Europe has always been a hot spot for tourists. It’s got everything: amazing history, wonderful architecture, charm everywhere you look and great food. But it can also be pretty expensive, especially in larger cities like London and Paris. And don’t even get me started on how expensive Scandinavia is. So if you’re looking to head to Europe but don’t want to spend as much money as you will in the more expensive spots, here are the best inexpensive destinations in Europe for you to choose from!
Portugal
You’ll be amazed at the cost of things in Portugal! Even in its famous city Lisbon, things were priced really low compared to the other European hubs. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck in this seaside city. And the great thing here is that most of the attractions are free, so you can just wander and take in this edgy city for all it has to offer as well as Lisbon being incredibly charming with cobblestone streets and old buildings just begging to photographed.
Spain
I was blown away by how cheap Spain was compared to it’s neighbor up North, France. A huge dinner of tapas and sangria for 15 euros, ok, I’ll take that! You can eat well and enjoy a great trip in Spain for a lot less than other European hot spots. Particularly as you get out of the main hubs like Barcelona and Madrid, prices really start to go down.
Ireland
While Dublin is still a lot less expensive than its neighbor in the UK, London, where Ireland really shines in price is when you get out of the cities. The little towns in Ireland will offer so much and won’t break the bank. You’ll win in culture and your wallet!
Italy
While the larger cities in Italy like Rome and Milan still command a fairly high price point, when you get into small town Italy, the pricing will noticeably go down. Head to Verona or the little towns scattered throughout Italy and you’ll notice a pretty good price point.
Morocco
Even though it’s not in Europe, Morocco is a popular destination from Europe since it’s so close. Here you’ll find prices really are inexpensive and you can haggle for even lower ones. You’ll get lots of bang for your buck in Morocco and you’ll walk away with a unique experience too.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
We’re heading to Spain and Morocco in December and I could not be more excited! 🙂 So glad to hear that it’s a bit more affordable than France!
Casey says
Such an amazing trip! Email me if you want any recs for either place 🙂
Nick says
I’d head east too. I can only speak from my experience in Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, but they were really affordable too.
Casey says
I hear that a lot! Haven’t been to Eastern Europe yet… but it’s on the list! 🙂
socalledhomemaker says
This post is awesome!!
Milou van Roon says
You choose Morocco (which is not in Europe) over any country in central or Eastern Europe? Such a shame! That being said, I absolutely adore every country you mentioned, including Morocco and I definitely would recommend anyone going there.
Casey says
As I mentioned above, I realize it’s not in Europe however, it’s such a European vacation spot and is so cheap I thought it worth including in the list since it’s such a quick hop over there from Europe. And I haven’t been to Central or Eastern Europe yet, so can’t comment on that, but I hear wonderful things!
Kristin says
Croatia is seeing a huge boom right now, too! The beaches, islands, and coastline are gorgeous and the cost to stay is pretty inexpensive, and food is not super inexpensive but cheaper than a lot of other European nations.
Casey says
Yes! Croatia is high on my list. I’ve heard it’s definitely a lot more touristy now even than just a couple years ago… but looks beautiful!
Kristin says
It IS getting touristy, but just as with any place, it depends on what time of year you go.
Adelaide Haynes says
Anywhere that doesn’t have the Euro as a currency.
Hungary and Poland were super cheap and full of so much culture and history! Definitely a win win situation.
http://aworldlyaddiction.com/
Casey says
I’ve heard that! Haven’t been yet but can’t wait to visit someday! I’ve heard amazing things about both Hungary and Poland… great tip!
Ines Marques says
The great about Lisbon is you can spend a whole day having fun wandering around the city and absorbing history and culture without paying for it.
http://www.thelisboners.com
Casey says
Totally! Lisbon is so quintessentially European too… with cobblestone streets and old buildings and such a great bang for your buck!
The Common Wanderer says
We love Slovenia… it packs a huge punch for such a small country and is cheap! Winning!
Casey says
Great tip! I have actually been hearing more and more bout Slovenia lately!
The Common Wanderer says
For good reason! 🙂
Jennifer @This Off Script Life says
Add Estonia (as well as Slovenia) to the list. Both are fantastic, beautiful, and inexpensive compared to many other European destinations. You’ll love visiting them both.