7 Cheapest Cheapest Places to Stay in Europe Holiday in 2022 – Prices, Tickets, Accommodation

We’re talking about the Cheapest Places to Stay in Europe to travel to: where to fly inexpensively and how not to be bitten by the prices?

Europe is not just for fat wallets! We, yesterday’s students, were convinced of that – we’ll demonstrate it to you, reader. Europe is expensive for life (in the sense of permanent), but for a week-long trip may take pity and “rob” for only 30,000 rubles.

Cheapest Places to Stay in Europe – Where in Europe is the cheapest?

“Budget” and “Europe” – 0% compatibility. And it really is, if you hunt for 5* hotels and foie gras somewhere in France, Switzerland or Italy. But there are countries that can offer relatively inexpensive vacations for tourists.

It may or may not be a coincidence, but the cheapest countries in Europe are those where the euro as the national currency has not yet caught on:

1. Bulgaria,
2. Poland,
3. Romania,
4. Bulgaria,
5. Poland,
6. Romania,
7. Hungary.

This applies only to Eastern Europe. The northern part, for example, is also “non-european”, the sums are shocking. Montenegro, Spain and Finland are also contenders for the title of inexpensive destinations, but, of course, it cannot be compared with the above destinations.

Travel by tour or on your own?

Russian tourists are at a disadvantage, with the euro exchange rate over 80 and the cheap cities in Europe become just moderately priced. Here you not only think – on your own or on a trip – but in general, whether you dare 🙂 .

The rule of thumb that we have developed for the 30 countries we visited: it is cheaper to go on a tour, if the plans are one location and a specific purpose. For example, a beach holiday on the Costa Brava. “Self-tour” in that case will hit the wallet harder. And if the list of must-visit two or more countries / cities, it is better to show their organizational skills.

The season plays an important role. In summer, especially in July and August, with the influx of vacationers prices go up. In the autumn European cities are back to normal, and costs are significantly reduced. So in the same Spain we fly in October.

Yes, yes, everyone chooses the most convenient way to prepare. But we can not avoid talking about the services through which we arrange our budget travel in Europe.

1. Bulgaria

As a side note, eleven of Bulgaria’s beaches are Blue Flag rated; that means they are clean and equipped as they should be. Together with the inexpensive “everything” makes Bulgaria the cheapest country for summer holidays.

Airfare: from Moscow to Burgas (if by sea) or Sofia (if for walks) back and forth ≈12,000 rubles per person. Not that an option to get to Europe cheap, but see more ↓

Housing: is notable for its affordability. Cozy studio apartment in the city center can be rented for 1500 rubles per day for 2 people in the high season!

Hostel – from €13 per night DOUBLE!
apartments – from €18
3* hotel – from €27
5* hotel – from €57
Bulgaria, in general, financially acceptable country both for accommodation and recreation; prices for “eat / get / see” are not so high (especially from mid-autumn to May). So, Sofia, the capital, is one of the cheapest cities in Europe, according to backpackers.

Food: you can not be loaded and afford to eat in cafes – delicious, many, nourishing (it’s about portions 🙂 ). A solid lunch (salad, meat, side dish, drinks) – from €10 for two, combo at McDonald’s – €5, just a cup of coffee – from €2.

Cost of groceries in stores:
bread – €0,5
Beef, kg – €6
bottle of water – €0,25
cheese, 200gr – from €2
apples, kg – from €1
Bottled beer – up to €1.5
Single fare: €0,7 (trolleybuses, buses).

2. Montenegro

Combine the Adriatic Sea, pine trees, cliffs, lakes, green plains, mild climate… and season it with Venetian past which is reflected in architecture today, add a twist of Muslim tradition and languish in the purest healing air and you get one of the favorite dishes of Russian tourists – visa-free Montenegro!

Airfare: Flight Moscow – Tivat – Moscow ≈ 14 000 rubles (in summer). In October, people go away, and the season remains, the amount changes to ≈9000 rubles.

Lodging: popular locations – the Bay of Kotor (one of the most beautiful places), the resort of Herceg Novi; Budva – more civilized, profitable and pleasant only NOT in high season; Petrovac – nice for families, with comfortable beaches; Ulcinj – far (the border with Albania), but with the most interesting views and prices.

