A Guide to the Cheapest Cities in Europe to Fly into Right Now
12 May 2023
As a frequent traveler, I'm always looking for ways to save money on flights and accommodation. One of the best ways to do this is by flying into the cheapest cities in Europe. Not only will you save money on flights, but you'll also find that these cities offer plenty of budget-friendly options for accommodations, food, and activities. In this guide, I'll be sharing the top 10 cheapest cities in Europe to fly into right now, as well as tips for finding the best deals on flights and accommodations.
Factors that Affect Flight Prices
Before we dive into the list of the cheapest cities in Europe to fly into, it's important to understand the factors that affect flight prices. One of the primary factors is the time of year that you're traveling. Peak travel seasons, such as the summer months and major holidays, tend to have the highest flight prices. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can often find cheaper flights during the shoulder season (spring and fall) or the off-season (winter).
Another factor that affects flight prices is the demand for certain routes. If there are multiple airlines flying the same route, this can drive down prices as they compete for passengers. Conversely, if there is only one airline flying a particular route, they may be able to charge more for tickets. The time of day you fly can also affect prices, with early morning and late-night flights often being cheaper than midday flights.
The Top 10 Cheapest Cities in Europe to Fly into
Now that we have a better understanding of the factors that affect flight prices, let's take a look at the top 10 cheapest cities in Europe to fly into right now. These cities were selected based on average flight prices from major US cities, as well as the overall cost of living in each destination.
1. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is one of the cheapest cities in Europe to fly into, with average flight prices of around $500 from major US cities. Once you arrive, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly accommodations and food options. Some must-see attractions include the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag building.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is another affordable destination, with average flight prices of around $600 from major US cities. This picturesque city is known for its thermal baths and stunning architecture. Be sure to check out the Fisherman's Bastion and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
3. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, with average flight prices of around $600 from major US cities. This historic city is home to the stunning Wawel Castle, as well as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city with average flight prices of around $600 from major US cities. This city is known for its colorful buildings, delicious seafood, and historic landmarks such as the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers, with average flight prices of around $500 from major US cities. This stunning city is home to the famous Charles Bridge, as well as the Prague Castle and the Old Town Square.
6. Rome, Italy
While Italy is not typically thought of as a budget-friendly destination, Rome is actually quite affordable with average flight prices of around $600 from major US cities. This city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain.
7. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is a lesser-known destination in Eastern Europe, with average flight prices of around $500 from major US cities. This city is home to stunning architecture, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a charming medieval city with average flight prices of around $600 from major US cities. This city is known for its cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and stunning views from Toompea Hill.
9. Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a beautiful coastal city with average flight prices of around $600 from major US cities. This city is known for its stunning beaches, as well as its historic landmarks such as the City of Arts and Sciences and the Valencia Cathedral.
10. Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw is the capital of Poland and a budget-friendly destination, with average flight prices of around $500 from major US cities. This city is home to beautiful parks, such as the Lazienki Park and the Wilanow Palace.
What to See and Do in Each of the 10 Cities
Now that we've covered the top 10 cheapest cities in Europe to fly into, let's take a closer look at what to see and do in each destination.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for visitors. Some must-see sights include the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag building. You can also take a stroll through the trendy neighborhoods of Kreuzberg and Neukölln, or check out the art scene in the Prenzlauer Berg district.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is known for its thermal baths, which are a must-visit attraction for any traveler. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the most popular, with 15 indoor and outdoor pools. You can also explore the Fisherman's Bastion, the Buda Castle, and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is a historic city with plenty of landmarks to explore. The Wawel Castle is a must-visit attraction, as well as the Main Market Square and the St. Mary's Basilica. You can also take a day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum to learn about the city's history during World War II.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city with plenty of attractions for visitors. The Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery are must-see landmarks, as well as the Castelo de Sao Jorge and the Alfama neighborhood. You can also indulge in delicious seafood and pastries in the city's many restaurants and cafes.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a stunning city with plenty of historic landmarks to explore. The Charles Bridge is a must-visit attraction, as well as the Prague Castle and the Old Town Square. You can also take a stroll through the city's many parks and gardens, such as the Petrin Hill and the Kampa Island.
Rome, Italy
Rome is a city with a rich history and plenty of landmarks to explore. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain are must-visit attractions, as well as the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. You can also indulge in delicious Italian cuisine in the city's many restaurants and cafes.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is a lesser-known destination in Eastern Europe with plenty of charm. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture are must-visit landmarks, as well as the Vitosha Mountain and the Boyana Church. You can also explore the city's many parks and gardens, such as the Borisova Gradina and the South Park.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a charming medieval city with plenty of landmarks to explore. The Toompea Castle, the Town Hall Square, and the St. Olaf's Church are must-visit attractions, as well as the Kumu Art Museum and the Kadriorg Palace. You can also take a stroll through the city's many parks and gardens, such as the Kadriorg Park and the Pirita Beach.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a beautiful coastal city with plenty of attractions for visitors. The City of Arts and Sciences, the Valencia Cathedral, and the Central Market are must-visit landmarks, as well as the Turia Gardens and the Malvarrosa Beach. You can also indulge in delicious Spanish cuisine in the city's many restaurants and cafes.
Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw is the capital of Poland and a city with plenty of history and culture to explore. The Lazienki Park and the Wilanow Palace are must-visit attractions, as well as the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Old Town Market Square. You can also take a stroll through the trendy neighborhoods of Praga and Powisle.
The Best Time to Visit the Cheapest Cities in Europe
The best time to visit the cheapest cities in Europe depends on your travel preferences. If you're looking for warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities, the summer months are a great time to visit. However, this is also peak travel season, so you can expect prices to be higher. If you're looking to save money on flights and accommodations, consider visiting during the shoulder season (spring and fall) or the off-season (winter).
The weather in Europe can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack accordingly. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, especially if you're visiting during the shoulder season or the winter months.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights to Europe
There are several tips and tricks for finding the cheapest flights to Europe. One of the best ways is to sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites. This way, you'll be notified when there are sales or discounts on flights to your desired destination. Secret Flight Club sends alerts daily including European deals.
Another tip is to be flexible with your travel dates. If you can travel midweek or during off-peak times, you can often find cheaper flights. You can also use search engines such as Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare prices across multiple airlines.
Finally, consider booking your flights well in advance. This can often result in lower prices, as airlines tend to raise prices as the departure date approaches.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options in Europe
In addition to finding cheap flights, you'll also want to consider budget-friendly accommodation options in Europe. One of the best ways to save money is by staying in a hostel. Hostels offer shared dorm rooms as well as private rooms, and many include breakfast in the price of your stay. You can also find affordable hotels and apartments on websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com.
Another option is to stay outside of the city center. While this may mean a longer commute to the main attractions, you can often find cheaper accommodations in the suburbs or nearby towns.
Local Transportation Options in the 10 Cities
When traveling to the cheapest cities in Europe, it's important to consider your transportation options. Many cities have affordable public transportation systems, such as buses and trains. You can often purchase day passes or multi-day tickets to save money.
In some cities, such as Berlin and Prague, you can also rent a bike to explore the city on your own. This can be a fun and affordable way to see the sights.
Finally, consider walking as much as possible. Many European cities are pedestrian-friendly, and walking can be a great way to discover hidden gems and local neighborhoods.
Another way to ensure you get a cheap flight to Europe is to join our flight club and let us do the hard work for you.