Summer is a great time to go on vacation. The weather is warm, the sun is shining, and many people love to travel and explore new places. Europe has many wonderful cities and countries that are perfect to visit in summer. Some places can be expensive, but don’t worry! Many beautiful and fun places in Europe are cheap and great for a summer holiday.
In this article, we will talk about the top 10 cheap places to travel in Europe during the hot summer. These places have sunshine, good food, and fun things to do – and you don’t need a lot of money to enjoy them!
1. Budapest, Hungary – The City of Baths
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and also very cheap. In summer, the weather is hot, and the city becomes very lively.
You can visit big old buildings, walk by the Danube River, and go to thermal baths (hot water pools). These baths are famous and relaxing. You can also eat tasty food like goulash and try sweet cakes.
Why it’s great:
- Very low prices
- Beautiful old castles and bridges
- Fun thermal baths to swim in
- Good street food
2. Krakow, Poland – Full of History
Krakow is a city in Poland. It is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. The city is full of history, with old churches, castles, and squares. In the summer, you can walk around the city, visit museums, or sit in the park.
Food in Krakow is also very cheap. You can try Polish dumplings called “pierogi,” which are delicious!
Why it’s great:
- Cheap food and hotels
- Beautiful old town
- Many free things to see
- Friendly people
3. Lisbon, Portugal – Sunny and Colorful
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. It is a sunny city near the sea with colorful streets and kind people. Even though it is a big city, Lisbon is not very expensive. You can enjoy beaches, ride old trams, and eat fresh fish.
In summer, the weather is hot and perfect for going to the beach.
Why it’s great:
- Warm summer sun
- Beaches and the city together
- Cheap food like grilled sardines
- Nice old buildings
4. Sofia, Bulgaria – Hidden Treasure
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. Not many tourists know about it, so it is quiet and cheap. The city has pretty parks, big churches, and friendly people. In summer, the weather is warm, and you can relax outside.
There are also mountains near Sofia, where you can go for a hike.
Why it’s great:
- Very cheap to stay and eat
- Nice weather in summer
- Less crowded
- Mountains and nature nearby
5. Valencia, Spain – Beaches and Oranges
Valencia is a city in Spain near the sea. It is cheaper than other big cities like Barcelona and Madrid. In summer, it is sunny and hot – perfect for the beach!
You can swim, enjoy ice cream, and walk around the pretty city center. Valencia is also known for oranges and a dish called “paella” – a rice and seafood meal.
Why it’s great:
- Sunny weather and beaches
- Not too expensive
- Delicious food
- Many fun festivals
6. Athens, Greece – Land of Ancient Stories
Athens is the capital of Greece and is full of history. You can see famous old places like the Acropolis and ancient temples. In summer, it is hot, so don’t forget to wear a hat and drink water!
Athens is a fun place to walk, eat Greek food, and learn about the past. It’s also cheaper than many other big cities in Europe.
Why it’s great:
- Cheap food and transport
- Lots of history to see
- Warm summer sun
- Close to the sea
7. Prague, Czech Republic – City of Fairy Tales
Prague is like a fairy-tale city with old castles, bridges, and towers. In summer, it is full of people walking around and taking photos. But don’t worry – it is still very cheap!
You can drink cool lemonade, eat cheap meals, and enjoy music in the parks.
Why it’s great:
- Beautiful and old
- Cheap hotels and food
- Great for walking around
- Fun summer events
8. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – A Special Place
Sarajevo is a city with a mix of cultures. It has churches, mosques, and markets. In summer, it is sunny and warm. The city is small and peaceful, and everything is very cheap.
The food is tasty, and the people are kind. You can sit in a café, drink coffee, and enjoy the views.
Why it’s great:
- Very cheap and peaceful
- Beautiful old streets
- Special culture and food
- Lovely summer weather
9. Tirana, Albania – A Colorful City
Tirana is the capital of Albania. It is not as famous as other cities, but it is very cheap and fun! In summer, the sun shines bright, and the city is full of colors. The buildings are painted in bright colors, and there are many open spaces.
You can eat delicious food, meet friendly people, and even take a bus to the beach.
Why it’s great:
- Very low prices
- Sunny and colorful
- Beaches are close
- Relaxing and quiet
10. Riga, Latvia – A Cool Northern City
Riga is the capital of Latvia. It is in Northern Europe, so summers are not too hot – just warm and nice. The city has pretty buildings, parks, and a river. It is cheap and clean.
In summer, there are open-air concerts, food stalls, and people having picnics in the parks.
Why it’s great:
- Warm and nice in summer
- Cheap and safe
- Fun events in summer
- Beautiful streets
Tips for Traveling Cheap in Europe in Summer
Here are some simple tips to help you save more money when traveling:
- Book early – Hotels and flights are cheaper if you book early.
- Use buses and trains – They are cheaper than flights in Europe.
- Eat local food – Street food and local restaurants are cheaper than fancy ones.
- Stay in hostels or guesthouses – They cost less than big hotels.
- Visit free places – Parks, churches, beaches, and city centers are often free to enjoy.
Europe is full of amazing places to visit in summer. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have fun. These 10 cities are beautiful, sunny, and cheap – perfect for a great vacation. Whether you like beaches, mountains, history, or food, you can find the right place for you. So pack your bag, bring your sunglasses, and get ready for a fun summer trip!