A suitable apartment – from 3500 rubles / day in July, in the fall – cheaper. Advice: Search on Airbnb.

hostel – from €25 for two
apartments – from €35
3* hotel – from €50
4* hotel – from €70

Food: be “frugal” in the restaurants because the portions are obscenely huge and the prices are obscenely low.

Business lunch at a cafe – €6
breakfast with coffee €3-5
burger from €2
peaches, kilo €2
oysters, €1,5
Water 1,5l – €0,60
Wine from €4

You can easily get around by car (from €80 for 4 days, incl. insurance + fuel: €1,35 per liter). If there are two or more of you, a car is advisable. Without a car you can ride along the coast by bus – €2 per ticket, and inland to take some excursions: from €25.

P.S. for those over 18 years old: you will be required to pay tourist tax – €0,9/day.

3. Spain

Spain sounds like France, Germany and other European “status” destinations. But only until you have been there and there, and make sure that Spain, in comparison, is still God-permissible 🙂

Airfare: Moscow-Barcelona-Moscow ≈13,000 rubles, but you can find cheaper, in September-October for ≈8000 rubles (the main thing – catch if you see!).

Lodging: the typical price for an apartment in Barcelona – from 5,000 rubles/night.

hostel – from €45 for two people 315
apartments – from €60
3* hotel – from €75
5* hotel – from €120

Meal: dinner and paella – €20 per person. Definitely fried sausages, baguette, olives and fruit can save an extra penny.

Cost of groceries in stores:

bread – €1
Sausages for frying – from €2
Jamón, 150gr – from €2,5
apples, kg – from €1,3
€0,5 bottle of water
Cheese slices from €2
Local beer, 0,25l – from €0,6
Euros: single ticket on the metro €2,4 (not cheap). You can cut costs by buying a T-casual ticket – 10 rides for €11,35 (one can be used for two/two, etc.).

What we love about Spain is the incredible bargain shopping! Cool discounts on things happen twice a year, in July and January. To give you an example: a Pull&Bear T-shirt can be snatched up for €2-3 – pennies against the Russian €8-9 🙂 🙂

4. Poland

Poland has been among the cheapest countries in Europe for a long time. The rich in sights Warsaw and wonderful Krakow, the Baltic resorts and ski resorts – that’s what this country is worth visiting for. Budget hotels and inexpensive cafes will also surprise anyone.

Air tickets: from the Russian capital to Warsaw and back ≈12 000 rubles.

Lodging: rent of an apartment starts from 2000 rubles per day.

hostel – from €12 for two
apartments – from €27
3* hotel – from €35
5* hotel – from €75

Food: in Poland the prices in cafes and restaurants are rather moderate. A solid lunch costs €5-6, at Mc’Donalds – €2, a cup of coffee – €0,6.

Average cost of products in stores in rubles:

baguette – €0,7
Beef, kg – €8,5
apples, kg – €1
bananas, kg – €1.2
bottle of water – €0.3
cheese slices from €1

Transport: if you get a 60-minute ticket you can get on the bus, get on and take the streetcar or metro within one hour of the first trip. Single ticket €0.8; weekly pass €11.5

5. Romania

Home of Vlad Tepes (the prototype of Stoker’s Count Dracula) – the cheapest country for holidays in Europe, undeservedly ignored by the Russians. But this is the abode of ancient castles, mineral springs and ski resorts. Gothic Black temple, Genoese lighthouse, famous Transylvania – there is a lot to see here.

Airfare: Moscow-Bucharest-Moscow ≈13,000 rubles per person.

Lodging: rent a studio or apartment in the center of Bucharest – from 1500 rubles per day.

hostel – from €14 for two
apartments – from €16
3* hotel – from €28
5* hotel – from €76
Food: average bill for dinner – €4. A McDakkah can be had for €2-3.

Groceries in stores:

bread – €0,4
chicken breast, kg – €4
apples, kg – from €0,8
bottle of water – €0,5
cheese, kg – from €4
Local beer from €1
Transport: buses, trolleybuses and streetcars. Single trip €0,2 plus top-up card for €0,2; metro €0,5.

