Traveling to Europe in 2026 doesn't have to mean draining your savings. While cities like Paris and London grab the headlines, the real magic (and value) is found further east and south.
Lisbon, Portugal: Start your journey here for incredible seafood and hilltop views. You can still find a fantastic dinner with wine for under €25. Budapest, Hungary: Famous for its ruin bars and thermal baths. It offers a luxury feel at a backpacker price point. Kraków, Poland: One of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The milk bars (Bar Mleczny) offer hearty, traditional meals for less than $10.
Pro Tip: Use the Simpler Vacations app to track price drops for boutique hostels and guesthouses in these regions. By booking just 4 weeks out, our users are seeing an additional 15% savings on average.
Ready to book? Check our recommended stays in Lisbon on Booking.com through our partner links below.
