Travel need not be an expensive indulgence. The joy of discovering new places, tasting unfamiliar cuisines, and soaking up vibrant cultures is just as exhilarating when done on a budget. In fact, for me, the thrill of the journey lies in uncovering destinations where a little money goes a long way. From charming Old Towns to lively local markets, some of Europe’s most enchanting spots are also its most affordable cheap weekend destinations.
Careful planning, savvy flight booking, and a willingness to embrace public transport have enabled me to visit breathtaking locations without breaking the bank. Opting for budget airlines, affordable accommodation, and off-the-beaten-path eateries means I can immerse myself fully in new surroundings while keeping costs low. After all, true adventure is about the experience, the connections made along the way, and the stories gathered—not the price tag attached to them.
Start by considering destinations with a lower cost of living. Cities in Central and Eastern Europe, such as Krakow, Budapest, and Prague, offer fantastic experiences at a fraction of the cost of Western European destinations. Look for places where food, accommodation, and public transport are affordable, allowing you to maximize your travel experience without spending excessively.
Booking flights in advance is crucial. Budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet frequently offer low-cost fares to many European cities, especially if you book well ahead of time or remain flexible with your travel dates. Consider flying mid-week or using price comparison websites to find the best deals. Once you arrive, opt for public transport instead of taxis to keep costs low. Many cities provide affordable travel cards or unlimited travel passes that make getting around easier and cheaper.
Affordable accommodations, including budget hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options, can provide excellent comfort without the hefty price tag. Many budget-friendly hotels also offer free breakfast, further helping you save money. Eating like a local by trying street food and affordable restaurants is another great way to keep costs down while enjoying authentic flavors.
With the right planning and smart spending, a budget-friendly European cheap weekend destination can be just as memorable and enjoyable as a luxury getaway—without the high price tag.
Here are ten of my favourite destinations:
1. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of Europe’s best budget-friendly destinations, offering an incredible blend of history, culture, and affordability. The city’s main attractions, such as Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square, can be explored for free or at a very low cost. Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter, is packed with affordable cafes and bars, making it easy to enjoy authentic Polish cuisine without overspending. Public transport is cheap, but many of the key sights are within walking distance. Additionally, Krakow is home to some of the best-value accommodation in Europe, allowing travelers to enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. The city’s tram and bus network is an excellent and inexpensive way to get around.
Photo by Lucas Albuquerque on Unsplash
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s fairy-tale charm comes at an affordable price, making it a fantastic option for budget travelers. The city’s main attractions, including Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and Prague Castle, are free to visit, while inexpensive guided tours offer deeper insight into its rich history. Food and drink are surprisingly affordable, with local pubs serving delicious Czech cuisine and beer at a fraction of Western European prices. The efficient public transport system makes it easy to get around without the need for expensive taxis. Budget hotels and hostels offer great deals, especially when booked in advance. Prague’s metro, trams, and buses provide a reliable and cost-effective way to explore the city.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is often regarded as one of the best cheap weekend destinations in Europe, offering incredible experiences at low costs. Many of its major attractions, such as Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, have free entry, while the famous thermal baths, like Széchenyi, provide a unique yet affordable luxury. Dining out is also cheap, with Hungarian street food like langos and chimney cake costing just a few pounds. The city’s ruin bars offer a vibrant nightlife experience without high prices. Budapest’s efficient transport system, including inexpensive trams and metro tickets, ensures visitors can explore the city on a tight budget. The Budapest travel card provides unlimited rides on public transport and is a great deal for tourists.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a fantastic destination for those looking to experience a mix of history, culture, and stunning views without overspending. Many of the city’s top attractions, like Belém Tower and Alfama, can be visited for free, and even paid entries, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, are reasonably priced. The city’s traditional trams offer an affordable way to explore, while local bakeries serve up delicious pastéis de nata for less than a euro. Lisbon’s hostels and budget hotels are among the best in Europe, offering quality stays at low prices. Eating out is also inexpensive, with plenty of great budget-friendly restaurants. The city’s metro, trams, and buses provide excellent transport links at low fares.
5. Athens, Greece
Athens is a top choice for budget travelers wanting to explore ancient history without spending a fortune. The Acropolis may have an entry fee, but there are free walking tours available that provide rich historical insights. I’ve found that you can get great views of the Parthenon from several vantage points in the city so it the entrance fee is above your budget, don’t despair. Many archaeological sites offer discounted or free entry on specific days. Local Greek food is delicious and affordable, with street vendors selling souvlaki and gyros for just a few euros. The public transport system is inexpensive, making it easy to get around. Affordable accommodation is also widely available, from hostels to budget hotels, allowing visitors to enjoy a historic getaway at a low cost. Athens’ metro, buses, and trams offer a convenient and budget-friendly way to navigate the city.
6. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is one of Europe’s most underrated yet budget-friendly destinations, offering a mix of history, culture, and vibrant city life at a fraction of the price of Western European capitals. Many of its key attractions, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Vitosha Boulevard, are free to explore. Food is incredibly cheap, with traditional Bulgarian dishes like banitsa and kebapche costing just a couple of pounds. Sofia’s public transport system is one of the most affordable in Europe, and taxis are reasonably priced too. Accomodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to well-priced boutique hotels, ensuring visitors get great value for money. The city’s metro and buses offer cheap and efficient transport options.
7. Valencia, Spain
Valencia offers a perfect mix of beautiful beaches, historic sites, and delicious cuisine, all at an affordable price. Many of the city’s top attractions, including the Turia Gardens and the historic old town, are free to explore. The City of Arts and Sciences provides budget-friendly entry options, and the local food markets offer cheap yet delicious Spanish delicacies. Valencia is also known for its affordable accommodation, from budget hotels to hostels with excellent facilities. The city’s public transport, including metro, trams, and buses, is very affordable and an easy way to navigate between the beach and city center.
8. Riga, Latvia
Riga is a hidden gem in the Baltics, offering budget travelers an amazing cultural experience at a fraction of the cost of other European cities. The city’s old town is filled with stunning medieval architecture, and many of the key landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Church, offer low-cost or free entry. Dining is affordable, with traditional Latvian meals available for a small price. The city’s hostels and budget hotels provide excellent value, and free walking tours help visitors experience the city without spending much. Riga’s trams and buses make it easy to travel around cheaply and an excellent cheap weekend destination.
Photo by Kseniia Samoylenko on Unsplash
9. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is an excellent budget-friendly alternative to more expensive European capitals. The city’s picturesque old town, medieval castle, and scenic Danube River walks provide plenty of free attractions. Dining is very affordable, with local eateries serving traditional Slovak dishes at low prices. Accommodation is also budget-friendly, with many hostels and budget hotels offering comfortable stays. Bratislava’s public transport system, including trams and buses, is very cheap, and the Bratislava Card offers unlimited transport and discounts to many attractions.
10. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a fantastic budget travel destination known for its beautiful baroque architecture and affordable prices. Many of the city’s best attractions, including the Gediminas Tower and the artistic Užupis district, can be explored for free. The local food scene is budget-friendly, with traditional dishes like cepelinai available at low-cost restaurants. Vilnius has a range of affordable accommodations, from hostels to guesthouses. The city’s public transport system, consisting of buses and trolleybuses, is efficient and very budget-friendly, making it easy to explore all the key sights and a simple cheap weekend destination to enjoy at low cost..
FAQ’S about cheap weekend destinations:
Here are some of the more common questions we get asked here at PureTravel:
1. What is the cheapest European city for a weekend break?
One of the cheapest European cities for a weekend break is Sofia, Bulgaria. It offers incredibly low prices on food, accommodation, and public transport. Many attractions, like Alexander Nevsky Cathedrl, are free to visit, and you can enjoy a meal for just a few euros. Sofia also has one of the cheapest public transport systems in Europe, making it an excellent budget-friendly destination.
2. Where is the best place to take a weekend break in Europe?
The best place for a weekend break in Europe depends on what you’re looking for. For history and charm, Prague, Czech Republic, is an amazing choice with its fairy-tale architecture and affordable prices. For a beach getaway, Lisbon, Portugal, offers stunning coastline views, delicious seafood, and reasonable costs. If you’re after a mix of culture and relaxation, Budapest, Hungary, with its thermal baths and ruin bars, is perfect.
3. What is the best city to spend 3 days in Europe?
Krakow, Poland, is one of the best cities to spend 3 days in Europe. It has an easy-to-navigate Old Town, fascinating history, and budget-friendly food and accommodations. You can visit Wawel Castle, explore the Jewish Quarter, and take a day trip to Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mines—all without breaking the bank.
4. Where is the cheapest place in Europe to go on holiday?
For an extended budget-friendly holiday, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is one of the cheapest places in Europe. The city is packed with history, stunning mountain landscapes, and local food that costs much less than in Western Europe. Accommodation is very affordable, and you can explore beautiful nearby nature spots, like the Olympic mountains, at little to no cost.
So, off you go. Follow these simple rules and you can really experience some wonderful destinations without breaking the bank. Pack light, so you can save money on flight luggage and luggage stores when checked out, and you will enjoy some of Europe’s best cheap weekend destinations for less money than a weekend out in the UK.
Photo by Tobias Reich on Unsplash
