One Of The Cheapest Cities To Visit In Europe Is In An Underrated Country With Rich History And Great Food

Europe's tourism scene is going strong. In the first quarter of 2025, 125 million international tourists visited the continent — up 2% from 2024 and up 5% from before the pandemic, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. While tourism is growing across much of the continent, so are prices. Inflation keeps pushing travel costs up, especially at more popular destinations. Nearly half of potential travelers now say that affordability is what stops them from booking a European trip, based on findings from the European Travel Commission.

With that said, travel expert Rick Steves has spent years telling people to skip Europe's flashier capitals for "second cities" instead. These more off-the-beaten-path places not only cost less but you can also get a more genuine taste of local culture while there. One such place to consider is Albania. In fact, Albania drew 4.76 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2025 — up 5% from the year before, according to Albanian Times. Plus, Time Out named Tirana, Albania's capital, Europe's most affordable cities to visit in 2025. The city buzzes with nightlife, and sits just 17 miles from the Adriatic coast.

Getting around Tirana is budget-friendly — city buses cost just 40 Lek ($0.48) per ride, according to Adventure Albania, while a taxi within the city center typically runs 300-500 Lek ($3.60-$6.00) for short trips. Rick Steves reminds travelers to skip tourist traps and spend time in more authentic public places instead. Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, for example, offers visitors a prime cultural destination. The square itself is free to visit and is home to a statue of its namesake, Skanderbeg, on horseback — the man who fought off the Ottomans and became a national hero. Also, don't miss the Et'hem Bey Mosque from the late 1700s, which remains free to enter every day of the week.

The National Historical Museum also stands out, with its mosaic front and displays that cover Albanian history. According to Closer Lives, the entrance fee to the museum is 500 Lek ($6.00). Or consider visiting Bunk'Art 1, a former Cold War-era nuclear bunker that is now hosts special exhibits and art installations. According to Albania Visit, Bunk'Art 1 charges 500 Lek ($6.00) for entry, and visitors can take a bus from the city center for 40 Lek ($0.48), making the total cost for this day trip less than $7. 

You can also eat really well in Tirana without spending much. Numbeo's July 2025 report shows that a basic restaurant meal runs about 1,000 Albanian Lek (around $12). Meanwhile, a three-course dinner for two at a decent mid-range location costs around 5,000 Lek (roughly $60). When travelling in Europe, remember to skip restaurants that have multilingual menus and pushy hosts out front since they'll generally charge you more for worse food.

For something quick and local, you should consider some of the Byrek pastry stands scattered around the city that sell traditional savory pastries for just 30 Lek ($0.36). Or over in the Blloku area, fresh paninis sell for about 450 Lek ($5.65). While the food is affordable, so are some of the other costs associated with food purchases. Also, Rick Steves reminds travelers that tipping in Europe is pretty minimal – with a simple round up on your bill usually doing the trick.