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.
free on the second and fourth Thursday of the month
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