Last updated on June 14th, 2026
Greece, France, and Italy have been some of the most popular European destinations ever. Yet, travelers rarely look at the Eastern side of the continent, and that’s a shame. Not only are they beautiful, but the Eastern European countries are very affordable!
So, if you are looking for a cheap travel plan, here are some of the best cities in Eastern Europe that won’t drain your wallet.
Warsaw, Poland
Poland is one of those destinations you really have to focus on. This country has many cities worth exploring for weeks, but if your budget is tight and your time is limited, opt for Warsaw. As the capital of the country, it’s big and diverse. Small pubs, loud clubs, huge parks, and impressive art galleries are all waiting for you there.
At the same time, you can get a dorm bed in a hostel for under $15 per night. Hotel rooms and rentals can be more expensive, but still affordable. Public transportation is your best choice for budget traveling — less than $2 — and even a taxi from the train station is cheap. Try to shop in local grocery stores and cook instead of dining out to save even more. But if you really need to try the classic pierogi, it’ll cost just under $8 per big serving.
Before you arrive, consider minimizing the communication fees, too, as they can take a chunk of the travel budget. The best eSIM for Europe will do the trick.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is both affordable to travel to and live in, so it should undoubtedly be a part of your Eastern European tour. It’s full of attractions, but you don’t really have to stick to an itinerary. Prague is just beautiful in itself, so a daily walk will be enough to experience it. Both New Town and Old Town have their own hot spots, like the Prague Castle, parks, and modern coffee shops.
Remember to try the local food and drinks. One full meal will cost you around $7, including the iconic Czech beer.
Budapest, Hungary
The whole of Hungary is gorgeous, but make Budapest your next stop if you’re here for the first time. There’s always something to do here: the old town has the medieval charm with its castle and old streets, while the Pest boasts a ton of cool bars, restaurants, and shops. Grab a public transport pass or rent a bike if you don’t want to walk around — it’ll be cheap and insightful.
The best attractions in Budapest are also completely free of charge, so you can really enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia has a few coastal towns that are popular for a reason, but Zagreb is both affordable and pleasant for a short trip abroad. You can get a private room at a hostel or hotel for about $40, and the food is pretty inexpensive, too. You have to pay for popular attractions, but it’s not a lot. Your best bet would be to grab a global eSIM in advance to avoid roaming fees and go on a walking tour around the town, so you won’t get lost without an internet connection.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a fan favorite among many tourists. The city center there is pretty small, so you can walk around everywhere. However, it’s easy and affordable to rent bikes or scooters if you need to, which really cuts the budget. Using taxis can get expensive, so public transport is another cheap option to consider.
Simultaneously, there are a lot of unique places to wander. For example, you can get to the top of the Gediminas Castle Tower and look at the city from a new view or walk along the Neris River. In Lithuania, you can easily book an accommodation for about $40 and get a meal for under $10.
Tallinn, Estonia
There are many tourists in Tallinn. After all, it’s a port city, with many people coming and going every day. But under the layer of tourism, you will find one of the cheapest destinations in Eastern Europe to explore.
Hostels in the Old Town (which is the best for walking tours!) can cost about $20 per night, while meals are about $10. Tallinn has one of the best-preserved medieval town centers in the world, but it might be easier and cheaper to visit it outside the busy season.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Just like other destinations on this list, Ljubljana has a lot of free or cheap attractions, so it’s perfect for a budget trip. It’s also pretty small, so it’s possible to walk everywhere without grabbing taxis or even getting on public transport.
Food and drinks are affordable, too. You’ll pay under $15 for a simple bed in a hostel room. Make sure to visit Lake Bled if you’re in Ljubljana — it costs under $15 for a round trip on the local bus. The views are just breathtaking, and you will get a ton of beautiful pictures and great memories from that little road trip in Slovenia.
Your Eastern Europe Trip is All Set!
Europe is full of gems, and you don’t even have to spend much. Ignore the popular destinations like Greece and France for now, and take a look at Eastern Europe: Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and more are awaiting your visit. And imagine this — you won’t even break the bank when traveling there!
