9 CHEAP Countries in Europe to Visit With AMAZING Food

SAVE YOUR MONEY! With a variety of amazing places to travel, I focus on cheap countries in Europe to visit that have amazing food. Read on to pick the perfect spot for your next vacation! 

Europe Is Cheap By Picking The Right Countries and Cities

For wanderlust travelers, Europe’s romantic cities, old world architecture and fascinating history make it an essential travel destination. Money is the common obstacle to making this dream a reality.

Europe’s notorious price tag stopped me from enjoying its wonderful food for years before I discovered there are cheap countries in Europe to visit.

Even expensive countries have cheap cities, so in this article, I not only focus on the cheapest European countries but the city with the best prices and the best food.

Although these places aren’t usually famous spots travelers dream about, they express their own unique charms that romanticize the senses and satisfy the tastebuds. 

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Did you think Portugal would make the list? Out of all the cheap countries in Europe to visit, Portugal, specifically Lisbon, earned its spot with plenty to offer with inexpensive attractions, a simple public transit system, and food that leaves me dreaming about my inevitable return. 

Cheap Eats in Lisbon

Visit Tascas – €15 Per Person

Tascas are Portuguese local eateries (taverns) that are usually family run, serving sharable dishes similar to Spanish tapas, but with heftier portion sizes. Here, you will find amazing dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod), grilled pork, and the ubiquitous seafood rice.

My Favorite Tasca in Lisbon
Restaurante Fidalgo : R. da Barroca 27, 1200-047 Lisboa, Portugal

Don’t Forget About Bifanas – €3 Euro 

I ate Bifanas almost every other day during my month long trip to Lisbon. They move beyond just delicious and into the sublime.

Thin slices of pork cook in white wine, garlic, and spices then piled on a sweet potato bun, all topped with yellow mustard and sometimes a lovely hot oil. Wash these down with a beer and count yourself lucky to have experienced one of the most delicious, cheapest meals of your life. 

Best Bifanas in Lisbon
As Bifanas do Afonso : Portugal, R. da Madalena 146, 1100-340 Lisboa, Portugal

Tastiest Seafood on the Planet – €30 – €40 Per Person

Maybe my subconscious influenced my opinions, but, to me, Lisbon’s seafood tastes better than anywhere else. No proper explanation holds water, but that’s my conclusion. 

Even better, the inexpensive price tag of seafood remains unrivaled. Whole seafood meals reveal manageable prices with lobster, crab, shrimp, and clams for around 30 – 40 Euros per person, with prices shooting lower if you skipped the larger crustaceans. 

Best Seafood Restaurant in Lisbon:
Ramiro : Av. Alm. Reis 1 H, 1150-007 Lisboa, Portugal

I could ramble on about the food but check out the best restaurants in Lisbon where I write about my favorite Bifanas, seafood restaurants, and much more.

Cheap Things To Do in Lisbon

Belem Tower – Free 

This 16th-century fortification served as the launching point for explorations around the world. For a basic visit, hop on the metro or make the walk and see the Belem Tower for yourself… and it’s free. No entrance fees to this marvelous piece of history. 

Belem Tower : Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

Watch A Fado Show in Alfama – Free or Cost Of Dinner

Fado’s melancholic tunes echo through the streets in the Alfama neighborhood. Take a stroll around 8 pm and hear the talented musicians share an intricate part of their history. 

If you want a more up close and personal experience, plenty of restaurants offer fado shows with dinner, but if you are tight on cash, watching and listening from afar is still wonderfully magical. 

Alfama Neighborhood : https://goo.gl/maps/YXfWBTxRGirKmFkG8

2. Granada, Spain

Even Spain makes the list of cheap countries in Europe to visit. In the south of Spain in the region of Andalusia, Granada shines as a food paradise for the frugal traveler.

Cheap Eats in Granada

Tapas, Tapas, and More Tapas – Free

For those unfamiliar, tapas are small plates of food meant to be shared with the table.

Tapas originated in Granada and are still served traditionally: free with the purchase of a drink. Yes, you read that correctly. Tapas are FREEEEEE. 

