Solo Female Travel in Europe: 10 Cheap Places You Can’t Miss!

Dreaming of Europe but afraid it’ll wreck your budget? Trust me, you can have an amazing trip without spending a fortune. Europe has so many affordable destinations where you can soak in culture, explore stunning landscapes, and feel safe as a solo traveler.

Let’s dive into 10 cheap European places for solo female travelers that will leave you speechless – and keep your wallet happy.

1. Croatia: A Coastal Gem on a Budget

Croatia might scream luxury, but trust me, there are ways to enjoy it without spending like a celebrity. Split and Zadar are perfect for solo travelers looking for history, beaches, and good vibes – all at a lower cost than Dubrovnik. You can find hostels for around $13-$27 or small guesthouses for $28-$44+ a night. Plus, island-hopping won’t break the bank (less than $11 for a ferry).

• Must-Do: Walk around Diocletian’s Palace (free). Hop over to Hvar for the day. Swim in Krka National Park (entry $8.80).
• Local Tip: Skip the peak summer months of July and August to avoid both the heat and the crowds. May and September? Perfection.
• What to Avoid: Taxis. Take local buses or walk – the old town is small.
• Safety Tip: Avoid overly touristy areas like Dubrovnik’s city center at peak times – watch for petty theft.

Take a Walk Through Dubrovnik
Click below to explore the streets of Dubrovnik. Just follow the arrows to move around and take in the views – it’s like you’re there but without the plane ticket!

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $13-$27+
• Meals: $12-$13+
• Transportation: Ferries start at $8.80-$11 for day trips

2. Lithuania: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

Vilnius, located in Eastern Europe, is a hidden gem for any solo woman. Imagine medieval streets, beautiful architecture, and a bohemian vibe – all without the big-city price tag. Hostels start as low as $11-$17, which is pretty cheap. Hotels hover around $30-$50. And here’s the kicker: you can have a full meal for $5-$7.

• Must-Do: Wander through Uzupis, Vilnius’ quirky, artsy district. Visit Trakai Castle for a fairytale vibe ($8.80 entry).
• Local Tip: Free walking tours will give you the lowdown on the city’s history and charm.
• What to Avoid: Vilnius isn’t about crazy nightlife – it’s more laid back, so don’t come expecting a party capital.
• Safety Tip: Stick to the main squares after dark – Uzupis is magical, but it’s better explored during the day. For more detailed safety tips for solo travelers, check out this post.

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $11-$17+
• Meals: $5-$7+
• Public Transport: Super affordable, around $1.10 per ride

PRO TIP: Use Google Flights to easily track prices, compare options, and find the most affordable routes for your next European adventure.

3. Hungary: Budapest’s Baths and More

Budapest, one of the most iconic cities in Eastern Europe, offers culture, thermal baths, and nightlife without the hefty price tag. You can find hostels for $12-$22 or budget hotels for $30-$50. And don’t forget the famous thermal baths – soak in Széchenyi Baths for $23.

• Must-Do: Relax at Széchenyi Baths. Visit Buda Castle (free). Experience a ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter.
• Local Tip: Grab a Budapest Card for free public transport and museum discounts.
• What to Avoid: Unlicensed taxis – stick to Uber.
• Safety Tip: Watch out for drink spiking at ruin bars – stay vigilant and keep an eye on your drink.

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $12-$22+
• Meals: $10-$15+
• Baths: $23+

Not sure if Budapest is for you? Check out destination recommendations based on your age to find the perfect spot for your solo adventure! There are so many great cities for female solo travelers to discover.

4. Poland: History and Budget Heaven

Krakow is a dream for history lovers and budget travelers. It’s one of Poland’s major cities. You can stay in a central hostel for around $13+ or grab a boutique hotel for $30-$60. Meals? Think traditional Polish dishes like pierogi for $5-$8 at a local milk bar.

• Must-Do: Explore Wawel Castle (free grounds). Visit Auschwitz, a significant World War II site (free but book ahead). Hike the Tatra Mountains in Zakopane.
• Local Tip: Visit Krakow’s Old Town early to avoid crowds.
• What to Avoid: Unlicensed taxis – public transport is much cheaper and reliable.
• Safety Tip: Stay vigilant in tourist areas like Krakow’s Old Town Square – it’s beautiful but a magnet for pickpockets.

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $11-$17+
• Meals: $5-$8+
• Transportation: Day trips to Zakopane from $8.80

Want to get a clear idea of your travel expenses? Check out my Vacation Cost Calculator to estimate your budget and plan your savings effectively.

