Cheap European Cities To Visit or Live In 2024

cheap European Cities to Visit and Live — cheap Italian Coastal Cities: The Best Seaside Vacations – In Italy

Am sure you must be a Digital Nomad. If you are looking for Cheap European Cities to visit or live, I have done the legwork for you. Travelling in Europe can be expensive if you don’t budget you might end up depleting your savings. But don’t worry. Flying to Europe is now affordable.

European city breaks are hardly renowned for being affordable and kind to the wallet. A lot of that, however, is due to ‘crowd mentality’ – we all wanna go where everybody else is going.

Despite this, there are so many other cities in Europe that pack in as much charm and beauty and the old favorites and at a fraction of the cost.

This is why I wanted to show you some of my favorite cheapest cities in Europe.

Lots of European countries are pricey, but it is possible to find budget friendly places as well. That’s why I’m here to tell you about some of the cheapest places to live in Europe.

Cheap European Cities To Live In 2024

“What are the cheapest places to fly to in Europe?” This is a question I get a lot, and one that I’ve done a fair amount of research on over the years.

Take a look, below, at the cheapest cities in Europe to visit. Have the best trip.

1. Nîmes, France

Everything from our trip to Nîmes was so cheap. Accommodation, transport, food, drinks – everything. And it was not lacking in beautiful spots, either.

For instance, did you know the Arena of Nîmes is a much better preserved and grander Roman Amphitheatre than the Colosseum in Rome?

Best Cheap Cities in France. Cheap European Cities to Visit — Nimes, France – One of the Top Travel Destinations

2. Zagreb, Croatia: Cheap European Cities To Live

Zagreb is one of the beautiful Croatian cities (and towns) that you have to visit.

Also, with the fact that you can drive to the world-renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park is more than enough temptation for this to go straight on to your travel list.

Cheap things to do in Zagreb

Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, which is hilarious and tragic at the same time. Afterwards, get your daily shot of fresh fruit at nearby Dolac Market – look for the sea of red umbrellas.

Go from Zagreb to Popular Cheap Cities

You can travel by direct train to both Split in the south of Croatia and Budapest in Hungary. Either journey will take you around 6 hours.

Zagreb, one of the Cheap European City to visit — Zagreb Croatia

3. Reykjavik, Iceland: Cheap European Cities To Visit

For most people in the US, this is the cheapest European city to fly to.

Depending on the time of year and where you’re flying from, you can expect to pay anywhere between $260-$550 roundtrip on Icelandair.

The deals I’m seeing to Reykjavik right now are generally higher than in prior years. However, due to more transatlantic flights being added every day, I expect that prices will drop in the coming months.

4. Porto, Portugal

So much wine was drunk and so much food eaten on our trip to Porto and we left surprised at how little we’d spent – even dining at some of the more expensive ‘tourist trap’ places.

Definitely recommended for travelers on a budget. this is especially true when comparing it to the capital, Lisbon. Just make sure to travel in the winter months and it’ll definitely keep costs lower.

Porto is a popular coastal city in Portugal, probably the cheapest country in western Europe. It’s often compared to the country’s capital, Lisbon, though it’s less metropolitan and more off the beaten path.

5. Bologna, Italy: Cheap European Cities to Visit

It only felt right to include Italy on this list of the cheapest (and best) places in Europe. After all, this country has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else in the world (54 in all!).

Tucked between Florence and Venice, Bologna is one of Italy’s lesser known gems that deserves to make the cut. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy.

It’s known for its historic Renaissance-inspired architecture, lively piazzas, and gritty Old World charm. It also holds the prestigious title for having Europe’s oldest university, the University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088.

Visitors are drawn to Bologna for many reasons. The whys and wherefores can be summed up into one common theme: authenticity.

While most international travelers set out for the saturated streets of Florence, Rome, and Venice, Bologna has retained its quaint and quiet demeanor.

Surprisingly, Bologna is also one of the cheapest European cities to fly into.

bologna, Italy is one of the Cheap Cities to visit in Europe — Bologna, Italy

6. Krakow, Poland

A traveler’s delight – this city is perhaps the most popular city to visit in Poland and comes up trumps whenever you look for cities to visit in Poland.

