20 European Cities Ranked: From Budget-Friendly To Luxury Splurges

Planning a European adventure but not sure where your wallet will stretch furthest? Europe offers an incredible mix of destinations that cater to every budget imaginable.

I’ve ranked 20 amazing European cities from the most affordable to the ultimate luxury experiences. Whether you’re counting pennies or ready to splash serious cash, this guide will help you pick the perfect city for your next European escape.

1. Sofia City Steals

Bulgaria’s capital offers incredible value without skimping on experiences. Your euros stretch remarkably far here, with meals at local restaurants often costing under €10 and museum entries typically around €5.

The city blends Ottoman, Soviet, and modern influences into a fascinating cultural tapestry you can explore without breaking the bank. Public transportation is ridiculously cheap at less than €1 per ride.

Free walking tours showcase Sofia’s highlights, and affordable day trips to Rila Monastery or Vitosha Mountain add natural splendor to your budget adventure. Even nicer hotels hover around €50-70 per night!

2. Kraków Wallet-Friendly Charm

Poland’s medieval gem combines rich history with student-friendly prices. A full meal in the atmospheric Old Town might set you back just €8-12, while hostel beds start around €10 and decent private rooms from €30.

The FREE entry to the Main Market Square lets you soak in Europe’s largest medieval town square without spending a zloty. Many museums offer discount days, and the city’s compact design means you’ll rarely need public transport.

Local milk bars (bar mleczny) serve traditional Polish food at prices that seem stuck in the past. Even with splurges like Wawel Castle tours and vodka tastings, daily expenses rarely exceed €40-50.

3. Bucharest Low-Cost Buzz

Romania’s energetic capital delivers big-city thrills with small-town prices. The architecture alone provides free entertainment – where else can you find French-inspired boulevards alongside communist blocks and the world’s heaviest building?

Dining costs are refreshingly reasonable with hearty Romanian meals averaging €7-10. Local beer flows for about €2 in most places. The city’s parks offer peaceful retreats that don’t cost a thing.

Public transport passes run about €3 daily, while centrally-located accommodations start around €30-40. Bucharest’s emerging cool factor means you’re experiencing a city on the rise before prices follow suit – making now the perfect time to visit.

4. Vilnius Budget Explorer Gem

Lithuania’s capital remains one of Europe’s best-kept budget secrets. This Baltic beauty delivers baroque splendor without the western European price tag. Cozy beds in the Old Town start around €25, while full meals with a drink cost €8-12.

Walking the cobblestone streets costs nothing, and most major sights charge minimal entry fees. The self-declared “Republic of Užupis” neighborhood offers quirky street art and bohemian vibes free of charge.

Day trips to nearby Trakai Castle won’t break the bank either. If you’re feeling splurgy, even upscale restaurants charge what you’d pay for a basic meal in Paris. Your wallet will thank you for discovering this underrated gem before the crowds arrive!

5. Athens Historic on Budget

History doesn’t have to be expensive in Greece’s ancient capital. While the Acropolis charges an entry fee (about €20), countless archaeological sites can be viewed from outside, and many museums offer free days monthly.

The real magic happens wandering neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, where centuries of history surround you at no cost. Street food like souvlaki (€3-4) and Greek pies (€2-3) keep hunger at bay without restaurant prices.

Budget accommodations start around €40, with many offering Acropolis views as a bonus. The metro system efficiently connects major sights for just €1.20 per ride. Athens proves you don’t need a big budget to walk in the footsteps of ancient philosophers and gods.

6. Porto Affordable Culture

Portugal’s northern gem offers Atlantic charm at prices that make Lisbon seem expensive. World-class wines flow freely here, with glasses of local port starting around €3-4 in atmospheric taverns along the Douro River.

Hearty Portuguese meals cost €8-12 in family-run tascas, while the famous francesinha sandwich delivers a full meal for about €9. The stunning Livraria Lello bookshop charges an entrance fee, but most other attractions like the riverside Ribeira district are completely free to explore.

Accommodations range from €25 hostels to €60 mid-range hotels with river views. The compact city center means you’ll rarely need public transport, though vintage tram rides offer both transportation and sightseeing for just €3.

7. Budapest Thermal Budget

Hungary’s stunning capital delivers luxury experiences at budget prices. Where else can you soak in magnificent thermal baths housed in palace-like buildings for under €20? The famous Széchenyi Baths feel like a splurge but cost less than a casual lunch in Western Europe.

Hearty Hungarian meals with local wine typically run €10-15. The city’s ruin bars – atmospheric drinking spots in abandoned buildings – serve beers for €2-3 in incredibly unique settings you’d pay premium prices for elsewhere.

