Juanita 
Table of Contents
Europe as a holiday destination is always attractive for Indian tourists. It has everything to offer, from mountains to the sea and museums to shopping to a variety of cuisines. However, travelling to some European countries can be a bit more heavy on the pocket than others. In this article, we take you through countries that Indians can visit under INR 1.5 lakh.
Other than stays and dining options, there other things to consider for a Euro trip on a budget. Walking is one of the best ways to explore a city and, of course, add to your step count. Make use of public transport instead of cabs and opt for local places that offer inexpensive but delicious food.
For accommodation, there are plenty of options like guest houses, hostels and Airbnb. To help you keep your spending under INR 1.5 lakh, we have also done most of the calculations that will guide you in deciding the number of days you can spend in each country.
European countries you can visit with a budget of INR 1.5 Lakh
1. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe and interestingly the only country that hasn’t changed its name since it was established. Known for its beaches on the Black Sea coast like Golden Sands, Coral and Kara Dere beach, Bulgaria should also be visited for skiing as the destination houses some great ski resorts, mostly open between December to March. Another major attraction is the hot springs near Bansko — the Hot Mineral Pool Izgreva and Alpha Thermal Pool are our top picks.
In terms of local food, Bulgarian yoghurt is a must-try. Indulge in some traditional dance, music and craft shows that will give a peek into Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage. It is the only country on this list that has pocket-friendly accommodation which allows one to stay here for a long time.
Best time to visit: June to August
Places to visit: Sofia, Varna, Sozopol and Plovdiv.
Cost of stay: Between INR 2,500 to INR 3,500 for a one-night stay.
Flight tickets: Approximately INR 60,000 for a round trip.
Visa fee: BGN 185 (INR 8,518) for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa for up to one year.
Number of days you can spend here: You can spend 15 days in Bulgaria, however, a week’s time will be enough to explore the major attractions in the country.
Book your stay in Bulgaria on Booking.com
Book your stay in Bulgaria on Airbnb
2. Latvia
Situated on the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Estonia, is Latvia. Along with sprawling forests and wide beaches, you can see plenty of wooden and art nouveau architecture which is quite prominent in the nearby towns of Grizinkalns, Sarkandaugava and Kipsala and the houses on Albert Street, respectively, in the capital city of Riga. One of the must-do things in Latvia is to try native craft beer and traditional dishes, such as cabbage soup, potato pancakes, meatballs and smoked fish.
Best time to visit: June to mid -September
Places to visit: Riga, Jurmala, Cesis and Kuldiga.
Cost of stay: Between INR 3,800 to INR 5,500 for a one-night stay.
Flight tickets: Approximately INR 60,000 for a round trip.
Visa fee: EUR 60 (INR 5,401) for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa for up to one year.
Number of days you can spend here: You can spend 10 days in Latvia, however, a week’s time will be enough to explore the major attractions in the country.
Book your stay in Latvia on Booking.com
Book your stay in Latvia on Airbnb
3. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic should top the list of countries to visit in Europe if you are travelling on a budget. Your main city of stay should be Prague but opt for flights with a layover as direct ones can be expensive. Prague, with its beautiful old-world charm, is a city where walking is more enriching than taking a cab or public transport.
Visit Prague Castle, the Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. Walk on the Charles Bridge while savouring chimney cake (known as Trdelnik), made of rolled dough topped with cream, ice cream and fruits of your choice. And, if you are a Franz Kafka fan, do visit the Kafka Museum. The admission fee for an adult costs CZK 260 (INR 3.74 only) and spending this money is worth it.
From Prague, you can take day trips to other cities in the Czech Republic such as Cesky Krumlov, Brno, Karlovy Vary and Kutna Hora. Travelling inter-city by bus is suggested.
Best time to visit: May to September
Places to visit: Prague, Karlovy Vary and Cesky Krumlov.
Cost of stay: Between INR 4,000 to INR 5,500 for a one-night stay.
Flight tickets: Approximately INR 70,000 for a round trip.
Visa fee: EUR 52 (INR 4,700) for a single-entry visa and EUR 60 (INR 5,418) for a multiple-entry visa.
Number of days you can spend here: You can spend a week exploring the capital city of Prague and take day trips to several other cities.
Book your stay in Czech Republic on Booking.com
Book your stay in Czech Republic on Airbnb
4. Hungary
Famous for its hot springs, thermal spas, cave baths and ruin bars, Hungary is a dream destination for every traveller. The country boasts architectural landmarks such as the Hungarian State Opera House, Matthias Church and the Great Market Hall. It is also home to one of the largest synagogues in Europe, Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest.
When in the capital city of Budapest, make sure to visit the stunning New York Café where you can get sprinkles of 24-carat gold on your coffee priced at INR 1,035, spend a full day at the Szechenyi or Rudas Thermal Bath and take the evening cruise on Danube River to see the lit-up Hungarian Parliament Building. All these experiences will not make you exceed your budget. For food, there are several cafes offering dishes starting from EUR 9 (INR 812) with generous portions.
