7 Cheapest Cities in Europe for Indian Travellers

Planning a Europe trip from India but worried about the cost? The cheapest cities in Europe can help you enjoy iconic architecture, rich culture, great food, and memorable experiences without stretching your travel budget. While Paris, Switzerland, and Amsterdam are popular choices on European tour packages, several budget-friendly European cities offer a similar European experience at a much lower cost.

From the thermal baths of Budapest to the medieval streets of Prague and the coastal charm of Lisbon, these budget-friendly cities in Europe prove that affordable travel doesn’t mean compromising on experiences. For Indian travellers, they offer the right balance of accommodation, food, transport, and attractions while keeping overall trip costs manageable. This guide covers the most affordable European cities that are worth your time, money, and travel plans.

Key Takeaways

• Cheapest cities: Budapest, Kraków, Prague, Bucharest, Lisbon, Sofia, Porto
• Average daily cost: ₹3,500–₹7,500 per person
• 10-day Europe trip cost: ₹85,000–₹1.5 lakh
• Best time to visit: April–June and September–October
• Visa: Schengen visa (~₹7,000–₹8,500), required for most of these cities
• Best route for maximum savings: Central + Eastern Europe
• Most underrated pick: Kraków — lowest daily costs with strong cultural depth

The 7 Cheapest Cities in Europe Worth Visiting

Budapest, Hungary 

Budapest is one of the cheapest cities in Europe

If Paris and Prague had a more affordable cousin, it would be Budapest. Split by the Danube into Buda and Pest, the city combines grand architecture, thermal bath culture, and lively nightlife, all at a fraction of Western Europe’s prices. The Hungarian Parliament building alone rivals anything in Western Europe, yet your daily spend here can run less than half of Paris.

• Top Things to Do: Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament, Danube River Cruise
• Ideal Time to Visit: April–May and September–October for pleasant weather and better prices
• Daily Budget: HUF 15,000–25,000 (₹4,000–₹6,700) per person

Insider tip: Skip the expensive tourist cruises; local public ferries along the Danube offer similar views for a fraction of the price.

Also Read: Things to do in Budapest in 2 days

Prague, Czech Republic 

Prague is what most people picture when they imagine Europe: gothic towers, cobbled streets, castles, and old-world charm, at prices that remain some of the lowest among major European capitals for food, accommodation, and experiences.

• Top Things to Do: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock
• Ideal Time to Visit: April–May and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds
• Daily Budget: CZK 900–1,500 (₹3,800–₹6,300) per person

Insider tip: The Czech Republic uses the Koruna (CZK), not the Euro. Paying in local currency instead of accepting “convert to Euro” card terminals usually saves you money.

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

Kraków, Poland 

Kraków is Europe’s most underrated budget city. It delivers history, nightlife, architecture, and food at prices that feel almost unreal for Europe. If maximum value for money is your priority, Kraków is hard to beat.

• Top Things to Do: Explore the Old Town, visit Wieliczka Salt Mine, explore Kazimierz, visit Wawel Castle
• Ideal Time to Visit: April–May and September–October
• Daily Budget: PLN 130–220 (₹3,100–₹5,300) per person
• Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN)

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

Lisbon, Portugal 

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, explore Alfama, watch the sunset from a miradouro
• Ideal Time to Visit: March–May and September–October
• Daily Budget: €35–€60 (₹4,000–₹6,700) per person

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

Bucharest, Romania

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 European experience.

• Top Things to Do: Explore the Old Town, visit the Palace of Parliament, discover Herăstrău Park, take a Transylvania day trip
• Ideal Time to Visit: April–May and September–October
• Daily Budget: RON 150–250 (₹3,000–₹5,000) per person

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

Sofia, Bulgaria 

Sofia is one of the 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, Sofia’s local markets, Boyana Church
• Ideal Time to Visit: April–June and September–October
• Daily Budget: BGN 50–80 (₹2,500–₹4,000) per person
• Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Insider tip: Sofia uses the Bulgarian Lev, and card acceptance can be patchy outside the city centre, so carry some cash.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is a great budget-friendly alternative to Lisbon. It offers riverside views, colourful buildings, historic streets, and famous wine experiences. It also tends to be less crowded, making it ideal for a relaxed European getaway. The city is easy to explore on foot, helping you save on local transport costs. 

• Top Things to Do: Walk around Ribeira, visit São Bento Station, explore Porto’s wine cellars, watch the sunset from Dom Luís I Bridge
• Ideal Time to Visit: April–June and September–October
• Daily Budget: €30–€55 (₹3,400–₹6,200) per person

Read more: Cheapest European countries

Currency at a Glance

Not all of these cities use the Euro, which matters for budgeting and card payments.

City	Country	Currency
Budapest	Hungary	Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Prague	Czech Republic	Czech Koruna (CZK)
Kraków	Poland	Polish Zloty (PLN)
Lisbon	Portugal	Euro (EUR)
Bucharest	Romania	Romanian Leu (RON)
Sofia	Bulgaria	Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Porto	Portugal	Euro (EUR)

Tip: Paying in local currency, rather than accepting a card terminal’s “convert to home currency” prompt, almost always gets you a better exchange rate.

Suggested 10-Day Budget Europe Itinerary 

A 10-day budget trip can combine affordable cities with easy train connections and low-cost stays. This route balances sightseeing, local experiences, and travel time without trying to cover too many countries.

