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.
6th-century fortress with views
25 things in this story
- ČaršijaNeighborhoodatmospheric old town to wander around
- Tvrdina Kale FortressAttraction6th-century fortress with views
- National Gallery of MacedoniaGalleryhoused in a former Ottoman bathhouse
- DestanRestaurantoffers tasty kebabs with freshly baked bread
- Skopje International AirportPlacereceives low-cost Wizz Air flights
- Kameni MostSight
- Sveti Spas ChurchPlace of worship
- Mustafa Pasha MosquePlace of worship
- 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
- 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
- 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