Have you noticed the extremely low fares to Europe now being advertised? From the United States, you can get round-trip airfares for less than $300 and intra-European flights for as little as $12.

However, even if plane tickets to Europe are inexpensive, the real costs begin after you are there. Hotels, food, and tourist attractions add up as soon as you get to London Heathrow. However, there are numerous ways to go to Europe on a budget, but it’s still worth it to experience the continent’s rich history, culture, and food in different cities.

In place of London and Paris, let’s look at 17 of Europe’s lesser-known treasures instead. Check out the cheapest cities to visit in Europe in 2022!

Cheapest Cities to visit in Europe 2022

Athens, Greece

Located in the heart of Europe, this city has a rich history. Athens is a living museum with a millennia-long past. In addition to some of the world’s oldest temples and monuments, Athens is Greece’s contemporary capital. In 2022, it will be one of the most affordable European cities to travel to and visit, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is a city you can’t stop gushing over. It’s a beautiful city that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Furthermore, if you’re planning a trip to this area from somewhere like Budapest, you won’t have any trouble getting here. Compared to the rest of Europe, food costs here aren’t much more expensive than in most other European countries.

Bruges, Belgium

Despite its relatively low cost, Bruges, a gorgeous Belgian city, doesn’t skimp on attractions and activities. At these costs, you should see for yourself what all the fuss is about. You will become a big lover of Belgian cities. The cost of living here is still lower than, for example, Stockholm.

Istanbul, Turkey 

Turkey’s capital city, Istanbul. Some people find it odd to categorize Turkey as either European or Asian. After visiting it, you will find it is both. As a result, you should put this historic metropolis high on your list of must-see destinations. There is much to see and do in Istanbul, particularly because it is one of Europe’s most affordable global capitals. You can use Google search to find the best dessert places near where you are located.  

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is the country’s second-largest city. The Carpathian Mountains may be seen from both banks of the Wisla River, which runs through Krakow. The metropolitan region has more than 1.4 million inhabitants. It is one of Poland’s most famous tourist attractions in Krakow, a city with a rich history and stunning architecture. In addition to its thriving tourist industry, the city is home to prestigious universities.

The city of Porto in Portugal

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city. It is also one of the most affordable destinations in Western Europe. Hostel rooms may be found for as low as €9 a night. If you’re staying in a city center apartment, it will cost you roughly €50 a night. On the food front, you should expect to pay around €35 for three courses at a high-end restaurant and €12–18 for a decent two-course dinner with wine at a “Tasca” (a no-frills restaurant).

Tallinn, Estonia 

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city, is situated on the Gulf of Finland’s southern coast. More than 430,000 people live here, so it’s a quaint but worldly city to explore. The Old Town is the city’s primary tourist attraction and does not disappoint in aesthetics or architectural merit. Because it is near Helsinki, the city is often visited on a day trip from that country.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, the capital of one of Europe’s cheapest nations to live in, is a picturesque city that provides excellent value for money. Despite its reputation as one of Europe’s most pleasant cities, it has remained mostly unknown. Ljubljana is known as a green and pedestrian-friendly city. Since 2008, the city’s Old Town has been car-free and hasn’t looked back.

Lyon, France 

With a population of over 500,000, Lyon is France’s third-largest city by population. It is situated in the Southeastern area of the country. As a result, the city is both huge and personal enough to be thoroughly explored in a short period. As the gourmet capital of Europe, Lyon, France, is a great destination for foodies and those interested in history and culture. Zomato is a great resource for discovering great restaurants in your neighborhood and trying out some of the best regional cuisines.

Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic’s capital city is Prague. It’s also the biggest city in the nation and a major hub in Central Europe’s metropolitan area. Travelers are traditionally drawn to Prague because of its stunning architecture, imposing bridges, intricate churches, and intriguing history. As the only major European city to have survived World War II mostly intact, Prague is really special. It’s still possible to feel like you’ve stepped back in time in the medieval city center.

Malta’s capital city, Valletta

Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is one of the world’s most affordable capital cities and a World Heritage Site. In addition to being one of the continent’s most affordable cities, Europe’s beauty makes it irresistible. Additionally, the cost of living on Malta’s island is reasonable. If you want to escape the crowds, plan your trip during the off-season and avoid going around the holidays.

Croatia’s capital, Zagreb

Croatia’s capital Zagreb is a popular tourist destination and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The fact that you can travel to the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park from here makes it an excellent choice for a vacation. City living is also reasonably priced.

The Spanish island of La Palma (home to Santa Cruz de la Palma)

The majestic island of La Palma, known for its stunning laurel forests, volcanic landscapes, and pleasant climate, has a lot to offer as a low-cost European vacation spot. La Palma is a hiker’s dream come true. As La Palma’s second-largest city, Santa Cruz can be a great starting point for exploring the island’s many hiking trails. At around €50 a night, you can stay in a charming Airbnb, a three-star hotel for about $40 per night, or even in a hostel for about $10 per night.

Sibiu, Romania

Surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape of rolling hills and vineyards filled with Baroque squares and meandering lanes. Additionally, it’s a budget-friendly location to visit. Hotel rooms for two typically cost €50, while a typical lunch buffet is approximately €9. Consider hiring a bike to move about. For about €15 a day, you may ride around the city or explore the beautiful Transylvanian countryside that surrounds it!

Sofia, Bulgaria

Founded around 700 BC, Sofia has a rich history and beautiful architecture. Even though it’s the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia is surprisingly affordable. Compared to the rest of Europe, food is much less expensive in Budapest, and overall living expenses are 41% lower than in Berlin. The average supper at a reputable restaurant in Sofia will run you around €15 while staying in a 3-star hotel will cost you about €30.

Split, Croatia

Consider a trip to one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. There are many reasons to visit Split, Croatia. Croatia’s Adriatic coast is home to the charming city of Split, which retains much of its historical charm. Even though Dubrovnik is its southern neighbor, it has a distinct spirit of its own. The Roman Emperor Diocletian had a palace erected in this coastal city more than 1,700 years ago. Because of its low cost and rich cultural heritage, Split has become a sought-after tourist destination.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia, is another European city that’s both beautiful and economical. Despite its small stature, this Baltic city is formidable in terms of its cultural and historical significance. Controlled by various foreign forces over the ages. Including the Soviets, Germans, Swedes, and Danes, which has resulted in the city’s current multicultural character. Also known as Europe’s “Silicon Valley” because of its inexpensive cost of living and wide range of cultural offerings. Also, it’s a terrific site to start your cheap European travel adventure.

Conclusion

Visitors to Europe’s most popular cities will find different prices, from incredible deals to outlandishly high prices. This post aims to provide you with a list of the most affordable European cities without sacrificing the quality of your visit.  Make sure to save this post so you know the Cheapest Cities to visit in Europe in 2022!      

Read Next: The Best Winter Destinations in Europe