7 Surprisingly Cheap Cities in Eastern Europe for an Unforgettable Budget Adventure (2025 Guide)

Introduction: Why Eastern Europe is a Budget Traveler’s Paradise

For too long, the dream of a European vacation has been synonymous with draining your savings account. Images of overpriced coffees in Paris, eye-watering hotel bills in London, and expensive museum tickets in Rome have deterred countless travelers.

But what if I told you there’s a part of Europe where the charm is abundant, the history is rich, the food is delectable, and the prices feel like a delightful step back in time?

Welcome to Eastern Europe, the budget traveler’s not-so-secret weapon.

Forget everything you think you know. Eastern Europe is a mosaic of captivating cultures, stunning architecture from Gothic spires to Communist blocks, warm hospitality, and landscapes that range from pristine beaches to rugged mountains. And the best part? Your dollar, pound, or euro stretches incredibly far.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll count down the 7 cheapest cities in Eastern Europe that should be at the top of your travel list. For each city, we’ll provide a sample 7-day budget itinerary and a detailed cost breakdown so you can plan your adventure with confidence. Let’s dive in and unlock the incredible value of Eastern Europe.

What Makes a City “Cheap”? Our Methodology

Before we begin our countdown, it’s important to define “cheap.” For this list, we considered the average daily costs for a budget-conscious traveler. This includes:

Accommodation: A bed in a highly-rated hostel dorm or a budget private room.
Food: A mix of self-catering (market groceries), cheap local eats, and the occasional sit-down restaurant meal.
Transport: Affordable and efficient public transportation within the city.
Activities: Mainly free activities (walking tours, parks, churches) and a few key paid attractions.
Inter-city Travel: Budget bus or train travel between these destinations.

With that in mind, let’s meet our contenders for the title of Eastern Europe’s most budget-friendly cities.

The 7 Cheapest Cities in Eastern Europe for Your Next Trip

1. Kyiv, Ukraine: The Resilient Capital of Spirit and Value

(A note on travel: Always check your government’s travel advisories for the latest safety information regarding Ukraine.)

Kyiv is a city of golden-domed cathedrals, vast Soviet-era architecture, and a profound sense of history and resilience. It’s a city that is both ancient and vibrantly modern, offering unbelievable value for intrepid travelers.

Why it’s cheap: Despite current events, for travelers who can visit, the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) offers exceptional value against major currencies. Meals, transport, and accommodation are among the most affordable in all of Europe.

Must-See Attractions:

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves): A stunning monastery complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Saint Sophia’s Cathedral: Another UNESCO site, famous for its beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti): The heart of modern Kyiv and a site of huge historical significance.
Walk along Khreshchatyk Street: The city’s main artery, perfect for people-watching.

7 Days Budget Itinerary for Kyiv

Day 1: Arrive, settle into your hostel. Evening walk to Maidan Nezalezhnosti and Khreshchatyk Street.
Day 2: Deep dive into history at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (allow 4-5 hours).
Day 3: Visit St. Sophia’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.
Day 4: Explore the quirky and thought-provoking Museum of Chernobyl.
Day 5: Take a walk through the beautiful Mariinskyi Park and see the Ukrainian Parliament building.
Day 6: Day trip to the charming city of Chernihiv or explore the modern art scene at PinchukArtCentre.
Day 7: Last-minute souvenir shopping at Andriivskyi Descent (a historic street with vendors) and depart.

Cost Breakdown for Kyiv (Per Person, Per Day)

Budget Hostel Dorm: 400 UAH ($10)
Meals (Mix of cooking & eating out): 600 UAH ($15) – Think: Borscht, varenyky (dumplings), chicken Kyiv.
Public Transport (Metro/Bus): 100 UAH ($2.50)
One Paid Attraction/Activity: 200 UAH ($5)
Miscellaneous (Coffee, Snacks): 200 UAH ($5)
TOTAL PER DAY: ~1500 UAH (~$37.50 USD)

2. Belgrade, Serbia: The gritty, gritty, party capital on the Danube

Belgrade (“White City”) is raw, energetic, and cool. It’s a city where Austro-Hungarian architecture meets brutalist concrete, and where the nightlife—particularly its famous splavovi (river barges)—is legendary. It’s a city that never sleeps and is incredibly kind to your wallet.