5. Montenegro: Stunning Views, Minimal Cost

Montenegro’s coastline is just as gorgeous as Croatia’s but way cheaper. Located in Southern Europe, Kotor is perfect for solo female travelers looking for budget-friendly accommodations, with guesthouses for $20-$30 or boutique hotels for $35-$50. Hike up to Kotor Fortress for free panoramic views, or take a boat trip around the bay for around $16.50.

• Must-Do: Hike to Kotor Fortress (free). Take a day trip to Perast and visit Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Local Tip: May and September are the best months – warm weather but fewer tourists.
• What to Avoid: Renting cars in high season – the roads get jammed.
• Safety Tip: Be careful on Kotor’s fortress stairs – they can be slippery, especially after rain.

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $16.50-$22+
• Meals: $6-$12+
• Day trips: Around $11-$16.50

Looking for even more stunning spots in Europe? Check out my guide on the best and most beautiful places for solo female travelers! And if safety is your priority, don’t miss Safest European Cities for Solo Female Travelers You Must Visit! 

6. Bosnia & Herzegovina: Authentic, Cheap, Amazing

Mostar and Sarajevo are places that will steal your heart and barely dent your wallet. Hostels can go for as low as $11, and full meals cost around $5-$8. History lovers will find the cities fascinating, and the hiking trails in Jablanica? Unforgettable.

• Must-Do: Walk across Stari Most, Mostar’s famous bridge. Visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum ($8.50).
• Local Tip: Bosnians love sharing their culture. Join them for coffee and chat.
• What to Avoid: Be mindful of unexplored landmine areas – stick to marked paths when hiking.
• Safety Tip: In Sarajevo, stick to the main streets in the old town at night; smaller alleys can feel deserted.

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $11-$13+
• Meals: $5-$8+
• Museum entries: Around $9

7. Serbia: A Hidden Gem with a Vibrant Spirit

Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, is known for its wild nightlife, rich history, and low prices. It’s a perfect destination for solo female travelers looking to explore beyond the typical beaten path. You can find hostels for $11-$20 or a mid-range hotel for around $27.50+. And trust me, you can fill up on traditional Serbian food for as little as $6-$10.

• Must-Do: Wander the iconic Kalemegdan Fortress (free) for panoramic views over the Danube River, and take a sunset cruise along the river for about $8.
• Local Tip: Visit Skadarlija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, for a taste of the city’s lively arts scene and traditional Serbian food.
• What to Avoid: Don’t exchange money at shady kiosks – stick to official exchange offices or ATMs for the best rates.
• Safety Tip: Belgrade is generally safe, but watch out for aggressive taxi drivers at the airport. Use ride-hailing apps like CarGo or Bolt instead of hailing taxis on the street to avoid overcharges.

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $11+
• Meals: $6-$10+
• Boat rides: $8

8. Bulgaria: Mountains, Monasteries, and More for Less

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is one of those European cities that’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure – all on a shoestring budget. Hostels can be as cheap as $9-$15, and meals are incredibly affordable, starting around $5-$8. Want a taste of adventure? Vitosha Mountain is just a short bus ride from the city and offers hiking and fresh air.

• Must-Do: Hike Vitosha Mountain (free) for stunning views of Sofia, and visit the breathtaking Rila Monastery (free entry), one of Bulgaria’s most iconic landmarks.
• Local Tip: Try the local dish banitsa from a street vendor for breakfast – delicious, filling, and super cheap.
• What to Avoid: Avoid the unregulated taxis – use the Taxime app to get reliable and fair-priced rides.
• Safety Tip: Sofia is generally safe, but watch your bags in crowded places like the Central Market Hall and the Ladies’ Market – pickpocketing can be an issue.

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $9-$15+
• Meals: $5-$8+
• Public Transportation: About $1.10 per ride

9. Romania: Castles, Culture, and Cheap Eats

Romania has it all – castles, mountains, medieval towns – and so much history to discover without costing you an arm and a leg. Brasov, in Transylvania, is the perfect base for exploring Bran Castle (yes, Dracula’s Castle) and the stunning Carpathian Mountains. Hostels start at $10-$15 and traditional Romanian meals will only set you back about $6-$9.

