Lonely PlanetSep 27
The Best Budget Destinations in Europe for 2026
Looking to travel for less? Check out our top budget travel destinations for 2026.
entry fee for Communist-era frieze
25 things in this story
- Tirana International AirportSightserves Tirana with budget airlines
- Pazari i RiMarketmarket by Avni Rustemi Square for picnic ingredients
- Pyramid of TiranaAttractionco-designed by dictator's daughter
- Sheshi SkënderbejSightgrand square with a restored 18th-century mosque
- Namazgja MosqueSightimposing mosque built after state atheism policy relaxed
- National Historical MuseumMuseumentry fee for Communist-era frieze
- Tirana Lake ParkSightpark with church, palace, and zoo
- St Procopius ChurchSightchurch within Tirana Lake Park
- Presidential PalaceSightpalace within Tirana Lake Park
- Tirana ZooParkzoo within Tirana Lake Park
- Elsewhere
- Aleksander Nevski CathedralSightSofia, Bulgarianeo-Byzantine, Russian-inspired landmark built between 1882 and 1912
- Serdica amphitheaterAttractionSofia, Bulgariaruins of the Roman-era amphitheater
- Vitosha BoulevardTram stopSofia, Bulgariabusy boulevard for people-watching
- City GardenParkSofia, Bulgariagarden home to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
- Ivan Vazov National TheatreTheatreSofia, Bulgariaelegant theatre in the City Garden
- City Art GalleryMuseumSofia, Bulgariafree on the second and fourth Thursday of the month
- Vasil Levski Sofia AirportAirportSofia, Bulgariaserves Sofia with budget airlines
- ČaršijaNeighborhoodSkopje, North Macedoniaatmospheric old town to wander around
- Tvrdina Kale FortressAttractionSkopje, North Macedonia6th-century fortress with views
- National Gallery of MacedoniaGallerySkopje, North Macedoniahoused in a former Ottoman bathhouse
- DestanRestaurantSkopje, North Macedoniaoffers tasty kebabs with freshly baked bread
- Skopje International AirportPlaceSkopje, North Macedoniareceives low-cost Wizz Air flights
- Kameni MostSightSkopje, North Macedonia
- Sveti Spas ChurchPlace of worshipSkopje, North Macedonia
- Mustafa Pasha MosquePlace of worshipSkopje, North Macedonia