Cheap Alcohol in EU
Whether you are looking to toast to a weekend getaway or sample centuries-old brewing traditions on a budget, Europe offers a wealth of incredible destinations where quality drinks do not come with a steep price tag. From historic subterranean bars to sunny Mediterranean terraces, here are 10 of the best European destinations for cheap alcohol, with prices in British pounds (£).
1. Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic consistently tops global lists for beer consumption, and it is easy to see why. A pint of world-class draft lager in central Prague often costs less than a bottle of water. Beyond famous brands like Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen, historic pubs (pivnice) serve up rich regional heritage alongside remarkably low tab totals.
- Average Local Pint: £1.50 – £2.20
- Local Speciality: Pilsner lager
2. Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria regularly ranks as one of the most budget-friendly European destinations for British travellers. In Sofia, popular local drafts like Kamenitza and Zagorka are widely available at rock-bottom prices. Visitors can also sample rakia, a potent traditional fruit brandy popular across the Balkans.
- Average Local Pint: £1.20 – £1.80
- Local Speciality: Rakia (plum or grape brandy)
3. Kraków, Poland
Kraków is famous for having one of the highest densities of bars per square meter in Europe. Aside from cheap domestic lagers like Tyskie and Żywiec, the city boasts a thriving culture of speciality shot bars. These vibrant spots serve up infused vodka flavours—ranging from hazelnut to bison grass—for around a pound or two per shot.
- Average Local Pint: £1.80 – £2.60
- Local Speciality: Flavour-infused Vodkas & Porter beers
4. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s nightlife scene centres on its famous “Ruin Bars”—derelict 19th-century buildings transformed into eclectic, vibrant watering holes. Drink prices throughout the Jewish Quarter remain exceptionally low compared to Western Europe. Be sure to try Fröccs (wine spritzer) on warm evenings or sample the legendary herbal liqueur Unicum.
- Average Local Pint: £1.40 – £2.20
- Local Speciality: Unicum & Fröccs
5. Belgrade, Serbia
Set at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, Belgrade boasts legendary nightlife. The city’s famous floating river clubs (splavovi) host world-class DJs and stay open until dawn, all while keeping drink prices well below those of major Western European nightlife hubs.
- Average Local Pint: £1.50 – £2.00
- Local Speciality: Jelen pivo & domestic plum spirits
6. Porto, Portugal
If you prefer wine over beer, Portugal provides incredible value. Porto offers cheap local wines, including crisp Vinho Verde (“green wine”) and famous aged Port wine. Tasting rooms along the Douro River offer generous pours and historic cellar tours for a fraction of what you would spend in France or Italy.
- Average Local Pint / Wine Glass: £1.80 – £2.60
- Local Speciality: Port Wine & Vinho Verde
7. Bratislava, Slovakia
Located just an hour’s train ride from expensive Vienna, Bratislava offers Central European charm at a fraction of the cost. Slovakia’s capital features cosy beer halls, subterranean cellar pubs, and relaxed terraces serving crisp local beers like Zlatý Bažant.
- Average Local Pint: £1.50 – £2.20
- Local Speciality: Tatratea (tea-based herbal liqueur)
8. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest’s Old Town (Lipscani) comes alive every night with outdoor terraces, craft beer venues, and lively bars. Romanian wine is high-quality yet drastically underrated, allowing visitors to order premium bottles at restaurant tables without breaking the bank.
- Average Local Pint: £1.50 – £2.20
- Local Specialty: Fetească Neagră wine & Țuică
9. Alicante, Spain
Spain remains one of Western Europe’s best budget destinations for drinks. Along the sunny coastal city of Alicante, ordering a small beer (caña) or glass of house wine often comes with a low price tag—and in many traditional bars, a complimentary dish of tapas to match.
- Average Local Pint / Caña: £1.80 – £2.50
- Local Speciality: Tinto de Verano & local Monastrell red wine
10. Riga, Latvia
The Baltic state of Latvia mixes medieval cobblestone charm with a modern craft beverage scene. While Baltic prices are slightly higher than in the Balkans, Riga remains very affordable for British tourists. A trip here is not complete without trying Riga Black Balsam, a traditional herbal liqueur often served straight, mixed into cocktails, or stirred into hot coffee.
- Average Local Pint: £2.50 – £3.50
- Local Speciality: Riga Black Balsam
Tips for Drinking on a Budget in Europe
- Drink Local: Imported spirits and draft beers carry high import taxes; order domestic lagers or house wine (vino de la casa) to save money.
- Step Away from Main Squares: Prices drop significantly just one or two blocks away from high-footfall tourist attractions.
- Explore Supermarket Picks: Supermarkets in major wine-producing countries like Portugal and Spain routinely sell excellent local bottles of wine for under £3.50.
