Budget-Friendly European Destinations to Visit in April
Europe is a dream destination for many travelers. From beautiful mountains to charming old towns, and from tasty food to fascinating history — there’s something for everyone. But often, people think a European vacation is too expensive. The good news? It doesn’t have to be!
When I first started planning my trip to Europe, I thought I would never be able to afford it. But after some research and experience, I discovered many affordable and amazing places. These are places where you can enjoy nature, history, and local food without spending too much. In fact, some of the best experiences I’ve had were in budget-friendly towns and cities. Here are my top picks for the cheapest vacation places in Europe perfect for students, families, and anyone looking to travel smart.
Best Cheap Places To Travel in April in Europe
Cheapest European Countries
1. Budapest, Hungary
One of my favorite cities in Europe is Budapest. It’s beautiful, historic, and very affordable. The city is divided into two parts — Buda and Pest — separated by the River Danube. Explore Snowball Effect
- Why it’s cheap: You can stay in a hostel for just ₹1,000–₹1,500 per night. Delicious local meals like goulash cost about ₹400–₹500.
- Must-see: The Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Fisherman’s Bastion. At night, the whole city lights up — it’s magical!
- My experience: I went to a thermal bath for just ₹800. The warm water and beautiful setting made me feel like royalty.
2. Krakow, Poland
Krakow feels like a city from a storybook. With castles, cathedrals, and cozy cafés, it’s one of the prettiest and cheapest cities in Europe.
- Why it’s cheap: Hostels start at ₹800 per night. A filling Polish meal costs only ₹300–₹400.
- Must-see: Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, and Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter).
- My experience: I explored the city on foot, had a warm bowl of pierogi (Polish dumplings), and listened to a local musician playing the violin on the street. All for under ₹500!
3. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. It’s surrounded by mountains, filled with Roman ruins, and is perfect for travelers on a tight budget.
- Why it’s cheap: Stay in budget hotels for around ₹1,000. Street food costs as little as ₹150.
- Must-see: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Mountain, and Boyana Church.
- My experience: I climbed a mountain trail and had a picnic overlooking the city. It was peaceful, beautiful, and cost me nothing!
4. Porto, Portugal
Porto is a small coastal city in Portugal with colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and delicious food.
- Why it’s cheap: Budget hotels are around ₹1,200–₹1,500. You can enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice and a sandwich for less than ₹300.
- Must-see: Dom Luís I Bridge, Ribeira District, and Port Wine Cellars.
- My experience: I sat by the river, tasted sweet pastries called “Pastéis de Nata,” and watched boats float by. Simple, sweet, and affordable.
5. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sarajevo is a small city that has seen a lot of history. It’s peaceful now, with old bazaars, friendly locals, and tasty food.
- Why it’s cheap: Dorm rooms cost about ₹600. A full meal is less than ₹300.
- Must-see: Old Town (Baščaršija), Latin Bridge, and Tunnel Museum.
- My experience: I walked through narrow lanes where East meets West — a place where mosques, churches, and old markets all live side by side.
6. Riga, Latvia
Located near the Baltic Sea, Riga is full of stunning architecture and a cool, relaxed vibe.
- Why it’s cheap: Hostels cost around ₹700–₹1,000. Food and public transport are cheap too.
- Must-see: Old Town, Freedom Monument, and the Central Market.
- My experience: I rented a bike for the day and explored the city’s green parks and Gothic buildings. I felt like I had traveled back in time.
7. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade has a mix of old buildings and modern life. It’s one of the cheapest capitals in Europe and is perfect for young travelers.
- Why it’s cheap: Bed and breakfast for around ₹1,200. Street food like Burek (a stuffed pastry) costs just ₹100–₹150.
- Must-see: Kalemegdan Fortress, Skadarlija Street, and the Danube Riverfront.
- My experience: I spent my evenings listening to live music on the river and eating local snacks. The vibe was friendly and fun.
8. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a cozy, charming city with colorful streets, great coffee, and kind people.
- Why it’s cheap: You can get a clean and comfortable stay for ₹1,000 per night. A hearty breakfast is just ₹200–₹250.
- Must-see: Gediminas Tower, Uzupis Republic, and Vilnius Cathedral.
- My experience: I visited a neighborhood that calls itself a separate “republic” with its own flag and funny constitution. It was creative, quirky, and free!
9. Lviv, Ukraine
Lviv is known for its coffee, chocolate, and beautiful buildings. It feels like a European city, but the prices are much lower.
- Why it’s cheap: Hotels cost around ₹800–₹1,000. Local meals and snacks are also very affordable.
- Must-see: Market Square, Lviv Chocolate Factory, and Lviv Opera House.
- My experience: I joined a chocolate-tasting tour that cost just ₹250. I tasted everything from dark to spicy chocolate. Yum!
10. Tirana, Albania
Tirana is one of the most colourful and laid-back cities I’ve been to. The buildings are painted in bright colors, and the atmosphere is fun and casual.
- Why it’s cheap: Dorms and budget hotels cost ₹800–₹1,200. Café meals are often under ₹300.
- Must-see: Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art Museum, and Dajti Mountain.
- My experience: I rode a cable car to the top of the mountain, had coffee with a view, and smiled the whole way down.
Bonus Tips for a Budget Trip to Europe
Traveling cheaply isn’t just about the destination — it’s about how you plan too. Here are some tips I learned:
1. Travel in the off-season
Avoid traveling in summer (June–August) when prices are high. Try visiting in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) instead. You’ll save money and enjoy fewer crowds.
2. Use budget airlines
Flights within Europe can be very cheap with airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet. I once flew from Italy to Hungary for just ₹900!
3. Stay in hostels or guesthouses
You don’t need fancy hotels. Hostels often have clean rooms, lockers, and even free breakfast. I made many friends this way.