What’s the catch? Well, there isn’t one. Drinks are reasonably priced around €2-€ 5 EUR for a glass of wine, and €6-€10 for a cocktail. Tapas are small, and sometimes just a single bite of food. If you are hungrier, each restaurant provides a full menu with plenty of delicious treats. 

The Best Tapas Bar in Granada
Tocateja : Calle Trinidad, 8, 18001 Granada, Spain

Want a full list of Tapas? Check out my interview with Emma Ratcliffe: The Best Tapas Bars in Granada 

Freshly Fried Churros – €5

Granada churros are thick, light, and airy foregoing the usual cinnamon and sugar. But the proper way to eat churros comes with dipping each morsel into a cup of thick chocolate. 

I loved the churros so much that I wrote about my favorite churro spots in Granada and encourage all travelers to try them all! 

My Favorite Churro Spot in Granada
La Churrería : Pl. Pescadería, 17, 18001 Granada, Spain

Curious about all the best churros? Check out: The Best Churros In Granada 

Cheap Things to Do in Granada

Wonder Around The Alhambra – €14

The Alhambra’s intricately designed rooms and unique architectural features are a must see in the city. If you try to find tickets online, they range from 25-45 Euros, but these are from third-party sites. 

For the real deal, check out the official website where the general admission is only 14 Euro per person. Very inexpensive for a full day at one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. 

Alhambra : C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain
https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/

Walk, bike, and run through Granada – Free

The stone streets, ancient architecture, and bustling neighborhoods make Granda a perfect city to take your time and smell the roses. Spend an afternoon getting lost along the side streets or find a bike tour to see the city at a faster pace.

3. Istanbul, Turkey

Yes, Istanbul is part of Europe… well at least half of it anyways. Istanbul’s history uncovers an intense and rich backstory filled with a variety of cultures and religions leaving their mark on this magnificent city. If you are looking for an inexpensive place in Europe that has an introduction to Islamic culture, Istanbul is your city to visit. 

Cheap Eats in Istanbul

Food is everywhere in Istanbul from street vendors to world renowned restaurants. My favorite meals in Istanbul were undoubtedly the cheapest and found only in special restaurants around the city. 

Perfect Turkish Kebabs – ₺56 ($3.5USD)

Street meat runs rampant across Istanbul, but I quickly discovered that there is good kebab and there is GREAT kebab.

Şehzade Cağ Kebap served my favorite using a wood fire horizontal meat spit to cook the meat before it’s skewered and given a hard sear over a grill of super hot coals. One of the top ten things I’ve ever eaten. I ate myself completely full with several helpings of lamb skewers for less than $8 USD.

My Favorite Kebap in Istanbul
Şehzade Cağ Kebap : Hoca Paşa, Hoca Paşa Sk. No:6 D:4, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Creamy Turkish Scrambled Eggs – ₺42 ($2USD)

The best eggs. Yes, the best eggs. These eggs are slurried over high heat with peppers and tomatoes with my favorite version cooked with salty Turkish cheese. For around $2 USD, this is an unbelievably great meal. Check out Lades Menemen for the best scrambled eggs of your life. 

My Favorite Turkish Scrambled Eggs in Istanbul
Lades Menemen : Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Mahallesi, Sadri Alışık Sk. 11/12 11/12 11 D:12, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Baklava and Other Desserts – ₺40- ₺80 ($2-$5USD)

Originating from the Ottoman Empire, Baklava’s deep roots in the Turkish culture manifests a serious business with sweet shops all over Istanbul creating beautiful, flaky creations. 

Baklava is a pastry made with chopped nuts, sweetened with sugar or honey, and baked between multiple layers of thin dough resulting in a super flaky crust. 

With a large variety, beginners should stick with pistachio or walnut filled baklava.

My Favorite Baklava in Istanbul
Karaköy Güllüoğlu : Kemankeş Cad. Katlı Otopark Altı No: 3-4, 34425 Beyoğlu, Turkey

Cheap Things To Do in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque – Free

The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque face each other with a beautiful courtyard and fountain connecting them. From looking at these structures, anyone will understand why these two mosques are the top attractions of Istanbul. 