It’s also very cheap (accommodation here is an epic bargain) and it is one of those cities that is not only great to visit but easy to do so too, price-wise.

Cheap things to do in Krakow

Not only a place to pick up bargains, Krakow’s market square “Plac Nowy” is full of affordable, bohemian cafés and bars.

From May to September, Krakow Nights Festival (Krakowskie Noce) puts on a free concert every month.

Go from Krakow to other cheap cities

The Krakow to Warsaw train route takes 2.5 hours. To Wroclaw it’s a 3.5 hours train ride.

7. Bucharest, Romania: Cheap European Cities to Visit In Summer

This is probably the cheapest destination on this list, but it has so much to offer. For such a big city with over 1.8 million people, it shocks me that Bucharest has lain low for so long.

Romania’s capital is often skipped over for Transylvania and other exotic destinations in eastern Europe. However, there’s plenty to do here to justify visiting for a long weekend.

Best Affordable Cities in Europe. — Bucharest, Romania

What to see in Bucharest

Bucharest is probably the most modern city on this list, though not in a high-tech kind of way.

Many of its streets are lined with communist-era buildings from the late-20th century, painting an austere picture of the city’s not-so-distant past.

8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Looking for a cheap flight to Europe? Give Amsterdam a try. As the busiest airport in Europe, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a cheap and convenient airport to fly into.

This is all thanks to KLM, a Dutch airline that offers direct flights to Amsterdam from nearly 20 U.S. cities. Expect to pay as low as $300-$450 roundtrip from major airports in the U.S.

Amsterdam, Netherlands cheap City to visit in European — Amsterdam, Netherlands

9. Valencia, Spain

This Spanish city packs in as much excitement and sights as its sister cities except at a fraction of the price. It’s so much cheaper than the likes of Barcelona, especially for accommodation.

Plus, lots of historic buildings and churches cost very little to enter. This all means that you can enjoy one of the cheapest cities in Europe without breaking the bank.

Oh, and be sure to check out all the epic tours that you can book for your visit to Valencia (below). Though, be sure to book them in advance, places do fill up fast.

10. Bratislava, Slovakia

Recently visited and haven’t stop raving about Bratislava. It’s a pretty city which won’t cost you ridiculous amounts of money to visit either.

Plus, it’s pretty easy to get to from the likes of Budapest if you’re travelling in this region. The food prices are on par with most of Europe but asides that, most things are pretty cheap.

Cheap things to do in Bratislava

Visit the Slovakian National Museum and Transport Museum for free, on every 1st Sunday of the month. In summer, check out free film screenings at Bratislava’s beach. You’ll only need to buy the drinks!

Go from Bratislava to popular cheap cities

Jump on a regional train at Bratislava Hlavna Stanica to Wien HBF (reservations are not required). You’ll get to Vienna in 1 hour 5 minutes tops.

11. Split, Croatia: Cheap European Cities for Honeymoon

Looking to discover one of the cheapest European countries to visit? Split, Croatia is one of the top destinations.

Split is a beautiful and authentic city that straddles the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It’s often overshadowed by its southern neighbor, Dubrovnik, though it has an incredible personality of its own.

This port city goes back over 1,700 years, when the Roman Emperor Diocletian had a palace built here. Since then, Split has assumed the limelight among the least expensive yet culturally richest destinations in the region.

Split is cheap city to visit in European — Split, Croatia

What to see in Split

Much of the city lies within the former palatial walls. Diocletian’s Palace is a remarkably well-preserved complex filled with life, charm, and more than 200 buildings.

The white stone walls give off a feeling of mystique, and make you feel like you’re back in ancient times. Today, there’s no shortage of shops, restaurants, homes, and hotels that are jam-packed inside these walls

12. Riga, Latvia

Pretty as a picture and kind to the bank account, this city has so much going for it. It’s quickly becoming a favorite travel destination for travelers and for a good reason!