Best time to visit: June to August
Places to visit: Budapest, Pecs, Sopron and Eger.
Cost of stay: Between INR 4,000 to INR 6,000 for a one-night stay.
Flight tickets: Approximately INR 70,000 for a round trip.
Visa fee: HUF 30,800 (INR 7,340) for a single or multiple-entry visa for up to one year.
Number of days you can spend here: You can easily spend a week in the country exploring one or two cities.
Book your stay in Hungary on Booking.com
Book your stay in Hungary on Airbnb
5. Romania
Visit this southeastern European country known for its castles such as Corvin Castle, Sturdza Castle and Banffy Castle which seem fairytale-like. Famous for its Dracula legend stories, and charming medieval towns of Brasov, Sibiu and Sebes, Romania should be on your list if you are travelling on a budget.
You must add visiting the sunflower fields and vineyards to your itinerary. Savour traditional dishes such as Sarmale (Cabbage rolls), Salata de Vinete (Roasted eggplant salad) and Alivenci (a milk-based dessert). With affordable accommodation available across the country, several private or group day trips can be taken that include UNESCO tours to places like Viscri and Brasov. Wondering if these adventures will put you over the budget? Don’t worry all this will be covered under INR 1.5 lakhs as the Romanian Leu is not that expensive when converted to INR.
Best time to visit: April to October
Places to visit: Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu and Lasi.
Cost of stay: Between INR 5,500 to INR 7,500 for a one-night stay.
Flight tickets: Approximately INR 70,000 for a round trip.
Visa fee: RON 460 (INR 8,403) for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa for up to one year.
Number of days you can spend here: You will be able to spend a week exploring Romania on this budget.
Book your stay in Romania on Booking.com
Book your stay in Romania on Airbnb
6. Slovakia
Slovakia has some of the most unique tourist destinations in the world which shouldn’t be missed. Sharing its border with Poland, Ukraine, Hungary and Austria, Slovakia is famous for its hot springs, the European Dead Sea, wilderness and folk architecture. Head to Zelena Zaba or Bojnice Spa to heal your skin and other health problems such as Asthma, spend an entire day at the Castle of Spirits or just sit doing nothing at the main square also known as Hlavne Namestie.
Best time to visit: March to May, July to September
Places to visit: Bratislava, Nitra, Poprad and Trencin.
Cost of stay: Between INR 5,000 to INR 7,000 for a one-night stay.
Flight tickets: Approximately INR 90,000 for a round trip. There are few flights available from metro cities so plan your trip well in advance.
Visa fee: EUR 84 (INR 7,554) for a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa for up to one year.
Number of days you can spend here: You can easily spend five days in Slovakia exploring the capital city – Bratislava, or Kosice – the second largest city in Slovakia.
Book your stay in Slovakia on Booking.com
Book your stay at Slovakia on Airbnb
6. Portugal
One of the less-expensive Western European countries you can visit is Portugal. If you have ever wondered where Peri Peri flavour, port wine and Pastéis de Nata came from then you have the Portuguese to thank. Famous for its pristine beaches such as Praia da Marinha, Benagil and Praia de Odeceixe, nightlife and canoeing in Furnas Lake, Portugal is a fun country to explore. It is also known for being one of the best places to retire and should be on your travel list when visiting Europe. With easy travel options of taking the tram and trains, Portugal can be visited on a budget.
Best time to visit: During the spring season in the months of March, April and May.
Places to visit: Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Faro and Sintra.
Cost of stay: Between INR 8,700 to INR 10,000 for a one-night stay.
Flight tickets: Approximately INR 80,000 for a round trip.
Visa fee: EUR 84 (INR 7,570) for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa for up to one year.
Number of days you can spend here: You will be able to spend four days in any one city in Portugal.
Book your stay in Portugal on Booking.com
Book your stay in Portugal or Airbnb
7. Croatia
Croatia is not just a dream destination for Game of Thrones fans but for all nature lovers as well. Home to some of the best national parks such as Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park, Croatia should also be visited for its quirky museums and short funicular rides in Zagreb, the fun party island of Hvar, medieval Fortress Klis in Split and the Old Town in Dubrovnik. Make sure to visit Restaurant Nostromo when in Split to savour fresh seafood or stuffed chicken if that is what you fancy. They also have plenty of options for vegetarians.
Best time to visit: May, June, September and October
Places to visit: Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar.
Cost of stay: Between INR 6,500 to INR 8,500 for a one-night stay.
Flight tickets: Approximately INR 70,000 for a round trip.
Visa fee: EUR 87 (INR 7,831) for a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa for up to one year.
Number of days you can spend here: You can spend four days exploring Croatia.
Book your stay in Croatia on Booking.com
Book your stay in Croatia on Airbnb
(Hero and feature image credit: Pexels/Pixabay )
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