To no surprise, London, Paris, and Barcelona are not Europe’s cheapest destinations.
With a name like Travel Off Path, sometimes you have to do just that to save the big bucks.
A new U.K. based report unveiled explicit details as far as pricing goes, listing 4 underrated cities that are well worth your while for an affordable Euro-trip.
Some trendy, some lesser-known, and one being one of Europe’s all-time biggest comeback stories, all of them are vibrant, cultural, and very under-hyped.
I’ve had the fortune of visiting a couple of them, and already have the other pair on my wishlist — not only to stretch my budget on my next globetrotting jaunt, but to experience more authentic cities without the fluff of Europe’s icons.
Ready to save? Let’s dive in:
PLUS: We’ve built an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find out which one is your perfect match!
4) Belgrade, Serbia
As a former capital of Yugoslavia, you might think Serbia’s capital is drab and stale, but I was blown away in my brief stopover in Belgrade.
Yeah, you have to get used to cigarette smoke at seemingly every restaurant, but wandering the gritty yet grand streetscape couldn’t have been more refreshing for a sense of discovery.
I can attest that Belgrade is cheap. It doesn’t matter if it’s your hotel, a local beer, or a taste of back home at Mickey D’s, you won’t go broke enjoying a city break here, which is one of many reasons why digital nomads in particular love it.
Another reason is safety. Long gone are the days of Belgrade being defined by 1990’s headlines.
Travelers currently give Serbia a safety score of 86/100 on our Safety Index, though I will say Belgrade is the only place in all my travels where I’ve been randomly stopped by the police just to check my passport.
A bit sketchy, no?
Per our sources, here’s a rundown of common prices you can in Belgrade:
- Coffee: $3.35
- Beer: $4.72
- Museum: $8.77
- 2-night stay: $193.49
While you’re planning out logistics, you might as well double-check travel alerts and entry requirements for your trip.
3) Tirana, Albania
Another capital I’ve had the pleasure of visiting is Tirana, but full disclosure: the real highlight was the country next door.
Tirana is very underrated, especially if you’re a foodie.
Think Athens-style menus without the touristy prices, plus plentiful cafes where you can sip espresso with Mount Dajti in view and calls to prayer echoing in the background.
While this is another city digital nomads love for its safety and affordability across the board, Tirana’s real purpose, if we’re being honest, is a springboard to either Albania’s phenomenal coastline or to one of my favorite all-time destinations, Ohrid, North Macedonia — an easy bus ride away, and well worth it.
Travelers are currently giving safety scores of 83/100 for Albania:
Per our sources, here’s a rundown of common prices you can in Tirana:
- Coffee: $2.89
- Beer: $5.19
- Museum: $6.76
- 2-night stay: $172.00
2) Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is one of Europe’s unsung capitals for a myriad of reasons — one being you can Bucha-rest easy thanks to its thermal spas and leafy parks.
While some of its communist-era edges still show — or charm, depending on your appetite for concrete — overall, Bucharest is a delight to visit.
Whether you’re indulging in papanasi, a traditional fried donut to kickstart your day with a sugar rush, or wandering past architectural eye candy you didn’t expect, or taking a train ride out to hush-hush locales like Sinaia, this city is one of Europe’s easiest to plan out and stay long-term without busting your budget.
Little-known budget airline HiSky intended to make Bucharest so much more accessible for Americans with an exciting new Chicago-Bucharest route set for June 2026, but ultimately canceled.
However, they do still serve JFK, so East Coasters can still reach Bucharest with ease and be welcomed by a slightly Old Town, immaculate castles reminiscent of Dracula’s lair, grand boulevards, and cafe-lined streets that still feel wildly unknown.
Travelers are currently giving safety scores of 90/100 for Romania:
Per our sources, here’s a rundown of common prices you can in Bucharest:
- Coffee: $2.96
- Beer: $3.84
- Museum: $9.45
- 2-night stay: $198.87
1) Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
One of Europe’s most storied cities — for both better and worse — there’s no denying its insanely cheap and one of the continent’s best-kept secrets, not only for its historical significance, but for stunning nature, cafe culture, and fascinating East-meets-West atmosphere with a mish-mash of cultures, including Orthodox Serbs, Catholic Croats and Muslims.
Sarajevo can be a tear-jerker if you visit its captivating museums covering the Siege of Sarajevo and Bosnian War, but it can also feel like a celebration of resilience, with a maze of bazaars, cozy coffee houses, and plates of ćevapi that cost less than your morning Americano back home.
What makes Sarajevo especially special is how quickly the city changes around you — one minute it feels like an old-world bazaar, the next it looks like a grand European capital.
Travelers are currently giving safety scores of 85/100 for Bosnia & Herzegovina:
Per our sources, here’s a rundown of common prices you can in Sarajevo:
- Coffee: $2.31
- Beer: $3.31
- Museum: $6.60
- 2-night stay: $210.76
Now take this quiz to find your perfect budget escape!
