Cheapest Cities in Europe for Indian Travellers

Planning a Europe trip from India but worried about the cost? Here’s the truth most people won’t tell you: Europe is only expensive if you choose the wrong cities. While Paris, Switzerland, and Amsterdam dominate bucket lists and most Europe tour packages, smart Indian travellers are shifting toward the cheapest cities in Europe that offer the same charm, culture, and experiences at nearly half the cost.

From the thermal baths of Budapest to the medieval streets of Prague and the coastal charm of Lisbon, these cities don’t feel cheap; they feel underrated, authentic, and incredibly rewarding. This blog helps you choose cities that are not just affordable but actually worth your time, money, and overall travel experience.

Quick Key Takeaways

• Cheapest cities: Budapest, Kraków, Prague, Bucharest, Lisbon
• Avg daily cost: ₹3,500–₹7,500
• 10-day Europe trip cost: ₹85,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
• Best time: April–June & September–October
• Visa: Schengen visa (~₹7,000–₹8,500)
• Best route: Central + Eastern Europe (max savings)
• Most underrated city: Kraków (cheapest + culturally rich)

The 7 Cheapest Cities in Europe Worth Visiting

Budapest

If Paris and Prague had a more affordable cousin, it would be Budapest. Split by the Danube River into Buda and Pest, the city combines grand architecture, vibrant nightlife, and thermal bath culture, all at a surprisingly low cost.

Budapest feels premium without the premium price tag. The Parliament building alone rivals Western Europe’s best landmarks, and yet, your daily spend here can be less than half of Paris.

Top things to do:

• Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Baths
• Walk across Chain Bridge at sunset
• Take a budget Danube river cruise

Insider tip: Skip expensive cruises; local ferries offer similar views at a fraction of the cost.

Also Read: Things to do in Budapest in 2 days

Prague

Prague is what most people imagine Europe to look like: gothic towers, cobbled streets, castles, and old-world charm. The difference? It’s still one of the cheapest cities in Europe.

Unlike many Western European cities, Prague remains relatively affordable in terms of food, accommodation, and experiences.

Top things to do:

• Walk across Charles Bridge at sunrise
• Explore Prague Castle
• Watch the Astronomical Clock

Insider tip: The Czech Republic uses CZK, not Euro; paying in local currency saves money.

If you are interested, we can combine a Prague-Vienna-Budapest tour package for you on a budget!

Kraków

Kraków is easily Europe’s most underrated budget city. It delivers everything: history, nightlife, architecture, and food,  at prices that feel almost unreal for Europe. If you want maximum value for money, Kraków is your answer.

Top things to do:

• Explore Old Town Square
• Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine
• Café hopping in Kazimierz

Insider tip: Meals here can cost as low as ₹400–₹700, among the cheapest in Europe.

Lisbon

Lisbon proves that Western Europe doesn’t always have to be expensive. With its yellow trams, coastal views, and pastel buildings, the city feels cinematic, but still budget-friendly. It’s one of the few capitals where you get beauty, affordability & weather all in one.

Top things to do:

• Ride Tram 28
• Visit Belém Tower
• Sunset at Miradouros

Insider tip: Stay slightly outside Alfama for cheaper hotels with better views.

Bucharest

Often overlooked, Bucharest is one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe. Located in Southern Romania, Bucharest blends Parisian-style architecture with Eastern European prices. It’s perfect if you want a unique, non-touristy Europe experience.

Top things to do:

• Explore Old Town
• Visit the Palace of Parliament
• Day trip to Transylvania

Insider tip: Local transport is extremely cheap, under ₹100 per ride.

Sofia

Sofia is one of Europe’s most budget-friendly cities in Europe, yet very few Indian travellers consider it. That’s exactly why it’s worth it. You’ll find mountain views, historic churches, and incredibly low costs.

Top things to do:

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Vitosha Mountain day trip
• Local markets exploration

Porto

Often overshadowed by Lisbon, Porto offers similar charm at lower prices. Think riverside views, wine culture, and colourful architecture, without heavy crowds.

Top things to do:

• Walk along the Ribeira district
• Wine tasting in the Douro Valley
• Sunset at Dom Luís I Bridge

Read more: Cheapest European countries

Suggested 10-Day Budget Europe Itinerary 

This itinerary is designed to minimise cost, travel time, and visa complexity.

