Traveling in Europe on a Budget: 12 Countries You Can Visit with $50 Dollars/Day

Taking a trip to the “Old Continent” gives an impression of a dream that takes up a heap of cash. When many hear the names of Paris, London, or Zurich, they assume their savings won’t survive a week. But the reality is far more exciting. To help narrow down your options, we can show you where to travel for cheap in Europe: 12 countries you can fly around with those on a $50/day budget and still be whole for the history, food, or adventure.

It may seem too good (or odd) to be true—traveling for less than the cost of a video game per day—but in many parts of Central and Eastern Europe, this is the norm for savvy travelers. This budget includes your stay in a homey hostel, three substantial meals, public transport, and even a couple of museum tickets or an evening out.

In this guide, we’ll detail just which countries will get you the most bang for your buck. We will examine local prices, the best free things to do, and how to eat like a king with a student’s budget. Time to explore the cheapest little gems across Europe.

1. Poland — Pierogi and History

Poland may well be the last word in budget Europe. It has an ideal combination of medieval quaintness and modern vibrancy. Cities like Krakow and Warsaw are stunning, but dirt cheap compared to Western neighbors like Germany.

Why It’s Affordable

The Złoty, Poland’s currency, helps keep prices down for foreign visitors. A quality bed in a hostel will run you about $15 to $20. As far as food goes, “Milk Bars” (Bar Mleczny) are your best friend. These are standard, no-frills cafeterias where you can get huge servings of pierogi (dumplings) or schnitzel for about $5.

Top Low-Cost Activities

• Free Walking Tours: Almost every major city has them. You just tip what you can.
• Royal Way, Krakow: It costs nothing to walk through a historic center.
• Wawel Castle Grounds: You will not need to pay a penny to enter the courtyard and grounds.

2. Albania: The Hidden Mediterranean Star

If you like beaches but not the cost of those on the Italian Riviera, Albania is your answer. It is one of the continent’s last “undiscovered” corners. This easily slots into your list of Europe on a budget because your dollars stretch twice as far here as in Greece.

Coastal Beauty for Less

The waters of the Albanian Riviera are crystal clear and stony white. In villages like Saranda or Ksamil, a fresh seafood pasta and drink will run you less than $10. Bus rides between cities run a couple of dollars, so you can easily hop from mountain to sea.

Budget Breakdown for Albania

3. Romania: Castles and Cobblestones

Romania may be known for Transylvania and the legend of Dracula, but that’s not all it should be known for: Romania should also be famous for its affordability. It is a huge country with untamed mountains and dynamic cities, such as Bucharest. A cheap and extensive rail network makes it easy to visit budget-conscious European countries.

Eating on a Budget

Romanian cuisine is heavy and filling. Try “Mămăligă” (a kind of cornmeal porridge) or “Sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls). A whole dinner at a good local restaurant will hardly ever cost more than $12. If you eat breakfast at bakeries, it’ll cost under $3 for a pastry and coffee.

Must-Visit Spots

• Brașov: A medieval town nestled in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains.
• Sibiu: Houses with “eyes” in their roofs.
• Bucharest: Tour the gargantuan Palace of the Parliament, which is second in size only to the Great Wall of China.

4. Hungary: More Than Just Budapest

Budapest has become more tourist-friendly (and a little pricier) in the past few years, but it’s still at the top of our list for Europe under $50/day. The key is to stay off the main tourist avenues for food and take advantage of the numerous free parks.

Thermal Baths and Ruin Bars

Splurges are great, and you can go to the famous thermal baths for about $20. For your daily ration, visit “Ruin Bars,” funky pubs built in old, decaying buildings. They provide a fantastic atmosphere and incredibly cheap drinks.

Saving Tips for Hungary

• Skip the taxi and take the metro: Budapest has one of the oldest, most efficient metro systems. Buy a 24-hour pass to save.
• Great Market Hall: Buy fruits and vegetables, but also snacks that are made locally here rather than in mini-marts.
• Margaret Island: A large free park located right in the Danube river.

5. Rugged Bulgaria — Mountains and Black Sea Chic

Bulgaria comes first in a number of reputable rankings as the cheapest country in the EU. Bulgaria consistently stays well under the $50 mark regardless of whether it’s ski season in winter or you’re looking to tan during summer. The capital, Sofia, unveils Roman ruins as you stroll through the subway stations.

Living the Cheap Life

In Bulgaria, a pint of beer can cost as little as $1.50. There are lots of hostels, many with free breakfast. And if you’re heading to the Black Sea coast, Varna or Burgas are cheaper options than the overhyped “Sunny Beach” resort area.

Daily Spending in Bulgaria

• Accommodation: $15
• Food: $15 (including a fancy dinner)
• Transport/Activities: $10
• Total: $40/day

6. Czech Republic: Beyond the Prague Crowds

Prague is beautiful but can be “touristy” if you’re not careful. The Czech Republic, on the other hand, is a great part of Europe if you’re traveling with limited funds. In cities such as Brno or Olomouc, the prices go down by 30%.

Beer is Cheaper Than Water

In many Czech restaurants, the world-class lager flows freer than a bottle of sparkling water. To save money in Prague, hop to the other side of the river and dine in Vinohrady, an area where locals reside.

Cheap Travel Highlights

• Sunrise on Charles Bridge: It’s free, and you’ll miss the crowds.
• Letná Park: The best views in town for the price of a short walk.
• Local Trains: Czech trains are quite comfortable and super cheap for day trips.

7. Portugal: The Best Deal in Western Europe

This is the only Western European country on this list. It shows that there are still great deals out there by the Atlantic Ocean. Although a little pricier than Bulgaria, it is possible to spend less than $50 if you’re savvy.

