Even with rising travel expenses, embarking on a European honeymoon without straining your budget is entirely feasible. Given the Euro and the U.S. dollar’s approximate parity and the accessibility provided by budget-friendly airlines for transatlantic flights, you can now experience some of the most beautiful cities in the world, even with constrained finances.
If you’re seeking suggestions for a memorable yet cost-effective European getaway, check out these 22 cheap European destinations.
1. Milan
Milan is the place to be if you want a less touristy city. It is the architecture, food, and fashion capital of Italy.
Milan is one of the cheapest places to fly to in Europe. Numerous flights from JFK via American, Delta, and Alitalia depart to this city. The best times of the year to score a cheap flight are January and February.
2. Copenhagen
A city full of canals, impressive churches, and Danish food, Copenhagen competes with Helsinki as one of the happiest cities in the world. Copenhagen offers stunning Danish cuisine, beautiful churches, and museums.
With round-trip flights to Copenhagen ranging from $300 to $850, you can save extra cash to keep your wallet happy and indulge in Danish culture.
3. London
London is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, offering a wide range of hotels and price points. However, being such a popular destination means there are economical flights from hundreds of airports throughout the U.S.
Use the extra cash to explore attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the Greenwich walking tour. Or enjoy a romantic evening observing the city from the London Eye, one of the world’s tallest Ferris Wheels.
4. Rome
Rome is a city like no other, where emperors ruled and gladiators fought. As a major European city, it hosts a hub for ITA Airways and Vueling Airlines, with cheap flight options to the rest of Europe.
Round-trip flights can range from $345 to $850 from many of the major cities in North America.
5. Lisbon
Many people have talked about moving to Portugal, but you may be asking why. Lisbon sits pretty as the most affordable country in Europe, boasting excellent weather and fantastic food, and it is close to many other European countries like France and Spain.
There’s only one way to know why everyone you know has just returned or is planning a trip to Portugal!
6. Amsterdam
Amsterdam features 16th-century architecture, romantic canals, museums, and even the iconic stroopwafel. It has the third busiest airport in the world and direct flights from 19 U.S. cities, making it a great entry point into Europe. Round-trip flights range from $300 to $900, so it’s possible to find one within your budget.
7. Paris
Paris is an iconic Europe destination that screams expensive. But it’s possible to book an affordable flight. Use the money you save on airfare to visit cafes, have a romantic dinner at one of the fine French cuisine restaurants, and tour any of the city’s finest sites like the Louvre, Versailles Palace, and the Eiffel Tower.
8. Madrid
Madrid is full of world-class attractions, fantastic food, and plenty of soccer, all in one of the cheapest major cities in Europe. A round-trip ticket in the offseason to go to Madrid can range from $400 to $800. With many airlines flying through Madrid, there are plenty of opportunities to find a great flight deal.
9. Dublin
Dublin is a medieval city with picturesque views and the home of the Guinness brewery, impressive castles, and excellent countryside. Round-trip tickets can cost as little as $400 to $500.
10. Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most beautiful European cities, with fantastic architecture, stunning beaches, and great soccer. Catching a flight from NYC or Boston to Barcelona can be as cheap as a $300–$700 round trip. With Iberia, Vueling, and LEVEL providing cheap fares, it is a perfect time to book that trip to Spain!
11. Reykavik
If you’re looking for more adventures, then visit Iceland. Reykjavik can be the cheapest European city to fly to from North America, with PLAY offering some shockingly low fares. You can see geysers in the Golden Circle, relax in the Blue Lagoon, and enjoy an adventure-packed trip for cheaper than you may think!
12. Oslo
Oslo brings city life to nature. It is surrounded by forest hills perfect for hiking and a waterfront where people swim and kayak. Travelers can find affordable round-trip tickets from North America for as little as $550, helping to offset the high prices commonly found once you’re in Oslo.
13. Helsinki
Helsinki has become one of the cheapest European cities to fly into. Round-trip flights from NYC, Boston, and LAX can range from $600–$800. It’s ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world — see for yourself what it is all about.
14. Zurich
A city with a blossoming nightlife foodie scene, Zurich draws visitors from all over. Stroll the shops set amongst the scenery of the lake and snow-capped Alps mountains.
Even though Switzerland is an expensive country, there are cheap flights to be found. Flying on Swiss Airlines, you could find flights ranging from $540 to $700 round trip, with other options available.
15. Frankfurt
A modern city full of glass, steel, museums, and shopping avenues, Frankfurt especially comes alive in December. With the third busiest airport in Europe, competition among the airlines has created lower fares for budget-conscious travelers.
16. Istanbul
Istanbul has it all: architecture, 2500 years of history, and cuisine from many lands. As a bustling metropolis, Istanbul invites people from far and wide to visit, admire, and enjoy the cultural melting pot. As the central hub of Turkish Airlines, the world’s largest fleet of airplanes, you can be connected to other destinations for a more extended honeymoon.
17. Warsaw
Warsaw may not be on everyone’s bucket list, but it should be. This city has beautiful landmarks, incredible old town streets, active parks, and traditional Polish Cuisine. As one of the cheapest European cities to fly to, it will not break the bank to experience the extraordinary Polish epicenter.
18. Vienna
A world-class city with history, museums, palaces, and so much more, Vienna’s magic is often overlooked. It has been ranked the most livable city in the world, bringing many people through and acting as another cheaper entry point into Europe.
19. Prague
If you want history, architecture, food, and great beer, look no further than Prague. It is one of the most affordable cities in Europe, showing off its beauty with beautiful castles, fantastic 16th and 17th-century architecture, and unique beer at great prices.
20. Stockholm
In Stockholm, fashion, music, technology, and nature all exist in a destination that welcomes anyone. Stockholm is full of hip bars, dining, and luxury shopping close to nature, offering splendid views and hikes. Stockholm is not on the cheap side of European cities, but more affordable flight options make a trip possible for a broader range of travelers.
21. Budapest
Known as the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest is an affordable, vibrant, and dynamic city. It comes with lively nightlife, great food, incredible architecture, and a rich history. The town is known as one of the cheapest cities in Europe.
22. Athens
Athens, Greece, is a city full of culture, historical landmarks, and Greek culture. Experience the picturesque town through neighborhoods like Plaka, with museums, taverns, and beautiful restaurants. Visit the marketplace, where Socrates and Plato would have great debates, and visit many ancient landmarks. Flying to Athens can be a cheap trip during off-season months if you can travel outside of summer, helping you save across the board.