The Underrated European Country That Has Lower Costs And Fewer Tourists

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Plenty of tourists may drive through or fly over the mountainous Republic of North Macedonia on their way to more well-known countries like neighboring Greece. However, North Macedonia is a stunning destination all on its own. Formerly known as simply Macedonia, about 1.8 million people live in the country, and for those who enjoy natural wonders and historic landmarks, there's plenty to enjoy. Although North Macedonia isn't quite the secret it was a few years ago, it's still a much lesser-known locale than other European destinations. Per the State Statistical Office of North Macedonia, the number of foreign tourists entering the country increased 10.3% from January to November 2025 when compared to the year prior, with 77,570 tourists just in November 2025 alone. In comparison, per Road Genius, Paris received 24.3 million visitors just in the first six months of 2025.

Even better, according to Budget Your Trip, costs per visitor range from $55 to $233 in North Macedonia — with the average cost coming in at around $125 per day. Compared to nearby Greece, that's about half the price. Looking at other traditional European tourist hotspots, the United Kingdom comes in at $240 while France is around $305 daily, making North Macedonia a significant deal. In fact, world traveler and blogger, Adventurous Kate, even dubbed North Macedonia the cheapest European city she had ever visited. Plus, with a little research into how to book cheap flights in Europe, you can save even more money.

As for affordable things to do, people often flock to Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes, to swim in the refreshing and clear waters, sun themselves on beaches, and even stroll boardwalks. While at the lake, those looking for more history can visit the Bay of Bones Museum, which is a reconstructed prehistoric dwellings from 3,000 years ago. North Macedonia is also home to many monasteries, like the St. Panteleimon Monastery, with original buildings from the 11th century (updated in the 18th and 19th centuries) that also contain Byzantine art and holy relics.

Plus, another way to save money on accommodations in Europe is to look into staying at one of the 150 or more preserved monasteries throughout North Macedonia. As of January 2026, Booking.com showed Hotel Manastir Sv. Joakim Osogovski — located on the grounds of an historic monastery — with economy rooms (two twin beds and a private bath) with a mountain view going for just $37. Tourists don't need to prepay, and an "excellent" breakfast is also available for $8. Similarly, if wanting to save even more, consider booking a trip during a shoulder season in either May or September and October for even fewer tourists and cheaper prices.