Europe is often seen as an expensive travel destination, but that’s only half the story. While cities like Paris, London, and Zurich can stretch your budget, many parts of Europe remain beautiful, culturally rich, and surprisingly affordable.
If you choose the right countries, you can enjoy historic cities, stunning landscapes, local cuisine, and comfortable stays without overspending. These destinations are perfect for first-time Europe travelers, budget-conscious explorers, and smart planners.
1. Albania
Albania is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. With turquoise beaches, Ottoman-era towns, and low daily costs, it offers a Mediterranean experience at a fraction of Western Europe’s prices.
What makes it affordable
Budget hotels and guesthouses widely available
Very affordable local food and transport
Beaches cheaper than Greece or Italy
Top places to visit
Ksamil & Saranda (Ionian coast)
Berat (UNESCO old town)
Gjirokastër
- Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
How to reach
Fly to Tirana International Airport (TIA)
No direct flights from India; connect via Istanbul, Rome, or Vienna
2. Hungary
Hungary delivers grand European architecture, thermal baths, and river cruises without the high price tag. Budapest feels luxurious but remains budget-friendly.
What makes it affordable
Low-cost public transport and trains
Affordable hotels, guesthouses, and dining
Many attractions and heritage sites with minimal or no entry fees
Top Places to Visit
Budapest – Parliament, Buda Castle & thermal baths
Eger – Historic town and wine region
Szentendre – Artistic riverside town
Lake Balaton – Popular lakeside retreat
Pécs – UNESCO-listed heritage sites
How to Reach
Fly to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
One-stop flights from India via Doha, Istanbul, Dubai, Vienna, or Frankfurt
Well-connected rail & road network for travel within Hungary
3. Poland
Poland combines deep history, beautiful old towns, and modern cities all at very reasonable prices. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy culture and meaningful experiences.
What makes it affordable
Low accommodation and food costs
Cheap intercity trains
Excellent value museums and attractions
Top places to visit
Kraków Old Town
Auschwitz Memorial
Warsaw city center
How to reach
Fly to Krakow (KRK) or Warsaw (WAW)
One-stop connections via Frankfurt, Munich, Istanbul, or Doha
4. Romania
Romania feels like stepping into a fairytale medieval towns, castles, mountains, and untouched countryside while staying extremely budget-friendly.
What makes it affordable
Low hotel and food prices
Cheap scenic train journeys
Low entry fees for attractions
Top places to visit
Transylvania
Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)
Brașov Old Town
How to reach
Fly to Bucharest (OTP)
One-stop flights via Istanbul, Vienna, or Munich
5. Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers a mix of ancient cities, monasteries, mountains, and beaches making it one of Europe’s best-value destinations.
What makes it affordable
Very low accommodation and food costs
Cheap domestic transport
Excellent value cultural sites
Top places to visit
Plovdiv Old Town
Rila Monastery
Sofia city
Black Sea coast
How to reach
Plan your Europe Trips with Experts
Planning a European trip is not just about choosing destinations, it’s about getting the logistics, timing, and experiences right.
At Polar Routes Holidays, we specialize in well-planned Europe itineraries that balance:
Budget & comfort
Smart flight routes
Handpicked hotels
Real on-ground experience (not just online prices)
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly Europe tour, a customized itinerary, or a multi-country trip, our team ensures your journey works smoothly from start to finish.
How to Contact us:
Website: www.polarroutes.co.in
Email: holidays@polarroutes.co.in
WhatsApp / Call: +91 99968 60876
Why Book with Polar Routes Holidays
Europe specialists with real destination knowledge
Transparent pricing & no hidden costs
Personalized planning instead of one-size-fits-all packages
Dedicated support before and during your trip
No. Albania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. Accommodation, food, transport, and sightseeing costs are significantly lower than in Western Europe.
Yes, Indian passport holders generally need a visa. However, Albania allows visa-free entry during certain months if you hold a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa. Always check the latest visa rules before travel.
The best time to visit Albania is April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are fewer.
