Cheap Tours in Europe: 7 Budget-Friendly Destinations

Cheap tours in Europe are not a matter of luck — they are the result of good planning. When you pick the right city, season and hotel, a European holiday can cost you less than you expect, sometimes even less than a week at the seaside.

In this article we have picked 7 cities where it is easy to make the most of your budget: Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Athens, Milan, Berlin and Paris. For each one you will find out what to see, what you can enjoy for free and which hotel we recommend. At the end you will find answers to the questions travellers ask most often when planning a trip.

Which city should you choose? 7 budget-friendly destinations

1. Vienna — an imperial city at a reasonable price

Vienna is often thought of as an expensive city, yet many of its sights cost nothing. The city is clean and calm, and public transport works so well that you will hardly ever need a taxi.

What can you see for free or cheaply? Entry to the Schönbrunn Palace gardens is free. So is a walk along the Ringstrasse, past the Opera House and Parliament. For lunch, head to the Naschmarkt, where you can eat for less than in a restaurant.

Where to stay? We recommend Senator Hotel Vienna. It is a 4-star hotel in the 17th district, Hernals, away from the noise of the centre. Rooms are air-conditioned, and the hotel has its own restaurant and bar.

2. Prague — an old town you can explore on foot

A trip to Prague is one of the best options for a budget holiday. The Czech Republic uses the koruna instead of the euro, and prices for food and transport are lower than in Western Europe.

What can you see for free or cheaply? The Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge are open to everyone. You can also walk around the grounds of Prague Castle for free — you only pay to visit the buildings.

Where to stay? We recommend Royal Court Hotel. This 3-star hotel is in Prague 2, next to I.P. Pavlova metro station. Breakfast is included, and the hotel has a spa with a sauna and hammam. Rooms have a microwave and a fridge, which is handy for families.

3. Budapest — thermal baths and views of the Danube

Budapest is one of the best choices for value for money. Hungary uses the forint, and prices are noticeably lower than in Western Europe.

What can you see for free or cheaply? The Parliament building from the Danube embankment, the Chain Bridge and the Buda Castle grounds. Set aside one day for a thermal bath — Széchenyi and Gellért are the city's calling cards.

Where to stay? We recommend Fashion City Hotel. It is a 3-star boutique hotel on Nyugati Square, right next to Nyugati railway station. The Parliament and St Stephen's Basilica are a 10–15 minute walk away.

4. Athens — ancient history and the sea in one trip

Athens is for those who love history and also want warm weather. In spring and autumn it is still warm here, while prices are lower than in summer. If you look for Tbilisi–Athens flights in advance, you will save a large part of your budget on the way there.

What can you see for free or cheaply? The streets of Plaka and Monastiraki, Mount Lycabettus and the main squares of the city. The ticket to the Acropolis is paid, but it is not a visit to miss.

Where to stay? We recommend Dunlin Hotel. The hotel is in the Omonia area, close to the metro. It has a rooftop bar and terrace with a view over the city in the evening.

5. Milan — fashion, shopping and Lake Como nearby

Milan is the capital of northern Italy. Two or three days are enough for the city, and with the rest of your time you can take the train to nearby towns and Lake Como.

What can you see for free or cheaply? Piazza del Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Navigli canals. Book tickets for The Last Supper several weeks in advance — places sell out quickly.

Where to stay? We recommend UNA Hotels Scandinavia Milano. This 4-star hotel is close to Gerusalemme metro station (line M5), in a quiet residential area. Guests can use the sauna and gym.

6. Berlin — a city where many things are free

Berlin is a large, lively city where a big share of the sights cost nothing. Street food is cheap and varied, so you will not spend much on meals.

What can you see for free or cheaply? The Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery and the Holocaust Memorial. Entry to the Reichstag dome is also free, but you need to register in advance.

Where to stay? We recommend NH Berlin Potsdamer Platz. From this 4-star hotel you can walk to Potsdamer Platz, and Anhalter Bahnhof station is 250 metres away. Rooms have soundproof windows.

7. Paris — possible on a budget too, if you plan it right

Paris is the most expensive city on this list, but you can still plan a trip to Paris at a reasonable price. The main saving is on the hotel: a night in the centre is expensive, while hotels outside the city near the metro are much cheaper.

What can you see for free or cheaply? The banks of the Seine, the streets of Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which is free to enter. Notre-Dame Cathedral is also free and open again after its restoration.

Where to stay? We recommend Hotel Reseda. This 3-star hotel is in Bagnolet, on the eastern edge of Paris. Metro line 3 runs nearby, taking you straight to the centre.

How to save money when travelling in Europe?

How do you find cheap flights?

The ticket is often the biggest expense of the budget, so start here:

• Buy your ticket 2–3 months in advance — prices usually go up in the last weeks.
• Compare flights from Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Thanks to low-cost airlines, flights from Kutaisi often turn out cheaper.
• If your dates are flexible, fly on weekdays. Friday and Sunday flights are more expensive.
• Pay attention to baggage. A cheap ticket often includes only hand luggage; checked baggage added in advance costs less than at the airport.

When is the best time to go to Europe?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best value. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer tourists and hotels are cheaper than in July and August. Prices rise around Christmas and New Year, so book your New Year trip as early as possible.

Which is cheaper: a package tour or independent travel?

Package tours abroad are often better value: the flight and hotel are in one booking, so you do not have to search for each separately. Independent travel pays off when your dates are flexible and you follow prices yourself.

How many days should you stay?

3–4 days are enough for one city. If you have more time, combine two neighbouring cities — for example, Vienna and Budapest or Vienna and Prague. They are well connected by train and bus.

Frequently asked questions

Do Georgian citizens need a visa to travel to Europe?

With a biometric Georgian passport you can enter the Schengen area visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. At the border you may be asked for a hotel booking, a return ticket and travel insurance. Rules can change, so check them again before your trip.

Which is the cheapest destination in Europe?

From this list, Budapest and Prague usually come out cheapest. Food, transport and hotels there cost less than in Western Europe.

How far in advance should I book a tour?

Ideally 2–3 months ahead. At that point there is more choice and the price is lower. For the holidays it is better to book even earlier.

Are flights and hotels included in the tour?

That depends on the specific tour. On each tour page, the "What's included" section shows the flight, the baggage allowance and the hotel you will stay in.

Can I combine two cities in one trip?

Yes. Vienna, Budapest and Prague are linked by train and bus, so visiting two capitals in one trip is easy.

Conclusion

There are three keys to travelling cheaply in Europe: the right city, dates outside the peak season and a ticket bought in advance. Budapest and Prague need the smallest budget, Vienna and Berlin surprise with free sights, and Paris, Milan and Athens come out at a reasonable price when you choose your hotel carefully.

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