5 Affordable Places Around Europe No One Talks About

5 Affordable Places Around Europe No One Talks About

London, Paris, Venice, Istanbul. They’re some 
of the world’s most visited cities, and for a good reason. They’re iconic, they’re stunning, and 
they’re absolutely worth visiting at least once. But they’re also expensive. And honestly, now 
more than ever. Even a short trip can cost you a small fortune once you factor in hotels, food, 
entrance fees, and everything in between. But here’s the good news. There are plenty of places 
in and around Europe that are much cheaper, much less crowded, and just as interesting. So, in this 
video, we’re looking at five highly underrated and affordable places that could turn your next trip 
from an overpriced disaster into something way more exciting, way more memorable, and way easier 
on your wallet. I’ve recently visited all five of these places myself. So, I’ll share what they 
actually cost, why they’re worth your time, and a few insider tips I picked up along the way. And 
if you like to eat, make sure to stay tuned for number five because it will blow your mind. Let’s 
start with one of the most surprising European cities I’ve been to recently, Tirana. Albania’s 
capital city has a totally different vibe than the rest of Europe. It’s chaotic, colorful, and 
kind of unpredictable, but in the best way. You’ve got brutalist communist architecture right 
next to Ottoman Arab buildings, Italian cafes, and a lot more that’s hard to even put a label 
on. And the same goes for the culture. Albania’s a mix of influences with different religions and 
traditions coexisting side by side. Plus, although it’s become a little more popular in recent years, 
the cost of traveling here is still insanely low. You could end up paying around € 20 or €30 for a 
decent place to stay. Local meals were often under €5 and transportation was never too expensive. 
And here’s the biggest draw for many. You’re just a few hours away from some of the most beautiful 
beaches in Europe. The Albanian Riviera has water as clear as Greece or Croatia since it’s right 
between them. But it’s also got half the tourists and everything costs a fraction of the price. And 
there’s one little bonus with Albania. Since it’s not yet in the Shengen zone or EU, it’s a great 
place to spend some time between other European countries while your visa clock resets. But if 
you’re going for that more classical European city vibe, you still don’t have to settle for 
pricey Paris or My Money’s Gone Milan. Nope, there’s Kkow, a city that somehow hasn’t let 
its popularity ruin its prices yet. It’s got the fairy tale architecture of Western Europe. 
Think Habsburg style buildings, cobbled old towns, and castles, but it’s way more affordable. 
There’s also a huge mix of history here. One of my favorite areas in Krakow is Kazimeirz, 
the historically Jewish neighborhood that’s now packed with cafes, street art, and some serious 
nightife. It’s got this unique vibe where the old and the new just kind of blend together. 
The food scene is underrated, too. I mean, we are talking about Polish food after all. 
Perogi, grilled sausages, potato pancakes, hearty, filling meals that you can usually get for under 
€10. And that’s at sitown restaurants, too, by the way, not just street food. Though, you do have to 
try the zapanka. You basically could describe it as a Polish pizza. The classic Crackovian one. 
And I’ve got some garlic sauce on it, too. And accommodation, you can still find solid private 
rooms for between 30 and €40 a night. And host are even cheaper. And outside of Krakow itself, 
there is a lot to see and do, too. Do not skip the salt mines because they are way cooler than they 
sound. Wieliczka salt mine is the biggest salt mine in the world, but it’s a little bit pricey to 
get into. If you want a cheaper alternative for a similar experience, you can check out Bochnia Salt 
Mine. and taking a day trip to nearby Ashvitz is an important thing to consider. But really, make 
sure you’re mentally prepared for something that heavy. There’s just a lot of layers to this 
Polish city and its surrounding areas. But if you’re thinking more about a Mediterranean vibe, 
try Cyprus. This country is not talked about nearly enough. It’s part of the European Union. 
It uses the Euro, and it’s got this unique blend of Greek and Turkish culture, but really, it’s 
something all its own. The beaches are beautiful, the weather is great most of the year, and the 
interior is full of sleepy villages, monasteries, and mountain drives. While the resort areas can 
get pretty pricey, the rest of the island is surprisingly affordable. And there’s honestly so 
much more here than just resorts. You could rent a car here for around €25 a day. Though, the public 
transport’s a bit hit or miss. I stayed near the beach in the city of Larnica for well under €100 
a night, and the food is mostly similar to Greek food, but still, it’s its own thing. Plus, I never 
paid over €10 for a meal. I did visit during the summer, which was nice. But if I’d visit again, I 
would go during shoulder season. That’s basically late springtime or early fall. So, think April 
and May or September and October. The prices will be lower. There will be less crowds, 
but the weather will still be solid. Okay, so this one is technically outside of Europe, but 
it’s just across the water. It’s literally closer to mainland Italy than some Italian islands 
and just about 50 mi from Malta, but it’s a totally different world. Tunisia gives you ancient 
ruins, desert landscapes, Mediterranean beaches, and flavorful food. All for a fraction of what 
you would pay in most of southern Europe. And it’s pretty easy to get around, too. There’s a 
national rail system, cheap long-distance taxis, and there’s frequent flights to take you down 
to the Sahara Desert. Fun fact, Sahara Sahara means desert in Arabic. None of the country’s 
transportation options are that expensive. And if you go to the right restaurant, you can get 
a solid meal for like €2 or 3. Staying somewhere won’t cost you that much either, with the cheapest 
of cheap hotel rooms costing you somewhere between 15 and €20 a night. I went for a slightly more 
upscale option in the country’s capital of Tunis, staying in the former British embassy, but we’re 
still talking like 50 or 60 a night. Culturally, Tunisia is a fascinating place. It’s Arab, Berber, 
French influenced, also Mediterranean. It’s hard to categorize really. Let’s just say it’s 
Tunisian, and that’s what really makes it worth visiting. If you do decide to visit though, just 
make sure to stay updated on travel advisories. especially if you plan to travel near the Libyan 
border where things can change frequently. Locals can help inform you about the situation if you 
ask, and overall this country is welcoming and safe for travelers. Now, all the places I’ve 
mentioned so far have great food. But if food is one of your main reasons for traveling, 
there’s one place you have to go. Well, two places actually, but they’re deeply connected and 
in the same region of southern Turkey. Gaziantep and Sanliurfa. Locals affectionately refer to 
their cities as Anteep and Urfa. Gaziantep is the baklava capital of the world. It’s insane. 
This baklava is eaten like this. The pistachios here are on a whole different level and you’ll eat 
better here than almost anywhere in the country. Many would say the world. Plus, there is just 
culture and history galore with a massive castle overlooking the city and the world’s largest 
museum of mosaics. You surely know Mona Lisa, but here you’ll find the Turkish Mona Lisa. The 
second city I mentioned, Shan Lurfa, on the other hand, is one of the most spiritual and historic 
cities of the region. It’s often referred to as the birthplace of Abraham. The castle behind me 
is about 2,000 years old, and it’s sitting at top a mound that’s about 10,000 years old. And just 
outside of the city, you’ve got the archaeological site of Gobecé, which is often referred to as the 
world’s oldest temple. Plus, the food here is at least almost as amazing as in Gazianep. I’m trying 
to be fair to both cities here because they both take their food seriously. Honestly, you can’t 
really go wrong with either, but you’d better visit both. They also happen to be just a short 
bus ride or drive away from each other. Anyway, in Shanlurf you’ll find all kinds of kebabs, rich 
stews, and one of my favorite street foods ever, shik kufta. It was actually invented here. The 
original recipe included raw meat, but these days it’s centered around bulgar wheat and a tasty 
mix of spices. It also happens to be vegan. It’s spicy, fresh, and outside of Turkey, it’s totally 
underrated. And in Shan Lura, you’ll find it on nearly every corner. Now, let’s be real, Turkey 
is no longer as cheap as it once was, especially in tourist heavy areas like Istanbul or along 
the coast. But once you go down south, prices drop significantly. And what you get in return 
in terms of food, hospitality, and culture is honestly priceless. In Gazianep, I found massive 
meals for around €5. And Sha Lurfa has some of the best kebab I’ve had anywhere. If you do visit 
during Ramadan, like I did, and you’re the type of traveler who wants to try everything, just note, 
you may have some trouble tracking down the city’s famous liver kebab, which every local will tell 
you to try. A lot of places only serve it early in the morning. And during Ramadan, those hours can 
get even trickier. Closed. Closed. But even if you miss it, the food scene here is still next level. 
And maybe the best part, hardly any international tourists. Not many travelers can say they’ve been 
to these two cities. But once you go, you’ll be the one convincing everyone else they should. 
These aren’t the only underrated and budget friendly destinations in or around Europe, but 
they’re five of my personal favorites that I’ve recently checked out. They’re the kind of places 
that surprise you in the best ways. lower costs, fewer crowds, and often a deeper sense of culture 
and connection. And if you want more videos like this, I will happily make a part two. Just comment 
which places you’d like to see featured. Don’t forget to like and subscribe. Thanks so much for 
watching this and I’ll see you all in the next

