8 European Cities on a Student Budget in 2025!

Explore Europe in 2025 on a student budget! From Lisbon to Sofia, discover 8 unforgettable cities full of history, nature, fun and flavor.

Have you ever thought that you could reach the heart of a city with just the price of a bowl of soup? There are still places in Europe that can be explored on a student budget, and some of them can embrace not only your wallet but also your soul. Forget the cliché that Europe is expensive; with the right route, it is possible to experience art, history, the sea, and local flavors with a low daily budget of around 20–30 €. Of course, that is if you opt for the warm street bakeries on the corner rather than luxury coffee chains!

This article offers you both romantic cities like Lisbon, which might make you think “Should I move here?”, and surprising, inexpensive yet impressive alternatives like Sofia. The first time I got lost in the narrow streets of Lisbon, I realized that so much happiness is possible with very little money. The feeling I had while eating a pastel de nata for 1.5 € on the street — that “this could be the center of the world” — is still fresh in my memory. That experience taught me that Europe is not only for the wealthy but also a paradise waiting to be discovered by adventurous and curious students.

How to Get from Lisbon to These 8 European Cities?

By Car: It takes about 3 hours to drive from Lisbon to Porto (320 km). Along the way, you are treated to ocean views and charming villages. However, renting a car for longer routes can strain your budget.

By Train: The train from Lisbon to Porto takes around 3 hours, with prices ranging between 10–20 €. To reach farther cities like Krakow or Budapest, you need to change trains (for example, via Madrid), and the journey can take up to 24 hours, but night trains are both cheap and comfortable.

By Plane: With budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, you can fly from Lisbon to Krakow for about 30 € or to Budapest for about 25 €. From the nearest airport, you can reach the city center by bus for 1–2 €.

My Personal Experience: I flew from Lisbon to Krakow. The flight took 3 hours, I had my sandwich with me, and after landing, I reached the city center by bus in 15 minutes. It was both cheap and the views were breathtaking!

What to Do in These 8 European Cities?

1. Lisbon, Portugal – Seaside Breeze Walks

Lisbon is not only the capital of Portugal but also a city that wins the hearts of budget travelers. The Belém Tower can still be visited from the outside for free, and you don’t have to pay a penny to watch the sunset by the Torre de Belém. Simply strolling through the city, accompanied by the sound of historical trams mixed with seagull cries, is an experience. And if you find yourself in the Alfama streets, nostalgia will envelop you at every corner. I even felt like I was in a Pedro Almodóvar scene, listening to the music of street performers as I strolled at sunset.

Lisbon, Portugal

Among the places to be explored on a student budget in Europe, Lisbon holds a special place because you can have a filling meal for 3–4 € and visit a historical site for 1.5 €. These days, you can easily move around with a daily budget of around 25–30 €. Especially if you have a student card (like ISIC), you may gain free entry or significant discounts at some museums.

City cards like the Lisbon Card cover both public transportation and some entrance fees; however, they are only worthwhile if you plan on a very intensive day. Otherwise, the best approach is the one I used: sturdy shoes, open ears, and a free spirit. Walking in this city is a meditative activity in itself.

Bonus Tip: Don’t leave without visiting the LX Factory area. It is a transformed former industrial complex, filled with art galleries and affordable second-hand bookstores. Sometimes, as you wander among the murals, not only your eyes but also your heart are nourished.

Lisbon embraces you not only with its past but also with its youthful spirit. The city is both peaceful and energetic, historical and bohemian. And the best part: you won’t have to empty your bank account to experience it.

2. Porto, Portugal – Wine and Bridges

Porto continues to be one of Europe’s most budget-friendly yet romantic cities. This city, which can be reached from Lisbon in about 3 hours by train, delights both visually and emotionally. Walking along the Douro River, the bridges reveal the architectural elegance of the city. In particular, the Dom Luís I Bridge is bathed in golden light at sunset, and enjoying that view is completely free. Grab a bagel, sit down, and just watch – it’s like therapy.

Portofino, the charming town in Liguria known for its colorful houses and peaceful harbor. Luxury yachts, green hills, and the deep blue Mediterranean Sea create a postcard-perfect view.

