Exploring Europe’s capitals can be affordable — as long as you pick the right ones. While the big names like Paris, London, and Amsterdam can get pricey fast, plenty of other capitals deliver just as much history, architecture, and in some cases, an even better experience for a fraction of the cost. In a few of Europe’s lesser-visited capitals, $50 a day can cover accommodation, meals, and transportation, with enough left over for a few extras. Here are six picks that prove capital city travel doesn’t have to come with a capital price tag:
Athens, Greece
Athens might be one of Europe’s oldest capitals, but it’s also one of the best bargains. Often treated as a quick stopover for vacationers heading to or from the Greek islands, the city deserves more than just a rushed pass-through. You can find basic hotel rooms at prices that would barely get you a dorm bed in Western Europe, and generous portions of tavern meals at prices that feel like they are from decades ago. The city’s walkable center and robust metro make it easy to get around without spending much, and many of the famous sights can be enjoyed from the street for free.
Though if you’re going to pay for one attraction, it should be the Acropolis — fortunately, its $20 entry ticket also covers several nearby archaeological sites, making it one of the best-value sightseeing passes in Europe. Once you’re done exploring, neighborhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psyrri are packed with markets, cafés, and small shops where you can spend hours without spending much money. Last but not least, grab a gyro for a couple of euros, and end the day in a lively square with a glass of house wine that promises to both be delicious and not break the budget.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Just an hour from Vienna by train or bus, Bratislava feels like a different world when it comes to prices. The Old Town is full of beautiful pastel buildings, quirky statues down side alleyways, and cafés where your morning cup probably won’t top $2. Traditional Slovak food is filling — you’ll likely be served potato dumplings or a thick stew served in a bread bowl that will keep you full all day, making it easy to eat well on a small budget.
Better yet, many of the city’s highlights are completely free. You can climb up to Bratislava Castle for city-wide views over the Danube, wander along the riverside promenade, or head to the UFO Bridge for one of the most unique skylines in Europe. For history buffs, most museums and galleries are reasonably priced — but even if you just spend your trip wandering the cobblestone alleyways and hopping between the many sidewalk restaurants, you’re bound to soak up plenty of the city’s charm.
Tirana, Albania
Tirana is not only one of the cheapest capitals in Europe, but also one of the most surprising. While many travelers skip over it in favor of other Balkan cities or Albania’s stunning Adriatic coast, Tirana is not to be missed. Full of colorful architecture, a lively café culture, and a laid-back energy, it’s an easy place to settle in for a few days.
The city is compact enough to explore on foot, and the public bus system is cheap and easy to navigate if you want to venture farther out. You can find decent hotels and private guesthouse rooms for well under $25 per night, and even with a fair share of authentic Albanian food, the rest of your budget won’t feel stretched: Meals come in large portions and are often served alongside fresh salads and homemade bread, all typically for less than $10.
While Tirana doesn’t have one defining attraction, it makes up for it with its abundance of free museums, historic mosques, and welcoming atmosphere. The city can also serve as a base for visiting Durrës, Berat, and the surrounding mountains, all without straining your budget.
Riga, Latvia
Riga is one of the easiest capitals in Europe to work into a trip without wrecking your budget. The airport is a major hub for many budget airlines like airBaltic, Ryanair, and Norwegian Air, so it’s not unusual to find flights from other European cities for the price of a nice dinner elsewhere. Plus, the city is small enough that you can see the highlights in a single day, which makes it perfect for a cheap weekend trip or quick overnight pitstop — though you’ll probably want to stay longer.
If you’re planning a trip for late November through early January, even better, as Riga is home to one of Europe’s most charming and affordable Christmas markets. Dome Square fills with quaint wooden stalls that sell mulled wine, handmade crafts, and local specialties, all without the tourist up-charge you’ll find at many other markets in Germany or Poland.
Outside the holiday season, you can still get the full Riga experience without spending too much: most authentic meals cost less than $10, and accommodations won’t break the bank if you book in advance. Even on a budget, it’s a city that offers plenty to do on a budget without feeling like you’re missing out.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is another European capital where your money stretches much further than you’d expect. Hostel dorms can go for $20 to $25 a night, and a hearty meal of banitsa and shopska salad will often cost less than $5.
But what makes Sofia especially appealing for budget travelers is how much you can do for free. You can explore Roman ruins right in the city center, stroll through Borisova Gradina park, or join one of the many free daily walking tours that take you through centuries of the capital’s history in just a few hours. Even a side trip to the Rila Monastery or Vitosha Mountain can be done on a budget, making Sofia both a great base for exploring the rest of Bulgaria if you are planning an extended trip.
If you’ve spent time in some of Western Europe’s capitals, Sofia will be a breath of fresh air for your wallet — and you might find that you enjoy the laid-back pace, outdoor cafés on every corner, and busy outdoor street markets just as much, if not more. For travelers looking for a low-cost base that’s full of history and atmosphere, Sofia is hard to beat.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade has a reputation for being one of Europe’s most affordable capitals, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on things to do. Hostel beds can sometimes start around $10 a night, and if you want to splurge for a private room, you’ll still find plenty of options for under $30. Eating out is equally budget-friendly — from traditional cevapi to flaky burek, it’s easy to try all of the Serbian classics while only spending a few bucks at a time.
The city’s biggest draws don’t require a big budget, either. You can spend hours wandering around the Kalemegdan Fortress and its surrounding park, or take a stroll down Knez Mihailova — a pedestrian-only street known for shopping, although just sitting with a coffee and people-watching can be just as enjoyable. Public transport is cheap, and Belgrade’s central location within both Serbia and the Balkans makes it a great spot for taking day trips to other nearby towns, wine regions, and historic sites.
Final Thoughts:
If you choose the right destination, $50 a day is more than enough to cover your basics, get you in the door to a few memorable experiences, and still leave you with enough cash to splurge on dessert. Whether you’re planning a dedicated trip or tacking on a stop to a longer itinerary, these six capitals prove that budget travel doesn’t have to feel like a compromise.
