Let’s face it—finding the perfect Airbnb isn’t always as easy as it looks. Between misleading photos, vague locations, and reviews that don’t tell the full story, it can feel like a bit of a gamble.
But after spending over a year travelling across Europe and Asia (and booking 50+ vacation rentals), I’ve figured out how to consistently find cozy, well‐priced, and enjoyable stays—the kind that feel like a hidden gem, not a compromise.
In this post, I’ve rounded up 10 European Airbnbs under $100/night that check all the boxes: comfort, style, great locations, and glowing reviews. A few we’ve stayed in ourselves and the rest were handpicked using my tried‐and‐tested method.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or even on a workstation, these spots prove that budget doesn’t have to mean boring.
Sibiu, Romania
1. Plovdiv, Bulgaria — Europe’s Hidden Gem for History Lovers
When we were planning our route through the Balkans, Plovdiv wasn’t even on our radar. But a last‐minute change brought us here, and wow—what a surprise.
This city is one of Europe’s oldest (older than Athens and Rome!), yet it somehow still feels like a secret. You’ll find Roman ruins, colourful Revival‐era houses, and cozy cafés tucked into cobblestone lanes, with almost no crowds. And the best part? It’s incredibly affordable.
Why it’s perfect for budget travellers:
- Food and coffee are ridiculously cheap (you can have an amazing dinner for $10)
- Attractions are walkable and either free or low‐cost
- You’ll find Europe Airbnbs under $100/night with Old Town views
Where we stayed
We found a bright, modern apartment right in the heart of the Old Town. Think whitewashed walls, local art, and a small balcony that looks over the rooftops. It had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, and cost less than dinner out in Western Europe.
✅ Balcony with historic views
✅ Walking distance to the Roman Theatre & Kapana
✅ 4.9+ rating with 200+ glowing reviews
💰 Price: Around $65/night
👉 Check out this charming Plovdiv Airbnb
It always pays off to compare prices with Booking.com or even the property’s official website. We found the same apartment for cheaper on Booking.com—so that’s where we booked.
Pro Tip: You might also consider getting an eSIM for reliable data, perfect for checking those last‐minute reviews on the go.)
2. Budapest, Hungary — Where Romance Meets Ruin Bars
Budapest is one of those cities that just work for every type of traveller. Whether you’re into spa days, gritty nightlife, historical architecture, or riverside walks, you’ll find it here. We spent a week exploring both sides of the Danube and still left wanting more.
One thing we learned quickly? Location in Budapest matters. Stay too far from the centre, and you’ll be wasting time (and money) on public transport. But staying right in the party districts can get noisy. Look for places in neighbourhoods like Erzsébetváros (District VII) or Lipótváros (District V)—they strike the perfect balance.
Our pick: Compact & Stylish Apartment Near the River
We stayed in a cozy little one‐bedroom Airbnb that was a 10‐minute stroll from the Danube. It had great light, a comfy bed, and was just the right size.
✅ Quiet at night despite the central location
✅ Fast WiFi and self-check-in
✅ Great cafés and public transport nearby
💰 Price: Around $55/night
Search tip: In Budapest, always scan reviews for keywords like “quiet at night” or “good heating/AC”—it’s a city of extremes in winter and summer. Avoid places with vague photo angles (usually a red flag for cramped or basement units).
Pro tip: Using a Wise card can help you dodge foreign‐transaction fees when booking these European Airbnbs under $100/night.
3. Riga, Latvia — Art Nouveau Beauty Without the Crowds
Riga feels like Europe’s best‐kept secret. Cobblestone streets, incredible architecture, and lively café culture—but without the sticker shock. And if you’re into Art Nouveau? You’re in for a treat—this city has one of the largest collections in the world.
The stay: Bright Minimalist Flat Near the Old Town
The Airbnb we picked is a short walk from Old Town and perfect for slow mornings. It had big windows, a comfy bed, and a kitchen where we made breakfast every day to save a few bucks.
✅ 20–30‑minute walk to Riga’s historic centre/Easy public transport
✅ Loads of natural light—great for digital nomads or remote work
✅ 4.7+ stars with decent reviews
💰 Price: Around $55/night
Search tip: In lesser‐known cities like Riga, look for Airbnb hosted by Superhosts or long‐time locals. They’re usually more responsive and know the city inside out. Also, filter by listings with “Recent reviews” so you know it’s still being actively managed.
👉 Book this cozy flat in Riga
👉 Check out this one (best for summer or spring months)
4. Porto, Portugal — Wine, Waves & Quiet Charm
Porto is a stunner. River views, colourful tiles, and cozy wine bars—it checks all the boxes. But here’s the truth: finding Europe Airbnbs under $100/night that is central and quiet can be tricky. Many budget listings have noise complaints or awkward locations.
The Stay: Clean, Airy Apartment Just Outside the Crowds
I found this gem after digging through a ton of reviews. It’s not right in the thick of tourist traffic, which means peace and quiet—but still close enough to walk everywhere.
✅ 4.8‑star average with great host communication
✅ Fully equipped kitchen to save money on meals
✅ Calm neighbourhood but close to everything
💰 Price: Around $95/night
👉 See this Porto stay
👉 Slightly touching the $100 mark but has good reviews
(Psst- Don’t forget to pick up travel insurance—from providers like Safetywing—to cover any unexpected mishaps on your European adventure.)
A beautiful sunset from the balcony in Istanbul.
5. Istanbul, Turkey — Crossroads of Culture, Street Food Heaven
There are few cities like Istanbul. I could go on and on about it, but I’ll just leave you with the guide instead — it has everything you need for your next trip. And if you’d like, binge-watch these videos. You won’t be disappointed.