13. Valletta, Malta

The capital of Malta is one of the most affordable capital cities to visit – plus the city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s too gorgeous to miss.

Plus, it’s not just the cheapest cities in Europe. Malta, as an Island, can be relatively cheap too. Just make sure to travel out of the summer season and avoid the holidays.

Finally, don’t forget to save money and book an all-in-one tour of Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon by boat.

It’s an incredible way to see a huge chunk of the islands and well worth it so you’re not wasting money with multiple journeys.

This will keep costs lower and you’ll also miss most of the crowds.

14. Tallinn, Estonia: Cheap European Cities For Vacation

Tallinn is another incredible yet affordable city in Europe. Though small in size, this Baltic city is mighty with its rich culture and history.

Tallinn was occupied by many foreign powers over the centuries—including the Soviets, Germans, Swedes, and Danes— giving the city its eclectic character we see today.

With low prices and high diversity, Tallinn is considered by many to be “the “Silicon Valley of Europe.” It’s also a great place to begin your escapade in the world of European budget travel.

Estonia Talinn, cheap Tourist destination in Europe — Tallinn, Estonia

What to see in Tallinn

The walled city of Tallinn is extraordinarily well preserved and vibrant.

Many top sights date back to the 13th century, including the Gothic Town Hall, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Nicholas’ Church, and Toompea Castle.

All these marvels roll up to Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

15. Athens, Greece

Pretty much anyone you speak to who has been to Athens, will not only tell you how amazing it to visit (all that Greek history, the delicious food, the Acropolis…etc).

They’ll also be quick to tell you how pleasantly surprised they were at the price of things here.

16. Istanbul, Turkey

Okay, I know some people are weird about classing Turkey as European or Asian but I think it is both (It really doesn’t have to be one or the other).

In any case, this is a grand city with a lot of history and stunning architecture that needs to be on your radar.

There is honestly so much to see in Istanbul, especially as it’s one of the cheapest cities in Europe if you’re looking for a more global city.

Whilst here, don’t forget to book the Topkapi Palace Guided Tour that allows you to skip the line. This way, you’ll get straight inside without all the hassle of the queues.

Turkey cheap Places to Visit in Europe — Turkey

17. Prague, Czech Republic

This city packs in so many sights and is a must to see in Europe. The handy prices also help sway you if you still need convincing.

Though Prague can be more expensive than cities like Bratislava, it’s still one of the cheapest cities in Europe that’s really popular. It’s much more budget-friendly than, say, Oslo or Copenhagen.

18. Bruges, Belgium: Cheap European Cities To Live and Work

The stunning Belgian city of Bruges doesn’t compromise when it comes to sights to see and things to do, despite the fraction of the price attached to it.

I’m a huge fan of Belgian cities so I may be slightly biased but at those prices, you should go check it out for yourselves. Although not one of the very cheapest cities in Europe, it’s still much more affordable than, say, Stockholm (which can be pricey).

19. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

This picturesque city isn’t one you hear lots of people talking about all the time but even taking a peek at photos will leave you wondering why you never thought to visit.

All that beauty at a more affordable price – I don’t know why you’re not already looking for flights to take you there now!

To be honest, outside of the capital, there are quite a few of the cheapest cities in Europe that are based in the Czech Republic. Just make sure to do your homework and visit more regional cities.

Plus, you can easily book a one-day tour from Prague that’s well worth doing if you’re short on time. We loved it.

Cheap things to do in Cesky Krumlov. You can walk around the city’s most popular attraction, its enchanting castle complex, for free.

Many hostels and tours have free drink offers, not that you need them – the food and drink in Cesky Krumlov is satisfyingly cheap!

Go from Cesky Krumlov to popular cheap cities in Europe. Both Prague and Plzen are just over 3 hours away by train. You’ll need to change trains once, at Ceske Budejovice.

Cesky-Krumlov- Czech Republic Cheap Destination to visit in Europe

20. Sevilla, Spain

There’s no shortage of Spanish cities that are worthy of this list among the cheapest cities in Europe. However, I chose Sevilla because it offers an exceptional price for what you get.