6. Hungary

First time in Europe? Or for the hundredth time, but “Hungary” sounds a bit dubious? Then you’re definitely going there! In the capital of Hungary, Budapest, it’s easy to get a taste of the European atmosphere, majestic, slightly shabby history, but always carefully combed, civilized. Not for nothing is Budapest called the second Paris (only it has no intention of emptying your wallets and credit cards)!

In theory, the tourist season – from June to August, in fact – all year round. Preferably April-May/September-October.

Airfare: Flight from Moscow from ≈9000 rubles (during the “happy” days you can and for 6000), there and back without a change!

Lodging: you can rent an apartment in a comfortable area from 2000 roubles.

hostel – from €18 for two
apartments from €25
3* hotel – from €30
5* hotel – from €80

Food: basic costs (in Hungary it’s in forints, but we’ll convert it to euros):

meat dishes – from €5
goulash – from €2
Local pastries from €0.6
A bottle of water – €0,3
wine from €2,5
Local beer from €0.8

Transport: Reviews show that travelers simply adore Hungary’s public transport for its convenience and prices: 10 tickets in bulk are €10. The city’s Must-see can be toured on the yellow streetcar No 2, No 4 or No 6 with a weekly pass for €13.

You can buy a Budapest Card: free travel, discounts to museums, baths, two free tours of the city. The cost of the card for 2 days (there are other options) is €30.

You can get out of town by train or bus. An interesting option is Lake Balaton, 2-3 hours by train, price from €15.

For €15 you can take a cruise on the Danube. If you’re pro-health, go to the Thermae – Rudas, which the Hungarians love to visit (ticket for a day – €12) and Sechenskie Thermae (from €18).

7. Finland

Going abroad as if you were going to your summer cottage? Easy! Finland is ready to provide a wild version of the natural beauty of their native land in a more compact and comfortable version – Finns know how to take care not only about nature but also about people. Not for nothing, this country is among the top happiest and safest countries in the world.

To contemplate the pristine nature and engage in outdoor activities is more comfortable in May and September, in early autumn you can already see the Northern Lights.

How to get there: in Finland the Helsinki Airport is a major airport. Direct flight from Moscow costs from 8000 rubles.

Citizens of St. Petersburg are incredibly lucky: you can get by by minibus for ≈1000 rubles
Swing out of the old ways and arrange a trip by train: tickets from Moscow – from 6000 rubles; from St. Petersburg will drop Helsinki for 1800 rubles
You can also take a drive: from €40/day, petrol €1,47.
If you rent a car in St. Petersburg you’ll spend: about 11 000 rubles (for a car for a week), 2000 rubles – for a green card (obligatory for entry into the country), and if in Helsinki – about 600 km for the road and 4000 rubles for gasoline.
For the most adventurous – a bicycle! Realistically achievable and adapted for the cyclist path from St. Petersburg passes through the point “Svetogorsk – Imatra – optional, Lappeenranta. Rental of an iron horse in Vyborg: 500 rubles/day. Vyborg – Svetogorsk (bus / train) from 600 rubles.

lodging: you can stay in a hostel in Helsinki (in this country they are certainly not worth fear), this is the cheapest option – from 2000 rubles for two people.

apartments – from €40
3* hotel – from €65
5* hotel – from €110

Scandinavia is every second detox under the supervision of the supervising doctor – Nature. There are countless eco-trails, bicycle paths, fishing places, saunas and … campsites outside the city! The price for a place with a tent: from €18 (with a car – from €25). Small cottages are better value for a party of travellers – from €35/night.

Beware of camping: get the Europe Camping Key card (€16) and you’ll save money on services and sites.

Food: approximate prices

hearty fast food outdoors from 4€
coffee from €2
salmon with side dish from €10
Fish fillet (trout), from €12
berries (sea buckthorn, cranberry, blueberry), 0,5l – from €5
Bottle of water from €0,8 (but you can drink water from the tap – €0!)
Lunchtime tip: many cafes offer a buffet. You can, for example, fill up your plate for only €12. Also remember the student cafeterias: budget and hearty, lunch from €3.

Transport: buy a bus pass for getting around the city: €18/3 days. Also valid for some ferries, if not – tickets are around €3,5. Outside the capital you can get by bus or train – from €15.