'As a travel writer, this is how you can see Europe on a budget.'

After visiting over 20 European countries and countless cities, I can confirm that Europe isn't cheap — especially for Aussies. But when people picture Europe, they usually think of the big three — Rome, Paris, London.

No surprises there. These cities are major tourist magnets, and their price tags reflect this.

But Europe is massive, with 29 countries in the Schengen Area (plus a few outliers), and there's plenty to explore beyond the usual suspects.

Watch: The cheapest European cities to visit. Post continues below.

Cities like Prague, Budapest, and Krakow have everything I love about Europe: rich history, incredible food, and charming streets, without the eye-watering costs. It's proof that you don't need to drain your bank account to have a great European adventure. And let's be real, in this economy, that's the dream.

So, I dug through my travel notes (and a few too many old receipts) to bring you six of the cheapest European cities to add to your 2025 list. They may not be the most obvious picks, but with over-tourism forcing travellers to get creative, these places are well worth the effort.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tash Bazika (@natashagracebazika)

Riga, Latvia.

When was the last time you scored a burger for under $10 AUD? For me, it was in Riga. I stumbled into a tiny, late-night spot (fittingly) called Late-night Munchies, and walked out with an $8 burger so big I could barely wrap my hands around it. Toss in fries, a cup of sauce for $2, and an $8 cocktail, and I had a feast for less than the cost of a Sydney sandwich.

If you're thinking it's a one-off, I have news for you. I spent four days in Riga over Christmas, and my daily spend on lunch and dinner was around $25. But Riga isn't just cheap — it's stunning. The city has over 800 years of history, streets lined with perfectly preserved art nouveau buildings, and cafés that double as art galleries. You'll find sprawling parks, bustling food markets, and enough grand churches to keep architecture buffs busy.

Getting around is a breeze. It's a walkable city, but if you need public transport, it's just $1.68 for a 90-minute ticket. Even the museums are refreshingly affordable.

Tallinn, Estonia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tash Bazika (@natashagracebazika)

Tallinn is a city of contrasts. One minute, you're in a futuristic metropolis of sleek glass towers; the next, you're stepping through stone gates into a mediaeval fairytale. The Old Town, with its pastel-hued buildings and cobblestone streets, is pure magic — and yes, the tourist shops selling gaudy fridge magnets are there to remind you that you're not the first to discover it.

The city is bigger than it seems and has plenty of distinct neighbourhoods that are worth exploring. Take Telliskivi, a former warehouse district turned creative hub. Think bold street art, the renowned Fotografiska Photography Museum, and a lineup of trendy bars, distilleries, and eateries.

Not to mention, Tallinn is seriously affordable. Meals under $10 are the norm, and my Airbnb receipt reminds me I paid just $300 for four nights in the city centre for a modern apartment with an elevator.

Prague, Czech.

Prague is one of Europe's most popular cities. Some say it's like a smaller version of Paris, and I'd agree, but it's also much cheaper than Paris.

When it comes to beauty, Prague has no shortage. From the iconic Charles Bridge to its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, there's plenty to admire.

While museums here are pricier than in Tallinn or Riga, they're still a bargain compared to Rome or Paris. But what really caught me off guard is the brunch scene. Cafés here are all about avocado toast, matcha lattes, and sleek, minimalist interiors — the kind of trendy that wouldn't feel out of place in Bondi, just without the big bill. At Bistro Monk, near the Charles Bridge, I spent $13 on a loaded superfood bowl with a whole avocado and plenty of feta.

Beer lovers, you'll be pleased to know that Prague serves some of the best (and cheapest) beer around. But one possible downside? You'll probably run into a fair number of loud students in the city's bars. 

Budapest, Hungary.

Budapest is the kind of city that makes budget travellers feel like royalty. I didn't realise how affordable it was until I got there, and let's just say, my wallet was very happy.

Where Budapest really shines is food. A golden, crispy lángos slathered in sour cream and cheese is my go-to for a cheap meal, but even a sit-down meal won't blow your budget.

For sightseeing, the Budapest Card is worth a look. It covers unlimited public transport, entry to 20 museums, access to the Lukács Baths, a cave tour, and restaurant discounts for $60 a day. It also includes a ferry ride, so you can drift along the Danube without splurging on a pricey river cruise.

Krakow, Poland.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tash Bazika (@natashagracebazika)

I never actually planned to visit Poland — it was a spontaneous hop-on-a-train, chase-the-snow kind of trip. But after nearly a week in Krakow, I completely fell for it. It's now one of my favourite cities, and while its affordability is a bonus, that's far from the only reason to add it to your itinerary.

Beyond its postcard-perfect old town, Krakow has a buzzing creative side. Vintage stores, wine bars, and food trucks line the streets, thanks to a thriving student population that keeps things fresh and affordable. And yes, there are castles. And dragons. Because why not?

A must-try is a no-frills feast at a bar mleczny, a Soviet-era cafeteria where you grab a tray and pile on soups, pierogi, and my personal favourite, a crispy pork cutlet. The decor hasn't changed in decades, but that's part of the charm.

Most visitors come for Auschwitz but trust me, Krakow itself is worth lingering in.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tash Bazika (@natashagracebazika)

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As a travel writer, I'm lucky to visit places I never thought I'd even hear of — Mostar being one of them. This gem of a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina reminded me exactly why we travel — to see the world through others' eyes and experience different cultures. Mostar, once torn apart by war in 1994, is now rebuilding itself, and tourism is a key part of that recovery.

Just a three-hour drive from Dubrovnik, Croatia, Mostar feels like something out of a storybook. Synagogues sit next to mosques and Roman Catholic churches, while an iconic stone bridge, Stari Most, arches over a river that winds through the city. Add in mediaeval stone buildings with terracotta roofs and colossal mountains in the distance, and you've got a fairytale scene.

Wander the old town's cobblestone streets, and you'll find shops selling copper teapots and knock-off designer goods. By night, the restaurants glow under fairy lights, and the atmosphere is pure magic.

The cost of living is low, so accommodation, food, and attractions come at a bargain. Plus, the city is eager to welcome travellers with those cheap prices, making it one of the rare places where spending money feels good, like you're supporting a community that's in the process of rebuilding.

Feature image: Supplied.