Must-Visit Affordable Cities in Eastern Europe

When people envision European travel, thoughts often leap to Parisian cafés, Roman ruins, or Amsterdam canals. But savvy travellers know that the real gems—and the real value—lie further east. Eastern Europe cities offer all the charm, culture, and cuisine of their western counterparts, often at a fraction of the cost.

In this guide, we’re spotlighting ten affordable destinations in Eastern Europe that promise authentic experiences, rich history, and unbeatable value. Whether you’re backpacking on a shoestring or planning a cultural getaway, these cities are proof that budget travel and breathtaking adventure can go hand in hand.

Why Eastern Europe?

Incredible Value for Money

From hostel dorms at €10 a night to gourmet meals for less than €8, these cities allow you to stretch your euros much further than in Western capitals.

Unique Culture and History

Many of these cities have shaken off decades of political turmoil to become vibrant hubs of art, innovation, and tourism—without losing their unique character.

Fewer Tourists, More Local Vibes

While still welcoming, these destinations generally see fewer crowds. That means more room to explore, better prices, and more authentic travel experiences.

1. Sofia, Bulgaria

Why Visit: Set against the backdrop of the Vitosha Mountains, Sofia combines Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and Communist architecture—all walkable within a few kilometres.

Budget Highlights:

• Free walking tours daily
• Public transport ticket: €0.80
• Traditional Bulgarian meals from €4

Must-Sees:

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Boyana Church (UNESCO site)
• Central Mineral Baths and market halls

Travel Tip: Use Sofia as a base for hiking in Vitosha or day trips to Rila Monastery.

2. Belgrade, Serbia

Why Visit: Energetic and edgy, Belgrade boasts an electric nightlife scene, historic fortresses, and a gritty, creative undercurrent.

Budget Highlights:

• Hostel dorms from €9
• Beer for under €2
• Riverfront bars on floating clubs (“splavovi”)

Must-Sees:

• Kalemegdan Fortress
• Skadarlija Bohemian Quarter
• Nikola Tesla Museum

Travel Tip: Buses connect you to Novi Sad and other Serbian gems for under €5.

3. Lviv, Ukraine

Why Visit: A UNESCO-listed city untouched by mass tourism, Lviv is a fairytale of cobbled streets, coffee houses, and quirky themed cafés.

Budget Highlights:

• Meals for €3–€5
• Coffee culture is both rich and affordable
• Accommodation from €10 per night

Must-Sees:

• Rynok Square
• High Castle Park
• Lviv Chocolate Factory

Travel Tip: While Ukraine’s situation is evolving, Lviv has remained relatively safe and open to visitors—always check current travel advisories.

4. Tirana, Albania

Why Visit: With its pastel-painted buildings and mountain backdrop, Tirana is a fusion of Mediterranean warmth and Balkan eccentricity.

Budget Highlights:

• Coffee culture that rivals Italy—for €1 a cup
• Hostel beds from €8
• Traditional dishes like tavë kosi for €3–€5

Must-Sees:

• Bunk’Art Museum (in a Cold War-era bunker)
• Skanderbeg Square
• Mount Dajti cable car

Travel Tip: Use Tirana as a starting point for budget-friendly beach trips to the Albanian Riviera.

5. Kraków, Poland

Why Visit: Though increasingly popular, Kraków remains a bargain for those who plan ahead. The Old Town is stunning, and the food scene punches well above its price point.

Budget Highlights:

• Student discounts galore
• Meals at traditional “milk bars” for under €4
• Many museums offer free entry on specific days

Must-Sees:

• Wawel Castle
• Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
• Day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Travel Tip: Poland has excellent public transport—bus to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains for €3–€5.

6. Skopje, North Macedonia

Why Visit: Surreal architecture, a lively bazaar, and statues galore make Skopje a budget traveller’s dream.

Budget Highlights:

• Ridiculously cheap eats (grilled meats, pastries, and rakija)
• Bus ride across town: less than €0.60
• Museums charge just a couple of euros

Must-Sees:

• Stone Bridge and Old Bazaar
• Millennium Cross (via cable car)
• Matka Canyon

Travel Tip: Take a day trip to Lake Ohrid—one of Europe’s oldest and most pristine lakes.

7. Bucharest, Romania

Why Visit: A surprising mix of Belle Époque grandeur and brutalist beauty, Bucharest is Romania’s misunderstood capital—with a low cost of living and high character.

Budget Highlights:

• Free walking tours and museum discounts
• Local wine and food at bargain prices
• Hostel dorms from €10

Must-Sees:

• Palace of the Parliament
• Old Town Lipscani
• Village Museum

Travel Tip: Take the train to Transylvania—Brasov and Sibiu are scenic, affordable, and hauntingly beautiful.

8. Riga, Latvia

Why Visit: As the largest of the Baltic capitals, Riga is known for its Art Nouveau buildings, thriving café culture, and buzzing markets.

Budget Highlights:

• Central Market food stalls are cheap and delicious
• Free guided tours available
• Buses to Tallinn and Vilnius for under €15

Must-Sees:

• House of the Blackheads
• Riga Cathedral
• Spikeri creative quarter

Travel Tip: Riga is great for digital nomads—co-working cafes abound and Wi-Fi is everywhere.

9. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Why Visit: A cultural crossroads where East meets West, Sarajevo is fascinating, hospitable, and heartbreakingly beautiful.

Budget Highlights:

• Street food like cevapi and burek for €2–€3
• Inexpensive museum entry (Tunnel of Hope, War Childhood Museum)
• Coffee in a copper pot for less than €1.50

Must-Sees:

• Baščaršija (Old Bazaar)
• Latin Bridge (WWI history)
• Yellow Fortress viewpoint

Travel Tip: Hike up Trebević Mountain for sweeping views and abandoned bobsleigh tracks from the 1984 Winter Olympics.

10. Vilnius, Lithuania

Why Visit: Baroque charm, a bohemian spirit, and very reasonable prices make Vilnius a hidden gem in the Baltics.

Budget Highlights:

• Local food is hearty and cheap
• Hostel beds from €10
• Walking tours daily and low-cost public transit

Must-Sees:

• Gediminas Castle Tower
• Užupis (self-declared artist republic)
• Cathedral Square

Travel Tip: Consider a Vilnius Pass for discounts on attractions and transport.

Budget-Friendly Activities Across All Cities

• Free walking tours are available in nearly every city
• City cards (available in Kraków, Riga, Bucharest, and more) offer public transport and attraction discounts
• Regional buses and trains connect cities for less than €10
• Markets and bakeries offer delicious local fare at unbeatable prices

Key Takeaway

Eastern Europe cities deliver extraordinary experiences at a fraction of the cost of their Western neighbours. From architectural wonders to soul-stirring history, vibrant markets to tranquil lakesides, these affordable destinations prove that budget travel doesn’t mean compromising on culture, comfort, or quality.

Discover the East, Spend Less, Experience More

If you’re craving authentic culture, remarkable history, and world-class sights without the Western Europe price tag, Eastern Europe is your answer. Every city on this list offers not only exceptional value but also unique character and charm that linger long after you’ve returned home.

So pack light, stay curious, and head east—because some of Europe’s richest experiences come with the most reasonable price tags.