The Cheapest European Cities to Visit This Fall

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:25 PM ET, Mon August 24, 2026

Summer is nearly behind us, and if, like many globetrotters, you’re already daydreaming about a fall escape, there’s good news.

One dozen cities throughout Europe can be visited for less than $120 per person, per day, according to a study conducted by Thomas Cook, a UK-based travel agency.

The analysis involved 51 destinations and took into consideration a range of cost factors. The results show there are 12 cities where visitors can do a full day of sightseeing, have food and refreshments, and cover the cost of local transit and accommodation (in a mid-range hotel) for less than $120 per day, per person.

“Our research shows travelers can find great value when planning a European city trip and there are amazing experiences to discover beyond the likes of Paris, London and Rome," says Nicholas Smith, dynamic packages director for Thomas Cook.

Based on the analysis criteria, the best value is Tirana, Albania, at a daily cost of $68 this September, per Thomas Cook.

There's much to love about Tirana (in addition to it being affordable.) The city is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant cafe culture and easy access to beaches, national parks and lakes.

In fact, according to Thomas Cook, Albania has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourism locations (Thomas Cook Albania holidays have seen bookings increase by over 300%). Still, the company says Tirana retains its hidden-gem feel, offering a quieter sightseeing experience.

There also happens to be an abundance of three-star accommodation options in Tirana, with an average cost of $37 per person, per night in early September - offering travelers great value on what is typically the most expensive part of the trip.

And calling all foodies: You too will be delighted by the low costs in Tirana, suggests Thomas Cook. The average price of dinner at an inexpensive restaurant is $9.86, while a coffee is about $2.30 and a local beer is just $1.74.

Landing in second place on the Thomas Cook list is another Eastern European location: Bucharest, the capital of Romania, with an average daily cost of just $77 per person.

A city that earned the nickname Little Paris when prominent French and European architects were hired to redesign its center, Bucharest is known for its eclectic architectural mix. Top sights include the Palace of the Parliament, one of the world’s largest administrative buildings, and the neoclassical Romanian Athenaeum.

Average accommodation prices are around $37 per person per night in Bucharest, and with 176 three-star options to choose from, tourists aren’t short of choices. Eating out is also very affordable, with dinner costing under $14 on average and lunch at a fast-food restaurant costing under $8.

“Eastern European and Turkish city destinations consistently deliver affordability and with growing tourism numbers, they won’t remain a secret for long," says Smith.

Here are the remaining European locations that landed among the top of the ranking for best value destinations: