
August is an ideal time to explore Europe, as the continent comes alive with summer festivals, beautiful weather, and vibrant cultures. Traveling on a budget can be a challenge, but with careful planning and a focus on affordable options, you can enjoy an unforgettable European adventure. This comprehensive guide will provide you with top tips and the best cheap places to visit in Europe in August.
Read Also:
- Cheap Places to Visit in Asia in August: Top Tips and Destinations
- Cheap Places to Visit in Africa in August: Top Tips and Destinations
- Cheap Places to Visit in August: Top Tips and Destinations
Top Tips for Budget Travel in Europe in August
Book in Advance
Securing travel and accommodation early is crucial for budget-conscious travelers:
- Flights: Utilize fare comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Setting up price alerts can help you snag the best deals.
- Accommodations: Platforms like Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb often offer discounts for early bookings. Flexible booking options can also help you take advantage of price drops.
Travel Midweek
Midweek travel can significantly cut down costs:
- Flights: Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer the lowest airfares.
- Accommodations: Hotels and hostels often have lower rates during the week compared to weekends.
Use Public Transportation
Public transportation is both economical and eco-friendly:
- City Passes: Many European cities offer passes that provide unlimited travel on public transport and discounted entry to attractions.
- Bikes and Scooters: Renting bikes or scooters can be a fun and cheap way to explore urban areas.
Stay in Budget Accommodations
There are numerous affordable accommodation options in Europe:
- Hostels: Ideal for solo travelers and groups, hostels offer dormitory and private rooms at low prices.
- Guesthouses and B&Bs: These often provide a more personal experience and are cheaper than hotels.
- Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free, offering a unique cultural experience.
Eat Like a Local
Dining locally can save you money and give you a taste of authentic cuisine:
- Street Food: Street vendors and food stalls often offer the cheapest and most delicious options.
- Local Markets: Buying fresh produce and snacks from local markets is both cost-effective and culturally enriching.
- Affordable Eateries: Look for restaurants where locals eat to find the best prices and food.
Leverage Free Attractions
Many destinations in Europe offer plenty of free attractions:
- Parks and Gardens: Enjoying the natural beauty of a city is often free.
- Museums and Galleries: Many museums offer free entry on certain days or times.
- Walking Tours: Free walking tours provide great insights into a city’s history and culture. Just remember to tip your guide!
Travel Light
Packing light can save you money on baggage fees and make your trip more manageable:
- Carry-On Luggage: Opt for carry-on luggage to avoid checked bag fees.
- Essential Items Only: Bring only what you need to reduce the risk of extra costs for overweight luggage.
Plan Your Budget
Setting a daily budget helps keep your spending in check:
- Expense Tracking Apps: Use apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend to monitor your spending.
- Cash Envelopes: Allocate a certain amount of cash for each day to control your expenses.
Top Cheap Places to Visit in Europe in August
Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a vibrant city with rich culture, history, and affordable prices.
Affordable Activities
- Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery: Visit these iconic landmarks for free on Sundays.
- Jardim Botanico Tropical: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this beautiful garden.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Yes! Lisbon Hostel offer dorm beds starting at €15 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in charming guesthouses like Pensao Praca da Figueira for around €30 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Markets: Visit Mercado da Ribeira for fresh and affordable meals.
- Street Food: Try traditional pastries like Pastéis de Nata at local bakeries.
Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and affordable prices.
Affordable Activities
- Thermal Baths: Enjoy budget-friendly relaxation at the Szechenyi Thermal Bath.
- Danube River: Take a walk along the river and enjoy the views for free.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Places like Maverick City Lodge offer dorm beds from €10 per night.
- Guesthouses: Affordable options like Budapest Rooms offer private rooms for around €25 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Hungarian dishes at affordable prices in local taverns.
- Street Food: Enjoy Langos (fried dough) from street vendors for a cheap and delicious meal.
Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a city rich in history and culture, with plenty of budget-friendly options.
Affordable Activities
- Old Town: Explore the historic Old Town and Main Market Square for free.
- Wawel Castle: Visit Wawel Castle, with affordable entry fees and free admission on certain days.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Greg & Tom Party Hostel offer dorm beds from €12 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like Wawel Angel Plaza for around €20 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy Zapiekanka (Polish pizza) from street vendors for a cheap and tasty meal.
Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a city of stunning architecture and affordable travel options.