The best part? Both are free to visit. The only catch is there are rules to follow and the mosques close at certain times of the day for prayers. Do your research and plan ahead! 

Hagia Sophia : Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Blue Mosque : Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Galata Tower and Galata Bridge – Free

Poking above the skyline on the north end of the city is the Galata Tower. With completed construction around the mid 1300s, Galata Tower is more than another building but a quintessential part of Istanbul’s identity. 

With streets and alleyways leading the way, check out the Galata Tower at the base or pay about ₺130 ($8 USD) to take a walk to the top and see the city from a birds eye view. 

Although the bridge appears plain, sunsets never looked better than from the middle of the Galata Bridge. 

Deep orange and red fill the skies every evening and the silhouettes of the mosques stand prominent amongst the breathtaking backdrop.

Galata Tower : Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Galata Bridge : Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Galata Köprüsü, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

4. Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia’s popularity comes from its coastal towns, but the capital, Zagreb, holds its own charms with a food scene that is uniquely Croatian. The cuisine is local and seasonal, rustic, yet elegant all at the same time. 

If your trip takes you to Croatia, you will most likely land in Zagreb, and I recommend you visit for a few days to enjoy one of the cheapest places in Europe. 

Cheap Eats in Zagreb

Freshly Baked Strukli – $43 KN ($6 USD)

A baked casserole, strukli comes in both sweet and savory forms. Dough is stretched, filled, and baked. A no frills strukli usually contains the basics of sour cream, cheese, and eggs (don’t worry, it’s super good). 

At La Struk, everyone receives their own strukli with a personal sized casserole dish, filled with delicious bits of your choosing. Sweet, cheese and piping hot, these strukli tasted superb and satisfied on all levels.

My Favorite Strukli in Zagreb
La Struk : Skalinska ul. 5, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Hunt For Black Truffles – $777 KN ($110 USD)

I know what you are thinking, truffles are expensive, but in Croatia, the truffle market rivals the best in the world at a fraction of the price. Supermarkets even sell preserved truffles in jars for around $10USD. 

For the good stuff, the fresh black truffles, you need to visit specialty food shops, or, even better, find them yourself in the surrounding mountains outside Zagreb. 

We did the Truffle Hunting Experience and took home three beautiful large black truffles. Have you ever held a real, fresh black truffle? I didn’t think so!

I cooked black truffle risotto, eggs, and potatoes. Such a great experience working with a unique ingredient. This is a more costly adventure around $110 USD per person, but compared to other similar experiences in Italy or France, this is a quarter of the price. 

Truffle Hunting Zagreb: http://trufflehunting-zagreb.hr/en/

Crunchy Zagreb Schnitzel – $108 KN ($15 USD)

Crispy, cheese,y and delicious, the Pri Zvoncu is a classic Zagreb dish with a thin piece of pork cheese and ham rolled up, battered then fried, usually in pork fat. Yes, all the good things I love and more in one dish. 

My Favorite Schnitzel in Zagreb
Pri Zvoncu : Ul. Vrbik XII 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Cheap Things To Do in Zagreb

Take a Selfie In Front Of St. Marks Church – Free

For a famous Zagreb attraction visit St. Marks Church in the heart of the city. The uniquely patterned roof displays the Coat of arms of the Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia, and Dalmatia (left), and the city of Zagreb (right). If you wanted an Instagramable spot in Zagreb, you found it!

St. Marks Church : Trg Sv. Marka 5, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Shop and Eat On Tkalčićeva Street – Free

Once the red light district, Tkalčićeva Street runs through the city center showcasing amazing restaurants and eclectic shops. If you only have a few hours to spend in Zagreb, this is where you want to spend your time. 

Tkalčićeva Street : Ul. Ivana Tkalčića 82-84, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Explore Dolac Market – Free

Located in the city’s town square, this farmer’s market runs daily with every type of produce imaginable. Buy some grapes, ham, wine, and cheese for a picnic in one of Zagreb’s many parks. 

