Many people from the UK love going to Europe because it’s close, exciting, and full of different places to see. Over half of British travellers visit Europe every year. But some places, like Paris or Rome, can be costly. The good news is that there are still many places to travel cheap in Europe where you can enjoy amazing sights, tasty food, and fun things to do without spending too much. This 2025 guide is made to help UK travellers find the best low-cost places, how much money they might need each day, when to go for the best deals, what local food to try, and how to fly there cheaply. If you want a holiday that’s fun and affordable, this guide will show you how to do it easily.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the most budget-friendly cities in Europe. Known for its grand buildings, relaxing thermal baths, and river views, it’s perfect for a low-cost holiday. In recent years, Budapest has gained popularity among young travellers from the UK thanks to its vibrant nightlife and student discounts.
Things to do: Visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, walk across the Chain Bridge, explore Buda Castle, and take a Danube river cruise at night. Don’t miss the ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter, especially Szimpla Kert.
- Daily Budget: £40–£55 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June, September (warm weather, fewer tourists).
- Free Activity: Stroll the Fisherman’s Bastion for skyline views.
- Local Dish: Try goulash soup for under £5 or a full meal menu with dessert for £8.
- Transport Tip: A 3-day public transport pass costs under £10 and covers buses, trams, and metro.
2. Kraków, Poland
Kraków offers a rich blend of medieval charm, deep history, and fantastic food at unbeatable prices. It is a popular choice for school trips, history tours, and stag weekends.
Things to do: Explore the Old Town and its impressive St. Mary’s Basilica, visit Wawel Castle, walk through the Jewish Quarter, and take a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine. History lovers can also tour Auschwitz-Birkenau, which is a 90-minute drive away.
- Daily Budget: £35–£45 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: April to October. Spring and autumn are best for mild weather.
- Free Activity: Walk around Planty Park, which surrounds the Old Town.
- Local Dish: Try pierogi (dumplings) for around £3 or zurek soup served in a bread bowl for under £5.
- Transport Tip: Public transport tickets cost under £1, or grab a 24-hour pass for around £3.
3. Porto, Portugal
Porto gives great value for its food, wine, and scenic views. It’s much cheaper than Lisbon but just as charming. It’s the birthplace of port wine and home to some of Portugal’s friendliest locals.
Things to do: Tour the famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, walk along the Douro River, ride the historic tram, and visit Livraria Lello bookstore — said to have inspired Harry Potter. You can also cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic city views.
- Daily Budget: £45–£55 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September. Early autumn offers sunshine without the crowds.
- Free Activity: Sunset from Jardim do Morro, with live music often played by local street performers.
- Local Dish: Francesinha sandwich (meat and cheese with spicy sauce) for under £7. Add a beer for £2.
- Transport Tip: Metro and bus tickets are around £1.50. Get the Andante card for multi-trip savings.
4. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is a capital city that surprises travellers with its mix of cultures, ancient ruins, and ultra-low prices. It’s also a great base for exploring Bulgaria’s scenic mountains and monasteries.
Things to do: Visit the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, hike Vitosha Mountain (reachable by tram), explore the local markets like Zhenski Pazar, and uncover Roman ruins beneath Serdika metro station.
- Daily Budget: £30–£40 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: May, June, and September. July and August can be very hot.
- Free Activity: Wander Borisova Garden or visit the open-air Roman amphitheatre.
- Local Dish: Shopska salad and grilled kebapche for under £4. Don’t forget the yogurt-based drink, Ayran.
- Transport Tip: Metro tickets cost around 80p. Taxi rides across town rarely exceed £5.
5. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a fairy-tale destination with medieval streets, colourful buildings, and Baltic Sea breezes. While Estonia is a Nordic country, Tallinn remains affordable for most UK travellers.
Things to do: Wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, climb the Town Hall tower, enjoy the view from Toompea Hill, visit the Seaplane Harbour Museum, and check out hipster cafés in Telliskivi Creative City.
- Daily Budget: £40–£50 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: June to August for long daylight hours and outdoor festivals.
- Free Activity: Explore Kadriorg Park or visit the free exhibits at the Tallinn City Gallery.
