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🌍 The cheapest cities in Europe to visit in 2025 🌍
When everything seems to be getting more expensive, even those European cities that used to be proper “cheap” are starting to feel less affordable. But don’t worry, Pirates! If your 2025 holiday budget is feeling a bit tight, there are still plenty of places where you can have a cracking trip without emptying your pockets.
The best bit? These spots tend to be less crowded, more authentic, and often come with bargain flight prices. And while “budget-friendly” can mean all sorts of things (depending on where you’re flying from, when you travel, and how you like to spend), the list below has it all: from lively capitals to underrated gems and towns that look like they’ve stepped straight out of a fairy tale.
🇦🇱 Tirana, Albania
Albania’s capital is a surprising mix of history and street art. Bunk’Art 1, a real Cold War bunker turned museum costs just €4 (£3,46), and after that you can wander between authentic restaurants like Mystic 2 or sip creative cocktails at Radio Bar.
💰 Average room price: £40
🍺 Pint of beer: £2.96
🇧🇬 Sofia, Bulgaria
With just a few coins in your pocket, Sofia serves up some cracking experiences: a free tour of Mount Vitosha, a Balkan food tour with complimentary tastings (spoiler: it doubles as lunch), and parks packed with locals where wine and beer are seriously cheap.
💰 Average room price: £46
🍺 Pint of beer: £1.37
🇱🇹 Kaunas, Lithuania
Known for its alternative culture and quirky museums, and once the European Capital of Culture in 2022, Kaunas offers modern art exhibitions and one-of-a-kind spots like the Devil’s Museum (yes, you read that right).
💰 Average room price: £58
🍺 Pint of beer: £2.90
🇧🇦 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The capital is affordable, welcoming and full of stories to discover. Join a free walking tour, try a burek for under £4, and sip a beer for just £1.76.
💰 Average room price: £30
🍺 Pint of beer: £1.76
🇬🇧 Hull, UK
Hull is one of the UK’s most underrated cities: affordable, full of history and with a creative heart. Wander through the old quarter, browse the vintage shops, and treat yourself to dinner with all the money you’ve saved.
💰 Average room price: £70
🍺 Pint of beer: £4.83
🇨🇿 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Baroque charm, castles and winding fairy-tale streets. Český Krumlov is a hidden gem, magical even in winter under a blanket of snow. It’s perfect for an autumn weekend escape, when the atmosphere is at its most enchanting.
💰 Average room price: £77
🍺 Pint of beer: £1.45
🇷🇸 Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is pure energy – from alternative bars to art among post-socialist ruins, with a nightlife scene that never sleeps.
💰 Average room price: £39
🍺 Pint of beer: £1.56
🇬🇷 Argos, Greece
In the heart of the Peloponnese, Argos is one of the oldest cities in the world. Expect ancient ruins, mythical legends and not a tourist queue in sight.
💰 Average room price: £39
🍺 Pint of beer: £3.72
🇲🇹 Marsalforn, Malta
No tourist frills here, just a real fishing village with excellent seafront restaurants. Perfect for those after nothing more than sun, sea and pure relaxation.
💰 Average room price: £58
🍺 Pint of beer: £2.10
🇦🇹 Graz, Austria
Graz has it all: UNESCO heritage, top-notch street food and cutting-edge museums like Kunsthaus Graz, housed in a building nicknamed ‘the friendly alien’.
💰 Average room price: £55
🍺 Pint of beer: £2.80
Whether you’re dreaming of an alternative city break, a deep dive into Balkan culture or a weekend of art and relaxation, these European cities prove that travelling doesn’t have to be expensive. Often, all it takes is stepping away from the usual tourist trail to find places that are authentic, welcoming and full of surprises.
So, get your backpack ready, book that flight and set off on an adventure without emptying your wallet. And if you need a bit of inspiration to bag the right deal at the right time… well, you know where to find us, Pirates! 🏴☠️✈️
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