You can still travel Europe on a budget in 2025.
London, Paris, Venice, Istanbul — they’re iconic, but they’re also overcrowded and expensive. In this video, I’m sharing five underrated and affordable destinations in and around Europe that completely blew me away.

These hidden gems are rich in culture, history, architecture, and food — without the price tags or the tourist chaos. Whether you’re into beaches, old towns, street food, or just want a more authentic experience, these places might surprise you. I’ve been to all of them recently, so I’ll talk about prices, how to get around, what makes each place special — and why they deserve a spot on your list. And if you love to eat, don’t miss #5… it’s one of the most delicious and visually stunning places I’ve ever visited.

💡 And if you love cheap street food and stunning views, make sure to stick around for #5 — it’s one of the most deliciously beautiful destinations in Europe I’ve ever been.

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💬Let me know in the comments which underrated places you’ve visited—or want to see featured in Part 2!

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➡️More about me:
I’m David and I make travel videos. I’m focused on sharing the most interesting and insightful travel experiences with you, from hidden gems to luxury hotels. Plus I’ve got a bit of an obsession with finding the best travel deals, so I like to share my mastery of travel hacking when there’s a good reason to, too. Everybody deserves the chance to travel, so I’m here to inspire you and share the expert travel advice you need.

#BudgetTravel #HiddenGems #EuropeTravel #AffordableDestinations

00:00 Europe doesn’t have to be expensive
00:51 1. 🇦🇱Tirana, Albania
01:54 2. 🇵🇱Krakow, Poland
03:22 3. 🇨🇾Cyprus
04:17 4. 🇹🇳Tunisia
05:34 5. 🇹🇷The Turkish Foodie Cities (DO NOT MISS!)
07:59 Underrated & budget-friendly places in Europe

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