If you’re looking to swap £6+ London pub prices for dirt-cheap draughts, wine by the carafe, and affordable spirits, Europe has plenty of incredible destinations where your pound goes significantly further.
Here are 10 of the best European destinations for budget-friendly drinking, along with typical pub and bar prices converted into UK Pounds (£).
1. Bulgaria (Sofia, Plovdiv & Sunny Beach)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.20 – £1.60
- The Vibe: Black Sea beach parties, historic Old Town pub crawls, and incredibly low living costs.
- Why Visit: Bulgaria consistently ranks as one of Europe’s cheapest destinations overall. Local lagers like Kamenitza and Zagorka are widely available for well under £1.50 a pint.
2. Czech Republic (Prague, Brno & Olomouc)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.30 – £1.80
- The Vibe: World-class beer halls, historic microbreweries, and unmatched brewing heritage.
- Why Visit: Widely regarded as serving the best beer in Europe for the best price. Pints of freshly poured Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, or Kozel cost a fraction of UK prices—and in smaller cities like Olomouc, draught beers often drop below £1.20.
3. Hungary (Budapest)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.30 – £1.80
- The Vibe: Eccentric ruin bars, river cruises, and late-night party baths (Sparties).
- Why Visit: Budapest offers a world-class nightlife scene without Western European prices. Local beers like Dreher and Soproni are very affordable, as are glasses of local Tokaji wine.
4. Albania (Tirana & Saranda)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.10 – £1.70
- The Vibe: Vibrant trendy cocktail bars in the capital and affordable Riviera beach clubs.
- Why Visit: Albania is one of the most budget-friendly holiday spots in Europe. Local brews like Birra Korça and Birra Tirana are extraordinarily cheap, and local spirits like Raki cost less than a pound per shot.
5. Romania (Bucharest & Cluj-Napoca)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.30 – £1.70
- The Vibe: Lively pedestrianised Old Town nightlife and sprawling outdoor terraces.
- Why Visit: Bucharest’s Lipscani district comes alive every weekend with energy and cheap drinks. Pints of local lager (Ciuc or Ursus) cost around £1.50, making it a hugely popular choice for group trips.
6. Poland (Kraków, Gdańsk & Wrocław)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.50 – £2.00
- The Vibe: Underground basement bars, shot-and-snack pubs (Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa), and microbreweries.
- Why Visit: Poland delivers exceptional value. You can enjoy craft beers or flavoured vodka shots (Żubrówka) for £1.00 – £1.50 each at dedicated 24-hour shot bars.
7. Slovakia (Bratislava)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.40 – £1.90
- The Vibe: Cosy medieval cellars and laid-back riverside beer gardens.
- Why Visit: Just an hour away from expensive Vienna, Bratislava offers the same classic Central European atmosphere for half the price. Local beers like Zlatý Bažant cost well under £2.00 a pint.
8. Portugal (The Algarve, Porto & Lisbon)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.70 – £2.20
- The Vibe: Sunny Atlantic beach bars, Port wine tastings, and lively Bairro Alto street drinking.
- Why Visit: Portugal stands out as the cheapest drinking destination in Western Europe. A bottle or small draught (Imperial) of Super Bock or Sagres often costs £1.50 – £1.80 outside of high-end tourist traps.
9. Spain (Granada, Seville & Alicante)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.70 – £2.20
- The Vibe: Sunshine, outdoor terraces, and authentic tapas culture.
- Why Visit: In Southern Spanish cities like Granada and Seville, buying a caña (small draught beer) or house wine often comes with a free plate of food (tapa). Alicante and the Canary Islands also boast draught prices around £2.00.
10. Bosnia & Herzegovina (Sarajevo & Mostar)
- Average Pint/Drink Cost: £1.30 – £1.80
- The Vibe: Historic Ottoman markets, mountain views, and relaxed cafe-bars.
- Why Visit: Bosnia offers some of the lowest day-to-day costs in the Balkans. Local draught beers like Sarajevsko and Preminger are refreshing and budget-friendly.
💡 Tips for Drinking on a Budget in Europe
- Drink Local: Avoid ordering imported UK or international brands, as import duties bump up the price.
- Step Away from Main Squares: Walking just 2–3 streets away from major tourist hubs like Prague’s Old Town Square or Lisbon’s main plaza can cut your bar bill in half.