Day	City	Plan
Day 1	Budapest	Arrival + evening river walk
Day 2	Budapest	Thermal baths + city exploration
Day 3	Prague	Travel + Old Town
Day 4	Prague	Castle + Charles Bridge
Day 5	Kraków	Travel + Old Town
Day 6	Kraków	Salt Mine + café hopping
Day 7	Vienna (optional upgrade)	Culture + architecture
Day 8	Vienna	Museums + city walk
Day 9	Budapest / Prague	Return city
Day 10	Departure	Fly back

Why this itinerary works:

• Covers 3–4 cheap cities efficiently
• Short travel distances
• Balanced mix of culture & budget

Cost Breakdown: Europe Trip from India

Here is the budget Europe trip cost from India:

Budget Trip (10 Days)

Category	Cost
Flights	₹40,000 – ₹65,000
Visa	₹7,500
Stay	₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Food	₹10,000 – ₹18,000
Transport	₹8,000 – ₹12,000
Activities	₹5,000 – ₹10,000

Total: ₹85,000 – ₹1.5 lakh

Note: The cost may vary depending on the travel month, type of flight, transportation, etc.

Sample Daily Budget

• Stay: ₹1,500
• Food: ₹1,200
• Transport: ₹400
• Activities: ₹800

Total: ₹4,000–₹5,000/day

Best Time to Visit Cheapest European Cities

Check out the best time to visit Europe if you are travelling on a budget:

Ideal months:

• April–June → Pleasant weather + moderate prices
• September–October → Best value for money

Avoid:

• July–August → Peak season, expensive
• December → Holiday surge pricing

Budget hack: Winter (Jan–Feb) offers the cheapest flights but shorter daylight hours.

Visa Process for Indian Travellers

Most of these budget cities fall under the Schengen Zone and require a Schengen Visa:

Document Requirements:

• Passport
• Flight & hotel bookings
• Travel insurance
• Bank balance (~₹1.5L recommended)

Processing time: 15–30 days

Cost: ₹7,000–₹8,500

How to Reach Europe from India (Cost-Saving Strategy)

Smart flight tips:

• Fly into Budapest, Prague, or Vienna
• Use multi-city tickets
• Avoid London/Paris entry routes

Airlines:

• Qatar Airways
• Etihad
• LOT Polish Airlines

Booking 8–12 weeks early saves up to 30%.

Travel Tips for Indian Travellers

• Use public transport passes
• Eat local (avoid tourist areas)
• Carry a forex card

• Vegetarian options available but limited
• Indian food is expensive; use it sparingly
• Europe SIM (~₹2,000–₹3,000)

Unique Experiences in Europe That Are Budget-Friendly

• Thermal bath parties in Budapest
• Medieval dining in Prague
• Salt mines in Poland
• Sunset viewpoints in Lisbon
• Wine tasting in Porto

These are high-experience, low-cost activities, the real secret to enjoying Europe affordably.

Final Thoughts: How to Do Europe Cheap 

The biggest mistake Indian travellers make is choosing expensive cities first. Start with Budapest, Prague, and Kraków, build your trip smartly, and then upgrade selectively if your budget allows. If planned right, a Europe trip can cost less than a luxury trip in India, while delivering a far richer experience. 

If you’re exploring Europe trip packages from India, prioritise itineraries that include Central and Eastern Europe, that’s where real value lies.

FAQs: Cheapest Cities in Europe

1. Which is the cheapest city in Europe for Indian travellers?

Budapest and Kraków are among the cheapest cities in Europe. They offer affordable accommodation, food, and transport, with daily costs starting from ₹3,500–₹5,000.

2. How much does a budget Europe trip cost from India?

A 10-day budget Europe trip costs around ₹85,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per person, including flights, visa, stay, and daily expenses.

3. What is the cheapest time to visit Europe?

The cheapest months are January, February, and November. For balanced weather and cost, April–June and September–October are ideal.

4. Are Eastern European countries cheaper than Western Europe?

Yes, countries like Hungary, Poland, and Romania are significantly cheaper than France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, often by 40–60%.

5. Do Indians need a visa for cheap European cities?

Yes, a Schengen visa is required for most of these destinations. It allows travel across multiple countries for up to 90 days.

6. How can I reduce my Europe travel cost?

Book flights early, choose budget cities, stay in hostels, use public transport, and avoid peak seasons.

7. Which cheap European city is best for first-time travellers?

Prague is ideal for first-time travellers due to its beauty, affordability, and ease of navigation.