The appeal of Porto among European cities that can be visited on a student budget is that it combines taste and quality at very low cost. In the streets of the Ribeira district, you can find hearty local meals for 3–4 €. And if you love wine (even if you didn’t before, Porto might make you a fan), you can enjoy tastings in riverside cellars for around 2 €. I once spent only 2 € on such a delicious red wine that its taste still lingers... both on my palate and in my heart!

Accommodation in Porto is still affordable. You can find quality hostels in the city center for around 12–15 € per night. The place I stayed at even included breakfast; when you sip your coffee and step out onto the terrace, it feels as if the river is at your feet. The city manages to be both cozy and enchanting – a rare quality indeed.

A Tip from Me: If you’re looking for something free, the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is just right for you. A vast park with breathtaking views and an atmosphere that lets you mingle with the locals… As a student, you’re guaranteed to feel not just like a guest but like a part of the city.

Porto reveals its charm through its intimate eateries rather than expensive restaurants and through terraces that showcase the sky instead of five-star hotels. I’d say take your time exploring; this city is being discovered more and more every year.

3. Krakow, Poland – History and Tranquility

Krakow is the cultural heart of Poland and is like an open-air museum for students. The city boasts one of the best-preserved old towns in Central Europe. Iconic landmarks such as Wawel Cathedral and Castle captivate history enthusiasts. Moreover, you can explore the cathedral’s courtyard and surroundings for free. As you walk along the cobblestone streets, you feel as if time has slowed down.

Krakow

The beauty of Krakow lies in the fact that you can do so much with a low daily budget. Among the cities that can be explored on a student budget in Europe, this city stands out as it is safe, accessible, and extremely economical. You can have a filling lunch for 3–5 € and find overnight accommodation for under 10 €. With a little research, you can even find safe places to stay via couchsurfing.

For me, the heart of Krakow is the Rynek Główny, the Main Market Square. Early in the morning, I went there, grabbed my coffee, and sat in the shadow of the statues on the square. Everything was quiet, with only the distant sound of a tram in the background. At that moment, I felt a true connection with the city. Experiencing the city before the tourist crowds arrive is a unique opportunity to really get to know it.

If you have time, make sure to visit the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. Here, culture, history, and street art come together. At night, the streets fill with young people; with music, cheap drinks, and lively conversations, you lose all track of time. Krakow blends the traces of the past with the rhythm of the present, all without weighing down your wallet.

4. Budapest, Hungary – Thermal Bath Delights

Budapest offers a unique experience with its streets adorned with classic European architecture, a city divided by the Danube, and, most importantly, its culture of thermal baths. In this city, sightseeing isn’t the only activity; relaxation is an experience in itself. Especially in the winter months, when it’s freezing outside, diving into the warm waters of a historic bath is simply indescribable – it’s something you have to experience to believe!

My choice, of course, was the most famous Szechenyi Thermal Bath. With a student discount, I gained unlimited access for the entire day for only 15 €. While it was snowing outside, people were playing chess in the warm water inside. It was a true visual feast! The changing rooms were clean, the lockers secure, and the steam rooms were reminiscent of Turkish baths. I made sure to bring my own slippers and towel, as renting them wasn’t practical or cost-effective.

Among European cities that can be visited on a student budget, Budapest holds a special place. Here, you can spend a day enjoying thermal baths, street food, and a walk along the Danube – all with a budget of around 25–30 €. The city also offers other baths like Gellért and Rudas. Rudas provides a more historical and authentic experience, while Gellért offers an elegant and stylish atmosphere. The choice is yours, but be sure to try at least one of them.

The charm of Budapest isn’t limited to its thermal waters. After leaving the bath, grab a local street food – perhaps a langos – and cross the Chain Bridge. In the evening, the city glows under the lights, and as you live the moment, you feel as if you’re inside a European postcard. And the best part: to experience this, you don’t need to be rich – just be at the right place at the right time.

