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12 LOW-BUDGET EUROPEAN COUNTRIES TO RELOCATE AS AN EXPAT



The last thing that comes to the minds of most tourists is low budget European cities. We all want to visit Paris, Rome and London. But if you're after a much more off-the-beaten-path experience, some great European destinations won't cost you an arm and a leg. Here are our low budget suggestions for 12 different countries in Europe:

1. Slovenia

Slovenia is a small country packed with natural beauty, unique architecture and rich culture. It has cities like Ljubljana, bays like Piran and Lake Bled, and excellent ski resorts such as Bohinj and Kranjska Gora. You can get around by plane or bus, and you can find lots of budget accommodation online. All these make Slovenia an excellent place to visit on a tight budget, particularly if you love nature and skiing or hiking.

2. Croatia

Croatia is a southern European country that's rich in history, architecture and culture. Split, the largest city in Dalmatia (a region in Croatia), is located near the Adriatic sea and has several beaches and many other attractions such as Diocletian's Palace (once an ancient palace). You can stay at one of the hostels there or rent out an apartment for very low prices. Rovinj is another gorgeous coastal city with plenty of cultural attractions such as St Euphemia Cathedral and numerous festivals held throughout the year.

3. Estonia

Estonia is one of the most affordable Baltic countries to visit. It's home to lots of beautiful nature and has some lovely historic towns, such as Tallinn and Tartu. The capital city of Tallinn is filled with medieval architecture (for instance, there are more than 100 towers in the city). Similarly, Riga in Latvia is a pretty place with narrow cobblestone streets that give it an old-world charm. Costs for food and accommodation in both cities are pretty low as well.

4. Serbia

Due to its location within the former Yugoslavia area, Serbia receives many visitors from neighbouring countries such as Croatia and Slovenia. Belgrade, the capital city, also offers tons of cultural attractions, including museums and historical sites like Kalemegdan Park. There are also lots of great places to visit nearby, including the city of Novi Sad and its zoo as well as Ada Ciganlija, a famous island just across the river from Belgrade where you can go kayaking or cycling.

5. Lithuania

Lithuania is one of Europe's best-kept secrets - something that more people should know about considering the country is home to beautiful beaches like Palanga and many other attractions such as Trakai Castle and Gediminas Tower (both UNESCO World Heritage sites). Vilnius' Old Town area is also awe-inspiring with beautiful architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. Especially when compared to more popular cities in Europe, things here are much cheaper, so it's worth a look if you're looking to travel on a budget.

6. Greece

Greece is another great place for travellers on a tight budget since it has beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and fantastic architecture in all its cities. Although the country is mainly known for its party scene and nightlife (particularly in places like Mykonos and Santorini), Athens boasts several city-wide festivals throughout the year that are pretty interesting (for instance, the Mediterranean Film Festival). And if there's one thing that can be said about Greeks, they know how to throw a good party!

7. Italy

Italy is famous worldwide - but much less so than other European countries such as France or Spain. One of our favourite Italian cities is Florence, a fantastic place for art-lovers and people who love to shop. Since there are many affordable restaurants in the city centre, you can enjoy a delicious meal even if your budget is pretty tight. Rome, too, has some beautiful places to visit, like the Colosseum and Piazza Navona or Via Appia Antica (which dates back to 222 BC).

8. Bulgaria

Bulgaria's historical sites are must-visits for anyone interested in culture, but it's also famous because of its Black Sea Coast, which features many great summer resorts such as Sozopol. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the old towns of Veliko Tarnovo and Nessebar and Bachkovo Monastery.

9. Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful country famous for its music, festivals and historic castles such as Bunratty Castle, which dates back to the 15th century. It also has excellent nightlife in cities such as Dublin and Galway, where you can have a good drink with friends or go clubbing (Galway also has an annual film festival, so if you're into movies, this place is worth checking out). Cheaper flights from countries like Sweden allow people on a budget to travel here more quickly than other European destinations.

10. Portugal

Portugal gets thousands of visitors every year, but since it isn't as popular as Spain or France, things are still affordable. Lisbon has several cultural attractions, including museums and galleries, while there are also excellent beaches nearby like Cascais and Costa da Caparica.

11. Hungary

Hungary is a country that seems to be getting more and more popular among travellers, especially younger ones. Budapest, in particular, has great nightlife and culture. If you love classical music, the Hungarian State Opera House is worth checking out as it's home to three resident orchestras with half-price tickets at 2:00 p.m. every day; of the week! Not only is Budapest famous for its ruin bars (where drinks are very cheap), but it also offers many great festivals throughout the year, such as Sziget, which takes place on Óbudai Island in August each year. Pálinka (homemade fruit brandy) is an essential part of Hungarian culture, and there are many great places to try it, especially in Érd at the Pálinkaház. And if you're looking for a romantic getaway, check out the Citadella, as it's one of the most beautiful castles in Europe!

12. Poland

Poland is a country that's getting more and more popular among travellers, especially backpackers. It's often seen as an affordable alternative to nearby countries such as Germany and the Czech Republic, but we think it has so much more to offer than just low prices. Check out Krakow who offers excellent museums such as The Wawel Royal Castle (which houses the National Museum of Archaeology), Kazimierz Dolny - one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns Wieliczka Salt Mine (which dates back to before 1000 BC).

FINAL THOUGHTS

We believe that everybody should enjoy their travels regardless of their budget - and we hope this list will help you choose some incredible destinations that are affordable yet still offer amazing sights, culture, food and nightlife. The article has been updated but since prices can change depending on the season, do your homework before setting out!

If you're looking for affordable European destinations, any of these countries should be on your radar. But if there's one thing that we hope this article has taught you, it's to be open-minded when travelling - the best places are often those you least expect!

Written by Rohan Singh. He co-founded Faruse and is a full-stack growth marketer based in Paris. You can contact him on LinkedIn.

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