Fortunately, there are often nearby alternatives that offer much of the same atmosphere, architecture, scenery, and culture, but with fewer crowds and lower prices.

These aren’t necessarily hidden gems. Most are well known in their own countries and some are quite popular in their own right. The difference is that they tend to receive only a fraction of the visitors drawn to their more famous neighbors.

Here are seven European destinations that I think deserve a closer look.

The good news is that there are still some fantastic European cities where a daily budget of around US$100 per person can go surprisingly far, especially if you travel strategically, stay in modest but well-located hotels or hostels, and avoid obvious tourist traps.

The seven cities below aren’t random bargain destinations either. These are some of Europe’s most historic, beautiful, and memorable places, including one with huge sandy beaches right in the city and another that feels far more exotic than most travelers expect from Europe.

For each city I’ve included examples of real hotel and hostel prices for late June, along with a few reasons why these destinations still deliver unusually good value compared to Europe’s more famous and expensive capitals.

In this article, I’ll go over four European countries that still offer surprisingly good value for travelers, even during the warmer months. These are places where you can often stay in well-rated hotels in central areas, eat well, and enjoy world-class sights for much less than in places like Switzerland, Norway, or Iceland.

But this isn’t just a list of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Some countries are expensive for good reason, and a couple of them are so scenic and memorable that I’d still recommend visiting at least once if your budget allows. So after the best-value picks, I’ll also cover three expensive European countries that are absolutely worth the splurge.

As always, these recommendations are based on a combination of hotel prices, transportation costs, food prices, sightseeing value, and my own travel experiences after visiting more than 100 countries over the years.

In this guide, I’ll go through 7 large and famous European cities that aren’t really worth much of your time, along with much better alternatives that offer more charm, more interesting sights, or simply a better overall experience.

This isn’t about avoiding these cities completely — most of them are pleasant enough for a short visit — but if you want to get the most out of your time in Europe, you’re often better off focusing elsewhere.

The good news is that once you know what to watch out for, Europe is actually one of the easiest and most rewarding places to travel. In this article, I’ll go over 7 of the most common mistakes people make when planning a trip to Europe, along with simple tips to avoid them so you can spend less, stress less, and enjoy your trip more.

In this guide, we highlight seven underrated European cities where you can stay in a centrally located 4-star hotel for less than half the price of comparable accommodations in Europe’s most famous capitals. From a beautifully preserved medieval town in Poland to a beachfront stay on Spain’s Mediterranean coast and even a hotel that feels like a castle, these destinations prove that memorable European travel doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.

These cities are not only affordable but also offer authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and a relaxed atmosphere that many travelers find even more rewarding than the continent’s busiest hotspots. Whether you’re planning your first European adventure or looking for fresh ideas beyond the usual itineraries, these destinations deliver exceptional value without sacrificing comfort or cultural richness.

Prices vary a lot depending on where you go, and some of the differences might surprise you. In this guide, I’ve ranked 13 of Europe’s most popular cities from cheapest to most expensive based on realistic summer travel costs.

I’ve been publishing my Backpacker Index on PriceofTravel.com for over 15 years, and for this version I focused on what a typical visitor might spend in mid-July. Each daily total includes a centrally located 3-star hotel (split between two people), a casual lunch, a sit-down dinner, a one-day public transport pass, and admission to one of the city’s top attractions.

Some cities that used to be real bargains have gotten more expensive, while others are more reasonable than you might expect. Either way, the differences between the cheapest and most expensive cities on this list are huge.

Below, you’ll find all 13 cities ranked by total daily cost per person, along with current example prices to help you compare them.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through five Europe itineraries that actually work – routes that are logical, efficient, and realistic for a 7 to 14 day trip. These aren’t the only ways to plan your first visit, but they’re among the smoothest and most enjoyable ways to experience Europe without spending half your vacation in transit.

Each option below includes suggested pacing, transportation tips, and ideas for customizing the trip based on your interests and budget. Whether you prefer iconic capital cities, scenic alpine landscapes, Mediterranean charm, or even a cruise that lets you unpack once and see multiple countries, there’s a route here that makes sense.

If you’d rather watch the full breakdown, I also have a companion video where I walk through these five itineraries in detail. But below you’ll find an expanded written version with extra notes and planning tips.

But July and August can change the experience dramatically.

In many of Europe’s most iconic destinations, summer brings extreme crowding, high prices, long lines, and in some cases punishing heat. The cities themselves don’t change — but the way they feel does. Compact historic centers that are magical in April or October can feel gridlocked in peak season.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid Europe in summer. It just means you should be strategic.

In this guide, I’ll outline eight world-class European cities that are often better visited in spring or fall — and I’ll suggest smarter alternatives that offer a similar vibe, history, or energy, but with more breathing room during the busiest months of the year. Some of these swaps may surprise you.

If summer is your only travel window, you can still have an outstanding European trip — you just need to choose your cities carefully.

If you’re still early in your planning process, you might also want to read my detailed guide to perfect 7–10 day Europe itineraries for first-time travelers, which explains how to structure an efficient route without trying to see too much at once.

That’s when the biggest crowds arrive, hotel prices are at their highest, and in many places the heat can make sightseeing uncomfortable by the middle of the day. Popular attractions often require reservations weeks in advance, and even then you may still find yourself waiting in long lines just to get inside.

The good news is that there’s a much better option. The months of April, May, and early June offer a sweet spot where the weather is usually pleasant, the crowds are more manageable, and hotel prices are often a bit lower than peak summer.

Below are some of the best European cities to visit before the summer crowds arrive, along with tips on where to stay for a first visit.