Dolac Market : Dolac 8, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

5. Bucharest, Romania

For cheap countries in Europe to visit, I initially picked Romania for the inexpensive rental prices and cheap food, but I was blown away at how every dish I tasted was delicious. Bucharest is one of the least expensive and least visited places on this list, making it a unique adventure for those looking for something new. 

Cheap Eats in Bucharest

Sweet and Sour Papanasi – 17 LEI ($3.5 USD)

Oh my goodness. I miss Papanasi the most from all the desserts I ate in Europe. A mix of flour, cottage cheese, and sugar is fried until golden brown perfection and finished with loose sour cream and berry compote. The flavors in this surpass every type of donut I’ve tried. Papanasi is worth traveling for. 

Best Papanasi in Bucharest
Vatra Restaurant : Strada Ion Brezoianu 19, București 010131, Romania

Ribs And Other Grilled Meats For Two – 109 LEI ($22.10 USD)

Romanian restaurants throughout Bucharest provide a wide range of grilled meat offerings. Lamb and Pork ribs by far take the top spots in my book. Most restaurants will have something for everyone, but don’t shy away from trying something new. 

My Favorite Grilled Ribs Bucharest
Costelaria : Calea Rahovei 147-153, București 050892, Romania

Delicious, Cheap Cocktails – 27-35 LEI ( $5-7 USD)

The drinking/party scene remained vibrant despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Specialty cocktail bars line the streets of the Old Town with plenty of offerings. With most cocktails ranging from around $5-$7 USD, you can bet this part of Bucharest gets full on the weekends. 

My Favorite Cocktails in Bucharest
Nomad Skybar : Etaj 2, Strada Smârdan 30, București 030167, Romania

For my full list of restaurants check out: The Best Restaurants in Bucharest, Romania

Things to Do in Bucharest

National Museum of Art of Romania – 20 LEI ($4 USD)

A museum worth the time, the National Museum of Art of Romania showcases classical European works as well as historical art from Romanian History. The entrance is 20 Lei, around $4 USD, and is a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. 

SKIP Dracula’s Castle

I hate writing about what not to do, but please skip any tour to Bran Castle, aka Dracula’s Castle. The structure is not quite a castle but feels more like an old mansion with nothing spooky or unique about it. Save the money and see something else. 

6. Prague, Czechia

As one of the cheap countries to visit in Europe, Czechia is wonderfully mountainous with spectacular cities. Prague stands out as immensely beautiful featuring perpetual stone streets, ancient architecture, and a food scene that stands out amongst other European nations. A few days walking these romantic streets will leave a lasting mark on any traveler. 

Cheap Eats in Prague

Goulash, Goulash, Goulash – 229 CZK ($9.50)

Every traditional Czech restaurant in Prague features goulash with each having its own unique spin on the classic. I found the best goulash cost the least and a few blocks away from the tourist sites. These beefy stews taste wonderful with steamed dumplings and a freshly poured Pilsner. 

My Favorite Goulash in Prague
U Červeného Páva : 6, Kamzíková 543/6, Staré Město, 110 00, Czechia

Oblozene Chlebicky- Traditional Open Faced Sandwiches – 49 CZK ($2-3 USD)

In Prague, these sandwiches look like works of art and cost barely anything. The flavor components are masterfully created with sweet, salty, savory, and bitter working in harmony all on a single piece of bread. Each sandwich costs roughly 2-3 USD, so select a variety to sample!

Bistro Sister : 39, Dlouhá 727, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha, Czechia

Super Crispy Schnitzel – 228 CZK ($9.5 USD)

Every European country fries up their own version of schnitzel, and the Czechs do a fantastic job of their own. Usually served with potatoes, schnitzels are flattened slices of pork breaded and deep fried, usually, but not always, in pork fat. Crispy, juicy, and delicious, schnitzels take the top spot of my favorite foods in Prague. 