• Must-Do: Visit the world-famous Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) for a spooky history lesson ($16 entry), and take a hike in the Carpathian Mountains for incredible views (free).
• Local Tip: Don’t miss the Black Church in Brasov – it’s the largest Gothic church in Romania and a stunner.
• What to Avoid: Avoid overpriced tours for Bran Castle – you can get there by bus for a fraction of the cost.
• Safety Tip: Romania is pretty safe, but if you’re hiking in the Carpathians, be aware of bear sightings. Stick to marked trails and go during daylight hours.

Step Inside Dracula’s Castle
Click below to explore the eerie halls of Bran Castle. Use the arrows to move through rooms and even peek behind the doors – if you dare!

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $10-$15+
• Meals: $6-$9+
• Castle entry: $16

10. Albania: Sun, Sand, Super Cheap

You haven’t considered Albania for your next European adventure? You’re missing out. It is the perfect place for solo travelers. With its unspoiled beaches, ancient ruins, and friendly locals, Saranda and Ksamil are ideal for beach lovers on a budget. Hostels in Tirana can go as low as $10-$15, and you’ll be eating fresh seafood on the beach for under $6-$9.

• Must-Do: Visit Butrint National Park, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site (entry $9), then relax on the beaches of Ksamil, often compared to the Maldives for their beauty.
• Local Tip: The Albanian Riviera is still relatively unknown – visit now before it becomes the next big thing in European travel.
• What to Avoid: Public transport in rural areas can be tricky – stick to the main bus routes, and don’t rely on exact schedules.
• Safety Tip: Albania is one of the safest countries in the Balkans, but if you’re hiking in remote areas, always follow marked trails. Some areas, though rare, may still have unexploded ordnance from the past.

Budget Breakdown:

• Hostels: $10-$15+
• Meals: $6-$9+
• National Park entry: $9

Want to pack your bags but don’t know where to start? Check out my post for solo female travelers on how to plan your solo trip like a pro.

Quiz: Which Destination Is Perfect for You?

Answer these questions to find out which affordable European destination is your perfect match for your solo adventure!

1, What type of scenery do you prefer?
A, Sun, sea, and beaches
B, Mountains, and lakes
C, Historical cities with old-world charm
D, Quirky, artsy neighborhoods
2, What’s your ideal travel pace?
A, Relaxed, with plenty of beach time
B, Hiking and outdoor adventures
C, Exploring museums, castles, and history
D, Wandering through offbeat cafés and art districts
3, What’s your vibe when it comes to culture?
A, Warm, Mediterranean laid-back vibes
B, Friendly but a bit mysterious
C, Strong sense of tradition with a love for history
D, Creative, artsy, and a little alternative
4, What’s your daily budget (accommodation, food, activities)?
A, Around $40
B, Around $50
C, Less than $30
D, $60 or more
5, What’s your must-do activity?
A, Swimming, island-hopping, or sunbathing
B, Hiking or exploring nature
C, Visiting historical sites or museums
D, Chilling in cafés, soaking up the local art scene
6, How important is nightlife to you?
A, Not a night owl – I’m more about the daytime
B, I’d love to experience it, but it’s not the main focus
C, I enjoy it but prefer low-key, traditional vibes
D, I want to try out some cool bars or alternative spots

Your Quiz Results

• Mostly A’s: Croatia or Montenegro – You’re all about the beach and laid-back vibes. Pack that swimsuit, because the Adriatic is calling!
• Mostly B’s: Romania or Bosnia & Herzegovina – You’re into outdoor adventures and nature. Get those hiking boots ready!
• Mostly C’s: Poland or Hungary – History buff alert! You’ll be in your element exploring castles and ancient cities, soaking in the rich past while enjoying modern-day comforts at a fraction of the price.
• Mostly D’s: Lithuania or Serbia – You love quirky, creative vibes. Time to grab a coffee in the artsy districts and discover some hidden gems in the bohemian corners of Europe.
• Mostly E’s: Bulgaria or Albania – You want a mix of mountains, beaches, and history, with a laid-back and affordable experience.

Prefer to watch? Check out my video for more tips and beautiful footage of these 10 cheap European places!

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Now that you’ve found your perfect destination, what’s holding you back? Affordable European cities are waiting for you. Whether it’s your first trip or you’re a seasoned traveler, these places are perfect for solo female travelers. If you’re unsure whether visiting Europe solo is for you, join a group tour to explore these amazing destinations with fellow travelers while still enjoying the freedom of solo travel.

Remember, the world is yours to discover, and the best journeys start when you step out of your comfort zone. So pack that bag, book that ticket, and get ready for experiences you’ll never forget. Where will you go next?

Let’s get lost together.