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 for the Europe trip cost from India:

Expense	Estimated Cost per Person
Return flights from India	₹45,000–₹70,000 (€409–€636)
Schengen visa + insurance	₹10,000–₹14,000 (€91–€127)
Budget accommodation	₹20,000–₹35,000 (€182–€318)
Food	₹15,000–₹25,000 (€136–€227)
Local transport	₹6,000–₹10,000 (€55–€91)
Intercity transport	₹8,000–₹15,000 (€73–€136)
Attractions & activities	₹5,000–₹10,000 (€45–€91)
Miscellaneous	₹5,000–₹8,000 (€45–€73)
Total estimated budget	₹1.14–₹1.87 lakh (€1,036–€1,700)

How to Keep the Cost Down

• Flights: Book 2–4 months ahead and compare nearby airports.
• Stay: Choose hostels, budget hotels, or apartments outside city centres.
• Food: Mix supermarket meals with local cafés and bakeries.
• Transport: Use public transport and book intercity trains or buses early.
• Attractions: Prioritise free walking tours, parks, viewpoints, and free-entry museums.
• Travel season: Avoid June–August and Christmas/New Year for the lowest prices.
• Route: Choose nearby cities to reduce expensive intercity transfers.

Budget target: For a genuinely budget-conscious 10-day Europe trip from India, ₹1.2–₹1.5 lakh per person is a practical target if flights and accommodation are booked strategically.

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

The best time to visit the cheapest European cities depends on your budget and the experience you want. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. Winter can be even cheaper, except during the Christmas and New Year period.  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. Apply through the country where you will spend the most days and keep your bookings and itinerary consistent with your application.

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 Visiting the Cheapest European Cities

• Travel in shoulder season: April–May and September–October usually offer better prices and fewer crowds.
• Compare nearby airports: Check flights to nearby cities too. A longer transfer can sometimes mean cheaper airfare.
• Use public transport: Choose the metro, buses, trams, and day passes instead of taxis.
• Stay outside the centre: Pick accommodation near a metro or train station for better value.
• Eat local: Try bakeries, supermarkets, food markets, and neighbourhood cafés instead of tourist-area restaurants.
• Check visa requirements: Organise your Schengen visa, travel insurance, accommodation, and financial documents well in advance.
• Choose budget-friendly cities: Budapest, Kraków, Bucharest, Sofia, and Sarajevo can offer better value than Western European capitals.
• Book attractions early: Reserve popular museums, tours, and attractions online to avoid queues and sold-out slots.
• Carry comfortable shoes: Many affordable European cities are easy to explore on foot.
• Carry Indian snacks: Packaged snacks can be useful during long travel days, especially for vegetarian travellers.
• Check food options: Research vegetarian, vegan, Jain, or Indian-friendly restaurants before your trip.
• Use an eSIM: Mobile data helps with maps, translation, transport apps, and digital tickets.
• Carry some local cash: Cards are widely accepted, but cash can be useful at smaller shops and markets.
• Check the currency: Not every cheap European city uses the euro. Hungary, Poland, Czechia, and Romania have their own currencies.
• Budget for tourist taxes: Some cities charge accommodation taxes separately from the hotel price.
• Compare city passes: Buy one only if the included attractions actually match your itinerary.
• Keep documents handy: Carry digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, insurance, bookings, and return tickets.

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. If you want to experience the continent without breaking the bank, you must target the cheapest cities in Europe. Starting your journey in budget-friendly gems like Budapest, Prague, and Kraków allows you to build your trip smartly and then upgrade selectively if your budget allows. If planned right, exploring these affordable destinations can cost less than a luxury holiday in India, while delivering a far richer cultural 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 for Indian travellers. Both offer affordable accommodation, food, public transport, and sightseeing, with daily budgets starting at around ₹3,100–₹4,000 per person.

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

A 10-day budget Europe trip from India can cost around ₹1.14–₹1.87 lakh per person, including return flights, visa and insurance, accommodation, food, transport, attractions, and miscellaneous expenses. With careful planning, a budget of ₹1.2–₹1.5 lakh can be a practical target.

3. What is the cheapest time to visit Europe?

January, February, and November can offer some of the cheapest flight and accommodation prices. For a better balance between weather, crowds, and cost, April–June and September–October are ideal.

4. Are Eastern European countries cheaper than Western Europe?

Yes. Cities such as Budapest, Kraków, Bucharest, and Sofia generally offer lower accommodation, food, and transport costs than expensive Western European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Zurich. Central and Eastern Europe are therefore good choices for budget-conscious travellers.

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

Yes, Indian travellers generally need a Schengen visa for most of the cities covered in this guide. The visa allows eligible travellers to visit multiple Schengen countries during the permitted stay, subject to the visa conditions.

6. How can I reduce my Europe travel costs?

Book flights early, choose affordable cities, stay outside major tourist centres, use public transport, eat at local cafés and markets, and travel during the shoulder season. Combining nearby Central and Eastern European cities can also reduce intercity travel costs.

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

Prague is a good choice for first-time travellers because it combines historic architecture, major attractions, walkable neighbourhoods, public transport, and relatively affordable food and accommodation.

8. What are the cheapest cities in Europe for students?

Kraków, Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest, and Prague are among the more budget-friendly options in this list. Their comparatively low food, accommodation, and public transport costs make them suitable for travellers with limited budgets.

9. What are the cheapest beach destinations in Europe?

The cities covered in this guide are primarily budget-friendly cultural destinations rather than beach destinations. For affordable coastal experiences, Lisbon and Porto can be combined with nearby Portuguese coastal areas while keeping overall travel costs relatively manageable.

10. What are the cheapest European cities for food and accommodation?

Kraków, Sofia, Bucharest, and Budapest offer some of the lowest daily budgets in this list. Budget travellers can expect to spend approximately ₹2,500–₹6,700 per person per day, depending on accommodation, food choices, and activities.

11. Which cheap European cities are best for a 10-day trip?

A Budapest–Prague–Kraków route works well for a 10-day budget trip because the cities are relatively close to each other and offer a mix of history, culture, food, nightlife, and sightseeing. An optional Vienna stop can also be added for travellers willing to increase the budget slightly.