5. Belgrade, Serbia – Nightlife

Belgrade is one of the energetic yet still undiscovered cities in the Balkans. The capital of Serbia is a place where history and modern life merge seamlessly. Visiting Kalemegdan Fortress is free, and especially at sunset, the view where the Danube and Sava rivers meet is breathtaking. You can grab a wrap, sit on the walls, and watch as the city slowly lights up.

This city is among the top European cities with affordable nightlife. With concrete bars, boat clubs (locally known as “splavovi”), and underground music venues, Belgrade nights are long and filled with laughter. Due to its young population, there is always somewhere to go, dance, and meet new people every evening. The Skadarlija district is particularly ideal for experiencing local cuisine and music.

The advantage of Belgrade among European cities that can be visited on a student budget is that going out isn’t expensive. For 1.5 € you can have a local beer, and in a music venue, you can spend hours for around 5–6 €. The city is both safe and fun for students. Moreover, public transportation is cheap and widespread – a 90-minute ticket costs about 0.90 €. This makes it perfectly feasible to explore the city both affordably and comfortably.

One of my evenings started along the Danube, followed by an impromptu jazz concert with street musicians, and ended on a dance floor in a bar converted from an old tram carriage. It was a cliché, yet a truly lived “if money is scarce, the soul expands” night. Belgrade is a city where freedom is measured not by money, but by courage.

6. Bologna, Italy – Towers and Pasta

Bologna is known as Italy’s culinary capital, but it is also noteworthy as a student-friendly city. The heart of the city, the Piazza Maggiore, is lively at all hours. Surrounded by historical buildings, simply sitting there and watching the passersby lets you feel the spirit of the city. The city is so filled with students that it almost feels like a campus town. Moreover, it is home to one of the oldest universities in the world – yes, founded in 1088!

The Asinelli Tower is one of Bologna’s iconic landmarks. For about 5 € you can climb to the top, but be warned: the stairs are narrow, high, and quite exhausting. Yet once you reach the top, the view is truly worth the effort. If you’re not up for the climb, you can always opt for an ice cream (around 2 €) at the square’s edge and admire the tower from below.

Bologna stands out among European cities for students not only because of its cultural richness but also its affordable, delicious food. For a genuine Italian pasta dish, you don’t need to spend hours searching for restaurants. My favorite was a fresh tagliatelle plate I got from a street stall near the university for 4–5 €; it not only filled me up but also proved that simple dishes can be perfect.

Regarding accommodation, you can find a clean and secure hostel near the city center for around 15 € per night. Especially in spring, the city hosts many student festivals and open-air concerts, making it a great time to both explore and experience the local youth culture. Bologna offers a simple yet sophisticated, quiet yet fulfilling experience.

7. Sofia, Bulgaria – Mountains and Culture

Sofia is one of the less talked-about but worth-exploring capitals of the Balkans. As Bulgaria’s capital, this city offers a true refuge for students seeking to escape the clamor of bustling metropolises with its tranquil ambiance. Strolling through the city center, you encounter Soviet-era architecture alongside Roman ruins – a place where the old and the new clash, yet ultimately find harmony.

The advantage of Sofia among European cities that can be visited on a student budget is that prices remain very affordable. In the city, you can find a hostel room for 10–12 €, and sometimes breakfast is even included. The public transportation system is surprisingly well-developed – a single ticket costs about 0.80 €. The pedestrian routes in the city are safe and clean, making it ideal for exploring on foot.

One of the most impressive sites in Sofia is undoubtedly the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Its exterior architecture and interior design are captivating. Entry is free; however, a symbolic fee is charged for taking photos. It’s the perfect opportunity to sit in the square in front of the cathedral with a coffee and absorb the city’s rhythm. I felt so at peace in the heart of the city – and perhaps you will too.

If you want to be closer to nature, you can reach Vitosha Mountain in just a half-hour bus ride from the city center. In summer, you’ll find hiking trails, and in winter, ski slopes await you. Admission is completely free. I went there in winter and, standing at the top of the mountain, inhaled the cold air and left all the city stress behind. Sofia is a modest yet powerful recommendation for those who want to experience a lot with little money.

