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.
park with church, palace, and zoo
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