Affordable Activities
- Charles Bridge: Walk across the historic Charles Bridge and enjoy the views for free.
- Prague Castle: Visit Prague Castle, with affordable entry fees and free areas to explore.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Hostel One Prague offer dorm beds from €10 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like Pension Prague City for around €25 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Czech dishes like goulash at affordable prices in local taverns.
- Street Food: Enjoy Trdelník (Czech pastry) from street vendors for a cheap and tasty treat.
Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is a city rich in history and culture, with plenty of budget-friendly options.
Affordable Activities
- Cathedrals: Visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for free.
- Boulevards: Stroll along Vitosha Boulevard and enjoy the sights for free.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Places like Hostel Mostel offer dorm beds starting at €8 per night.
- Guesthouses: Affordable guesthouses like Casa Ferrari offer private rooms for around €20 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Bulgarian dishes like banitsa at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy kebabs and pastries from street vendors for a cheap and delicious meal.
Athens, Greece
Athens is a city of ancient history and affordable travel options.
Affordable Activities
- Historical Sites: Visit the Acropolis and other historical sites with affordable entry fees.
- Local Markets: Explore markets like Monastiraki Flea Market for souvenirs and local goods.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Athens Backpackers offer dorm beds from €12 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like Pella Inn Hostel for around €20 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki at affordable prices in local taverns.
- Street Food: Enjoy gyros from street vendors for a cheap and tasty meal.
Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a charming city with a blend of history, culture, and affordable travel options.
Affordable Activities
- Ljubljana Castle: Visit the castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Tivoli Park: Relax and take a stroll in this beautiful park, perfect for a budget-friendly day out.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Hostel Tresor offer dorm beds from €15 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like Most Hostel for around €25 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Slovenian dishes at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy Burek (a savory pastry) from street vendors for a cheap and filling meal.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is a lively city with rich history, vibrant nightlife, and affordable prices.
Affordable Activities
- Kalemegdan Fortress: Explore this historic fortress and park with stunning views of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.
- Nikola Tesla Museum: Learn about the life and work of Nikola Tesla at this affordable museum.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Hostel Bongo offer dorm beds from €10 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like City Zen Hostel for around €20 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Serbian dishes like Ćevapi at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy Pljeskavica (Serbian burger) from street vendors for a cheap and tasty meal.
Riga, Latvia

Riga is a city of stunning architecture and affordable travel options.
Affordable Activities
- Old Town: Wander through the historic Old Town and enjoy its beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets for free.
- Art Nouveau District: Explore the famous Art Nouveau district with its stunning architecture.
Budget Accommodation
- Hostels: Options like Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel offer dorm beds from €12 per night.
- Guesthouses: Stay in budget guesthouses like Riga Hostel for around €25 per night.
Eating on a Budget
- Local Eateries: Try traditional Latvian dishes like grey peas and bacon at affordable prices in local eateries.
- Street Food: Enjoy Pīrāgi (Latvian pastries) from street vendors for a cheap and tasty treat.
Budget Travel Itinerary Sample: 7 Days in Lisbon, Portugal
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Check-In: Stay at a budget hotel or hostel like Yes! Lisbon Hostel.
- Explore Alfama: Wander through the historic Alfama district and enjoy dinner at a local eatery.
Day 2: City Highlights
- Belem Tower: Visit this iconic landmark for free on Sundays.
- Jeronimos Monastery: Explore the stunning architecture of the monastery.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion
- Museu Nacional do Azulejo: Visit this museum for free on the first Sunday of the month.
- LX Factory: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and local street food at LX Factory.
Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra
- Pena Palace: Visit this stunning palace and buy tickets online for discounts.
- Moorish Castle: Explore the ancient ruins and enjoy the views.
Day 5: Beach Day
- Cascais: Take a local train to Cascais and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.
- Seafood Dinner: Have a budget-friendly seafood meal in Cascais.
Day 6: Art and History
- Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: Visit this museum for free on Sundays.
- Bairro Alto: Explore the vibrant Bairro Alto district and enjoy budget tapas.
Day 7: Markets and Farewell
- Feira da Ladra: Visit this flea market for souvenirs.
- Final Meal: Enjoy a final meal at a local taverna before departure.
By following these tips and considering these destinations, travelers can enjoy a memorable August vacation in Europe without overspending.