One country on the list is not part of the EU or the Schengen Area.
The hoppa service has published a ranking of the most budget‑friendly destinations in Europe for summer holidays in 2026, Travel Off Path reports.
Analysts compared prices for accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment in popular European cities and identified the top five – from the Balkans to Turkey.
According to the study data, each city was assigned a “normalized score” out of 10 based on the cost of accommodation in a three‑star hotel (data from Booking.com), the price of beer and lunch in cafes, the cost of public transport (all based on Numbeo data), the number of budget attractions according to the Tripadvisor filter, and the price of a transfer from the airport. All information is current as of June 2026.
5th place: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The capital of Bosnia is one of the few cities in Europe where Austrian, Ottoman, and Balkan architecture coexist in the same quarter. The old town of Baščaršija is a 15th‑century Ottoman bazaar, and nearby is the Centar centre with Habsburg facades and cafes reminiscent of Vienna. The Latin Bridge over the Miljacka River is the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, which became the trigger for World War I. Traces of the Bosnian War are still visible on the facades of the buildings.
Prices in Sarajevo: a 3* hotel – about 65 dollars, beer – 3 dollars, lunch at an inexpensive restaurant – 9 dollars, transportation – 1.3 dollars, airport transfer – 40 dollars. The city has 106 budget attractions.
4th place: Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade claims the title of the hippest capital in Europe. The pedestrian street Knez Mihaila impresses with its well‑maintained facades, and Skadarlija is a cobblestone street with traditional taverns. The Kalemegdan Fortress above the Danube is safe for walks at any time of day. The former industrial district of Savamala has turned into a creative hub of the city with galleries and bars, and the Drugstore club, set up in an old slaughterhouse, is considered one of the best on the Balkan electronic scene.
Prices in Belgrade: a 3‑star hotel – 66 dollars, beer – 1.5 dollars, lunch – 12 dollars, public transport – free for all passengers, transfer – 42 dollars. There are 140 attractions.
Separately, the publication reminds that Serbia is not part of the EU or the Schengen Area, so American and other tourists do not undergo biometric registration under the new Entry/Exit System when flying directly to Belgrade. However, if the route involves transit through a country in the Schengen Area, border checks are still possible.
3rd place: Skopje, North Macedonia
Skopje is perhaps the most eccentric capital on the continent: more than 100 statues are located in the pedestrian historical center, including a monumental figure of Alexander the Great. The Debar‑Maalo district attracts young people with its restaurants and craft bars, while Karposh is a student district with affordable cafes, from which you can walk to the city center in 15–20 minutes. Located 10 miles from the city is the Matka Canyon, with limestone cliffs and emerald‑green water, where you can go kayaking and explore caves.
Prices in Skopje: a 3* hotel – 56 dollars, beer – 2.8 dollars, lunch – 7.5 dollars, transportation – 0.75 dollars, transfer – 36 dollars. There are 54 attractions.
2nd place: Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is called the summer capital of Turkey and the “Queen of the Eastern Mediterranean.” The old town of Kaleiçi combines Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine heritage – cobblestone streets, colorful houses from the Ottoman era, and the Hadrian’s Gate from the 2nd century. Konyaaltı Beach, which is 4 miles long, is compared to Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, and Lara Beach features luxurious hotels and a premium‑class sandy shore.
Prices in Antalya: a 3* hotel – $67.5, beer – $3, lunch – $10, transportation – $0.77, transfer – only $11.5 – the cheapest among all five cities. There are 101 attractions.
The publication warns tourists about common scams and pickpocketing, especially in Istanbul. According to the Travelers’ Safety Index, Turkey received 65 points out of 100.
1st place: Prague, Czech Republic
According to hoppa, Prague has become the best budget destination – despite the fact that the hotels there are the most expensive among the top five. The Old Town of Staré Město, with its Gothic spires, Baroque facades and astronomical clocks, creates the image of “fairy‑tale” Europe. The Náplavka promenade offers craft beer and Czech cuisine at reasonable prices, while the Letná district features panoramic beer gardens, galleries in former industrial premises and views of the Vltava River.
Prices in Prague: a 3‑star hotel – 117 dollars , beer – 1.12 dollars, lunch – 11.5 dollars, transportation – 1.8 dollars, transfer – 30.4 dollars. The city has been counted with a record 619 budget attractions — this is what put Prague at the top of the ranking.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.