- Local Dish: Try Estonian black bread with beetroot soup or kama dessert — all for under £5.
- Transport Tip: Public transport is free for registered residents and discounted for tourists with a city card.
6. Athens, Greece
Athens is a city where ancient history meets budget-friendly travel. Beyond the ruins, you’ll find local tavernas, rooftop bars, and lively neighbourhoods like Plaka and Psiri.
Things to do: Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon, shop in Monastiraki Flea Market, take a photo at the Panathenaic Stadium, and enjoy sunset at Mount Lycabettus. Many museums offer free entry on certain Sundays.
- Daily Budget: £45–£55 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September for warm days without heatwaves.
- Free Activity: Stroll through the National Garden or attend an open-air concert.
- Local Dish: Souvlaki wrap for under £3 or a full meze platter for £10–£12.
- Transport Tip: 3-day city pass costs about £10 and includes metro, buses, and tram.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the top places to travel cheap in Europe, combining Gothic architecture with modern experiences. It’s a great destination for solo travellers and couples alike.
Things to do: Walk the Charles Bridge at sunrise, visit Prague Castle, climb the Old Town Hall tower, explore Letna Park, and take a relaxing Vltava river cruise.
- Daily Budget: £40–£50 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September for pleasant weather.
- Free Activity: Watch the Astronomical Clock show or explore the John Lennon Wall.
- Local Dish: Goulash with dumplings for £6 or chimney cake (Trdelník) for £2.
- Transport Tip: 72-hour public transport pass under £9. Covers tram, metro, and bus.
8. Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a sunny and budget-friendly Spanish city that blends beaches, historic sites, and modern architecture. Often overshadowed by Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia offers a cheaper yet equally vibrant alternative for travellers from the UK.
Things to do: Visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, relax at Malvarrosa Beach, enjoy the green spaces in Turia Gardens, and stroll through the old town to see the Cathedral and Central Market.
- Daily Budget: £45–£55 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to avoid high heat and large crowds.
- Free Activity: Walk or cycle through Turia Park, a 9km green space built on a former riverbed.
- Local Dish: Try the original Valencian paella made with rabbit and chicken — typically £7–£10 at local restaurants.
- Transport Tip: Get a Valencia Tourist Card for free public transport and discounted entry to attractions.
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9. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a peaceful Baltic capital full of character, affordable food, and a creative spirit. It has a mix of baroque architecture, bohemian vibes, and forested surroundings.
Things to do: Wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town, climb the Gediminas Tower for panoramic views, explore Užupis (a self-declared independent artistic republic), and visit local art galleries.
- Daily Budget: £35–£45 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm weather and long daylight.
- Free Activity: Enjoy the views from the Hill of Three Crosses or stroll along the Neris River.
- Local Dish: Cepelinai (potato dumplings stuffed with meat) for around £4.
- Transport Tip: One-way bus or trolley tickets cost around £0.80. A 72-hour pass is less than £5.
10. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is one of the most underrated capitals in Europe. Known for its bold mix of communist architecture, Belle Époque buildings, and energetic nightlife, it offers huge value for money.
Things to do: Visit the Palace of the Parliament (the second-largest administrative building in the world), explore the Old Town (Lipscani), check out the Village Museum, and enjoy Cismigiu Park.
- Daily Budget: £35–£45 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September for sunny but mild days.
- Free Activity: Discover the city’s street art in the Creative District and relax in Herăstrău Park.
- Local Dish: Mămăligă (cornmeal porridge) with cheese and sour cream for under £3.
- Transport Tip: Metro tickets start at £0.50; a weekly travel card is under £6.
11. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is a small yet magical capital that feels like a fairy tale. With its castle-topped hill, dragon bridge, and pedestrian-only Old Town, it’s ideal for a relaxing and affordable break.
Things to do: Take a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River, explore Ljubljana Castle, visit Tivoli Park, and enjoy outdoor cafés in Preseren Square.
- Daily Budget: £40–£50 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September when the city hosts open-air events and festivals.
- Free Activity: Climb to the castle hill or relax in Metelkova, an alternative cultural centre with murals and live music.
- Local Dish: Kranjska klobasa (Slovenian sausage) for under £4.