My Favorite Schnitzel in Prague
U Parlamentu : Valentinská 52, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

Visiting Prague? Check out my food guide from this amazing city: Best Czech Restaurants in Prague

Cheap Things To Do in Prague

Discover The Astronomical Clock – Free

At the center of Old Town is the Astronomical Clock, a feature that is the oldest of its kind still in operation. The medieval clock not only shows the date and time but also the sun and moon phases with a parade of the twelve apostles moving every hour. 

Astronomical Clock : Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia

Walk Across The Charles Bridge – Free

One of the most iconic European structures, the Charles Bridge remains the must see attraction of Prague. Walking across the bridge, travelers will see 30 statues with depictions of saints that were revered at that time. The gothic style architecture is not only beautiful but uniquely Prague. 

Charles Bridge : Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia

Get Lost In Prague Castle – 250 CZK ($10 USD)

With a rich history dating back to the year 870, Prague Castle is a magnificent structure that out lasted time and plenty of wars. It’s free to walk around the Castle and the main grounds, but it costs 250 CZK ($10 USD) to enter and tour the full facility. 

Prague Castle : Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia

7. Syros, Greece

Filled with historical wonders, Greece is a cheap European country to visit for those looking to explore ancient civilizations, but for this article, I want to focus on the Greek islands.

Santorini and Mykonos steal the spotlight when travelers dream of visiting the Greek islands, but both come with huge price tags. Syros, a little known spot frequented by mainland Greeks, is home to the same wonderful Mediterranean waters at a much, much cheaper price.

Cheap Eats in Syros

Perfectly Prepared Seafood – €15 – €20 Per Person

If you’ve listened to my podcast or read anything from my other food guides, then you know I adore seafood, especially when it’s simply prepared. Syros’ seafood restaurants highlight the food without covering it with thick sauces or complicating the flavors with intricate cooking methods. Simple and delicious.

I cannot brag about this sea urchin pasta enough. One of my favorite dishes of all time and unbelievably delicious. 

My Favorite Seafood Spot
SEARIANI’ :  Sofokleous 4, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece

Delicious Cafes Everywhere in Syros – €12

Cafe culture is prominent on Syros whether you are craving brunch, coffee, or something light to eat for lunch. My wife and I loved sleeping in and hitting a cafe in the early afternoon for our first meal.

We drank freshly squeezed juices, ate decadent Croque Madams, and sipped on frothy cappuccinos all while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. 

My Favorite Cafe in Syros 
SEMINARIO :  Kiparissou 7, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece

Oh Yes, More Grilled Meats – €15 – €20

Pork, beef, and sausage are always delicious treats. Most local Greek eateries around Syros serve up common greek dishes and surprisingly, the grilled meats were some of the cheapest and most delicious I had in Europe.

My Favorite Grilled Meat Spot in Syros
Ιθάκη του Αή : Klonos, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece

Cheap Things To Do in Syros

Asteria Beach – Free

I am sure there are plenty of wonderful things to do on the island, but we focused mostly on the water. Located all along the coast are jumping points to swim and enjoy the ocean.

Located in a small cove, my favorite swimming spot, Asteria Beach, shielded the waves and currents so I could swim freely without worry. 

Best Beach in Syros Greece
Asteria Beach : Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece

8. Warsaw, Poland

The large and inexpensive capital of Poland is more than pirogies! After rebuilding from WWII, Warsaw became a modern city with efficient infrastructure and a culinary landscape that includes food from all around the world. 

Cheap Eats in Warsaw

Unbelievable International Fare- ₹50 ($10 USD)

To my surprise, the international food scene flows throughout all parts of Warsaw. From Thai to Napolitana Pizza to Belgian Waffles, the citizens of Warsaw love their variety, embracing culinary influences from around the world. 

My Favorite Pizza in Warsaw
Casa di Tuzza :  Senatorska 28, 00-096 Warszawa, Poland

Milk Bar – ₹20 -50 ($4-10 USD)

Born in a post WWI era, Milk Bars became popular as a way for workers to eat nutritious food at an affordable cost. The traditions carry on today with deceptively great meals at a fraction of the price of normal restaurants. 