Local Flavors and Tips

What to Eat, Where to Eat? Every city has its unique taste, and believe me, most of it appears right on the street. In Lisbon, the pastel de nata bought from a local bakery is both inexpensive and soul-soothing. In Krakow, the Polish dumplings called pierogi are usually around 3 € and filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat – very satisfying. In Budapest, goulash soup remains a favorite; especially on cold days, it warms you up perfectly. If you’d like to try something different, in Belgrade you might opt for cevapcici (spiced grilled meatballs) or in Sofia for banitsa (cheese pastry), which are ideal choices.

Practical Tips: If you plan to stay in hostels, be sure to make reservations a few days in advance – especially on weekends when occupancy rates are high. You can find good and clean hostels for around 10–15 € per night. Bring a refillable water bottle; in most European cities, tap water is drinkable. The fruits you buy at the market in the morning will keep you full and energized throughout the day. And yes, spring and autumn are truly the ideal times – not too crowded and not too hot.

Cultural Tips: Although English is spoken in many places, learning a few words in the local language goes a long way in winning people’s hearts. For example, “dzień dobry” (which means “good morning” in Polish) or “obrigado” (which means “thank you” in Portuguese) – even these simple expressions can bring a smile to someone’s face. Instead of small gifts, spending a few minutes chatting with the locals can sometimes turn into an unforgettable memory. And in every city, you can certainly find a free walking tour – allowing you to get to know the city while making new friends.

My Personal Experience: One morning in Porto, I bought a warm sandwich at a small bakery by the sea – it was cool outside, but that bite brought a comforting warmth. I exchanged a smile with an elderly Portuguese gentleman at the adjacent table; perhaps we didn’t speak a word, but in that moment I was reminded that it’s not the money, but the moment that matters. And that is exactly why this article exists: because traveling Europe on a student budget isn’t just about spending little money, but also about experiencing places that touch your heart.

Average Daily Spending Table

City	Accommodation (Hostel)	Food + Snacks	Transportation	Entrance + Activities	Average Daily Budget
Lisbon	12–15 €	8–10 €	2–4 €	3–5 €	25–30 €
Porto	12–15 €	7–9 €	2–3 €	2–4 €	24–28 €
Krakow	8–10 €	5–7 €	1–2 €	2–3 €	18–22 €
Budapest	10–12 €	6–8 €	2 €	5–6 €	23–28 €
Belgrade	9–11 €	5–7 €	1 €	3–4 €	20–24 €
Bologna	14–16 €	7–9 €	2–3 €	5 €	28–33 €
Sofia	10–12 €	5–6 €	1 €	1–2 €	18–21 €

These values are averages based on the experiences of independent travelers. They may vary depending on the season, booking time, and special offers.

In Summary

Traveling Europe on a student budget is still very much possible—it’s not just a list of cheap cities, but a showcase of the spiritual and cultural richness each one offers. If you wish to feel something in every place rather than just ticking off cities, Krakow’s tranquility, Budapest’s warm baths, and Lisbon’s nostalgic streets will more than suffice. They are all different, yet they share one common point: freedom.

So, what’s your choice? If you’re into street music and sunsets, Lisbon is the one for you. If you’re looking for a city that feels like therapy with its wine and bridge views, then Porto is ideal. If you want to immerse yourself in history and stories, go for Krakow; for soothing your soul with warm waters, Budapest is perfect. Looking for energetic nightlife? Belgrade is waiting for you. For a sophisticated yet warm experience, choose Bologna, and if you prefer to be close to nature, then Sofia is just right for you.

The year 2025 could be the year of change and discovery. While plane tickets remain affordable and the crowds have not yet descended on the summer holidays, you can set your own course. Each city is still reachable with current student-friendly prices. Moreover, most of them are filled with Erasmus students and backpackers – so loneliness is not on the agenda.

In short; if you want to experience a lot on a small budget, each of these cities will nourish your soul without emptying your wallet. Perhaps you choose one, perhaps several… but rest assured, one of them will change you. Just as Krakow changed me.

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Publish Date: 03 Apr 2025

| Author: Jaseph

| Category: Budget Travel in Europe