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International tourism is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year as the last vestiges of COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted and demand for travel continues unabated. There's no denying that Europe is a powerful draw for many Americans, but the high costs of popular destinations like London, Paris and Rome often keep them away.
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But don't let the cost of a trip to Europe put you off – there are plenty of cheap European cities to explore that offer rich and diverse histories, cultures and cuisines.
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European travel destinations
According to a recent Priceline search, the most affordable hotel rates in Europe are:
Berlin, Germany: $127
Frankfurt, Germany: $138
Prague, Czech Republic: $145
Brussels, Belgium: $171
Geneva, Switzerland: $157
Budapest, Hungary: $175
Even the average daily rental car prices in tourist hotspots such as Spain (Madrid, Barcelona), Ireland (Dublin, Shannon) and Italy (Rhian, Rome) are among the cheapest in Europe.
But many adventurers want to travel beyond the typical European holiday destinations. If you want to travel but are on a budget, Mariana Montes, travel expert and writer at Vibe Adventures, suggests taking the Eastern Europe route, which gives you a wider selection of countries, including stops in the Balkans.
Starting in Trieste, Italy, you'll cross Slovenia and go through Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Turkey. “You can then reach Macedonia and start the loop in reverse. If you have a 25-day holiday, you can get away with around 625 euros ($680),” Montes says. “Some cities and places might cost a lot less than 30 euros, which is enough to see the sights and enjoy the nice places without having to worry about eating and staying.”
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10 cheap destinations in Europe
Here, our well-traveled experts share 10 perfect low-cost European getaways for the curious globetrotter.
1. Timisoara, Romania
According to global luggage storage app Bounce, in its City Break Cost Index 2023, Timisoara ranks as the most affordable city break destination in Europe. Hotel rooms in the city cost $105 per night and transport is also affordable (the average taxi fare is $0.66 per kilometre). The city was named European Capital of Culture in 2021 and is packed with cultural activities to entice even the most discerning traveller.
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2. Vieste, Italy
“Vieste in Puglia is a hidden gem that most people don't talk about, but it's definitely worth a visit,” says Taima Ramsey, travel expert and founder of the site Poor in a Private Plane. “You can book a beach resort with beach chairs for under $100 a night, some with half or full board. Most restaurant meals are around 10 euros ($11 USD), but there are a few hidden Michelin restaurants where you can spend more. We did a cave tour for 20 euros ($22.85 USD) per person. There are also free beaches where you can roll out your towel and enjoy the sun, sand and sea without paying a cent.”
3. Malaga, Spain
“The Costa del Sol region in southern mainland Spain is an attractive, budget-friendly holiday destination, and its capital, Malaga, is one of the most affordable areas along the coast,” says Mercedes Zak, travel expert at ASAP Tickets. “Plus, almost everything is within walking distance, and the climate is pleasantly warm year-round, with an average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Beyond its 16 sunny beaches, this Andalusian city on the Mediterranean coast has a fascinating cultural side to offer.”
4. Riga, Latvia
Beautiful Riga on the Baltic Sea is often overlooked as one of Europe's most affordable cities to visit. Known for its architecture, art-loving tourists will enjoy Riga's Gothic churches, medieval monuments, Art Nouveau-adorned streets, wooden houses and contemporary artworks. It's also a cheap and family-friendly destination (kid-friendly activities and restaurants are marked with an orange badge). Riga's Old Town is steeped in over 800 years of history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Kaunas, Lithuania
Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, has long ranked as one of the cheapest places to visit, but you can save even more by heading a little further west to Kaunas. Designated one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2022 for music, arts and theater, the city has plenty of free activities and events, and rates in four-star hotels start at $75 a night, according to Condé Nast Traveler. The annual Citytelling festival highlights the city's Jewish heritage, and a cable car ride up Aleksoto Hill offers some of the best views of this Baltic city for just a few euros.
6. Brno, Czech Republic
Brno, Czech Republic, is ranked as the second most affordable city break in Europe by Bounce. Transport, food and drink are cheap and you'll have no shortage of things to do in this vibrant and charming Moravian city. Avoid the predictable tourist throngs of Prague and experience the laid-back pace of Czech life instead.
7. Desenzano del Garda, Lake Garda, Italy
“I travel to Italy a lot and have lots of towns to recommend,” Ramsay added. “Desenzano is a great alternative to Lake Como. We booked an apartment just off the main square for under $100 a night. Food and drink is relatively cheap compared to nearby towns, with options under 10 euros and an average restaurant meal around 15 euros.”
8. Tirana, Albania
Zak recommends Albania's beautiful coastline for beach lovers, but suggests first-time travelers start by exploring the capital, Tirana, which is home to colorful Soviet-era architecture and historical monuments but has quickly transformed into a vibrant, cosmopolitan centre with plenty to see and do.
9. Klagenfurt, Austria
Conde Nast notes that an entree in Klagenfurt costs just $7, and the Farmer's Market on Benediktiner Platz is a great place to find local bargains. The city is also one of Austria's most picturesque thanks to its fantastic location on the eastern side of Lake Wörth. The most affordable time to visit is June, when the lakeside is clear of summer tourists and mindless swimmers.
10. Madeira, Portugal
Lisbon may seem like an expensive city, but it's often one of the most budget-friendly in Europe. Yet there are cheaper, equally beautiful destinations in Portugal. “Madeira has become more popular in the past few years, but it's still considered a hidden gem,” says Ramsey. “You can find hotels and accommodations for under $100, and vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and tours for under $1,000. Flights from the U.S. vary, but the cheapest I've seen is $400. Food on the island is also cheaper than in many European cities, with most meals averaging 10 to 15 euros (about $10.90 to $16.40).”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I'm a travel expert: Here are the 10 cheapest cities to travel to in Europe
