The 5 Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2026: A Complete Guide for Budget Travelers

The 5 Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2026: A Complete Guide for Budget Travelers

Many think Europe is costly for hotels, food, and transport. However, some countries offer rich experiences without breaking the bank. Here are the 5 cheapest countries to visit in 2026, along with tips on accommodation, food, transport, top sites, seasonal prices, and comparisons with Western Europe.

1. Albania .

Estimated Daily Budget: €30–€45 (Summer/Winter)

Why it’s cheap: Albania is still largely undiscovered, keeping prices low.

Practical Tips:

Accommodation: Guesthouses and hostels €10–€20

Food: Local meals €5–€8

Transport: Affordable local buses and minibuses

Tourist Sites:

Ksamil & Dhermi Beaches: Clear waters and budget-friendly beach fun

Old Town of Berat: Historic white buildings, UNESCO site

Gjirokastër Castle: Great views of the old town

Seasonal Differences:

Summer (June–September) is busier, with higher accommodation prices.

Winter (December–February) is quieter and cheaper.

Comparison with Western Europe:

Local meal in Albania: €5–€8

Similar meal in Paris or London: €20–€30

2. Poland .

Estimated Daily Budget: €40–€55

Why it’s cheap: Low living costs outside the capital; public transport is efficient.

Practical Tips:

Accommodation: Small hotels or hostels €15–€25

Food: Local meals €6–€10

Transport: Metro and buses are inexpensive

Tourist Sites:

Kraków: Main Market Square and Wawel Castle

Łódź: Modern art tours and traditional cafés

Gdańsk: Historic coastal city with boat tours

Seasonal Differences:

Winter (November–March) is cold but hotel prices are lower.

Summer (June–August) is busy with festivals and activities.

Comparison with Western Europe:

Daily metro ticket: ~€3

In Paris/London: ~€10–€15

3. Romania .

Estimated Daily Budget: €35–€50

Why it’s cheap: Limited tourism keeps prices down.

Practical Tips:

Accommodation: €12–€22

Traditional meals: €5–€9

Activities: Often under €5

Tourist Sites:

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle): Popular attraction

Brașov & Sibiu: Historic towns in the Carpathians

Mountain Trips: Affordable nature excursions

Seasonal Differences:

Autumn (September–November) is great for fewer crowds.

Winter is perfect for skiing in the Carpathians.

Comparison with Western Europe:

Castle entry ticket: €3–€5

Similar castle in France/Germany: €15–€25

4. Bulgaria .

Estimated Daily Budget: €30–€45

Why it’s cheap: Strong local currency and low living costs.

Practical Tips:

Accommodation: €10–€20

Local food: €4–€8

Intercity transport: Cheap buses and trains

Tourist Sites:

Sofia: Cafés, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, museums

Mountains & Villages: Bansko and Rila for hiking

Black Sea Coast: Sunny Beach at low prices

Seasonal Differences:

Summer (June–August): Busy beaches and higher prices.

Spring & Autumn: Ideal for city and mountain trips.

Comparison with Western Europe:

Local meal: €4–€8

Similar meal in London/Milan: €20–€30

5. Portugal (Small Towns).

Estimated Daily Budget: €45–€60

Why it’s cheap: Small towns offer fewer crowds but excellent amenities.

Practical Tips:

Accommodation: Guesthouses and small hotels €20–€30

Local food: €8–€12

Transport: Regional trains and buses at fair prices

Tourist Sites:

Alentejo: Charming villages and vineyards

Braga: Historic churches and temples

Inland Algarve: Beautiful beaches away from the crowds

Seasonal Differences:

Summer: Crowded beaches and higher prices.

Spring & Autumn: Best times to travel at lower costs.

Comparison with Western Europe:

Local meal: €8–€12

Similar meal in Paris/London: €25–€35

Conclusion: Affordable Europe in 2026

You can enjoy Europe’s culture, food, beaches, and nature on a budget of €30–€60 if you choose wisely.

Daily Budget Recap:

Albania: €30–€45

Bulgaria: €30–€45

Romania: €35–€50

Poland: €40–€55

Portugal (small towns): €45–€60

These countries provide a rich European experience at very affordable prices, perfect for budget-conscious travellers.