Europe’s 2026 summer getaway ranking crowns Prague as the most budget-friendly city.

Where to save in Europe this summer: top budget picks of 2026

According to УНІАН — Туризм: The travel platform hoppa has released its 2026 summer ranking of Europe's most affordable holiday spots. The five cheapest cities, according to the report, are:

• Sarajevo
• Belgrade
• Skopje
• Antalya
• Prague

The ranking was built from several cost indicators: a three-star hotel room, a local beer, a meal, public transport, budget-friendly attractions, and airport transfers. The data reflects prices as of June 2026.

Closer look at the top five

In fifth position is Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A three-star hotel there costs $65 (around UAH 2,910), beer $3 (UAH 134), a meal $9 (UAH 403), and public transport $1.30 (UAH 58). An airport transfer sets travelers back $40 (UAH 1,790). Sarajevo has 106 low-cost things to see, including Baščaršija, a 15th-century Ottoman bazaar, and the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, an event that ignited World War I.

Fourth place goes to Belgrade, Serbia's capital. A three-star hotel averages $66 (UAH 2,954), beer $3.50 (UAH 157), and lunch $12 (UAH 537). Public transit in Belgrade is free, while an airport transfer costs $42 (UAH 1,880). The city offers 140 attractions. Visitors should note that Serbia is outside both the EU and the Schengen Area, so travelers arriving on direct flights to Belgrade do not go through the biometric Entry/Exit System registration.

Third is Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Here, a three-star hotel costs $56 (UAH 2,507), beer $2.80 (UAH 125), a meal $7.50 (UAH 336), and local transport $0.75 (UAH 34). The airport transfer is $36 (UAH 1,611). Skopje has 54 budget attractions, among them more than 100 statues, including the monumental figure of Alexander the Great.

Second on the list is Antalya, a city in Turkey. The average three-star hotel price is $67.50 (UAH 3,021), beer $3 (UAH 134), lunch $10 (UAH 448), and a transit ticket $0.77 (UAH 34). Its airport transfer is the cheapest of the five at $11.50 (UAH 515). Antalya counts 101 low-cost attractions, such as Hadrian's Gate, dating back to the 2nd century, and the 4-mile-long Konyaaltı Beach. According to the Travel Safety Index, Turkey scores 65 out of 100, but the publication warns about scams and pickpocketing, especially in Istanbul.

Topping the ranking is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. In Prague, a three-star hotel costs $117 (UAH 5,237), beer $3.12 (UAH 140), lunch $11.50 (UAH 515), public transport $1.80 (UAH 81), and an airport transfer $30.40 (UAH 1,361). The city has a record 619 budget-friendly attractions. Also worth knowing: starting April 2026, the Schengen area's EES system is fully operational at airports, requiring biometric registration on first border crossing. The temporary suspension of EES checks ends September 6, 2026, according to Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

This ranking can help travelers find value-conscious destinations across Europe. With rising trip expenses, picking a budget-friendly city can allow visitors to save money without sacrificing quality. Understanding how EES works and each country's entry rules can also make cross-border trips smoother.

As travelers seek affordable options for their summer getaways, it's essential to explore various budget-friendly locations. For those considering a Mediterranean escape, check out our comprehensive guide on the most picturesque cities for budget vacations, where you'll find stunning destinations that won't break the bank.