Is a European vacation actually expensive, or are we just looking in the wrong places?
For travelers from the US, Canada, or Australia, the dream of a “City of Light” getaway often comes with a nightmare price tag. But here’s a secret the locals won’t tell you: you can get that grand architecture, rich history, and riverside dining for half the price if you head East (and a bit South).
If you want to live like royalty on a backpacker’s budget, stop chasing the Eiffel Tower and start exploring these 5 budget-friendly European destinations that deliver 100% of the charm for 50% of the cost.
1. Budapest, Hungary: The “Paris of the East”
Budapest isn’t just an alternative; it’s a rival. Split by the Danube River, it offers the same romantic bridges and grand boulevards as Paris, but with a gritty, “ruin bar” edge.
- Why it feels like Paris: The neo-Gothic Parliament building and the riverside promenades are pure magic at sunset.
- The Budget Win: Hungary uses the Forint (HUF), meaning your dollar or Euro stretches much further.
- Cost Hack: Airbnbs in the off-season start at just $25/night. Skip the expensive hotel spas and head to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths—a massive outdoor palace of hot water for around €20.
- Local Tip: Grab a traditional Goulash in the Central Market Hall for under €10.
2. Krakow, Poland: Gothic Romance & Pierogi
If your idea of Paris is cobblestone streets and medieval history, Krakow is your soulmate. The Stare Miasto (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a fairytale.
- Why it feels like Paris: Intricate cathedrals (like St. Mary’s Basilica) and a vibrant arts scene.
- The Budget Win: A Krakow Card (€30 for 3 days) gives you unlimited public transport and entry to 36 museums.
- Must-Do: Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines (an underground cathedral carved entirely of salt!) and the historic Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) for hipster cafes and cheap eats.
- Safety Tip: For solo female travelers, check out NomadSister (SisterHome) a community of local hostesses offering safe, free stays.
3. Seville, Spain: Sunshine, Tapas, and Alcázars
Paris has the Louvre, but Seville has the Real Alcázar. This Andalusian gem replaces Parisian rain with 300 days of sun and a “frenzy” of Flamenco.
- Why it feels like Paris: Grand plazas (Plaza de España) and world-class architecture.
- The Budget Win: Tapas culture! Instead of a €40 sit-down dinner, hop between bars for €3 plates of local delicacies.
- Cost Hack: Visit the Mezquita (Cathedral-Mosque) in nearby Cordoba between 8:30–9:30 AM for free entry, saving you €11.
- Stay: Youth hostels here are high-end and rarely exceed €30/night.
4. Sibiu & Cluj-Napoca, Romania: Transylvanian Hidden Gems
Romania is Europe’s best-kept budget secret. In cities like Sibiu, the houses literally have “eyes” (unique attic windows), and the medieval spirit is alive and well.
- Why it feels like Paris: The National Theatre in Cluj and the Parisian-inspired architecture in the “Little Paris” districts.
- The Budget Win: Romania is incredibly cheap. A hearty 3-course meal (meat, cheese, and wine) will set you back about €8–€12.
- Don’t Miss: The Bridge of Lies in Sibiu. Legend says if you tell a lie on it, the bridge will crack!
- Nightlife: In Cluj, cocktails are roughly €4, making it one of the most affordable party cities in Europe.
5. Clermont-Ferrand, France: The “Authentic” French Alternative
If you must stay in France but want to avoid Paris prices, head to the Auvergne region. Clermont-Ferrand is built from black volcanic stone and surrounded by sleeping volcanoes.
- Why it feels like Paris: It is France! You get the high-end cheese and wine without the “tourist tax.”
- The Budget Win: It’s a road-tripper’s paradise. Rent a bike or car and explore the Puy de Dôme for breathtaking views.
- The Food: Try Truffade (potatoes, garlic, and fresh tomme cheese). A massive serving costs about €18 and will keep you full for two days!
- Stay: This region has the most SisterHome hostesses, making it perfect for solo travelers looking for a local connection.
Europe Budget Comparison (Estimated Daily Costs)
| City | Meal (Local) | Hostel/Stay | Beer/Wine |
| Paris | €25+ | €60+ | €8 |
| Budapest | €10 | €25 | €2.50 |
| Krakow | €8 | €18 | €3 |
| Cluj-Napoca | €7 | €20 | €2 |
Ready to Start Exploring?
You don’t need a fortune to experience the “Old World” magic of Europe. By stepping off the beaten path and into cities like Krakow or Sibiu, you save enough money to travel five times a year instead of once every five years.
Since Budapest is often called the “Paris of the East” and offers the best balance of grand architecture and budget-friendly prices, I’ve designed a 3-Day “Budapest The Ultimate Budget Itinerary for the Hungarian capital.
3 Days in Budapest: The Ultimate Budget Itinerary
Day 1: Pest Side — Grand Boulevards & Ruin Bars
- Morning: St. Stephen’s Basilica & Parliament. Start at the Basilica. It’s free to enter (though a small donation is encouraged). To get that “Parisian View,” pay the 1000 HUF ($3) to climb the dome. Then, walk to the Parliament Building—it’s the 3rd largest in the world and stunning for photos.
- Lunch: Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok). Head to the second floor. Grab a Lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese) for about $4–$5. It’s the ultimate local street food.
- Afternoon: Jewish Quarter & Street Art. Wander through District VII. It’s packed with history and murals. Visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial at sunset for a moving, free experience.
- Evening: Ruin Bar Hopping. You can’t visit Budapest without going to Szimpla Kert. It’s an abandoned factory turned into a quirky bar. A local beer will cost you about $2.50–$3.
Day 2: Buda Side — Fairytales & Thermal Baths
- Morning: Fisherman’s Bastion & Buda Castle. Cross the iconic Chain Bridge. Walk up the hill (skip the expensive funicular!) to Fisherman’s Bastion. It looks like a Disney castle and offers the best free views of the city.
- Lunch: Ruszwurm Confectionery. This is one of the oldest bakeries in Europe. Grab a slice of Krémes (custard cake) for around $3. It’s a royal experience for pocket change.
- Afternoon: The “Spa” Experience. Head to Széchenyi Thermal Baths or Gellért Baths. Admission is around $20–$25, but you can stay all day. It’s the height of European luxury without the luxury price tag.
- Evening: Riverside Picnic. Buy a bottle of Hungarian wine (Tokaji) and some snacks from a local supermarket (like Spar) for under $10 and sit by the Danube to watch the city lights come on.
Day 3: Hidden Gems & Underground History
- Morning: City Park & Heroes’ Square. Explore the massive Heroes’ Square and walk through Vajdahunyad Castle (the courtyards are free). It feels like stepping back into the 18th century.
- Lunch: Authentic Goulash. Find a “Étkezde” (traditional canteen) like Kádár Étkezde. You can get a massive, hearty bowl of Goulash and bread for about $7.
- Afternoon: Margaret Island. Rent a “bringóhintó” (pedal car) or just walk through this island park in the middle of the river. It’s where the locals go to escape the noise.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner at a Ruin Restaurant. Head to Mazel Tov for a slightly “fancier” feeling dinner in a beautiful glass-roofed courtyard. Even here, a main course is usually under $15.
Budget Breakdown (Estimated for 3 Days)
| Item | Cost (Euros) | Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation (Hostel/Cheap Airbnb) | €60 | $65 |
| Food & Drink (Local spots) | €55 | $60 |
| Activities (Baths + Museums) | €30 | $33 |
| Transport (Walking + 72hr Travel Pass) | €13 | $14 |
| TOTAL | €158 | $172 |
