Summary

The article outlines three budget-friendly European cities—Brasov, Kraków, and Podgorica—where travelers can enjoy a fulfilling experience for under 25 Euros per day.

Abstract

In the wake of economic crises, budget-conscious travelers are increasingly seeking affordable destinations in Europe. The article "3 European Cities to Travel on 25 Euros per Day!" provides a guide to three such cities, emphasizing their historical significance, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Brasov, Romania, is highlighted for its well-preserved medieval charm, affordable accommodations, and proximity to the Transylvanian forests, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Kraków, Poland, once a major European capital, offers a blend of royal history, UNESCO heritage sites, and a lively student scene. Lastly, Podgorica, Montenegro, stands out for its rapid modernization while maintaining its cultural heritage, with opportunities for outdoor activities and affordable skiing in the nearby mountains. The article also offers practical advice on budget-friendly travel, including the importance of researching accommodations and transport providers to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

Opinions

The author expresses a preference for Brasov due to its value for money and well-preserved historical areas.
Prague is notably excluded from the list, with the author referencing a separate article explaining the disappointment with the Czech capital.
Kraków is praised for its diverse attractions, including historical, cultural, and natural sites, all within a reasonable budget.
Podgorica is described as an emerging travel destination with untapped potential for budget travelers, offering both modern amenities and natural beauty.
The article suggests that travelers should not always trust announcements of free drinks in Brasov's nightlife scene.
The author recommends hiking trails and the Tampa mountain top view in Brasov, and the nearby ski resort of Poiana for more active travelers.
In Kraków, the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the ski resort of Zakopane are mentioned as attractions that provide good value for the cost.
The author is impressed with the greenish colors of the rivers and streams near Podgorica and suggests visiting in the summer for hiking and in the winter for skiing at the Kolasin 1450 resort.
A reminder is given to check the reputation of accommodations and transport providers to avoid unpleasant experiences, with a reference to the author's best-selling book for further tips.

3 European Cities to Travel on 25 Euros per Day!

The economic crisis hit hard. As a result, budget-friendly destinations turned even more attractive.

The economic crisis hit hard. As a result, budget-friendly destinations turned even more attractive.

In this article, I will tell you about 3 of the best inexpensive destinations in Europe. But before starting, one alert: Prague is not among then. In this article, you will understand why the Czech capital disappointed me.

1. Brasov, Romania

Brasov tops the list for a few reasons. The first one is obvious: it is cheap and with well-developed hostels. You can find plenty of quality budget options there. It is cheap and delivers value for money.

If you are a history buff, try the free walking tours starting in the main square. It visits the most interesting points of this city built by 3 different cultures (Germanic, Hungarian, and Romanian).

Differing from a few other places in Romania, Brasov looks very well-preserved and safe. If you are looking for nightlife, there are plenty of options near the old town. Just don’t take the announcements of free drinks as always true.

Last — and for me, the best — if you are a nature and forest-wandering fan, this is one of the greatest cities in Romania. Surrounded by lush Transylvanian forests, you can spend entire days on the trails departing from the city. I recommend the one to the Tampa mountain top, where you can see the whole old town in its full splendor. If you are fit, try hiking to the nearby ski resort of Poiana using the marked trails.

Accommodation (per day): 10 euros for a dorm bed, or 27 euros for a 2-people private room.

Meal price: Around 20 Lei (less than 4 euros).

Beer in a pub: Approx. 7 Lei (less than 1.5 euros).

Transport: 0. The city is easily walkable.

Attractions: Most of them, like hiking trails, are free of charge. You pay as much as you wish for the free walking tour.

2. Kraków, Poland

Once the capital of the gigantic Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth — one of the biggest countries that ever existed in Europe — Kraków can amaze you with their multitude of environments. From the historical royal palace to romantic gardens and a bustling student nightlife, it is unlikely you will not find your spot in this UNESCO heritage site.

Most of Krakow attractions are within walking distance. You may also find organized tours to visit the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine, historical sites, and the ski resort of Zakopane.

The city offers plenty of fine, budget-friendly hostels. Find one near the old town to make the best of your time.

Accommodation (per day): 30 Zlotys (approx. 7 Euro) for a dorm bed, or 110 Zlotys (near 24 Euros) for a 2-people private room.

Meal price: Around 20 Zlotys in a Bar Mleczny (around 4.5 Euro).

Beer in a pub: Approx. 7 Zlotys (near 1.5 Euro).

Transport: The city distances are walkable but a ticket for public transport is less than 1 Euro per trip.

Attractions: Many of them are free of charge. Ticket prices to the Royal Castle and Wieliczka Salt Mine start at 25 and 100 Zlotys, respectively.

3. Podgorica, Montenegro

While most of the backpackers and budget travelers heard or visited Kraków and Transylvania, Podgorica is still new in the routes. Being the capital of one of the newest countries on earth — Montenegro regained its independence in 2006 — its infrastructure, cuisine, and beauty can surprise you.

Between one plate of delectable Cevapi and a shot of Rakia (the Yugoslavian signature alcohol), you will see a city quickly turning to modernity while preserving its heritage. In the summer, reserve time to hike in the nearby mountains and discover some of the most beautiful rivers and streams I saw in my life. I am still puzzled about how they can have such a beautiful degradé of greenish colors.

If you are lucky to visit Podgorica in the winter, not so far is the ski center of Kolasin 1450, a modern resort with inexpensive prices to European standards. It has good slopes for beginner/intermediary skiers and snowboarders.

Accommodation (per day): 12 Euros for a dorm bed, or 26 Euros for a 2-people private room.

Meal price: Approx. 4.5 Euros.

Beer in a pub: Approx. 1.9 Euro.

Transport: The city is walkable. If you wish to go to the forests nearby you can use a bicycle. Kolasin is reached by car.

Attractions: Historical places like Churches are free of charge. The Museum of Podgorica has an entrance fee of 1 Euro.

Remember to always check online the reputation of your accommodation and transport providers. If you are a fan of budget traveling and want to avoid the disappointment of ending in a bedbug-ridden room in a gloomy neighborhood, there are some handy techniques. In my best-selling book, I wrote about it.

Which other places “Under 25 Euros/Day” would you recommend?

Author: Levi Borba, founder of Colligere Expat Consultancy, former RM specialist for the world´s greatest airline, writer of the books Moving Out, Living Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity and Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide. You can check some of his articles here.

Subscribe here, for free, to my email list and receive the digital book 20 Essential Hacks for Saving Money While Travelling. Discover the way to cheaper flight tickets and even an upgrade to Business Class! Written by an author that worked during years in some of the best airlines of the planet.