Top 6 'Wallet-Worshipping' Backpacking Spots to travel to for a Low-Cost Loop in Eastern Europe
Ever find yourself scrolling through impossibly beautiful European travel photos, a wistful sigh escaping your lips as you glance at your bank account? The dream of cobblestone streets, ancient castles, and vibrant cultures often feels like a luxury reserved for the few. But what if I told you there’s a corner of the continent where your money stretches further, the history is deeper, and the adventure is arguably more raw and real?
Welcome to Eastern Europe, the backpacker's promised land. This is a region that has shaken off the grey cloak of its 20th-century past to reveal a kaleidoscope of colour, creativity, and resilience. Here, you can feast on hearty dumplings for the price of a coffee back home, sleep in clean and social hostels for less than a movie ticket, and travel between captivating capital cities on buses that cost next to nothing. This isn't just about saving money; it's about experiencing a different, more profound side of Europe.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we're all about smart, enriching travel. So, I’ve mapped out the ultimate ‘wallet-worshipping’ backpacking loop through six of Eastern Europe’s most captivating cities. This route is designed to be a logical, low-cost journey that immerses you in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and unforgettable nightlife. Pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the loop.
1. Prague, Czech Republic: The Fairytale Overture
Prague is the quintessential entry point to Eastern Europe, a city so beautiful it almost feels like a movie set. Walking across the Charles Bridge at sunrise, with the gothic statues silhouetted against a pastel sky and Prague Castle looming above, is a moment that will be seared into your memory forever. The city's Old Town Square, with its astronomical clock and pastel-hued buildings, is the stuff of fairytales.
But the real magic of Prague for a backpacker lies beyond the main tourist drags. Get lost in the winding lanes of Malá Strana, discover a hidden pub serving frothy, golden pivo (beer) for a little over a dollar, and hike up to Letná Park for a panoramic view of the city's "hundred spires." The value here is staggering. A hearty lunch of goulash with dumplings in a traditional hospoda (pub) will set you back just a few euros, leaving you with plenty of cash for experiences.
- Pro Tip: Everyone flocks to the Charles Bridge at midday. Set your alarm for dawn. You’ll share this iconic landmark with only a handful of photographers and locals, experiencing a serene magic that a thousand tourists can’t replicate. Also, skip the overpriced trdelník (chimney cake) in the main square and find it in a less touristy neighbourhood for half the price.
2. Krakow, Poland: The Soulful Historian
A comfortable overnight bus or train ride from Prague takes you to Krakow, Poland's cultural and intellectual heart. While Prague stuns with its beauty, Krakow captivates with its soul. The city was miraculously spared from destruction during WWII, and its vast Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is one of the most magnificent medieval squares in Europe, anchored by the stunning St. Mary's Basilica and the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall.
Krakow's true power, however, lies in its unflinching confrontation with history. A day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a profoundly sobering and essential experience. It’s a difficult day, but one that provides crucial context for the resilience and spirit you see back in the city. On a lighter note, you can descend into the earth at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a subterranean world of chapels and statues carved entirely from rock salt. Back in the city, fuel your explorations with plates of delicious pierogi (dumplings) at a traditional "milk bar" (bar mleczny), a remnant of the communist era offering authentic, home-style food for pennies.
- Pro Tip: The Kazimierz district, the former Jewish Quarter, is the city's coolest neighbourhood. By day, it's a hub of poignant history with its synagogues and museums. By night, it transforms into a labyrinth of bohemian cafes, quirky bars, and incredible street food. Don't miss the zapiekanka (a long, open-faced toasted sandwich) from one of the vendors in Plac Nowy.
3. Budapest, Hungary: The Gritty, Grand Dame
Often called the "Paris of the East," Budapest is a city of glorious contrasts. Straddling the mighty Danube River, it's split between the hilly, historic "Buda" and the flat, bustling "Pest." You can spend your morning exploring the grandeur of Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion, then cross the iconic Chain Bridge to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Pest, home to the jaw-dropping Hungarian Parliament Building.
What truly sets Budapest apart for backpackers is its unique and edgy culture. The city is famous for its "ruin bars," which are sprawling, eclectic pubs built in the ruins of abandoned buildings in the old Jewish Quarter. Places like Szimpla Kert are a rite of passage, with their mismatched furniture, wild art, and infectiously chaotic energy. And when you need to recover? Do as the Hungarians do and soak your weary bones in one of the city's famous thermal baths. The Szechenyi Thermal Bath is an opulent, unforgettable experience that feels like a luxury but is surprisingly affordable.