Seafood and Sunshine

The “black pearl” of Portugal is the “Prato do Dia” (Plate of the Day). Most local cafes serve a full meal—soup, main dish, drink, and coffee—for around $10. For better prices in the shoulder season (May or September), stay within the southern region, Algarve.

How to Save in Lisbon and Porto

• Walk the Hills: The best views (Miradouros) are free.
• Skip the Famous Tram 28: It’s touristy and overpriced. Take a regular bus for the same views.
• Eat Canned Fish: It sounds basic, but Portuguese canned sardines are gourmet and very cheap at local markets.

8. Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Cultural Crossroad

Bosnia is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking places in Europe. It is incredibly affordable. The Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture in Sarajevo and Mostar makes it feel like you’re stepping back in time.

Hearty Food for Pennies

You have to try “Ćevapi” (grilled minced meat sausages). A generous serving costs roughly $4 and will fill you up for hours. Here, coffee culture is serious business, and a traditional Bosnian coffee is an inexpensive luxury at about $1.50.

Budget Essentials

9. Montenegro: Breathtaking Fjords

Montenegro may be small, but it’s filled with dramatic mountains and the gorgeous Bay of Kotor. The luxury yachts in the harbor may look pricey, but the town itself is quite affordable for a budget traveler.

Hiking for Free

Hiking is the best thing to do in Montenegro. Scaling the walls above Kotor or hiking in Durmitor National Park costs little but provides million-dollar vistas. This makes Montenegro a welcome addition to our Europe on a budget guide.

Smart Spending

Instead of the pricey coastal resorts, stay in Kotor. For only a few Euros, you can use the local “Zelenika” buses. For food, seek out “Pekaras” (bakeries) that sell giant slices of pizza or burek for $2.

10. Slovakia: Mountains in the Heart

Slovakia is often overlooked for its nearby neighbor, Austria. But the High Tatras mountains provide all the same alpine beauty for a fraction of the cost. Bratislava, the capital, is only an hour from Vienna—and about half as expensive.

Alpine Adventure on a Dime

If you’re an outdoors person, Slovakia is your heaven. Hiking trails are clearly marked and free to walk. Mountain huts (called “Chatas”) provide inexpensive hot meals and even cheap lodging if you are trekking.

Bratislava Tips

• The Blue Church: A breathtaking work of art you can enjoy for nothing.
• Slavín Monument: Offers a good view of the city and is a popular place to visit.
• Student discounts: An ISIC card provides student status everywhere. Slovakia has some of the best student discounts in all of Europe.

11. Serbia: The Vibrant Balkan Hub

Serbia in general, and its capital city Belgrade in particular, is known for its nightlife and “splavovi” (floating river clubs). It is surprisingly one of the cheapest places to live and travel. Your budget will be well below the thresholds for Europe on a shoestring.

Coffee and Culture

In Belgrade, the “Dorćol” neighborhood is best for a walk. You can people-watch while drinking coffee for a couple of hours for very little money. Serbs are known for their hospitality, and you can get large portions of food at very low prices in shops and restaurants.

Must-See in Serbia

• Belgrade Fortress: A big park/fortress overlooking the Danube. Entry is free.
• Saint Sava Temple: One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• Niš: A southern city where the prices are even lower and the grilled meats are unbelievable.

12. Lithuania: Baltic Charm

The Baltic States are little-known hidden gems, and Lithuania is the cheapest of them all. Its capital, Vilnius, boasts the biggest medieval Old Town in Central and Eastern Europe. It’s clean, safe, and very easy on the pocket.

Modern and Cheap

Lithuania is also tech-savvy, boasting some of the fastest public Wi-Fi in the world, making it great for digital nomads. A “Lunch Special” in Vilnius will run you about $6 to $8. A visit to the fairy-tale Trakai Island Castle is just a few dollars by train.

Lithuania Spending Guide

• Hostel: $15
• Transportation: $5 (The city is super walkable)
• Food: $20 (Three good meals)
• Activities: $10 (Museums or a tower climb)

How to Make Your $50 Go Even Further

To master Europe on a budget, you have to be equipped with some pro tips.

1. Water: Invest in a reusable water bottle. Tap water is safe and free in most of these countries (with the exception of some parts of the Balkans).
2. Transport: Employ “Night Trains” or “Night Buses.” You avoid paying for a hotel for one night and move on to your next destination.
3. Groceries: Make purchases in supermarkets such as Lidl or Biedronka. Buying snacks and packing your own sandwiches for lunch can save you about $10 every day—which adds up fast over a month.

For more inspiration on planning your trip, you can check out Google Flights to compare prices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these cheap countries safe to visit?

Yes! Most of the countries on this list have lower crime rates than big US and UK cities. As always, use common sense and watch your belongings in crowded places.

Do I need a visa for these countries?

If you hold a US, Canadian, or UK passport, you are able to enter most of these countries (Schengen Area) without getting a visa for up to 90 days. But do check the most recent rules if you are heading to countries like Serbia or Albania, as they are outside the EU.

When do I find the cheapest flights to Europe?

Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Once in Europe, check for “Budget Airlines,” such as Ryanair or Wizz Air. Just watch out for their baggage policies!

Is my credit card operating at all locations?

In cities, yes. But in more provincial places in Albania, Romania, or Serbia, cash remains king. Local currency is handy for making small purchases.

Conclusion

Traveling in Europe on a budget of $50 a day is not just about saving money, but about seeing what most tourists never do. Instead of fighting for a spot in front of the Eiffel Tower, you could be enjoying fresh seafood with plates full for less than $5 in Albania or exploring alpine mountains in Slovakia.

These destinations are not only a great find when it comes to affordability but also allow you to travel longer and meet more locals, having a much more authentic experience. A fortune is not required to see Europe—and it’s awaiting your arrival.