7 of Europe’s Cheapest Capitals for Sightseeing on a Budget

Europe can be expensive to visit — but just because Paris, Rome, and London cost a lot to visit doesn’t mean the old continent is completely off the table for your next vacation. Whether you’re looking to wander the streets of an ancient city or take in the sights from a picturesque mountain town, there’s sure to be a more budget-friendly European capital that fits the bill. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today. Here are seven of the cheapest European capitals for sightseeing.

1. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists on a budget. Accommodation is far cheaper than many other European capitals, and fine dining in Warsaw is half the price that it would be in a city like Paris or Milan. Warsaw also happens to be an incredibly underrated and beautiful city, with a stunning Old Town that has earned UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Explore Warsaw’s beautiful parks, visit the fascinating POLIN Museum of the history of Polish Jews, and enjoy the Royal Castle and the Łazienki Palace — all for a fraction of the price of a day out in other European capitals.

2. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is another great option for travelers on a budget. Romania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to visit, and Bucharest is the country’s jewel. Known as “Little Paris” thanks to its array of beautiful palaces and museums, Bucharest is an architecture lover’s dream. From the Parliamentary Palace — the largest administrative building in the world — to the Neoclassical Romanian Athanaeum, Bucharest is full of iconic landmarks.

Bucharest is also a city filled with green spaces. While Cismigiu Gardens is the city centre’s oldest park, its largest is Herăstrău Lake, a 74-hectare body of water.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and for good reason: it boasts all the beauty of cities like Milan without the hefty price tag. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is best known for its colorful baroque architecture and striking Gothic churches. This is a city with a dramatic flair.

Prague is home to the oldest castle in the world, the enormous Prague Castle — which spans an area of 70,000 square meters. But, fittingly for the city of 100 spires, there are plenty more castles and churches to see in this gorgeous city — including the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral, which has a tower that can be climbed for a spectacular view of Prague from above.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Hungary’s capital does not have the same reputation for beauty as some of Europe’s better-known cities, but it deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the most beloved capitals. Budapest has the glamor of Paris, the ancient history of Rome, and the nightlife of London without the high expense.

Budapest is a city of two halves, separated by the Danube River. Buda, the city’s former Royal district, offers incredible panoramic views, medieval buildings, and the beautiful Buda Hills. Meanwhile, Pest is home to some of Europe’s most buzzing nightlife, with plenty of trendy bars and cafes.

5. Athens, Greece

The ancient city of Athens has become much more affordable in recent years thanks to Greece’s economic downturn. This incredibly walkable city is packed with history, including the world-famous Parthenon and the Acropolis. If you love ancient history, you will not find a city with more to offer than Athens.

But for travellers who are more interested in the here and now, Athens still has plenty to offer. From outdoor cinemas to the leafy neighborhoods of Pangrati and Exarhia and their trendy coffee shops to the enormous Monastiraki Flea Market, Athens is packed with things to do and see.

6. Tallinn, Estonia

If you’re looking for a city straight out of a fairytale, Tallinn should be your next destination. This vibrant medieval city is one of the prettiest in Europe, with picturesque tree-lined streets, ancient castles, and cobblestoned streets.

Check out the colorful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, take a tour of the medieval Toompea Castle, and explore the unique Danish King’s Garden — which is completely free. If you’re looking for something a little more on the dark side, you can also tour the old KGB prison cells for just five euros per person.

7. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Many people have never even heard of Ljubljana, but Slovenia’s capital is a true hidden gem. Pronounced “LOO-bee-ah-nuh,” this bustling city is filled with leafy green spaces and buckets of Eastern European charm.

Ljubljana is home to a host of cultures and art, including one of the oldest philharmonic orchestras in the world. It’s also an extremely walkable city — cars are banned in the city centre — making getting around cheap and easy.

Europe has a reputation for being expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. Visiting Europe on a budget does not have to mean sacrificing fun, iconic sights, or culture either, as these seven beautiful capitals show. Start planning your European getaway now. Which capital has captured your interest?