4. Eat like a local
Skip fancy restaurants. Try local markets, bakeries, or street food. It’s cheaper and often tastier!
5. Walk or use public transport
Many European cities are best explored on foot. Also, buses, trams, and metros are affordable. I once explored an entire city for ₹100 using a 24-hour travel pass.
6. Visit free attractions
Museums, parks, historic streets, and churches — many are free to enter or have discounts for students.
How It Feels to Travel Cheaply in Europe
Some people think that low-budget travel means missing out. But I can say from experience it doesn’t! In fact, traveling on a budget helped me see the real Europe. I stayed in family-run places, ate homemade food, and heard stories from locals.
I remember one evening in Porto, Portugal, sitting beside an old man playing the guitar. He offered me a glass of local wine and asked about my journey. We didn’t even speak the same language, but we laughed and shared stories with gestures. That moment didn’t cost a rupee but it was priceless.
How to eat cheap in europe?
In many European countries like France, Portugal, Poland, and Germany, local bakeries are everywhere. They are great places to start your day with something warm and fresh. One morning in Lisbon, Portugal, I bought a hot croissant and a cup of coffee for just €2.50. It was simple, tasty, and filling. Most bakeries also sell sandwiches, pies, and other snacks for low prices. If you want to save more, you can ask for the “breakfast combo,” which is often cheaper than what cafés offer.
During lunch, you can look for the “menu of the day” in countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece. It’s a fixed-price meal that includes a starter, a main dish, and sometimes even dessert or a drink. I once had a full meal in Barcelona with soup, grilled fish, a small cake, and juice for only €10. It was delicious and much cheaper than dinner. So, it’s a good idea to make lunch your main meal.
To save even more, I often visited supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, or Tesco especially while I was in Hungary. I bought simple items like bread, cheese, fruit, and snacks for just a few euros. Sometimes I made sandwiches and ate them in a park. Many supermarkets in Europe also sell ready-to-eat meals like wraps, pasta, and salads for €3–€5.
Street food is another great option. One of my favorite meals was in Poland where I tried pierogi (dumplings) from a small street stall for only €3. In Greece, I had a delicious gyros wrap for just €2.50. Street food is fun, affordable, and gives you a taste of the local culture. Just make sure the stall looks clean and has local people waiting in line—it’s usually a good sign!
If you stay in a hostel, look for one with a shared kitchen. While I was in Vienna, Austria, I cooked pasta with tomato sauce and vegetables that cost less than €4. It was fun to cook with other travelers and share meals. Hostels often have free shelves where people leave extra food like rice, pasta, or spices, which you can use too.
Also, don’t waste money on bottled water. Europe has clean and safe tap water, especially in places like Germany, Austria, and Sweden. I carried a reusable water bottle and refilled it wherever I could, including in public fountains or cafés.
In many cities like Budapest and Sofia, I visited local markets where I found cheap fruits, nuts, and snacks. I kept bananas or apples in my bag for quick bites during the day. A good trick is to go near closing time when sellers offer discounts.
Sometimes I went to fast food chains like McDonald’s or Subway, especially in the Czech Republic. Meals were usually around €5–€6. But honestly, I enjoyed local food more—it was cheaper and felt special.
In Estonia, I found a university canteen that allowed visitors. I had a simple but yummy meal of mashed potatoes, vegetables, and chicken for just €2.50. Some universities have food courts where anyone can eat, so it’s worth checking.
And of course, don’t forget dessert! Every country has its own sweet treats that are cheap and tasty. I tried pastel de nata in Portugal, trdelník in the Czech Republic, and baklava in Greece. Each cost just €1–€2 and made my day a little sweeter.
Conclusion
Europe isn’t just for the rich or the luxury traveler. With a little planning and an adventurous heart, you can explore castles, coastlines, cafes, and culture all on a student budget.
So if you’re dreaming of Europe, don’t wait. Start small. Choose smart. Travel slow. Whether you’re walking through the old streets of Krakow or sipping coffee in Sofia, you’ll feel the magic of Europe one affordable moment at a time.
FAQ
Q1. What are the cheapest countries to visit in Europe?
Some of the cheapest countries are Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, and Portugal. These places offer good food, affordable hotels, and low-cost attractions.
Q2. Is it safe to travel to these budget-friendly countries?
Yes, most of these countries are safe for tourists. Like any place, it’s important to take normal travel precautions—avoid unsafe areas at night and keep your valuables safe.
Q3. Can I travel around Europe on a small budget?
Yes! You can travel by bus or train, stay in hostels or budget hotels, eat local street food, and visit free attractions like museums, beaches, and parks.
Q4. What is the best time to travel to save money?
The best time is during the off-season:
- Spring (March–May)
- Autumn (September–November)
Flights and hotels are cheaper, and places are less crowded.
Q5. Which European cities are cheap and beautiful?
Some great and affordable cities include:
- Krakow (Poland)
- Budapest (Hungary)
- Sofia (Bulgaria)
- Lisbon (Portugal)
- Sarajevo (Bosnia)
Q6. How can I find cheap flights to Europe?
Use websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak. Book your flight early and be flexible with dates to get the best deals.
Q7. Are hostels safe for students or solo travelers?
Yes. Hostels are safe and budget-friendly. They often have lockers for your things and common rooms to meet other travelers.
Q8. What kind of food can I eat on a low budget?
Try local food from street vendors or small cafés. In many countries, you can get a full meal for under €5–€10. Supermarkets also sell ready-to-eat meals.
Q9. Can I use public transport easily in these countries?
Yes! Most European cities have buses, trams, and metro trains that are easy to use and very affordable for tourists.
Q10. Do I need a visa to travel to these places?
If you are from India or another non-European country, you may need a Schengen visa. Always check visa rules before planning your trip.