Accommodations range from €15 hostels to €60 for surprisingly nice hotels. Even the grand Fisherman’s Bastion offers free viewing areas alongside its paid sections. Your forint stretches incredibly far in this architectural wonderland straddling the Danube.

8. Belgrade Nightlife Value

Serbia’s vibrant capital delivers nightlife that rivals Berlin at a fraction of the cost. Clubs aboard repurposed river barges (splavovi) keep the party going until sunrise, with drinks typically costing €2-4 – unheard of in most European party cities.

Days can be spent exploring the impressive Kalemegdan Fortress for free or sampling Serbian specialties like ćevapi for €5-7. Coffee culture thrives here, with espresso at outdoor cafés costing just €1-2 while you people-watch along Knez Mihailova Street.

Accommodations start around €20 for hostels and €40-50 for comfortable hotels. The city’s gritty charm and friendly locals add value you can’t put a price on. Belgrade proves you don’t need deep pockets to experience world-class nightlife and authentic Balkan culture.

9. Prague Classic Affordability

The Czech capital remains surprisingly affordable despite its popularity. While prices have increased over the years, Prague still delivers Gothic and Baroque splendor without draining your bank account. Half-liter beers cost €2-3 even in tourist areas (and less in local spots).

Hearty Czech meals run €8-12 in traditional beer halls, while accommodations range from €20 hostels to €70 mid-range hotels. Many of Prague’s most stunning sights – Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the exterior of Prague Castle – can be enjoyed completely free.

The efficient public transport system costs about €1 per ride. Timing your visit outside summer high season yields even better deals on this fairy-tale city that somehow resists Western European pricing despite its immense popularity.

10. Valencia Sunny and Smart

Spain’s third-largest city offers Mediterranean bliss at prices that make Barcelona blush. The stunning City of Arts and Sciences complex can be admired from outside for free, while beach days cost nothing but sunscreen.

Authentic paella valenciana costs around €12-15 per person when shared, and daily menu specials (menú del día) deliver three-course lunches with wine for €10-15. The converted riverbed park that winds through the city provides miles of green space for picnics and people-watching.

Accommodations start around €25 for hostels and €60-80 for nice hotels. Even during Las Fallas festival, prices remain reasonable compared to other Spanish hotspots. Valencia delivers that perfect balance of authentic Spanish experience without the tourist-inflated prices.

11. Paris Chic Getaway

The City of Light marks where our list transitions from budget to mid-range. While Paris has a reputation for being expensive, smart travelers can still experience its magic without maxing out credit cards.

Skip fancy restaurants in favor of neighborhood bistros offering prix-fixe menus (€20-30) or assemble picnics from local markets and boulangeries. Many museums offer free entry on first Sundays, and simply wandering the atmospheric neighborhoods costs nothing.

Accommodations hit your wallet hardest, with decent rooms starting around €100-120 per night. The Paris Museum Pass (€52 for 2 days) quickly pays for itself if you’re hitting multiple sights. Budget around €100-150 daily for a moderate experience in this iconic but pricey capital.

12. Vienna Refined Splurge

Austria’s imperial capital elevates ordinary experiences to extraordinary ones – at a price. Coffee and cake at a traditional café runs €10-15, but includes the priceless ambiance of venues where Freud and Mozart once sat.

Meals at classic Viennese restaurants start around €20-25 per person without drinks. The city’s musical heritage comes alive in concerts ranging from €30 student performances to €200+ opera tickets. Museum entries average €12-15 each.

Accommodations in central districts start around €120-150 per night. While Vienna isn’t budget-friendly, the impeccable quality of experiences justifies the higher prices. The polished service, immaculate streets, and cultural richness deliver a refined experience worth splurging on – at least for a few days.

13. Milan Fashion Forward Spending

Italy’s style capital doesn’t cater to budget travelers, but delivers high-end experiences with panache. Window shopping along the Golden Quadrilateral fashion district costs nothing, though actually purchasing something there requires serious funds.

Dining ranges from €15-20 for casual meals to €50+ for proper sit-down experiences. The aperitivo tradition offers some value – paying €10-15 for a drink often includes access to buffet spreads. Tickets to see da Vinci’s Last Supper must be booked months in advance and cost €15+.

Accommodations rarely dip below €120-150 for decent options. Milan rewards those willing to spend, with impeccable design touches everywhere from boutique hotels to cocktail bars. Budget €150-200 daily for a comfortable but not extravagant experience.

14. Copenhagen Nordic Luxury

Denmark’s capital delivers Scandinavian perfection – if you can afford it. The famous hygge (coziness) comes with a hefty price tag, with simple meals starting around €20-25 and proper restaurant experiences easily exceeding €50 per person without drinks.