- Transport Tip: Rent a bike through the BicikeLJ scheme for free short trips.
12. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is bold, lively, and full of history. Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, this Serbian capital offers cheap food, strong coffee, and a buzzing nightlife scene.
Things to do: Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress, explore the cobbled Skadarlija street, take a boat ride, or visit the Nikola Tesla Museum. The city is also known for its floating nightclubs (splavovi).
- Daily Budget: £30–£40 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October. Summers are warm and full of festivals.
- Free Activity: Enjoy the river promenades or explore Zemun, a charming neighbourhood.
- Local Dish: Burek (filled pastry) with yogurt for £2–£3.
- Transport Tip: Bus tickets cost around £0.80. A daily pass is just over £2.
13. Riga, Latvia
Riga is the largest Baltic capital and a great value destination packed with history and culture. Its colourful buildings and bustling markets make it one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Things to do: Discover Riga’s Art Nouveau district, visit the House of the Blackheads, shop at the Central Market (one of Europe’s largest), and walk along the Daugava River.
- Daily Budget: £40 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: June to August for festivals and street music.
- Free Activity: Free walking tours start daily from St. Peter’s Church.
- Local Dish: Grey peas with bacon for under £4.
- Transport Tip: A 3-day pass for buses, trams, and trolleys costs around £6.
14. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo is a city where East meets West — mosques sit next to churches, and Ottoman markets blend with Austro-Hungarian buildings. It’s one of Europe’s most affordable and fascinating cities.
Things to do: Visit the old bazaar Baščaršija, explore the Latin Bridge (site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination), and take the cable car to Mount Trebević.
- Daily Budget: £30–£40 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September for good weather without large crowds.
- Free Activity: Visit the Eternal Flame or explore abandoned Olympic sites.
- Local Dish: Cevapi (grilled meat in flatbread) for £3–£4.
- Transport Tip: Trams cost less than £0.50. Taxi rides within city centre cost under £4.
15. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is a charming city located on the Danube, just an hour from Vienna by train. With colourful buildings, scenic viewpoints, and a laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for a short and affordable break.
Things to do: Explore Bratislava Castle, walk along the river promenade, admire the quirky statues in the Old Town, and take a boat trip on the Danube.
- Daily Budget: £40–£50 per day.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September. The summer brings street performances and open-air markets.
- Free Activity: Join the daily free walking tour from Hviezdoslav Square.
- Local Dish: Garlic soup in a bread bowl or bryndzové halušky (cheese dumplings) for under £5.
- Transport Tip: A 24-hour pass costs just £3 and covers all public transport.
Bonus Travel Tips for 2025
- Travel Off-Season: February to April or September saves money.
- Use Budget Airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air.
- Apps to Use: Rome2Rio for routes, Hostelworld for stays, Omio for buses/trains.
- Solo Travel Safety: All listed cities are generally safe. Stay central, avoid unlit areas.
- Weekday vs Weekend: Weekdays are cheaper for flights and stays.
- Eat Local: Markets and bakeries offer great food for less.
Conclusion
Travelling in Europe in 2025 can be cheap and fun. There are many places to travel cheap in Europe where you can see nice views, eat good food, and enjoy fun things without spending too much. Many cities are just two or three hours away from the UK by flight, and some tickets cost only £30 to £60. If you book early, avoid peak times, use low-cost airlines, and try local buses and food, you can enjoy a full trip for under £400. From the pretty castles in Prague to the sunny beaches in Valencia, there are many great places waiting for you. With simple planning, your trip can be easy, fun, and affordable.
FAQs
Q1: What is the cheapest country in Europe to travel from the UK?
A: Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland are some of the cheapest places to travel from the UK. Daily budgets can be as low as £30–£40.
Q2: When is the best time to book cheap Europe holidays?
A: Booking 1–3 months in advance and travelling during off-peak months like February, March, or September helps save money.
Q3: Can I travel Europe on £400?
A: Yes. With careful planning, local transport, and budget stays, many UK travellers enjoy 4–5 day trips to Europe for under £400.
Q4: What apps help with cheap travel in Europe?
A: Use Rome2Rio for routes, Omio for trains/buses, Skyscanner for flights, and Hostelworld for affordable stays.