Traveling to the romantic continent of Europe is a dream for many couples and partners. Strolling through cobblestone alleys surrounded by classical architecture, immersed in the scent of coffee and flowers—but what couples fear most when traveling abroad is arguing over money. In reality, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy these experiences. In Eastern Europe, many countries actually have average prices similar to those in Taiwan. Not only are daily necessities and food incredibly affordable, but beer is shockingly cheap too, so couples don’t have to worry about petty expenses ruining their trip. Let’s introduce the seven most budget-friendly European countries perfect for frugal couples right now.
Czech Republic
Many couples choose the Czech Republic for their honeymoon, but this affordable gem is also perfect for frugal couples traveling together. Everywhere you go in the Czech Republic feels like stepping into a fairy tale—like a living architectural book, featuring Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic styles. The music scene is top-notch too. Simply wandering through the alleys can leave you enchanted by the beautiful surroundings.
The further you venture from the city center, the more you’ll notice the lingering charm of its former desolation under long-term communist rule, mixed with rich cultural appeal. A large local beer costs only about NT$45. For couples who love architecture, history, and enjoy good wine and music, the Czech Republic should be your next destination.
? Capital: Prague
? Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
? Visa: No visa required
? Average daily cost in the capital: NT$633 per person
★ Recommended attractions: Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Vltava River
Hungary
Europe’s famous Danube River runs through Hungary’s capital, Budapest, dividing the city into two parts: Buda and Old Buda on the right bank, and Pest on the left. The country’s most prime areas are along this river, but just a short distance away, prices are astonishingly low. In Hungary, you can experience both the elegance of European culture and a touch of modern fashion and vibrancy. Every summer, music festivals gather the enthusiasm of the entire Hungarian season.
The food here is also great value—you can get a filling meal for prices similar to those in Taiwan if you stay away from the prime areas. Here, you can feel the unique charm of a city blending classic culture, architecture, and history.
? Capital: Budapest
? Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
? Visa: No visa required
? Average daily cost in the capital: NT$610 per person
★ Recommended attractions: Buda Castle, Castle Hill, Danube River
Croatia
For nature lovers, sun worshippers, and beachgoers—here it comes. We’re introducing Croatia, a place that feels like a national park everywhere you go. This long, narrow country is half surrounded by sea, with coastal waters so blue they almost look artificially colored. There are numerous islands along the central coastline, where you can island-hop to try snorkeling and scuba diving. Every summer, the famous Ultra Music Festival takes place in Split, and the stunning scenery has attracted many movies and TV series to film here. But that’s not all—near the northern capital, you can deeply experience Croatia’s rich history and culture. With a complex colonial background, diverse architecture and culinary traditions have been preserved in Croatia, yet prices are astonishingly lower than those in neighboring Italy across the sea. Start planning your Croatian adventure for the next summer.
? Capital: Zagreb
? Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK)
? Visa: No visa required
? Average daily cost in the capital: NT$697 per person
★ Recommended attractions: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Old Town of Šibenik, National Theatre
Poland
Poland has mountains, seas, and is a major agricultural country in Europe, which has also given rise to its rich food culture. Known as a green nation, Warsaw alone boasts over sixty small parks, while the entire country is home to more than twenty national parks—making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Although the capital, Warsaw, was almost completely destroyed during World War II, years of rebuilding have preserved many historical traces. Poles are also famously friendly, and the country is much safer compared to other European nations. In some cities, the average cost of living is even lower than in Taipei, and the WiFi infrastructure is highly developed too. Couples traveling abroad should definitely visit Poland to experience the charm of old-world European vibes.
? Capital: Warsaw
? Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN)
? Visa: No visa required
? Average daily cost in the capital: NT$576 per person
★ Recommended attractions: Warsaw Old Town, Wilanów Palace, Kraków
Romania
As Romania has not traditionally been a popular tourist destination—even among Europeans—it has retained much of its original character, along with castles, churches, and ruins from wartime, making it a living history of Eastern Europe. The region along the Black Sea also offers abundant natural scenery.
Romania is primarily an agricultural country, with most of its people living in traditional, simple rural communities in the central and northern parts. However, internet access is very advanced here, with free WiFi available in restaurants and hotels. SIM cards in major cities offering 7GB of data for just €6 a month are also common—not to mention the affordable prices, where the average meal costs around NT$100–300, similar to Taiwan. As one of the world’s top ten wine-producing countries, what could be more romantic for couples than endless countryside views paired with a glass of red wine on an Eastern European getaway?
? Capital: Bucharest
? Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
? Visa: No visa required
? Average daily cost in the capital: NT$507 per person
★ Recommended attractions: Revolution Square, Village Museum, National Museum of Romanian History
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is home to a wealth of cultural heritage and is the third-most historic country in Europe. Its capital, Sofia, is essentially built upon Roman ruins. Here, road transportation is highly developed, but the metro system only has two lines because digging underground often leads to uncovering Roman artifacts. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest Eastern Orthodox church in the world, is also located here.
But Bulgaria isn’t just famous for its historical sites. To the east, it borders the Black Sea, offering over 300 kilometers of coastline where you can enjoy sun and sand in the summer. It’s also well known for its wine, yogurt, and roses. Budget-conscious couples should definitely come and experience Bulgaria’s romantic culture and charm.
? Capital: Sofia
? Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
? Visa: No visa required
? Average daily cost in the capital: NT$514 per person
★ Recommended attraction: Rila Monastery
Montenegro
Also known simply as Montenegro, this small country declared independence in 2006 and is located on the Balkan Peninsula, with an area less than half that of Taiwan. Despite its size, it boasts incredibly rich natural landscapes. The ancient town of Kotor was even ranked the number one best travel city in 2016, where you can admire the breathtaking fjord-like scenery surrounded by dreamy mountains and well-preserved historic sites. With its great value, renowned wines, and rapidly growing popularity as a tourist destination, the country has quickly become a favorite. Everywhere you go feels like stepping into a medieval movie scene, and the coastal views are simply mesmerizing. A trip to the Balkans is incomplete without experiencing the beauty of Montenegro.
? Capital: Podgorica
? Currency: Euro (EUR)
? Visa: No visa required
? Average daily cost in the capital: NT$516 per person
Although Eastern European countries may not have the same level of urban vibrancy or luxury department stores as Western Europe, their natural landscapes and cultural-historical sites possess a uniquely distinctive charm that is in no way inferior to those of other countries. The incredible affordability is so astonishing that it might just make you want to live here long-term. So stop worrying about travel expenses—if you're a couple looking to travel on a budget while still enjoying exceptional value, just follow this guide and you'll be all set!
By Hsu An | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team