For many Indians, travelling to Europe is a lifelong dream. The continent is rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, offering experiences that captivate the heart and soul. However, the high costs often associated with European travel: expensive accommodations, costly flights, and pricey meals can make this dream seem out of reach for many. But here’s the good news: Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. While countries like Switzerland, Norway, and France can put a strain on your wallet, there are plenty of hidden gems and budget-friendly destinations across the continent where you can experience all the magic of Europe without burning a hole in your pocket.

What if we told you that you could explore some of the most beautiful, culturally rich, and scenic European countries without breaking the bank? In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the cheapest European countries to visit from India. So, pack your bags and turn your European dream into reality without worrying about your wallet!

Which European country is the cheapest to visit from India?

Actual individual consumption is the primary metric for determining how expensive or cheap a country is for daily life and travel expenses. A lower AIC indicates that goods, services, and everyday expenses are more affordable. Here is the list of European countries with low AICs from the European Union Statistics.

1. Albania

2. North Macedonia

3. Montenegro

4. Latvia

5. Slovakia

6. Hungary

7. Poland

8. Estonia

9. Portugal

10. Greece

1. Albania

Albania remains one of the cheapest countries in Europe due to its low cost of living and developing tourism infrastructure. Food, accommodation, and transportation are all highly affordable. The country offers beautiful, uncrowded beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages, all at a fraction of the cost compared to other European destinations.

• Flight Tickets: ₹40,000–₹50,000 (round trip to Tirana via European hubs)

• Visa Type/Cost: Schengen Visa or Albania tourist visa

• Accommodation: Hostels and budget hotels from ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night

• Food Cost: ₹300–₹700 per day for local dishes like byrek (savory pastries) and fresh seafood

• Activities: Explore the beaches of Ksamil, visit the ancient city of Butrint, hike in the Accursed Mountains

• Budget Places to Explore: Berat (the city of a thousand windows), Gjirokastër (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and Lake Ohrid

• Average Daily Budget: ₹3,000–₹4,500

2. North Macedonia

North Macedonia offers excellent value for money with low accommodation and food costs. It’s a lesser-known destination, so tourist prices are generally very reasonable. North Macedonia is a landlocked country in the Balkans, known for its beautiful lakes, mountains, and rich cultural history. Skopje, the capital, offers a mix of modern and historical architecture, while Lake Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage site with crystal-clear waters and ancient churches.

• Flight Tickets: ₹40,000–₹50,000 (round trip to Skopje via European hubs)

• Visa Type/Cost: Schengen Visa or North Macedonia visa

• Accommodation: Budget hotels and guesthouses from ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night

• Food Cost: ₹400–₹800 per day for local meals like tavče gravče (baked beans) and grilled meats

• Activities: Walk around Skopje’s Old Bazaar, visit Lake Ohrid, hike in Mavrovo National Park

• Budget Places to Explore: Matka Canyon, Bitola (historical city), and St. Naum Monastery

• Average Daily Budget: ₹3,500–₹4,500

3. Montenegro

Montenegro is a small country with much to offer for budget travellers, including historic towns, mountains, and coastal views. Accommodations and food are affordable, especially outside the main tourist areas like Kotor.

• Flight Tickets: ₹40,000–₹50,000 (round trip to Podgorica via European hubs)

• Visa Type/Cost: Montenegro visa 

• Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses from ₹1,200–₹2,500 per night

• Food Cost: ₹400–₹800 per day for simple local meals like cevapi and fresh seafood

• Activities: Explore Kotor Old Town, visit Lake Skadar, and hike in Durmitor National Park

• Budget Places to Explore: Budva’s beaches, Ostrog Monastery, Sveti Stefan (external view)

• Average Daily Budget: ₹3,500–₹5,000

4. Latvia

Latvia is an affordable Baltic destination with medieval charm, scenic nature, and modern conveniences. Riga, the capital, offers budget-friendly options for accommodation and food, while the countryside provides low-cost outdoor activities.

• Flight Tickets: ₹35,000–₹45,000 (round trip from major Indian cities to Riga, with layovers)

• Visa Type/Cost: Latvia Schengen Visa (₹8100)

• Accommodation: Budget hotels/hostels from ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night

• Food Cost: ₹500–₹1,000 per day for local meals

• Activities: Visit the Riga Old Town, Gauja National Park, and Jurmala Beach (most attractions are affordable or free)

• Budget Places to Explore: Art Nouveau District in Riga, Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, and Rundale Palace

• Average Daily Budget: ₹4,000–₹5,500

5. Slovakia

Slovakia is a cost-effective destination in Central Europe, offering beautiful nature, castles, and a laid-back atmosphere. Bratislava is compact and easy to explore on foot, and the countryside is ideal for budget-friendly hiking trips.

• Flight Tickets: ₹35,000–₹45,000 (round trip to Bratislava via Vienna)

• Visa Type/Cost: Schengen Visa 

• Accommodation: Hostels from ₹1,500–₹2,800 per night

• Food Cost: ₹500–₹1,000 per day for local dishes like bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with cheese)

• Activities: Walk around Bratislava Castle, hike in High Tatras, and visit medieval towns

• Budget Places to Explore: Devin Castle, Slovak Paradise National Park

• Average Daily Budget: ₹4,000–₹5,500

6. Hungary

Hungary is known for its affordable capital, Budapest, where budget travellers can enjoy historic sites, thermal baths, and hearty local food. Costs are generally lower than in Western Europe, especially outside of Budapest.

