring the wild horses of Livno, learning about the value of salt in Tuzla, embarking on adrenaline adventures in Foča, or experiencing pure bliss at Janjske Otoke, Bosnia and Herzegovina is Europe at its most magnificent (and affordable).

Whether you are exploring the historic landmarks of Vilnius and Kaunas, lapping up the Baltic coast in Klaipeda or Neringa or letting the weight of spiritual history wash over you at Šiauliai, Lithuania is a country that excites and engages while keeping things light on the budget front. The forthcoming year is packed with notable anniversaries, whether that is the 180th birthday of beloved book smuggler Jurgis Bielinis or the 100th anniversary of the first Lithuanian radio broadcast, and you don’t have to spend much to experience any of them.

Belgrade doesn’t provide as much value for money as it once did (and has lost much of its charm in the process), but Serbia’s hinterland offers a fabulous range of affordable adventures. Cities like Kraljevo and Novi Pazar are rich in history, while 20th-century enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Kragujevac, Užice, and the rest. The northern region of Vojvodina remains as gorgeous as ever, with Subotica and Zrenjanin marrying cultures, architectural styles, and culinary heritage, all without decimating the budget.

Sensing a theme? Krakow and Warsaw have long left the budget-friendly box, but Poland remains fabulous value for money if you stay away from the mainstream spots. Quite how long gorgeous cities like Poznan, Wroclaw, and Lublin will stay out of that limelight remains to be seen, but it doesn’t cost a penny to gaze lovingly at an arresting mix of Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Gothic architecture. Katowice might just be the best of the bunch, a former industrial hub that has shaken off a shady reputation to become one of the most exciting, innovative cities in the region. The Strefa Kultury (Cultural Zone) is utterly delightful.

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Albania is one of the most exciting countries in Europe, a spectacular place that consistently exceeds expectations. You’ll spend plenty of time in and around the water when visiting, as the country’s coastline is its main event, and cities like Sarandë, Vlorë, and Himarë offer stunning seaside scenery at incredible prices. Up north, Shkodër showcases Albanian city life (with more bicycles than you might expect), and Tiraně is still one of the continent's most underrated capital cities. The infrastructure remains hit-and-miss, but this works in favour of the budget-conscious traveller: travel by furgon, stay in guesthouses, and eat all the byrek you can fit in your stomach.

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When the calendar turned from 2025 to 2026, Bulgaria finally joined the eurozone (look out for those commemorative €2 coins). What this means for the future of budget-friendly travel in the country remains to be seen, but the Balkan beauty will always be worth it. Plovdiv is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities, with one of the best-preserved Roman theatres on the planet offering stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Elsewhere, the Rila Monastery is one of the most serene places in Europe, and 2026 is no ordinary year here; Ivan Rilski (John of Rila), the founder of the monastery, would have turned 1,150 this year, while the 1,080th anniversary of his death will be commemorated on August 18.