15 May 2023 | 4 mins
Overview
  1. Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹
  2. Himare, Albania 🇦🇱
  3. Valletta, Malta 🇲🇹
  4. Budva, Montenegro 🇲🇪
  5. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
  6. Antalya, Turkey 🇹🇷
  7. Krakow, Poland 🇵🇱

Sure, everyone wants to go to France, Greece, and Croatia, but their prices (especially in summer) will make you whimper. $100+ a night for a hostel? That's a big yikes.

But don't fear! There are tonnes of off-the-beaten-track European cities that offer just as much adventure, relaxation, delicious cuisines and fascinating culture and history. Here are seven European destinations that won't break the bank.

1. Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹

Fun fact, Porto is one of the oldest cities in Europe - the earliest evidence of settlers dating back 2000 years ago! 

Everywhere you turn in Porto is a postcard picture-worthy moment. With streets, museums, art galleries, theaters, even breathtaking bookstores, you'll be in awe 24/7. Portugal is also nice to visit year-round so no matter if it's hot girl summer or winter, you'll be able to enjoy the famous wine and food that Porto boasts about. It's also small enough to see in three days. 

 

2. Himare, Albania 🇦🇱

Think of Albania as the cheaper Greece. The beaches and bays are as stunning, yet you'll be able to eat out every meal without feeling guilty, stay at a bangin' hostel for chippies and do a boat tour full of snorkelling, cliff jumping, insane caves, and turquoise waters for $20.

Get to Himare before everyone realises how special this part of the world is! 

 

3. Valletta, Malta 🇲🇹

If you're looking for an Italian hot girl summer moment, lounging on the beach all day and eating pizza, but don't wanna fork out hundreds and hundreds of dollars, it's time to get Malta on your radar. This more affordable alternative will still fill your stomach up and tan your skin without emptying your bank account. 

 

4. Budva, Montenegro 🇲🇪 

Budva is a prime destination for beach lovers, thrillseekers and those looking for a Montenegrin escape. While most flock to Budva for its beautiful beaches, daredevils can go cliff-diving or paragliding for splendid aerial views of the Adriatic shore.

Whilst you're in Montenegro, 

 

5. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

Walking around Prague feels like you're strolling through a movie set. It's just magical.

And you know what else is magical about it? How affordable it is compared to other European capital cities! Hostels, pub crawls, museums, art galleries, and meals will be a million times less expensive than say, Paris or Rome.

Fun fact. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived here. (If you don't know who that is, he's a famous rapper. 😉😂)

 

6. Antalya, Turkey 🇹🇷

Antalya is such a unique destination - there's so much to see and explore, from ancient cities to secluded beaches, and it also has a unique history and cuisine (I literally went to a cafe that had live little turtles walking all around the tables. Iconic). On the whole, Turkey is a super affordable holiday destination and Antalya is a perfect start. 

 

7. Krakow, Poland 🇵🇱

Krakow is the perfect mix of historical sites, affordable restaurants, museums, tower climbs and boutique shops. It also promises a pretty wild night out, a night that won't cost you the price of Jesus' tears just to buy one drink. The prices of everything will begin to rise as everyone realises what a gem this city is, so get there fast before it's as exxy as London. 

 

Happy travels!