• Flight Tickets: ₹35,000–₹45,000 (round trip to Budapest)

• Visa Type/Cost: Schengen Visa 

• Accommodation: Hostels and budget apartments from ₹1,200–₹3,000 per night

• Food Cost: ₹500–₹1,000 per day for dishes like goulash and langos

• Activities: Visit Buda Castle, soak in Széchenyi Thermal Baths, and walk along the Danube

• Budget Places to Explore: Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes Square, and Lake Balaton

• Average Daily Budget: ₹4,000–₹6,000

7. Poland

Poland is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, offering a rich history, vibrant cities, and natural beauty. Cities like Kraków and Warsaw have cheap accommodations, public transport, and reasonably priced food.

• Flight Tickets: ₹35,000–₹45,000 (round trip to Warsaw/Kraków)

• Visa Type/Cost: Schengen Visa

• Accommodation: Budget hostels from ₹1,200–₹2,500 per night

• Food Cost: ₹400–₹900 per day for traditional meals like pierogi and żurek (sour rye soup)

• Activities: Visit Kraków’s Old Town, explore Wawel Castle, and take a day trip to Auschwitz

• Budget Places to Explore: Warsaw Old Town, Tatra Mountains, Gdańsk beaches

• Average Daily Budget: ₹3,500–₹5,000

8. Estonia

Estonia is a budget-friendly Baltic country known for its well-preserved medieval towns and natural beauty. Tallinn’s Old Town is easy to explore on foot, and the rest of the country offers affordable outdoor adventures.

• Flight Tickets: ₹40,000–₹50,000 (round trip to Tallinn via European hubs)

• Visa Type/Cost: Schengen Visa

• Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses from ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night

• Food Cost: ₹500–₹1,000 per day for simple local foods like black bread and smoked fish

• Activities: Explore Tallinn Old Town, hike in Lahemaa National Park, and relax at Parnu Beach

• Budget Places to Explore: Toompea Castle, Kadriorg Palace, Saaremaa Island

• Average Daily Budget: ₹4,000–₹5,500

9. Portugal

Portugal is a popular destination for budget travellers due to its affordable public transport, low-cost food, and scenic cities like Lisbon and Porto. It’s also known for its beautiful beaches and historic neighbourhoods.

• Flight Tickets: ₹40,000–₹50,000 (round trip to Lisbon/Porto)

• Visa Type/Cost: Schengen Visa 

• Accommodation: Hostels and Airbnb from ₹1,500–₹3,500 per night

• Food Cost: ₹500–₹1,200 per day for meals like pastéis de nata and bacalhau (salt cod)

• Activities: Explore Lisbon’s Alfama district, tour Porto’s wine cellars, and relax in Algarve

• Budget Places to Explore: Sintra, Belem Tower, Cabo da Roca

• Average Daily Budget: ₹4,500–₹6,000

10. Greece

Greece is a budget-friendly destination, especially if you avoid peak tourist seasons. Mainland cities like Athens offer affordable accommodation and food, while some islands can be explored on a budget with careful planning.

• Flight Tickets: ₹40,000–₹55,000 (round trip to Athens)

• Visa Type/Cost: Schengen Visa

• Accommodation: Budget hotels and hostels from ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night

• Food Cost: ₹500–₹1,200 per day for meals like gyros, souvlaki, and moussaka

• Activities: Visit the Acropolis, explore ancient ruins in Delphi, and enjoy beaches in Crete

• Budget Places to Explore: Meteora monasteries, Santorini (off-season), Thessaloniki

• Average Daily Budget: ₹5,000–₹7,000

To get your Schengen visa appointment on time, Start your Schengen visa application with Atlys and get a dedicated concierge to help you. 

Additional Tips for Saving Money on European Holidays:

Here are some additional tips to save money when you are planning your holiday in Europe:

• Book in Advance: Booking flights 2-3 months ahead can significantly cut costs, especially during the off-season.

• Use Flight Search Engines: Compare prices on Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo to find the cheapest routes.

• Consider Budget Airlines: Fly with Ryanair, Wizz Air, or EasyJet for cheap intra-Europe travel.

• Travel During Off-Season: Avoid peak tourist months (June-August) and travel in spring or autumn for lower prices on flights and accommodations.

• Stay in Budget Accommodations: Opt for affordable stays in hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb in countries like Hungary and Slovakia.

• Use Public Transport: Buses and trains are cheap and reliable in countries like Poland and Estonia. Use apps like Rome2Rio for the best transport options.

• Eat Local Food: Try affordable street food like gyros in Greece or byrek in Albania, and shop at local markets for budget-friendly meals.

• Look for Free Attractions: Explore attractions like Tallinn’s Old Town or join free walking tours in cities like Lisbon and Budapest.

Final Thought: 

Travelling to Europe from India doesn’t have to be expensive. You can enjoy rich cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious local cuisine without breaking the bank by choosing destinations like Albania, North Macedonia, and Hungary. With affordable flights, low-cost accommodations, and smart travel tips, your European dream trip is more accessible than ever. Start planning your journey today and explore the beauty of Europe on a budget!