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.
busy boulevard for people-watching
25 things in this story
- Aleksander Nevski CathedralSightneo-Byzantine, Russian-inspired landmark built between 1882 and 1912
- Serdica amphitheaterAttractionruins of the Roman-era amphitheater
- Vitosha BoulevardTram stopbusy boulevard for people-watching
- City GardenParkgarden home to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
- Ivan Vazov National TheatreTheatreelegant theatre in the City Garden
- City Art GalleryMuseumfree on the second and fourth Thursday of the month
- Vasil Levski Sofia AirportAirportserves Sofia with budget airlines
- Elsewhere
- Tirana International AirportSightTirana, Albaniaserves Tirana with budget airlines
- Pazari i RiMarketTirana, Albaniamarket by Avni Rustemi Square for picnic ingredients
- Pyramid of TiranaAttractionTirana, Albaniaco-designed by dictator's daughter
- Sheshi SkënderbejSightTirana, Albaniagrand square with a restored 18th-century mosque
- Namazgja MosqueSightTirana, Albaniaimposing mosque built after state atheism policy relaxed
- National Historical MuseumMuseumTirana, Albaniaentry fee for Communist-era frieze
- Tirana Lake ParkSightTirana, Albaniapark with church, palace, and zoo
- St Procopius ChurchSightTirana, Albaniachurch within Tirana Lake Park
- Presidential PalaceSightTirana, Albaniapalace within Tirana Lake Park
- Tirana ZooParkTirana, Albaniazoo within Tirana Lake Park
- 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