One Of The Cheapest Cities To Visit In Europe Is A Medieval Fortress Site With Lots Of Shopping And Cafes

European tourist spending shot up in 2024 — 13.7% from 2023, says the European Travel Commission. Paris alone saw visitor expenditures climb 13%, leaving many wondering where they can still find value on the continent. But travelers watching their budgets can skip expensive traps by heading to places like Kaunas, Lithuania. This city has quietly climbed the ranks as a top pick for those seeking unique experiences without the hefty price tag.

Kaunas is Lithuania's second-largest city and was named the second-cheapest city in Europe by Time Out in 2024. In the very center of the city, you can observe the 14th-century Kaunas Castle over Old Town — it's red brick walls meant to protect against crusaders at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers. The castle represents Kaunas' medieval past and houses part of the Kaunas City Museum. You can explore centuries of local history, or enjoy the city's café culture with everything from historic doughnut shops to modern specialty spots like Café Kultūra, which buzzes with locals and tourists at lunchtime.

According to Kaunas In, the city's tourism agency, Kaunas hosted over 1,500 public cultural events in 2022, when the city was features as the European Capital of Culture. Between the festivals, historic sights, and affordable prices, Kaunas can be an excellent choice for those after authentic European culture and café life. Plus, you won't get caught in any of the typical tourist money traps either.

You can explore Kaunas' landmarks without spending much. Kaunas Old Town is full of cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and merchant houses from the 1400s. You can join guided walking tours in different languages that hit the old Town Hall and historic Cathedral of Kaunas. The Kaunas City Museum charges just €4 (about $4.30) for adults and €2 (about $2.15) for students to get into Kaunas Castle. The nearby Kaunas Town Hall museum is also reasonable — €10 (about $10.85) for adults and €5 (about $5.90) for students and seniors. With such affordable attractions, smart travelers can easily avoid making money mistakes while traveling.

If you time it right, you can get in for free. According to the Kaunas City Museum, visitors can get in free on the last Sunday of each month for both the castle and Town Hall museum. National holidays are free too — February 16 (Restoration of the State), March 11 (Restoration of Independence), and July 6 (Statehood Day). You also get free admission during the International Night of Museums in May, and on the Saturday of Kaunas City's birthday. Some groups get free admission all year long with the right paperwork. That includes preschool kids, students with supervisors, people getting social assistance, orphans, anyone with disabilities (plus one person to help them), and people age 80 or older.

If you want to save money on food and shopping in Kaunas, check out the Skanaus Kortelė discount card. Launched in 2025, it costs €12.50 (about $13.50), and gets users a year of discounts at independent cafés, restaurants, hotels, and experiences across Lithuania, including Kaunas. Plus, it can help you avoid foreign transaction fees eating into your budget, as well.

Plus, Kaunas has a food scene built on classic Lithuanian dishes that won't empty your wallet. For example, at Bernelių Užeiga –  a long-running spot with a national heritage certificate –you'll find starters from €6.90 to €11.90 (about $7.40 to $12.80), mains between €8.90 and €14.90 (about $9.79 and $16.39), and desserts around €6.90 to €7.90 (about $7.59 to $8.69). You'll also find dozens of traditional dishes rarely seen outside Lithuania.

If you want something a bit more modern, the Kaunas Tourism Information Centre lists breakfast options like the Radisson Kaunas restaurant, which serves a buffet breakfast with coffee, fresh breads, and hot dishes for about €18 (about $19.80) per person. For a local experience on a budget, Lithuania Travel points to Spurginė, a donut shop that hasn't changed its recipes, or prices, in 40 years.