Dreaming of exploring Europe but worried about breaking the bank? You're in luck! Budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370) are not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. From stunning Eastern European cities to hidden gems in the Balkans, this comprehensive guide reveals how to experience authentic European culture without emptying your wallet.
Whether you're a first-time solo traveler or a seasoned backpacker, these budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370) will show you that incredible adventures don't require a fortune. Let's dive into the best destinations, money-saving strategies, and insider tips for making your European dream trip a reality.
What You'll Learn
- Top 7 budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370)
- Complete cost breakdowns for each destination
- Flight booking strategies to save up to 60%
- Accommodation hacks for solo travelers
- Essential packing list for budget trips
7 Best Budget Friendly Solo Trips in Europe Under £300 ($370)
1. Krakow, Poland – The Cultural Gem
Krakow tops our list of budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370). This stunning Polish city offers incredible history, vibrant nightlife, and some of the cheapest prices in Europe. The medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can explore it entirely on foot.
Cost Breakdown (5 Days):
- ✈️ Flights (London-Krakow return)£40-80 ($50-100)
- 🏨 Hostel (4 nights @ £12/night)£48 ($60)
- 🍽️ Food (£15/day)£75 ($92)
- 🎫 Activities & Transport£40 ($50)
- Total Budget:£203-243 ($250-300)
Top Budget Tips:
- Try milk bars (bar mleczny) for authentic Polish meals at £3-5 ($4-6)
- Free walking tours daily from Main Market Square
- Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau (free entry, book in advance)
2. Budapest, Hungary – Thermal Baths & Ruin Bars
Budapest is perfect for budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370). Split by the Danube River, this city offers stunning architecture, famous thermal baths, and legendary nightlife. The city is incredibly walkable, and public transport is cheap and efficient.
Cost Breakdown (5 Days):
- ✈️ Flights (return)£50-90 ($62-110)
- 🏨 Hostel (4 nights @ £15/night)£60 ($74)
- 🍽️ Food (£18/day)£90 ($110)
- 🎫 Activities & Transport£50 ($62)
- Total Budget:£250-290 ($308-357)
Must-Do Experiences:
- Széchenyi Thermal Baths (£20 ($25) entry, worth every penny)
- Explore ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter (Szimpla Kert is iconic)
- Walk across Chain Bridge at sunset (free!)
3. Porto, Portugal – Wine & Coastal Charm
Porto offers incredible value among budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370). This coastal Portuguese city is famous for port wine, stunning azulejo tiles, and dramatic riverside views. It's safer and more affordable than Lisbon, making it ideal for solo travelers.
Cost Breakdown (4 Days):
- ✈️ Flights (return)£60-100 ($74-123)
- 🏨 Hostel (3 nights @ £18/night)£54 ($66)
- 🍽️ Food (£20/day)£80 ($98)
- 🎫 Activities & Transport£45 ($55)
- Total Budget:£239-279 ($294-343)
4. Prague, Czech Republic – Fairytale on a Budget
Prague remains one of the most enchanting budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370). The city feels like stepping into a fairytale with its Gothic spires, medieval bridges, and cobblestone streets. Czech beer is famously cheap, and the food scene is excellent value.
Cost Breakdown (4 Days):
- ✈️ Flights (return)£50-90 ($62-110)
- 🏨 Hostel (3 nights @ £16/night)£48 ($59)
- 🍽️ Food (£22/day)£88 ($108)
- 🎫 Activities & Transport£40 ($49)
- Total Budget:£226-266 ($278-327)
5. Sofia, Bulgaria – Europe's Best-Kept Secret
Sofia is arguably the cheapest capital for budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370). This underrated city offers Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, mountain views, and incredibly friendly locals. Your money goes further here than almost anywhere else in Europe.