- Pro Tip: A 72-hour public transport pass is your best friend in Budapest. It covers trams, buses, and the metro, making it incredibly easy and cheap to hop between Buda and Pest. Also, for an authentic taste of Hungary, find a local étkezde (a simple, no-frills diner) for a lunch special—you'll get a massive, delicious meal for a fraction of the price of a restaurant in the tourist centre.
4. Belgrade, Serbia: The Resilient Phoenix
Leaving the more traditional tourist trail, the journey south to Belgrade is where your adventure takes on a different flavour. This is a city that has been destroyed and rebuilt over 40 times, and you can feel its grit, resilience, and indomitable spirit in its very foundations. Don’t expect the polished charm of Prague; instead, prepare for a city that is raw, energetic, and unapologetically alive.
Start your exploration at the Kalemegdan Fortress, perched dramatically at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It’s a massive park, fortress, and museum all in one, offering stunning sunset views. Wander down the bohemian cobblestones of Skadarlija street for a taste of old-world Belgrade, then dive into the city's modern, creative pulse in the Savamala district. But Belgrade's true claim to fame is its legendary nightlife. In the summer, the party moves to the splavovi, which are floating river clubs and bars that line the Danube and Sava, thumping with energy until dawn.
- Pro Tip: Embrace the Serbian coffee culture. Life happens in cafes here. Order a domaća kafa (strong, domestic coffee) and watch the world go by. For a truly local experience, visit the Museum of Yugoslavia to understand the complex history of the region and the larger-than-life figure of Tito. It provides invaluable context for the entire Balkan leg of your trip.
5. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Heart of the Balkans
Of all the cities on this list, Sarajevo is the one that will capture your heart. It’s a city where East truly meets West, a place where mosques, synagogues, Catholic cathedrals, and Orthodox churches stand shoulder-to-shoulder. The Ottoman-era Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) is the city's historic core, a maze of copper-smith alleys, shisha lounges, and the irresistible smell of grilling ćevapi (minced meat sausages) and strong Bosnian coffee.
Sarajevo's beauty is made all the more poignant by its recent, tragic history. The scars of the 1990s siege are still visible in the "Sarajevo Roses"—craters from mortar shell explosions filled with red resin. Taking a guided tour that focuses on the siege is an intense but vital experience, one that highlights the incredible resilience and warmth of the Sarajevan people. This is a city that has been through the unimaginable, yet greets visitors with open arms, kindness, and a powerful story to tell. As my friend and fellow travel enthusiast Goh Ling Yong would agree, it’s these deeply human connections that make travel so transformative.
- Pro Tip: Hike up to the Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija) for sunset. You'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city nestled in the valley, as the call to prayer echoes from the minarets below. It’s a truly magical, reflective moment that costs absolutely nothing.
6. Zagreb, Croatia: The Quirky, Charming Stopover
After the intensity of Belgrade and Sarajevo, Zagreb offers a breath of fresh, charming air. The Croatian capital is often overlooked by travellers bee-lining for the Dalmatian coast, but they're missing out on one of Europe's most underrated and liveable cities. It has a distinct Austro-Hungarian feel, with its elegant architecture, pristine parks, and a thriving café culture that rivals Vienna's.
Zagreb is a city of quirky delights. The Museum of Broken Relationships is a must-visit—a crowd-sourced collection of objects and stories that is by turns hilarious, bizarre, and heart-wrenching. Spend your mornings exploring the bustling Dolac Market with its iconic red umbrellas, and your afternoons relaxing at one of the countless cafes lining Tkalčićeva Street. The city is split into an Upper and Lower Town, connected by the world's shortest funicular railway, making it incredibly easy and enjoyable to explore on foot.
- Pro Tip: Look for "Gablec" signs outside restaurants. This is a cheap, hearty, and delicious mid-day meal, similar to a "worker's lunch," that offers fantastic value. It's the perfect way to sample authentic Croatian cuisine without paying tourist prices. Zagreb is also a fantastic base for a day trip to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Your Wallet-Friendly Adventure Awaits
There you have it—a six-city loop through the heart of Eastern Europe that is rich in history, culture, and adventure, but gentle on your bank account. This journey will take you from the fairytale spires of Prague to the resilient heart of Sarajevo, proving that the most memorable travel experiences aren't the most expensive ones. It's about the people you meet, the stories you hear, and the perspectives you gain.
This route is just a starting point. The beauty of backpacking is the freedom to adapt. Spend an extra week in a city you love, or take a detour to a town you’ve never heard of. The infrastructure is there, the prices are right, and a world of discovery is waiting.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning, start saving, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Have you travelled this loop? Do you have another favourite budget spot in Eastern Europe? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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