If we had a dollar for every time we forgot to calculate the foreign currency exchange rate for our getaways to Europe, we’d have about 90 cents.
Unfortunately for American travelers, the US Dollar is not as strong as the Euro right now. That means that for every George Washington you drop, you’ll get back a few coins less.
But that doesn’t mean you’re going to be shortchanged with a visit in 2023.
You can still embrace Europe’s magnificence without making your bank account balance disappear. These are our picks for the best European cities and vacation spots for budget-travelers this year.
Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe in 2023
Island Time On A Dime
Instead of blowing your bank account on a summer trip to Spain’s islands, consider an off-season trip to Malta. The temperatures may cool a bit between October and March, but so do prices on this Mediterranean island.
Rethink the Typical Holiday Hat Trick
The Budapest-Vienna-Prague vacation is well-worth the price, though you and your social media feed will have just as vibrant memories when visiting the Baltics. Riga, Latvia, Tallinn, Estonia, and Vilnius, Lithuania, have oodles of history, nature, and cuisine to explore.
Save Money Seeing The Alps
Switzerland offers absolutely priceless views of the Alps that are actually quite expensive. Meanwhile, Slovenia’s got the same front-row view for peanuts. Get your hiking and skiing on in the cheap in the Slovenian Alps this year.
Explore a Different Country’s Culture For Cheap
Save the Italian itinerary for a different trip and instead look across the Adriatic Sea at what Croatia offers. From the medieval walls of Dubrovnik to the quaint villages in Split, Croatia is one place your cash will go far.
What European City is Cheapest to Visit
It’s easy to thin your wallet in capital cities like London and Paris without even splurging. Technically, any European city can be cheap if you’re willing to sacrifice comfort, convenience, and the coolest things to do.
However, If you’re trying to stretch your dollar while still experiencing the rich history, culture, and cuisine of a capital city, plot these places on your map:
- Athens beats Rome for the price and delivers equally exciting history.
- Bucharest has lots of French influence plus cheaper eclairs than Paris.
- Budapest will treat you to a more affordable riverside vacation than Prague.
- Lisbon has delicious cuisine that rivals budget-breaking Barcelona.
- Sofia is as walkable as Brussels yet nowhere near as taxing on your wallet.
How to do Europe on a budget
Here are a few Europe budget tips to pinch your pennies and pence while visiting any city.
- Swap the hotel for an Airbnb or a hostel. Many hostels have private rooms and private bathrooms.
- Eat like a local outside of the city center. Don’t be afraid to grab a quick bite at a pizza or fast food joint if necessary, too.
- Research specific costs in advance. For instance, how much a museum ticket costs, and see if there are any city passes available that save you money on attractions and activities.
- Don’t try to do it all. Rushing through your vacation will have you spending more for potentially a more stressed or unfulfilling experience.
- Spend money on you, not your followers. If the only reason you’re paying for a Louvre admission ticket is to post a pic of the Mona Lisa on your socials, put your wallet back in your pocket.
Trainline’s Tips for Cheap Train Travel in Europe
Save even more when you discover the value of choosing a train over a plane or rental car.
- Investigate Eurail and other passes to see how you can get unlimited train travel for a low price.
- Compare route options within a city to see if it’s cheaper to hail taxis and rideshares or purchase a metro pass.
- Remember that “low-cost” airlines often charge baggage fees while you’re not paying for checked luggage on a train.
- Look at prices for night trains and compare the cost of a sleeper car to a night in a hotel.
- Consider a first-class ticket that comes with meal service or stick with second-class and bring your own food to enjoy.
- Download the Trainline app to find the cheapest routes, purchase tickets at their lowest price available, and spend less of your foreign currency at the station.