Cost Breakdown (5 Days):
- ✈️ Flights (return)£60-100 ($74-123)
- 🏨 Hostel (4 nights @ £10/night)£40 ($49)
- 🍽️ Food (£12/day)£60 ($74)
- 🎫 Activities & Transport£30 ($37)
- Total Budget:£190-230 ($234-283)
6. Tallinn, Estonia – Medieval Magic
Tallinn combines medieval charm with modern efficiency, making it perfect for budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370). The compact Old Town is a UNESCO site, and Estonia's digital-first culture means everything is easy for travelers. It's also one of Europe's safest cities.
Cost Breakdown (4 Days):
- ✈️ Flights (return)£70-110 ($86-135)
- 🏨 Hostel (3 nights @ £14/night)£42 ($52)
- 🍽️ Food (£18/day)£72 ($89)
- 🎫 Activities & Transport£35 ($43)
- Total Budget:£219-259 ($269-319)
7. Belgrade, Serbia – Nightlife Capital
Belgrade rounds out our budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370) with unbeatable nightlife and incredibly low prices. This energetic Balkan capital sits at the confluence of two rivers and offers a unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Communist history.
Cost Breakdown (5 Days):
- ✈️ Flights (return)£60-100 ($74-123)
- 🏨 Hostel (4 nights @ £11/night)£44 ($54)
- 🍽️ Food (£14/day)£70 ($86)
- 🎫 Activities & Transport£35 ($43)
- Total Budget:£209-249 ($257-306)
How to Find Cheap Flights for Budget Friendly Solo Trips in Europe Under £300 ($370)
Flight Booking Masterclass
Best Booking Times
- • Book 6-8 weeks in advance for best prices
- • Tuesday & Wednesday flights are cheapest
- • Avoid school holidays and peak summer
- • Red-eye flights save 30-40%
Search Strategies
- • Use incognito mode to avoid price increases
- • Compare multiple booking sites
- • Consider nearby airports (Stansted vs Gatwick)
- • Set price alerts on Trip.com
Accommodation Hacks for Solo Travelers
Hostels
Best for meeting other travelers. Choose hostels with high ratings (8.5+) and female-only dorms if preferred.
Private Rooms
Budget hotels or Airbnb private rooms offer privacy while staying affordable in Eastern Europe.
Couchsurfing
Free accommodation with locals. Great for cultural immersion but requires advance planning.
Essential Packing List for Budget Trips
Must-Have Items
- Carry-on backpack (40L)
Avoid checked bag fees
- Microfiber towel
Quick-dry, saves hostel fees
- Reusable water bottle
Save £3-5 ($4-6) daily
- Universal adapter
Essential for Europe
- Portable charger
10,000mAh minimum
Safety & Money
- Money belt or hidden pouch
Keep valuables secure
- Padlock
For hostel lockers
- Photocopies of documents
Passport, insurance, cards
- Travel insurance
£15-25 ($18-31) for short trips
- No-fee debit card
Avoid ATM charges
10 Money-Saving Tips for Budget Friendly Solo Trips in Europe Under £300 ($370)
Eat Like a Local
Skip tourist restaurants. Shop at supermarkets for breakfast and lunch, splurge on one dinner out.
Walk Everywhere
Most European cities are walkable. Download offline maps and explore on foot to save transport costs.
Carry a Water Bottle
Refill at fountains and hostels. Saves £3-5 ($4-6) daily and reduces plastic waste.
Visit Free Attractions
Many museums have free days. Churches, parks, and walking tours are often free or donation-based.
Join Free Walking Tours
Tip-based tours in every major city. Great for orientation and meeting other travelers.
Shop at Markets
Local markets offer fresh food at fraction of restaurant prices. Perfect for picnic lunches.
Use No-Fee Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees. Revolut and Monzo are excellent for European travel.
Travel Off-Peak
Visit in shoulder season (April-May, Sept-Oct) for 30-50% savings on everything.
Book Activities Online
Pre-book tours and attractions online for discounts. GetYourGuide often has deals.
