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It does not have to cost a fortune to plan a vacation in Europe. Paris and Switzerland get a lot of attention as tourist spots, but there are many other countries in Europe that are just as interesting and do not cost nearly as much.
Budget-friendly Europe is full of hidden treasures, from historic cities and golden beaches to dynamic street food scenes and centuries-old buildings. Whether you are planning a family vacation, traveling alone, or backpacking, you can always consider this list of the top 10 cheapest countries in Europe for your next Europe tour.
1. Albania
Albania is among the most affordable nations in Europe, making it ideal for Indian tourists who want to travel without breaking the bank. It provides cheaper transportation, low-cost food, along with affordable lodging. It only costs INR 2,000 to INR 4,000 a night to stay in a cheap hotel besides INR 400 a day to eat at local restaurants.
You can discover historic towns like Berat and Gjirokastër, unwind on stunning beaches along the Albanian Riviera, or visit Butrint’s ancient ruins. With no visa needed for up to 90 days, and a week-long trip costing an average of INR 45,000 to INR 65,000, Albania makes traveling easy, fun, as well as cheap.
2. Austria
For Indian tourists seeking to explore a rich cultural heritage without going over budget, Austria is one of the cheapest and top places to visit in Europe. It has moderately cheap public transport, inexpensive lodging (INR 4,000–INR 7,000 per night), along with reasonably priced dining (INR 500–INR 900 per day).
You can admire Salzburg’s baroque beauty, see Vienna’s magnificent castles and museums, apart from refreshing in the Austrian Alps. You can also get good and cheap street food like Apfelstrudel and Brezen. With a Schengen visa costing about INR 7,000 alongside a 5- to 8-day trip costing between INR 65,000 and INR 1,00,000, Austria is an affordable country to visit.
3. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for Indian tourists looking for an affordable way to experience history, wildlife, as well as seaside beauty. In this place, lodging can cost you anywhere between INR 2,000 to INR 4,000 per night, food between INR 400 to INR 700 per day, and public transportation is fairly cheap.
You can easily explore the vibrant Old Town of Plovdiv and see the ancient ruins of Sofia in addition to lounging on the Black Sea beaches. Try popular street foods like Banitsa and Kebapche without breaking the bank. Since a Schengen visa to this nation costs about INR 7,000, you can easily budget between INR 45,000 and INR 65,000 for a five to seven-day trip.
4. Estonia
If you are interested in medieval architecture and gorgeous landscapes, Estonia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe you can consider. Low-cost food (INR 500–INR 800 per day), cheap lodging (INR 3,000–INR 5,000 per night), and cheap public transportation make it easier on the budget. In Tallinn, you may explore lively marketplaces, move down cobblestone lanes, and see gothic cathedrals like Tartu’s St. John’s Church.
Nature lovers can admire views of the Baltic Sea, visit the peaceful Lake Peipus, and the Agusalu Nature Reserve. You can try cheap and delicious popular street foods like Karask as well as Kiluvõileib. With a Schengen visa costing INR 7,000, a trip of 4–6 days can be done for only INR 55,000 to INR 80,000.
5. Croatia
With its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and natural beauty, Croatia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for Indian tourists. Affordable stays (INR 3,000–INR 5,000 per night), food (INR 500–INR 900 per day), and transport (INR 300–INR 500 per day) make it ideal for cost-conscious visitors.
You can visit the absolutely beautiful waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, relax on islands like Hvar and Brač, or explore the historic walls of Dubrovnik. You cannot beat the price and flavour of street foods like Burek and Cevapi. Considering that a Schengen visa costs INR 7,000, a 5- to 7-day trip to Croatia can cost between INR 55,000 and INR 85,000.
6. Czech Republic
Anyone who enjoys history, architecture, culture as well as does not want to spend a fortune can visit the Czech Republic. It is easy on the wallet because you can get budget accommodation (INR 2,500–INR 5,000 per night), meals (INR 400–INR 700 per day), along with transport (INR 200–INR 500 per day).
You can take a river tour or walk around Prague’s Old Town, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle. Explore towns such as Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov which appear to be straight out of a fairy tale. You can taste delicious but pocket-friendly street food such as Smažený sýr and Trdelník. Moreover, a four to six-day trip here can cost you as little as INR 45,000 to INR 70,000 with a Schengen visa, which costs INR 7,000.
7. Hungary
Visitors from India can enjoy one of the cheapest vacation spots in Europe’s Hungary, which is full of history, culture, as well as the steppe landscape. Daily meals can cost you between INR 400 and INR 700, budget hotels vary from INR 2,500 to INR 5,000 per night, and public transportation is reasonably priced (INR 200 to INR 500 per day).
You can relax at Lake Balaton, take a Danube boat, explore Budapest’s Buda Castle, or refresh yourself in thermal springs – some of the most memorable things to do in Europe. Lángos and kürtőskalács are the two types of street food that can enhance your experience. Moreover, a four- to six-day trip can cost you between INR 45,000 to INR 70,000 alongside a Schengen visa at roughly INR 7,000.
8. Slovenia
Travellers looking for rolling vineyards, green lakes, and alpine landscape without going over budget can find Slovenia to be one of Europe’s best-kept cost-effective secrets. Here, you can expect to spend about INR 55,000 to INR 85,000 for a trip of 5 to 7 days. The cost of a Schengen visa can be approximately INR 7,000 with meals costing you around INR 400–700 per day, as well as transport between INR 300 to 500.
Here, you can explore the magical beauty of Lake Bled, wander about the charming streets of Ljubljana, or go hiking in Triglav National Park. Moreover, with stunning views and tasty street food like Štruklji, Slovenia offers you high-end experiences at moderate costs.
9. Romania
Romania is among the most affordable European destinations for Indian tourists with its combination of mediaeval castles, exciting nightlife, as well as stunning scenery. The cost of a five- to seven-day trip can cost anywhere between INR 50,000 to INR 75,000. Everyday expenses can range from INR 3,500 to INR 6,000, flights between INR 30,000 and INR 40,000, along with a visa fee of around INR 7,000.
You can spend about INR 2,500 to INR 4,000 per night at inexpensive hotels, INR 400 to INR 700 on filling meals, and INR 300 to INR 500 per day on local travel. Discover Bran Castle, take a tour of Transylvania’s historic towns, or have a good time in Bucharest apart from enjoying street foods like papanasi and mici.
10. Hungary
Due to its affordability and breathtaking natural beauty, Montenegro is a fantastic low-cost European travel destination. You can enjoy the mediaeval beauty of Kotor Bay, the action-packed Durmitor National Park, or the lively beaches of Budva. With the Euro in circulation, prices stay low because of the country’s lower cost of living.
Meals range from 400 to 700 per day, transport is cheap, and budget accommodations cost anywhere between INR 2,000 to INR 4,000 per night. You can enjoy a visa-free entry, and pay anywhere between INR 30,000 to INR 40,000 for the flights. For as little as INR 50,000 to INR 75,000, you can go on a 5- to 7-day trip to this country.
Conclusion:
You do not need to spend a lot to enjoy Europe. These ten countries offer beautiful places, rich history, as well as fun experiences at low costs. From free visas to cheap food, transport along with stay, they are perfect for Indian travellers on a budget. Whether you want beaches, mountains, or old towns, you can find it here without spending too much. So, if Europe is your dream, this is your chance to explore it without breaking the bank!