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Amol Talekar
Last Updated 23 Sep 2024
HomeBlogcheapest-european-travel-destinations
Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India: Top Budget-Friendly Destinations

Travelling to Europe might seem like a luxury, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. If you're dreaming of a European adventure without spending too much, you’re in luck! There are plenty of the cheapest European travel destinations that offer breathtaking views, fascinating history, and rich cultural experiences—all while being easy on the budget for Indian travellers. Here’s a guide to some of the cheapest European countries to visit from India, where you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation without breaking the bank.

1. Hungary: A Budget-Friendly Gem

Hungary, especially its capital Budapest, is one of the cheapest European travel destinations you can explore. Famous for its lively culture, stunning architecture, and relaxing thermal baths, Budapest offers luxury experiences without the hefty price tag.

  • Accommodation and Food: You can easily find budget-friendly places to stay, with rates around INR 1,500-2,000 per night. As for food, traditional Hungarian meals like Goulash can be enjoyed for just INR 400-600.
     
  • Transport: Getting around Hungary is both affordable and easy. Budapest has a great network of trams, buses, and metros, all at pocket-friendly prices.
2. Czech Republic: Affordable Historic Charm

The Czech Republic, especially its capital Prague, is one of the cheapest European countries to visit. Known for its old-world architecture and charming, fairytale-like streets, Prague is a favourite spot for budget travellers.

  • Accommodation and Food: You can find shared hostel rooms starting at just INR 1,000 per night. As for food, you can treat yourself to local delights like "trdelnĂ­k" (a sweet pastry) or "svĂ­ÄŤková" (marinated beef) for around INR 400-600.
     
  • Sightseeing and Nightlife: Many of Prague’s landmarks, like the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, are free to explore. Even the paid attractions, like Prague Castle, are quite affordable. As the sun sets, Prague’s lively nightlife comes alive, offering a variety of bars, pubs, and clubs that suit every taste. From relaxed spots to energetic nightclubs, the city’s nightlife is both fun and affordable, making it easy to enjoy Prague’s charm day and night without spending too much.
3. Poland: History and Culture on a Budget

Poland is perfect for travellers who want to dive into history without spending too much. With cities like Warsaw and Krakow offering a rich past and lively culture, Poland is one of the cheapest European travel destinations you can visit.

  • Accommodation and Food: You can find comfortable budget stays for around INR 2,000 per night. When it comes to food, local street snacks like pierogi (Polish dumplings) are delicious and cost only INR 200-300.
     
  • Activities: Visiting historical sites, like the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, is affordable, with entry often costing less than INR 500.
4. Romania: A Hidden Gem in Eastern Europe

Romania is a fantastic place to explore, with its beautiful castles and stunning natural scenery at affordable prices. Famous for its legends, like Dracula’s Castle, Romania is easily one of the cheapest European countries to visit.

  • Accommodation and Food: You can find budget-friendly hotels and hostels starting at INR 1,200 per night. Traditional Romanian dishes like "sarmale" (cabbage rolls) are delicious and cost between INR 300-500.
     
  • Transport: Getting around Romania is easy on the wallet, with affordable buses and trains. If you want to explore the countryside, renting a car is also a budget-friendly option.
5. Bulgaria: Beach, Mountains, and History

Bulgaria is a hidden gem and a great option if you’re looking for the cheapest European country to visit from India. From its lovely Black Sea beaches to its historic towns, Bulgaria offers a mix of amazing experiences without the high cost.

  • Accommodation and Food: You can find hostels for as low as INR 1,000 per night. As for food, local dishes like "banitsa" (a traditional pastry) are tasty and affordable, with meals costing around INR 200-300.
     
  • Sightseeing: Many popular spots, like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, are either free or very inexpensive to explore.
     
6. Estonia: The Affordable Northern Escape

Estonia, with its capital city Tallinn, is one of the most budget-friendly places to visit in Northern Europe. With its old-world beauty and rich culture, Tallinn is a favourite for travellers looking for an affordable trip.

  • Accommodation and Food: You can find budget hostels starting at INR 1,500 per night. Enjoy local Estonian dishes like soups and pastries for around INR 300-500.
     
  • Sightseeing: Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can explore its streets and landmarks for free.
7. Greece: Historical Wonders at Low Cost

Greece is known for its ancient history, stunning islands, and affordable prices if you avoid the busy tourist seasons. Cities like Athens and Thessaloniki offer a perfect mix of exploring the past and enjoying modern life.

  • Accommodation and Food: Hostel prices start at INR 1,800 per night, and meals at traditional Greek restaurants cost around INR 500-700.
     
  • Sightseeing: Many of Greece’s famous spots, like the Acropolis, have affordable entry fees. Plus, Greece has plenty of free beaches and public hiking trails to explore.
8. Slovakia: Central European Beauty on a Budget

Slovakia offers stunning castles, mountains, and a rich history at great prices. Its capital, Bratislava, is a perfect place to start for any budget traveller.

  • Accommodation and Food: Hostels in Slovakia start at INR 1,200 per night. You can enjoy Slovak dishes like "bryndzovĂ© halušky" (potato dumplings) for INR 300-400.
     
  • Activities: There are many free walking tours in Bratislava, and you can hike in the High Tatras at no cost, taking in some truly beautiful views.
9. Sweden: Explore Scandinavia on a Budget

Even though Sweden is often considered pricey, you can still visit on a budget with some careful planning. The capital city, Stockholm, offers a lot of cultural experiences and natural beauty without costing a fortune.

  • Accommodation and Food: Budget hostels in Sweden start at INR 2,500 per night. You can enjoy local treats like "kanelbullar" (cinnamon buns) or street food for around INR 300-500.
     
  • Sightseeing: Many museums in Stockholm have free entry on certain days, and getting around the city is easy and affordable thanks to its well-organized public transport.
10. Austria: Culture and Natural Beauty

Austria offers a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty at great prices. Vienna, with its impressive buildings and musical history, is a fantastic spot for budget travellers.

  • Accommodation and Food: Budget hostels and hotels can be found for INR 2,000-3,000 per night. You can enjoy traditional Austrian dishes like schnitzel for INR 500-800.
     
  • Sightseeing: Many of Vienna’s parks and gardens, including the ones at Schönbrunn Palace, are free to visit. Getting around the city is easy and affordable thanks to its well-organized public transport.

Online visa application can further simplify your journey to these stunning destinations.


Conclusion

Europe has plenty of affordable destinations for budget travellers, making it a great choice for those looking for the cheapest European country to visit from India. Whether you're searching for the most affordable country or planning to explore several budget-friendly European spots, places like Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Slovakia, Sweden, and Austria offer a great mix of history, culture, and natural beauty at a low cost. With the help of online visa consultants, you can make the online visa application process easy and smooth, allowing you to enjoy your European trip without spending too much. With careful planning, Europe can be both affordable and easy on your wallet.