Pre-Drink at Hostels
Have drinks at your accommodation before going out. Bar prices can be 3-4x higher.
Sample 5-Day Krakow Itinerary Under £250 ($308)
Arrival & Old Town
- Arrive in Krakow, check into hostel
- Free walking tour of Old Town (2pm start)
- Visit Main Market Square and St. Mary's Basilica
- Dinner at milk bar (£4 / $5)
- Evening drinks in Kazimierz district
Auschwitz-Birkenka
- Early bus to Auschwitz (£3 / $4 return)
- Self-guided tour (free entry, book online)
- Return to Krakow afternoon
- Explore Kazimierz Jewish Quarter
- Budget dinner and rest
Wieliczka Salt Mine & Wawel
- Morning trip to Salt Mine (£20 / $25 entry + £3 / $4 bus)
- Afternoon at Wawel Castle (free grounds)
- Walk along Vistula River
- Sunset from Krakus Mound (free)
- Traditional Polish dinner
Day Trip to Zakopane
- Bus to Zakopane mountains (£8 / $10 return)
- Hike in Tatra National Park (£3 / $4 entry)
- Try oscypek cheese and local food
- Browse Krupówki street
- Return evening
Final Exploration
- Visit Schindler's Factory Museum (£10 / $12)
- Last-minute souvenir shopping
- Lunch at favorite spot
- Afternoon flight home
- Total memories: priceless
Total Trip Cost: £233 ($287)
Including flights (£60 / $74), accommodation (£48 / $59), food (£75 / $92), and activities (£50 / $62)
Still under £300 ($370) with £67 ($82) buffer for extras!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is £300 ($370) really enough for a solo trip to Europe?
Absolutely! By choosing budget-friendly destinations in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, traveling in shoulder season, staying in hostels, and eating like locals, £300 ($370) can cover 4-5 days including flights. Our detailed breakdowns prove it's entirely possible for budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370).
Which European city is cheapest for solo travelers?
Sofia, Bulgaria is currently the cheapest European capital, followed closely by Belgrade, Serbia and Krakow, Poland. These cities offer incredible value with hostel beds from £10 ($12)/night and meals from £3-5 ($4-6). They're perfect for budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370).
When is the best time to book flights for budget trips?
Book 6-8 weeks in advance for the best prices. Fly midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) and avoid school holidays. Use price comparison sites like Trip.com and set alerts. Red-eye flights and budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air offer the cheapest options for budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370).
Are hostels safe for solo female travelers?
Yes! Choose highly-rated hostels (8.5+ on booking sites) with good security. Many offer female-only dorms. Look for hostels with lockers, 24-hour reception, and positive solo traveler reviews. Hostels are actually great for meeting other travelers and staying safe on budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370).
How can I save money on food while traveling solo?
Shop at supermarkets for breakfast and lunch supplies. Eat at local markets and street food stalls. Try "menu del día" lunch specials. Cook occasionally in hostel kitchens. Reserve restaurant meals for dinner only. These strategies help maintain budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370).
Do I need travel insurance for short European trips?
Yes, always get travel insurance! Short trip policies cost £15-25 ($18-31) and cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. It's essential for safe budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370). Don't skip this important protection.
Your Budget European Adventure Awaits!
Budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370) are not just possible—they're incredible experiences waiting to happen. From the medieval streets of Krakow to the thermal baths of Budapest, from Porto's riverside charm to Sofia's hidden treasures, Europe's most affordable destinations offer authentic culture, stunning sights, and unforgettable memories.
Don't let budget constraints hold you back. With smart planning, flexible dates, and the tips in this guide, your dream European solo adventure is within reach. Start planning today!
About Ricky Tapping
Ricky is a solo travel expert who has explored over 40 countries on a budget. Specializing in budget friendly solo trips in Europe under £300 ($370), he shares practical tips and real experiences to help others travel more for less. His mission is to prove that incredible adventures don't require a fortune.