Planning the perfect girls’ trip doesn’t have to drain your savings account. Europe offers countless destinations where you can create unforgettable memories with your best friends without breaking the bank. With smart planning and the right destinations, $800 can cover flights, accommodation, meals, and activities for an amazing European adventure that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
1. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Walking through Sarajevo feels like stepping into a living history book where East meets West. The city’s Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture creates stunning backdrops for your group photos, while cozy cafés serve Turkish coffee for just a few dollars.
Three-star hotels cost around $55 per night, making it perfect for splitting costs. Your group can explore ancient bazaars, sample local cuisine, and take day trips to breathtaking natural areas without worrying about your budget disappearing.
2. Riga, Latvia
Recently crowned the best value city for weekend breaks, Riga offers your squad the perfect blend of medieval charm and modern fun. The Old Town’s colorful buildings and winding streets provide endless photo opportunities, while affordable spas let you pamper yourselves without guilt.
Local markets overflow with handcrafted souvenirs, and the nightlife scene buzzes with energy. Transportation within the city costs practically nothing, leaving more money for trying local delicacies and creating memories that’ll last forever.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Catching flights to Lisbon often costs less than other major European capitals, giving your group more spending money once you arrive. The city’s famous yellow trams become your affordable sightseeing tour, winding through neighborhoods painted in pastel colors.
Sunset views over the Tagus River cost absolutely nothing but create priceless moments. Portuguese pastéis de nata (custard tarts) make perfect afternoon treats, while day trips to nearby beaches offer relaxation without the hefty price tag of other coastal destinations.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Soaking in Budapest’s famous thermal baths feels luxurious but costs a fraction of spa treatments elsewhere. The city’s dramatic architecture spans both sides of the Danube River, creating Instagram-worthy moments at every turn.
Hungarian cuisine offers hearty portions at wallet-friendly prices, perfect for sharing family-style meals with your crew. Museums, nightlife, and river cruises remain surprisingly affordable, while the city’s efficient public transport system makes exploring easy and cheap for your entire group.
5. Kraków, Poland
Medieval magic comes alive in Kraków’s perfectly preserved Old Town, where horse-drawn carriages clip-clop across ancient cobblestones. Your group can feast on traditional pierogi and hearty Polish dishes at local milk bars for under $8 per person.
Boutique hotels in the city center cost just $30-60 per night, easily affordable when split among friends. The efficient transport system connects you to historical sites, vibrant markets, and cozy pubs where local beer costs less than a coffee back home.
6. Sibiu, Romania
Fairy-tale architecture makes Sibiu feel like something straight out of a storybook, with colorful houses featuring distinctive “eyes” peering from their roofs. Recent flight connections from major European cities keep travel costs surprisingly low.
Local accommodation and dining prices allow your group to live like queens on a peasant’s budget. The medieval city center hosts festivals throughout the year, while nearby Carpathian Mountains offer hiking adventures and stunning photo opportunities that won’t cost your group a single penny.
7. Sarajevo & Mostar Combo Trip
Combining these two Bosnian gems maximizes your cultural experience while minimizing costs. Use Sarajevo as your home base, then take an unforgettable day trip to Mostar’s famous bridge and Ottoman old town.
Regional transport between cities costs very little, and both destinations offer incredibly affordable lodging and meals. Your group can experience two distinct atmospheres – Sarajevo’s cosmopolitan energy and Mostar’s romantic riverside charm – while staying well within budget and creating double the memories.
8. Croatian Coastal Towns
Skip overcrowded Dubrovnik and discover hidden gems like Nin, where pristine beaches meet affordable prices. These lesser-known coastal towns offer the same crystal-clear Adriatic waters without the tourist markup that plagues popular destinations.
Budget guesthouses provide comfortable accommodation just steps from the beach, while local seafood restaurants serve fresh catches at reasonable prices. Your group can enjoy beach days, explore ancient ruins, and watch spectacular sunsets – all while keeping your total trip costs remarkably low.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s cobblestone streets and Gothic spires create a magical atmosphere that feels expensive but isn’t. The city regularly appears on cheap European destination lists because flights, food, and accommodation remain incredibly affordable compared to Western capitals.
Your group can explore the famous castle, cross the historic Charles Bridge, and sample world-renowned Czech beer for just a few dollars per pint. Public transport efficiently connects all major attractions, while free walking tours provide fascinating historical context without additional cost.
10. Porto, Portugal
Port wine tastings in Porto’s historic cellars cost a fraction of similar experiences in other European wine regions. The city’s riverside location provides stunning views and romantic walks along the Douro River, perfect for group bonding and photography.
Charming guesthouses in the city center offer authentic Portuguese hospitality at budget-friendly rates. Your group can explore colorful neighborhoods, sample francesinha sandwiches, and browse local markets while enjoying some of Europe’s most affordable prices for food, drinks, and cultural experiences.