Even street food at the popular Reffen market runs €10-15 per item. Beer averages €7-9 for a standard pint. The upside? Many top attractions like Nyhavn harbor and the Little Mermaid statue are free to visit, and the city’s exceptional public spaces cost nothing to enjoy.

Accommodations rarely dip below €150-200 for basic comfort. The Danish quality of life is immediately apparent in the thoughtful design and functionality of everything from bike lanes to coffee shops – you’re paying for a glimpse of what many consider the world’s most livable urban environment.

15. London Pricey Iconic Stay

The British capital demands deep pockets but rewards with unmatched cultural riches. While many world-class museums offer free entry (a rare London bargain), most other experiences come with eye-watering price tags.

Basic meals start around £15-20 (€18-24), with proper dining experiences easily exceeding £50 (€60) per person. A pint of beer averages £6-7 (€7-8.50) in most pubs. Theater tickets, a London essential, range from £25-150 (€30-180) depending on the show and seats.

Accommodations deliver the biggest shock, with even basic central hotels starting around £150-200 (€180-240) per night. Budget at least £150 (€180) daily for a moderate experience. London’s energy and diversity make it worth the splurge, but prepare your wallet for serious damage.

16. Oslo Minimalist High-End

Norway’s capital showcases Scandinavian simplicity at maximum prices. Even fast food meals start around €15, with sit-down restaurants beginning at €25-30 for main courses. A basic beer costs €9-11 in most establishments.

The stunning Opera House can be climbed for free, and natural attractions like Frogner Park cost nothing – small mercies in this budget-busting city. Museum entries average €10-15 each. The real value comes in experiencing the Norwegian lifestyle – minimalist, functional, and focused on quality over quantity.

Accommodations start around €150-180 for basic rooms. Public transportation runs about €10 daily. Despite the costs, Oslo delivers a unique experience with its perfect blend of urban innovation and easy access to breathtaking fjords and forests. Budget €200+ daily for a comfortable experience.

17. Zurich High-End Bliss

Switzerland’s financial hub redefines expensive with its pristine streets and lake views. A basic meal starts around €25-30, with nicer restaurants easily exceeding €50-60 for main courses alone. Even McDonald’s meals approach €15 here.

The consolation? Drinking water from public fountains is free and delicious, and the efficient public transport (though expensive at €8-10 daily) makes navigating the compact city effortless. Walking along Lake Zurich costs nothing but delivers million-franc views.

Accommodations rarely dip below €180-250 for basic comfort. The Swiss precision extends to everything from train schedules to chocolate making – you’re paying for a society where everything simply works perfectly. Budget at least €250 daily for a moderate experience in this banking powerhouse.

18. Dubrovnik Scenic but Pricey

Croatia’s walled city has seen prices skyrocket since becoming King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Walking the famous city walls costs €35 alone, though the views justify the expense. Restaurants within the Old Town charge premium prices – expect €20-30 for main courses.

The crystal-clear Adriatic waters surrounding the city provide free entertainment if you can find a spot among the summer crowds. Accommodations command premium rates, with even basic rooms starting around €150-200 in high season.

Visiting in shoulder seasons (May or September) offers slightly better value while still enjoying good weather. Despite the costs, Dubrovnik’s perfect preservation and dramatic setting make it a splurge-worthy destination for most travelers. Budget €200+ daily during peak seasons for a comfortable experience.

19. Geneva Elegant Indulgence

Switzerland’s diplomatic hub combines French flair with Swiss precision – and prices to match. Situated on beautiful Lake Geneva with Mont Blanc views, the setting alone feels worth the expense. Basic meals start around €25-30, with fine dining easily exceeding €100 per person.

The Jet d’Eau fountain and lakefront provide scenic free entertainment. Public transport is included with most hotel stays, a small but welcome perk. Museums and attractions average €10-20 entrance fees.

Accommodations reflect the city’s status, with decent options starting around €200-250 per night. The impeccable cleanliness, multilingual population, and international atmosphere create a rarefied experience that appeals to those with expense accounts. Budget €300+ daily for a comfortable but not extravagant experience.

20. Monaco Ultra-Luxury Stop

The world’s second-smallest country packs maximum luxury into its tiny territory. This playground for the ultra-wealthy makes everywhere else in Europe seem reasonably priced by comparison. Even casual cafés charge €7-8 for espresso and €25+ for simple meals.

Fortunately, wandering past the mega-yachts in the harbor, admiring the famous casino, and watching for celebrities costs nothing. The compact size means you can explore most of the principality on foot, saving on transportation.

Accommodations start around €300-400 for basic rooms, with famous hotels like Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo charging €1,000+ per night. Monaco represents the pinnacle of European luxury travel – a place where even millionaires can feel the pinch. Budget €400+ daily for even a modest experience.