Why it’s cheap: Serbia is not in the EU and uses the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Prices for food, drink, and entertainment are very low compared to Western standards.

Must-See Attractions:

Belgrade Fortress & Kalemegdan Park: Offers stunning views over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.
Skadarlija: Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, with cobbled streets and traditional kafanas (taverns).
Saint Sava Temple: One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, breathtaking in scale.
Explore Savamala: The city’s trendy, gritty creative district.

7 Days Budget Itinerary for Belgrade

Day 1: Arrive, check in. Evening stroll to the Belgrade Fortress for sunset.
Day 2: Explore the fortress and Kalemegdan Park in depth. Visit the military museum.
Day 3: Wander through Skadarlija and have a cheap lunch at a traditional kafana.
Day 4: Be awestruck by the grandeur of Saint Sava Temple.
Day 5: Take a free walking tour to learn about Belgrade’s complex history.
Day 6: Museum day – choose between the Nikola Tesla Museum or the Museum of Yugoslav History.
Day 7: Relax in Ada Ciganlija lake area or explore the Savamala district before departure.

Cost Breakdown for Belgrade (Per Person, Per Day)

Budget Hostel Dorm: 1500 RSD ($14)
Meals (Incredibly cheap eats): 1800 RSD ($17) – Try: Pljeskavica (Serbian burger), ćevapi, kajmak.
Public Transport: 250 RSD ($2.50)
One Paid Attraction/Activity: 500 RSD ($5)
Miscellaneous (Coffee, Rakija): 500 RSD ($5)
TOTAL PER DAY: ~4550 RSD (~$43.50 USD)

3. Sofia, Bulgaria: The Ancient City at the Foot of the Mountain

Sofia is one of Europe’s oldest cities, where Roman ruins sit beside Byzantine churches, which are a stone’s throw from Ottoman mosques and Soviet monuments. All of this is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Vitosha Mountain. It’s a history lover’s dream on a budget.

Why it’s cheap: Bulgaria is the poorest country in the EU, and the Lev (BGN) offers fantastic value. Public transport is exceptionally cheap, and you can eat like a king for very little.

Must-See Attractions:

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: The iconic symbol of Sofia, with its gold-plated domes.
Serdica Roman Complex: Ancient ruins visible under glass in the middle of the city metro station.
Vitosha Mountain: Take a short bus ride to the base for incredible hiking.
Boyana Church: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning medieval frescoes.

7 Days Budget Itinerary for Sofia

Day 1: Arrival. Walk the yellow brick road of the city center.
Day 2: See the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sophia Church, and the Russian Church.
Day 3: Dive into ancient history at the Serdica ruins and the History Museum.
Day 4: Take a day trip to Vitosha Mountain for hiking (summer) or skiing (winter).
Day 5: Visit the Boyana Church and the National Museum of History.
Day 6: Explore the quirky and free Museum of Socialist Art.
Day 7: Relax in Borisova Gradina park or visit the Central Market Hall before departing.

Cost Breakdown for Sofia (Per Person, Per Day)

Budget Hostel Dorm: 30 BGN ($16.50)
Meals (Fantastic value): 35 BGN ($19) – Must-eat: Shopska salad, banitsa, kebapche.
Public Transport (Entire network): 4 BGN ($2.20)
One Paid Attraction/Activity: 10 BGN ($5.50)
Miscellaneous: 10 BGN ($5.50)
TOTAL PER DAY: ~89 BGN (~$49 USD)

4. Kraków, Poland: The Fairy-Tale Royal Capital

Kraków is arguably Poland’s most beautiful city. Its impeccably preserved medieval core, the vast market square (Rynek Główny), the royal Wawel Castle, and its poignant proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau make it a essential and deeply moving destination. Luckily, it’s also very affordable.

