Seven affordable European destinations

Nigerians planning summer or Easter travels this year and are limited by tight budgets can visit seven affordable European destinations.

According to reports from various global travel organisations such as Dream Big, Travel Far, Worldpackers and TimeOut, these destinations offer affordable tourist sites, hotels and spots that are attractive.

Here is a list of these seven destinations.

Portugal

In Portugal, Nigerian travellers can find fascinating waters, colourful buildings and great food – making it feel like a luxury.

Findings show that a meal for two in Portugal’s best restaurants (with wine, lots of wine) costs less than £50, and Portuguese beer costs as little as a euro. Porto’s attractions are well-priced too, from beautiful public parks to €8 museum tickets.

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Albania

Albania is another popular affordable destination for tourists globally that Nigerian travellers can explore. For this destination, the recommended budget per day is about $30-$50.

Hostels cost as low as $10-$20 per night while hotels go for $20-$40 per night. Street food costs between$1 and $2, whereas fast food costs $4-$6. Meals at a restaurant are priced between $5 and $15.

With its primeval beaches, mountain ranges and appealing cuisine, Albania is not only one of the cheapest European countries, it is recognised as one of the most beautiful.

Hungary

In Hungary, prices of commodities are relatively affordable. Recommended budget per day is $40-$60. Hostels cost between $20 and $30 per night, while hotels go for $30-$50 per night. Street food costs $1-$2; fast food goes for $4.50-$6.50, with a real meal costing $6-$18.

Food aside, the events and leisure activities are also well-priced. There are free walking tours, vegan markets with free entry, and lots more going on in the city.

Many of the hostels have partnerships with tourist spots such as spas, boat parties and pub crawls, and discounts are easy to get.

Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas was a European capital of Culture for 2022, and about 1,000 events took place. There are impressive exhibition spaces all year round. An example is the Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery.

For Lithuania, the recommended budget per day is $40-$60. Hostels cost $15-$25 per night; and hotels go for $25-$45 per night. Street food costs $1-$2; fast food goes for $5.50-$7.50, while a meal at a restaurant is priced $8-$24.

Most popular attractions/cities: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, & Aukstaitija National Park. There are tons of fantastic places to visit in Lithuania.

The first port of call is often the capital, Vilnius, where visitors get to wander around old castles, explore museums, and taste some of Lithuania’s delicious cuisine.

However, there are plenty of other fantastic cities in the country too, including Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Siauliai. Lithuania also has a beautiful coastline. Best places to visit for a beach getaway are Nida and Palanga.

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Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria, is considered an affordable destination because compared to many other European capitals, the cost of living there is significantly lower, with affordable accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers.

If you’re a lover of old towns and cobblestones, then Bulgaria is certainly a must for you.

Accommodation in Sofia, Bulgaria, costs $38 or below.

Eating out at local restaurants is inexpensive, with a meal costing around 10-15 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), which is about $5 to $8.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is a quiet getaway location. Smokey dive bars and gig venues nestle in old socialist architecture, competing for space in the once-desolate Savamala area, which is now home to a thriving culture scene.

Recommended budget per day is $40-$60 hostel. Hostels cost $15-$25 per night, while hotels go for $25-$45 per night. Street food goes for $1-$2, whereas fast food is priced $5-$7.

Meal at a restaurant costs $6-$18. Serbian SIM cards are extremely cheap and have great data packages if visitors are looking to use phones on the go.

Most popular attractions/cities here are Belgrade, Novia Sad, Fruška Gora National Park & Tara National Park. With spectacular mountain ranges and national parks, this country has so much to offer.

Croatia

Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a country in central and southeast Europe.

It is considered relatively affordable compared to many Western European countries, especially when considering the quality of life and experiences it offers. Prices can vary depending on location, with popular coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Split being more expensive than inland areas like Zagreb. Overall, it’s considered a budget-friendly destination for travel and living.

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Recommended budget per day is $50-$70. Hostel goes for $20-30 per night, whereas hotels are priced $30-$50 per night.

Street food costs $1-$3, while fast food goes for $6-$8. Meal at a restaurant costs $8-$24. Many of the popular cities in Croatia offer tourist passes and help visitors to save money.