Don’t let your travel adventures be limited by what’s in your bank account

If the thought of traveling to Europe scares your bank balance, don’t back out just yet. There are lots of underrated European countries and cities that are more wallet-friendly than you may think. Not only do they come with a reasonable daily cost, they also serve up serious cultural gems. The following European cities’ estimated daily travel budget includes accommodation and meals. 

1/8 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Just a few hours south of Prague, Český Krumlov feels like a fairytale. Vibrant architecture and historic locations fill the Old Town Square, where you can find landmark attractions such as the medieval Astronomical Clock and the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn. One of the cheapest cities in Europe, it’s extra spectacular in the winter when the city is covered in a blanket of snow.

Estimated daily budget: US$38-87

2/8 Athens, Greece

Athens is one of the most budget-friendly European cities to visit and with such rich history, the city is just like a never-ending museum. You can spend any amount of time finding some of the world’s oldest temples, statues, and monuments. Some of the popular sights include the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, Agora, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the Olympic Stadium.

Estimated daily budget: US$43-58

3/8 Kraków, Poland

With a range of low-cost hostels, Kraków is one of the least expensive cities to travel to. For those who are obsessed with all things medieval, make sure to visit the city’s Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the largest medieval square in Europe. Don’t forget to take photos of horse drawn carriages moving along those gothic buildings.

Estimated daily budget: US$32-45

4/8 Bucharest, Romania

Perhaps one of the least pricey destinations on the list, Bucharest has so much to offer. Nicknamed Little Paris, you’ll see gorgeous greenery and pretty buildings. A must-visit is the Palatul Parlamentului (Palace of Parliament), not just because it’s so stunning but because it holds the title of the heaviest building in the world. Somehow.

Estimated daily budget: US$41-53

5/8 Budapest, Hungary

Romantic Budapest is huddled along the Danube River, with access to some of Europe’s best thermal baths. The city is known for its delicious cuisine and its iconic buildings like the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle. If you live for history and architecture, this is your city.

Estimated daily budget: US$46-60

6/8 Sofia, Bulgaria

An underrated European destination, Sofia has over 2,000 years of compelling history, ancient architecture, and incredible churches. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Boyana Church is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church that was built in the 10th century. Apart from its historic sites, Sofia is a destination for foodies because of its affordable and delicious eastern European cuisine.

Estimated daily budget: US$42-56

7/8 Valletta, Malta

Valletta is not only kind to your wallet but it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An archipelago in the Mediterranean, right between Sicily and the North African coast, Malta will transport you back in time. Valletta is a beautiful, sunny, miniature city which is enclosed by walls that dates all the way back to the 1500s. 

Estimated daily budget: US$57-97

8/8 Porto, Portugal

Perhaps the most inexpensive country in western Europe, Portugal’s got a lot to offer. Its popular coastal city, Porto, is an interesting place to explore since it’s more isolated than the country’s capital, Lisbon. Wine lovers, make sure to set foot in Porto because it’s one of the world’s top wine regions—and the origin of port wine. This is the spot to find Douro Valley wines, hailing from the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.

Estimated daily budget: US$43-58