Why it’s cheap: While more popular (and thus slightly more expensive) than others on this list, Poland’s Złoty (PLN) still offers great value, especially when you step away from the main square.

Must-See Attractions:

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): The largest medieval town square in Europe.
Wawel Royal Castle: The historic residence of Polish kings.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: A solemn and essential day trip.
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter): Now a vibrant district filled with cafes, bars, and history.

7 Days Budget Itinerary for Kraków

Day 1: Arrive, get lost in the Main Market Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica.
Day 2: Explore Wawel Hill: the Castle, Cathedral, and Dragon’s Den.
Day 3: Dedicated day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Day 4: Explore the history and trendy streets of the Kazimierz district.
Day 5: Visit the powerful Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum.
Day 6: Day trip to the breathtaking Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Day 7: Walk the Planty Park ring around the Old Town, last-minute souvenirs.

Cost Breakdown for Kraków (Per Person, Per Day)

Budget Hostel Dorm: 60 PLN ($15)
Meals (Pierogi!): 70 PLN ($17.50) – Eat: Pierogi, zapiekanka (in Kazimierz), bigos.
Public Transport: 8 PLN ($2)
One Paid Attraction/Activity: 25 PLN ($6)
Miscellaneous: 15 PLN ($4)
TOTAL PER DAY: ~178 PLN (~$44.50 USD)

Quick Highlights of Other Cheap Eastern

5. Bucharest, Romania: The “Little Paris of the East”European Gems

Vibe: Grand Belle Époque architecture mixed with colossal Communist-era buildings like the Palace of the Parliament.
Must-See: Palace of the Parliament (book ahead!), Lipscani historic district, Village Museum.
Daily Budget: ~$45-50 USD

6. Tbilisi, Georgia: The Crossroads of Europe and Asia

Vibe: A stunning blend of ancient, Soviet, and ultra-modern, set in a dramatic valley. Famous for incredible food and wine.
Must-See: Narikala Fortress, sulfur baths, Old Town, and day trip to the Caucasus Mountains.
Daily Budget: ~$35-40 USD (Exceptional value!)

7. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Where East Meets West

Vibe: A city where minarets and church steeples share the same skyline. A rich, complex history and heartbreaking recent past.
Must-See: Baščaršija (old bazaar), Latin Bridge, Tunnel of Hope museum, and try Bosnian coffee.
Daily Budget: ~$40 USD

How to Travel Between These Cheap Cities:

The beauty of Eastern Europe is its connectivity via ultra-low-cost buses and affordable trains.

Budget Airlines: For longer hops (e.g., from Poland to Georgia), keep an eye on airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair for sales.Budget Transport Tips

Buses: FlixBus is the dominant player, connecting almost all major cities. RegioJet (in Czechia and surrounding areas) is another excellent, comfortable option.

Trains: Often slower but a more scenic and authentic experience. Check national railway sites for schedules and prices. An Interrail pass can be good value if you’re planning extensive travel.

Final Thoughts and Your Next Steps

Eastern Europe shatters the myth that travel in Europe has to be expensive. It offers profound cultural experiences, deep history, and unforgettable adventures for a fraction of the cost of its western neighbors.

The seven cities we’ve explored—Kyiv, Belgrade, Sofia, Kraków, Bucharest, Tbilisi, and Sarajevo—are your gateway to this amazing region. Whether you’re drawn to the golden domes of Kyiv, the gritty energy of Belgrade, or the fairy-tale charm of Kraków, your budget will thank you.

Ready to start planning?

Check Visa Requirements: Ensure you know the entry requirements for your nationality.
Book in Advance: Especially for hostels and popular museums, a little planning saves money.
Learn a Few Phrases: Hello, please, thank you, and cheers in the local language go a long way!
Pack for All Seasons: Weather in this region can be unpredictable.
Get Travel Insurance: Always a smart investment for peace of mind.

Now, it’s your turn. Which of these cheap cities in Eastern Europe will be your first stop?

Take the help of our automatic itinerary maker for your first trip.