9 Best Budget Breaks in Europe

Czechia is one of the youngest countries in Europe, but the area it occupies has a long and remarkable history. The capital city, Prague, is packed full of Gothic grandeur, with some of Europe’s finest churches, fountains, and city squares. The attractive Old Town is packed with exceptional sights to see, as well as bustling markets and a boisterous nightlife.

Check out Brno to avoid the crowds that often descend on the capital. Just a few hours southeast of Prague, it was an important town during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The architecture and dining options can compete with its more famous neighbour, but it's more laidback and cheaper. Read more

Romania offers an affordable trip that’s also a little out of the ordinary. This south-eastern European country is great for exploring mountain towns and ancient castles that have myths and legends woven into the brickwork.

For a budget-friendly city break, the 2nd city of Cluj-Napoca has a host of historical landmarks and, as a university town, the population is young and laid back. It’s also at the foot of the Transylvanian mountains. You can go for a day trip to Bran Castle to learn about the legends of Vlad the Impaler, who was the inspiration for author Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula.

France is often considered an expensive travel destination, but there’s plenty of options for budget travellers. You can go on road trips through the countryside in central regions like Ardeche or Ariege to enjoy natural landscapes, incredible cuisine, and affordable accommodation. The area around Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is known for its natural hot springs, with spa towns such as Vichy proving popular with budget travellers. Stop at patisseries for fresh croissants and pick up your wine directly from vineyards.

If you’re looking to spend some time along the coast, there’s plenty to see in the northern region of Brittany, although you'll have to stay away from the glamour spots such as Mont Saint-Michel. Even the south of France, along the Cote d'Azur, is doable, but it’s best to rent a car and stay in the hinterland if you want to save money. Read more

Slovakia is blessed with vast areas of beautiful natural landscapes and many outdoor pursuits. The High Tatras, which form a natural border with Poland, are protected national parklands on both sides of that border. Enjoy glacial lakes and towering mountains in summertime and clip on your skis to enjoy winter sports during the colder months.

Cascading waterfalls and deep caverns dot the Slovak Paradise National Park, while the Slovak Karst mountain range, with its many caves and abysses, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you're looking for a Christmas trip on a budget, Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, is a great choice. The end-of-year holidays are a hugely important event in the city, with markets and religious festivals held throughout December. Read more

Bulgaria has a wealth of interesting attractions throughout the year. You can go sightseeing in the vibrant capital of Sofia or exploring the Black Sea Coast throughout the summer or have alpine adventures in towns like Bansko up in the Balkan Mountains throughout the winter.

Affordable cuisine and interesting shopping options abound in Bulgaria, thanks to skilled artisans and a culture that mixes Greek, Slavic, and Ottoman roots. If you’re looking to base yourself for a few days, you can’t go wrong with Balchik, a small coastal town on the Black Sea. This ancient fishing port built into white cliffs is a quaint seaside escape with enough history and culture to keep you entertained once you’ve had enough of lazing on the beach. Read more

Poland is an intriguing country with an epic history as long as any European nation. Explore gothic castles, snow-capped mountains, and even a few sandy beaches on the Baltic coast. Some people incorrectly associate Poland with eastern Europe, but Poland is a Central European nation with a young, well-educated population that is proud of their country's heritage but focused on the future.

While the capital city of Warsaw does still contain some stark and functional Soviet-era architecture, the ancient town of Krakow is far more pleasant for a city break. The cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture are great for photoshoots with your loved one. If you’re looking for more rest and relaxation, the natural landscapes of Zakopane, up in the Tetra Mountains, are well worth a visit for hiking. Read more

Albania is one of the friendliest countries in Europe, despite being one of the poorest. There are both mountains and beaches to enjoy in this coastal Balkan nation, with a host of interesting attractions that belies its small size. For a beach break, the Albanian Riviera has stretches of sand as good as anything in Italy or Croatia for a fraction of the price. Dhërmiu Beach, in the centre of the country, is one of our favourites, with plenty of facilities for a week on the Mediterranean.

For untouched beauty, head to Butrint National Park in the south of Albania. It’s on the border with Greece and is home to unpopulated islands, freshwater lakes, and swathes of forest.

Hungary is a budget-friendly destination, with Budapest as its star attraction. This incredible city has as much beauty and culture as any European capital, with awesome sights such as Heroes’ Square and the Parliament Building. Don’t miss the chance to see the city from the water by taking a water bus down the Danube – one of Europe’s great rivers.

But don’t discount smaller Hungarian cities, such as mountainous Eger with its imposing castle, or even a trip to Lake Balaton. Foodies will have a great time exploring Hungary, thanks to its rich culinary history and sweet Tokaji wines. Read more

Lithuania has a growing reputation as a budget destination in Eastern Europe. Most people are drawn to its enigmatic capital city of Vilnius, but for a relaxing break, consider a beach trip to the 70 km of Baltic coastline sandwiched between Latvia and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

The coastal town of Palanga is one of Lithuania’s most popular beach resorts. It’s home to restaurants, bars, and family attractions, as well as a surprisingly nice beach. However, travel to the coastal regions can be a pain, so it’s probably best to explore the capital city if you’re on a short break. The cobblestone streets and period architecture of Old Town Vilnius are some of the most authentic in all of Eastern Europe. Although it's not quite as pretty as neighbouring Riga in Latvia, you’ll get to enjoy lower prices and smaller crowds.