Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2026
Top destinations ranked by daily budget with booking tips and flexible payment options.
Where
The cheapest country to visit in Europe is Albania, where daily travel costs start around $30 USD. Other cheap European destinations include Bulgaria ($35-$45 per day), Hungary ($40-$55), and Portugal ($45-$60), making them ideal for budget travel Europe in 2026.
Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2026
If you are searching for the cheapest country to visit in Europe, direct your attention to Albania, where travelers can budget as little as $30 per day. Other top cheap European destinations for affordable Europe trips in 2026 include Bulgaria ($35-$45), Hungary ($40-$55), Portugal ($45-$60), and the Czech Republic ($45-$65). These countries offer budget-friendly accommodation, cheap street eats, and affordable local transport, making Europe on a budget 2026 not only possible but rewarding. Use Travorio’s search flights on Travorio tool for the best deals, and compare hotels on Travorio to stretch your travel dollar further.
Albania: $30-$40 Per Day
Albania is the cheapest country to visit in Europe, with daily expenses as low as $30 including hostel stays ($10-$15), local meals ($5-$10), public buses ($2), and sightseeing. The Albanian lek and low cost of living make it an unbeatable destination for budget travel Europe in 2026.
Explore Tirana’s colorful Pazari i Ri neighborhood, relax on the beaches of Ksamil, or hike in the Accursed Mountains. Top budget hotels include Hotel Vila e Arte and Freddy’s Hostel. Dine at Oda or Era Restaurant for local fare. Visit in May, June, or September for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Bulgaria: $35-$45 Per Day
Bulgaria consistently ranks among the cheapest places in Europe, with a daily budget of $35-$45 covering hostels ($12-$18), meals ($8-$12), intercity buses ($3-$5), and attractions. The Bulgarian lev is favorable to the dollar, and costs in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv are far below Western Europe.
Stroll Sofia’s Vitosha Boulevard, tour the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, or hike in the Rhodope Mountains. Stay in the city center or in Kapana, Plovdiv’s creative quarter. Recommended hotels: Hostel Mostel and Art Hotel Simona. The best time to visit is April to June or September, when weather is pleasant and prices are low.
Hungary: $40-$55 Per Day
Hungary is a top choice for affordable Europe trips, with Budapest offering daily costs of $40-$55, including hostels ($15-$25), hearty Hungarian meals ($10), and public transit ($2). The Hungarian forint’s favorable rate keeps Hungary among the cheapest European destinations in 2026.
Don’t miss the thermal baths, ruin pubs in the Jewish Quarter (District VII), and a Danube river walk. Stay in central Pest or the historic Castle District for easy access to sights. Popular stays: Maverick City Lodge, Flow Hostel. Visit March to May or September to avoid crowds and snag budget fares.
Portugal: $45-$60 Per Day
Portugal offers budget travel Europe options with daily spending of $45-$60, including hostel beds ($20-$30), meals of bacalhau and pastel de nata ($10-$15), and metro rides ($2). The euro is used, but Portugal’s costs are lower compared to other Western European countries.
Explore Lisbon’s Alfama and Bairro Alto neighborhoods, or surf in Lagos and Ericeira. Stay at Home Lisbon Hostel or Selina Secret Garden. TAP Air Portugal frequently runs sales from the US. The best months to visit are March to June or September to October, when flights and hotels are cheapest.
Czech Republic: $45-$65 Per Day
The Czech Republic is one of the cheapest places in Europe for city breaks, with Prague daily costs around $45-$65, including hostel dorms ($20-$30), pub meals ($10), and trams ($1.50). The Czech koruna remains stable, and beer is famously cheaper than water.
Tour Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square. Stay in Žižkov or Vinohrady for value hotels like Hostel Downtown or Miss Sophie’s. Fly with Ryanair or Wizz Air for bargain routes. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and better rates.
How to Save Even More on Budget Travel
Book flights at least two months ahead and travel in the shoulder season (April-June or September-October) for the best rates. Use local buses or trains instead of taxis, and eat at markets or street stalls to keep daily costs under $15 for food. Many museums have free entry days, and hostels often include breakfast. Splitting payments with Sezzle lets you manage your budget without interest charges - see split payments with Sezzle on Travorio.
Pay with Crypto or Buy Now Pay Later
Paying for your trip with crypto helps you avoid 2-3% foreign transaction fees, saving money on every booking. Travorio also offers Sezzle Pay in 4, splitting your total into four interest-free payments, making budget travel in Europe even more flexible. Learn more and book flights with crypto today.
How to Book Your Budget Trip
Start by searching for cheap flights with Travorio’s search flights tool, then compare accommodation on compare hotels. Choose your preferred payment method - crypto or split payments - during checkout. Confirm your booking details and get ready to explore the cheapest places in Europe on a budget.
Budget Comparison by Destination
Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Albania is the cheapest country to visit in Europe, with daily travel costs starting at $30 USD for accommodation, meals, and transport. It offers affordable beaches, mountain scenery, and authentic Balkan cuisine.
A realistic daily budget for cheap European destinations ranges from $30 to $65 USD depending on country and city. This includes hostel accommodation, public transport, and local meals. Albania and Bulgaria are at the lower end, while Portugal and Czech Republic are slightly higher.
The best time to visit Europe on a budget in 2026 is during shoulder seasons, specifically May-June or September-October. Prices for flights and hotels are lower, weather is pleasant, and attractions are less crowded.
No, most Americans do not need visas for short stays (up to 90 days) in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Portugal, or Czech Republic. However, starting in 2025, the EU will require ETIAS pre-authorization for entry to Schengen countries.
Yes, destinations like Portugal, Hungary, and Czech Republic are considered very safe for solo travelers. Standard precautions apply: avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep valuables secure in busy places.
Portugal and Czech Republic are excellent for families, offering safe cities, family rooms in hotels, kid-friendly attractions, and accessible transport. Budapest and Sofia also offer parks, museums, and affordable accommodation for groups.
Save more by booking flights early, traveling in shoulder seasons, using local buses or trains, eating at markets or street stalls, and staying in hostels or guesthouses. Travorio offers split payments to make budgeting easier.
Yes, Travorio lets you pay for flights and hotels with major cryptocurrencies, helping you avoid foreign transaction fees. You can also use Sezzle to split payments into four interest-free installments for added flexibility.
Related Guides
Cheapest Destination Wedding Locations in 2026
Top destinations ranked by daily budget with booking tips and flexible payment options.
Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit in 2026
Top destinations ranked by daily budget with booking tips and flexible payment options.
Most Affordable Vacation Spots in 2026
Top destinations ranked by daily budget with booking tips and flexible payment options.
Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan: Save on Flights
Find the cheapest months, best booking strategies, and pay-later options for Japan flights.
Ready to Book?
Search flights and hotels with crypto, Sezzle Pay in 4, or PayPal Pay Later.