Cheap vacation tip: 7 budget-friendly European destinations
- Several European destinations offer budget-friendly travel experiences in 2025.
- Travelers can save money by exploring lesser-known European cities like Warsaw and Antwerp.
- Visiting during the off-season and taking advantage of free activities can further reduce travel costs.
If visiting Europe is on your travel bucket list, then 2025 could be your year to make it happen.
There are a slew of destinations across the pond providing rich travel experiences without completely breaking the bank, according to data by Chase Travel. The travel booking and rewards platform recently released its first annual 25 trips to take in 2025, a list of must-visit travel spots informed by booking trends and in-house travel experts.
From perennial destinations like Amsterdam to rising stars such as Antwerp, some European cities are offering affordable accommodations, flights, transportation, and more this year.
Thinking outside the box from the classic Paris, London and Madrid is one major way travelers can save money on next year’s Eurotrip. “The allure of lesser-known European locales like Antwerp, Belgium, and Warsaw, Poland, is growing, especially as these cities are often more budget-friendly,” said Head of Editorial for Travel, Lifestyle, and Dining at Chase Hillary Reinsberg.
Here are seven budget-friendly European destinations to visit in 2025.
Enjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policies
Looking for travel inspo?We visited stunning places in 2024, but these are the 5 destinations we would repeat
Warsaw, Poland
Poland’s capital has been underrated, but invites travelers to explore its rich history, from the UNESCO-listed Old Town to the POLIN Museum, alongside an emerging arts and culture and green spaces like Łazienki Park.”Warsaw has one of Europe’s best nightlife scenes, and some great new boutique hotels, all at a fraction of what you might pay in other cities,” Reinsberg said. “According to Chase Travel data, traveling to Warsaw, including flights and accommodations, was approximately $500 cheaper on average than traveling to Rome in 2024.”
Antwerp, Belgium
As Belgium’s second-largest city, Antwerp may be overshadowed by Brussels, but that gives it more of a low-key, laid-back vibe. It also boasts a rich history of creativity, with many designers and artists calling this port city home. Visitors can meander the colorful street art before exploring the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the history of printing, and the ModeMuseum, which celebrates Antwerp’s influential fashion scene.
“Antwerp is a design hub that’s perfect for travelers excited about architecture, design, fashion, and food,” said Reinsberg. “With smaller crowds, it’s all easy to access and easy to get around. Antwerp is a great answer for those stressed out by overtourism, and that’s why we named it a must-visit global destination for 2025.”
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is quickly becoming a favorite European destination, combining picturesque pastel-colored architecture and cobblestone streets with a relaxed, seaside atmosphere. The city is also still pretty budget-friendly for travelers, with the average hotel cost in Lisbon being around $300 per night, according to Chase Travel booking data for 2025.
“Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods and scenic tram rides are great for a budget-friendly adventure, with delicious pastries, an endless array of cool wine bars, and stunning views that won’t break the bank,” Reinsberg said.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is known for its old-world charm, including a storied literary and musical past. Thanks to its walkability, travelers can easily explore landmarks like the Abbey Theatre – Ireland’s national theater – and the Dublin Writers Museum. In Dublin, travelers can experience the lively pub culture and explore historic sites, along with affordable accommodations and free city walking tours,” said Reinsberg.
“Chase Travel booking data also shows that Dublin the average hotel cost has slightly decreased year-over-year,” Reinsberg added.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has been pushing back on overtourism with Europe’s highest tourist tax, but respectful and responsible travelers can find ways to enjoy the city without hurting their bank accounts, like visiting during the off-season when it’s less crowded. “Travelers can explore Amsterdam’s picturesque canals on a budget, with affordable bike rentals and free-entry museums on select days,” she said.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Known as a safe, friendly and walkable city, Reykjavik is also notorious for being rather expensive when it comes to hotels, food and drink. Still, there are still ways to save on a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice. “Travelers can take advantage of relatively affordable (and quick!) flights and put their budget towards exploring the natural beauty of Iceland,” Reinsberg said. A direct flight from the West Coast is around eight hours. “Reykjavik also has a number of budget-friendly hostels and free geothermal pools.”
The Athens Riviera, Greece
If going to Greece sounds like a luxe kind of trip, then think again. “While island hopping around Greece can be expensive, travelers might be interested to learn about the Athens Riviera and its beautiful beaches and lively seaside dining scene, no ferries or extra flights required,” Reinsberg said. Less than an hour away from the city by car, the Athens Riviera offers similar beautiful beaches, oceanfront resorts and waterfront cafes to islands like Santorini, Crete and Paros.
While some areas are more upscale and pricey, finding affordable accommodations and avoiding the peak summer season can keep costs lower. “With lots of new development in the area, it was another of our must-visit destinations for 2025,” Reinsberg added.