Bar Bambino showed culinary superiority by giving us better food than most notable restaurants in Warsaw. Two entrees, two soups and two sodas for around $10USD.

My favorite Milk Bar in Warsaw
Bar Bambino : Hoża 19, 00-521 Warszawa, Poland

Reassured Faith in Fine Dining- ₹200 -₹300 ($42-$63 USD)

I know fine dining isn’t cheap, but here in Warsaw, the fine dining restaurants serve better food than their three Michelin-starred western European counterparts with a more affordable prices.

Opasły Tom created a menu beyond normal imagination with unique adaptations of traditional Polish cuisine. Remember, this is fine dining but the prices are well worth the price. 

My Favorite Fine Dining Restaurant in Warsaw
Restauracja Opasły Tom : Wierzbowa 9, 00-094 Warszawa, Poland

Cheap Things To Do in Warsaw

Uprising Museum – ₹20 ($4.2USD)

During WWII, German occupied Warsaw saw its fair share of brutality and destruction. An underground resistance of Polish soldiers fought to liberate the city. Learn about the struggle and sacrifice of these brave soldiers during one of the most intense times during WWII. 

Many museums throughout Warsaw have free days, including the Uprising Museum where admission is free. Plan ahead and see if you can forgo the admission cost. 

Uprising Museum : Grzybowska 79, 00-844 Warszawa, Poland

Old Town – Free

Although mostly reconstructed after its bombardment during WWII, Old Town maintains its charms with beautifully colored town squares, brick streets, and a quintessential European feel. 

Old Town : rynek Starego Miasta, 00-272 Warszawa, Poland

9. Tirana, Albania 

Out of all the cheap countries in Europe to visit, Albania takes home the award for the most surprisingly delicious food. I knew nothing about Albania, and visiting Tirana started off intimidating, but I experienced a welcoming hospitality through unbelievably great food. 

Cheap Eats in Tirana

Seafood – 1000-3000 LEK ($8-$24 USD)

How does Tirana serve such amazing seafood? Coming second only to Lisbon, Tirana’s seafood was fresh, delicious, and super affordable.

Like half the price of other places in Europe.

At every seafood restaurant, I was asked to pick out my own fish and look through their impressive selection of shellfish.  

Make your choices and if you need help choosing, anyone working in the restaurant will give you their suggestions. I know from experience.

My Favorite Seafood Restaurant in Tirana
Restorant Peshku i Arte : 8RFG+XH9, Rruga Bako Dervishaj, Tirana, Albania

Grilled Meats Over Hard Wood Coals – 200-600 LEK ($2-5 USD)

Throughout Tirana, small taverns billow copious clouds of smoke through the surrounding neighborhoods. All the grilled meats imaginable are available, and I recommend you try a little of each.

My favorites were meatballs with tzatziki sauce and roasted chicken washed down with a liter of local Tirana beer 🙂 

My Favorite Restaurant for Grilled Meats in Tirana
Kernace Zgare Fatosi : 8RHF+PQ8, Rruga Luigj Gurakuqi, Tirana, Albania

Cheap Craft Cocktails

Who doesn’t want to drink themselves silly under $10? Eclectic and artistic bars pop up all around the city. Most of them have a theme with a specialized cocktail list that rivals the best bars in the world. 

My Favorite Cocktail Bar in Tirana
Radio Bar : Rruga Ismail Qemali P. 29 Ap. 1, Tirana, Tiranë 1000, Albania

Cheap Things To Do in Tirana

Since I stayed in Tirana during 2020, most activities were limited, so I just stuck to eating and drinking. Unfortunately, I do not have a list of fun, cheap things to do, but I will update this when I return to Tirana.

Conclusion

These cheap countries in Europe to visit incorporate Western, Central, and Eastern European countries, showing that there is a city for everyone. Depending on your exact budget and what you want to do, Europe is within reach as long as you pick the right city and time of year to travel.

From my perspective, these cities cook amazing food that will make any hungry traveler happy. By sticking with local cuisine, not only did I save money, but I experienced the culinary traditions of every European country.