Budget travel: 10 cities in Europe you can visit if you're young and broke

Traveling to Europe doesn’t have to drain your savings. Here’s a curated list of budget-friendly cities that offer rich cultural experiences, affordable stays, and accessible attractions.

Here’s how you can visit these destinations on a budget, including estimated costs and must-see sights.

Budget travel: 10 cities in Europe you can visit if you're young and broke

Getting There: Flights from Delhi to Budapest start at Rs 30,000 (round trip). Another option is to fly to Vienna and take a train or bus (Rs 2,000– Rs 3,000).
Daily Budget: Rs 3,000–Rs 4,000 for accommodation, food, and transport.

Top Attractions:
- Buda Castle: Explore the history of Hungary (free entry to the grounds).
- Széchenyi Thermal Baths: Tickets start at Rs 2,500.
- Fisherman’s Bastion: Enjoy panoramic views of the city (Rs 500 for access to the upper deck).

Food: Try Hungarian goulash and chimney cake from street vendors for under Rs 500.

Savings Tip: The Budapest Card provides free public transport and discounts on major attractions.

Getting There: Flights from India to Prague cost around Rs 35,000. Alternatively, take a budget train from Vienna or Berlin.
Daily Budget: Rs 4,000–Rs 5,000.

Top Attractions:
- Charles Bridge: A picturesque walk with street performers (free).
- Prague Castle: Entry tickets start at Rs 900.
- Old Town Square: Watch the Astronomical Clock performance every hour.

Food: Local dishes like Trdelník (pastry) and pork knuckle cost Rs 300–Rs 500 in street markets.

Savings Tip: Walking tours are free, with a small tip expected.

Getting There: Flights to Krakow cost about Rs 38,000 or take a train from Budapest (Rs 2,000–Rs 3,000).

Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.

Top Attractions:
- Wawel Castle: Entry to selected areas is Rs 600.
- Main Market Square: Free to visit, with vibrant local markets.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: Guided tours cost around Rs 2,000.

Food: Pierogi (Polish dumplings) are a must-try, costing Rs 200–Rs 400 at local eateries.

Savings Tip: Public transport day passes are affordable at Rs 300.

Getting There: Flights from India start at Rs 40,000. Direct flights are rare, so look for layovers in Paris or Frankfurt.​
Daily Budget: Rs 4,500–Rs 5,500.

Top Attractions:
- Belém Tower: Entry costs Rs 600.
- Tram 28: A scenic ride through the city (Rs 400).
- Alfama District: Wander the narrow streets and enjoy free Fado music performances.

Food: Natas (custard tarts) and seafood dishes like bacalhau start at Rs 300.

Savings Tip: Lisbon public transport passes cost Rs 700 and include trams, buses, and metro.

Getting There: Fly to Valencia via Barcelona (Rs 45,000). Trains from Barcelona cost Rs 2,500.

Daily Budget: Rs 4,500–Rs 5,500.

Top Attractions:
- City of Arts and Sciences: Entry starts at Rs 1,200 for individual attractions.
- Turia Gardens: A sprawling park created in a former riverbed (free entry).
- Valencia Cathedral: Entry fee is Rs 600.

Food: Paella Valenciana and tapas cost Rs 300–Rs 600.
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Savings Tip: Rent a bike for around Rs 800 per day to explore the city.

Getting There: Flights from India cost about Rs 35,000. Land travel from nearby cities like Istanbul is affordable.

Daily Budget: Rs 3,000–Rs 4,000.

Top Attractions:
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Free to enter and admire its architecture.
- Boyana Church: Entry fee is Rs 600.
- Vitosha Boulevard: Great for shopping and people-watching (free to visit).

Food: Banitsa (a savory pastry) and shopska salad cost Rs 200–Rs 400.

Savings Tip: Hostels in Sofia are budget-friendly, starting at Rs 1,000 per night.

Getting There: Reach Bratislava by bus or train from Vienna (Rs 500–Rs 1,000).

Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.

Top Attractions:
- Bratislava Castle: Entry costs Rs 400.
- Old Town: Wander through medieval streets and St. Michael’s Gate (free).
- UFO Tower: Entry is Rs 800 for panoramic city views.

Food: Local specialties like halušky (potato dumplings) cost Rs 300–Rs 500.

Savings Tip: Bratislava is compact, so most attractions can be reached on foot.

Getting There: Flights from India cost Rs 40,000. Alternatively, take a ferry from Helsinki (Rs 2,000).

Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.

Top Attractions:
- Tallinn Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site (free to explore).
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Free entry.
- Kadriorg Palace: Entry costs Rs 500.

Food: Try rye bread, sausages, and marzipan for Rs 300–Rs 500.

Savings Tip: Public transport is free for residents and affordable for tourists (Rs 200 per ride).

Getting There: Flights to Sarajevo cost about Rs 38,000. Buses from Croatia cost Rs 1,500–Rs 2,000.

Daily Budget: Rs 3,000–Rs 4,000.

Top Attractions:
- Bašcaršija Bazaar: Free to visit, with affordable shopping.
- Sarajevo Tunnel: Entry fee is Rs 500.
- Latin Bridge: A historic site of World War I significance (free).

Food: Cevapi (grilled sausages) cost around Rs 200–Rs 400.

Savings Tip: Use shared taxis or buses for intra-city travel.

Getting There: Flights from India start at Rs 40,000. Budget airlines like Ryanair offer cheaper options from neighboring cities.

Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.

Top Attractions:
- Art Nouveau District: Free walking tours available.
- Riga Central Market: A great spot for affordable meals and souvenirs.
- St. Peter's Church: Entry costs Rs 500.

Food: Local dishes like grey peas with bacon cost Rs 300–Rs 500.

Savings Tip: Riga’s public transport day pass costs Rs 500.