It’s generally much cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid, yet still has all the perks of a large city with a rich culture. As one of the biggest cities in Spain, Sevilla is also one of the cheapest European cities to fly into.

What to see in Sevilla, one of the Cheapest Places to Visit in Europe

Sevilla is home to a treasure trove of historic and cultural landmarks.

Protruding from this smorgasbord of culturally significant sights is the Real Alcázar of Sevilla, a royal palace with a mix of Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

The Alcázar was heavily influenced by the Moors who ruled Spain during the Middle Ages. More recently, it was used as a filming location for Season 5 of Game of Thrones.

21. Edinburgh, United Kingdom: Cheap European Cities To Live In

This was home for quite a few years so I feel like I know the in’s and out’s of the city but one of my favourite things to do in Edinburgh was discovering cheap and free sights to see and things to do.

It’s an amazing capital city and so much cheaper than London to visit.

22. Budapest, Hungary

Take a budget airline to Budapest, one of the cheapest and most interesting cities in Europe. And you’ll be in for a treat! It’s one of the most romantic cities on this list, and the perfect cheap city break.

Budapest is gracefully nestled along the Danube River with access to the region’s best thermal baths, a hot attraction since the Roman times.

I was totally surprised at how much cheaper things were in Budapest, from the likes of London or Paris (for example).

We lived like Kings visiting here and you can have the luxury experience that you would struggle to have in most other European cities for a fraction of the cost.

The Hungarian parliament building, on the banks of the Danube

It really is one of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit and perfect if you’re on a budget. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the best tours to book whilst in Budapest (below).

There are heaps of sunset cruises, spa packages and historical tours – all with cancellation options up to 24 hours before the tour.

This makes it really easy to reschedule or cancel if your plans change.

Cheap things to do in Budapest

Make the 1km walk up Castle Hill. The views from the top and along the charming Fishermans’s Bastion are priceless! Also atop Castle Hill, you can pay a small fee to enter the National Gallery, library and History Museum.

Go from Budapest to popular cheap cities

Take a train to Zagreb (Croatia) in under 6 hours or Bratislava (Slovakia) in just 2 hours 45 minutes.

23. Ljubljana, Slovenia: Cheap European Cities To Visit

As the capital of one of the cheapest European countries to live in, Ljubljana is a charming city that gives you a great bang for your buck.

Despite being among the most livable cities in Europe, it’s somehow managed to stay under the radar. Great news for us!

Ljubljana has a reputation for being a green and pedestrian-friendly city. The Old Town has been car-free since 2008, and the city hasn’t looked back since.

In 2016, Ljubljana was deemed the European Commission’s Green Capital of Europe.

Since then, the city has received numerous other awards for its sustainable and responsible tourism. It’s also one of the cheapest European cities, and the perfect place for budget travelers in 2024.

24. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is one of the most underrated European destinations right now. It’s slowly making its way onto the “Best of Europe” lists out there, but has still somehow remained under the radar.

The Bulgarian capital has over 2,000 years of fascinating history.

Sofia was first ruled by the Greeks, and later the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. More recently, the city was under Soviet occupation during much of the 20th century.

Sofia Bulgaria best and affordable destination for tourists in Europe — Sofia Bulgaria

25. Lviv, Ukraine: Cheap European City To Visit

Situated in western Ukraine, Lviv is a gorgeous yet cheap city to visit in Europe. It has the charm of cities like Prague without the crowds that come with them.

And unlike the Soviet-looking cities around the country, it offers a unique blend of Central and Eastern European architectural styles.

With many hotels and hostels to accommodate visitors, Lviv is a prime Ukrainian city for tourism. The prices are also incredibly cheap, especially when compared to Western and Central Europe.

Take in the stunning views of the city center from an old-fashioned tram. Stop in one of the 1,500 cafés sprawled around the city.

With its relaxed old town, fairytale vibe, and unbeatable prices, it’s no wonder Lviv is among the most affordable European cities.

Whether you are European or not, Europe is the perfect destination to relocate to or within in 2023. With some of the most exciting and cheapest European cities, there are plenty of options for you to choose from for your next work destination.