Walking through Istanbul is like walking through history, tasting spices, and crossing continents—and it’s all surprisingly affordable. If time is tight, stay on the European side. It’s better connected and closer to must-sees like the Hagia Sophia, the Galata Tower, and the Grand Bazaar.
The Stay: Cozy Home Base with Modern Perks
The apartment we found struck a perfect balance: walkable to key spots but in a more local-feeling area. It had fast WiFi, great AC (a must in summer), and a host who genuinely cared.
✅ Walkable to Taksim and Galata
✅ Strong WiFi, good for digital nomads
✅ 4.8+ stars and a reliable host
💰 Price: ~$80/night
Pro Tip: In cities like Istanbul, filter for listings with reviews that mention “responsive host” or “felt safe”. It’s also worth checking maps to avoid booking places deep in steep hill neighbourhoods unless you’re ready for a daily leg workout.
👉 Explore this Istanbul apartment
👉 Check this one out
👉 A bit modern with the highest ratings
We stayed in this one but honestly, we are not sure if this was someone’s home and they just let us rent it or it was a genuine airbnb rental and guess what? We absolutely loved it. It was right in the residential area and had such a homey vibe.
Check out the tour here (skip to 2:49)
6. Florence, Italy — Art, Pasta & Affordable Stays (If You Know Where to Look)
Florence is dreamy—but budget-friendly? Not always. Most central stays are well over $100. But here’s the trick: just venture out only a few kms and you’ll be surprised by how many options you can get. Plus, Europe is blessed with a great public transport system so chances are you can still enjoy the city and have a great stay.
The Stay: Guest Suite Just Outside the Tourist Core
I found this clean, modern guest suite in a quiet area just 4 km from the Duomo. No tourist chaos, but still totally walkable.
✅ 4.9+ rating, marked as “Guest Favorite”
✅ Ideal for couples or solo travellers
✅ Great balance of price and location
💰 Price: ~$90/night
Pro Tip: On Airbnb, check the map view to see how far from the centre you’re going. You’ll find better deals 10–20 mins out. Bonus: quieter streets and more local food spots.
👉 Book this Florence stay
👉 Check out this one
Need a travel card? This one changed the game for me.
7. Madeira (Funchal), Portugal — Mountain Views & Ocean Breezes
Madeira is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The weather’s good year-round, but heads-up: many older buildings don’t have air conditioning, which matters in summer.
The Stay: Sea-View Flat with Serious Value
This apartment seems to have one of the best views. Clean, peaceful, and great for a slower pace of travel.
✅ Balcony with ocean views/Garden Setting
✅ Peaceful and well-managed
✅ Great hang-out space
💰 Price: ~$90/night
Pro tip: Always search reviews with keywords like “fan,” “heat,” or “AC”—especially in warmer months. Older buildings can be charming but uncomfortable without proper ventilation.
👉 Check out the Madeira apartment
👉 Have a look at this one
👉 This one
8. Marseille, France — Grit Meets the Mediterranean
Marseille often gets a bad rap, but if you know where to look, it’s a hidden gem. While many listings fall below the 4.8/5 sweet spot, that just means fewer tourists are scooping up the deals—so you can actually score some great bargains in France’s second-largest city.
The Stay: Studio with a Terrace
These apartments are close to the old port, within walking distance but in a peaceful neighbourhood. This place delivers: a full kitchen, close to public transport and a nice local vibe.
✅ Walkable to shops and cafes
✅ Full kitchen to cook your own meals
✅ 4.7 rating and great value
💰 Price: ~$80/night
Pro tip: Reviews in Marseille often hover around 4.5–4.7. Dig deeper for listings with consistently good guest feedback and a responsive host.
👉 Book this Marseille apartment
👉 Check out this one
👉 This one
👉 Book this one
9. Sibiu, Romania — A Fairytale on a Budget
Sibiu is straight out of a storybook: pastel buildings, cobbled lanes, and incredible value for money. We even caught a free open-air ballet in the town square—total travel magic.
The Stay: Loft-Style Studio Near the Center
It was quiet, clean, and just a short stroll to all the charm. Great WiFi too.
✅ Well-rated host, solid communication
✅ Walking distance to the town square
✅ Cozy, quiet, and clean
💰 Price: ~$50/night
Pro tip: Romania is a budget traveller’s dream. You can afford to be picky here—look for places with recent reviews and avoid any with unclear host photos.
👉 See this Sibiu stay
👉 This one is close to the lower old town
👉 This one too
Our cozy $40 apartment in Budva, Montenegro
Bonus Hack: Stay in Hendaye, France (Instead of San Sebastian)
San Sebastian is gorgeous—but pricey. If you’re set on visiting, stay across the border in Hendaye, France. It’s only a 30-minute train ride and the savings are real.
The Stay: Peaceful Studio in Coastal Hendaye
We found a cute studio with coastal vibes and a super kind host. Way more chill (and affordable) than staying in the city.
✅ Scenic, quiet neighbourhood
✅ Easy train to San Sebastian
✅ 4.8+ reviews
💰 Price: ~$88/night
Pro tip: Use Google Maps to check train connections. Hendaye to San Sebastian is a common route and super straightforward—plus, fewer tourists!
👉 Book this Hendaye stay
👉 A bit further in France but has great reviews
So there you have it—10 cozy, well-reviewed vacation rentals across Europe that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re after beach views, old-town charm, or something a little off the beaten path, there’s something on this list that’ll fit the bill.
Bookmark this for your next trip, and when you’re ready, dive into the listings to see what speaks to you. And always remember to check the most recent reviews. At the time of writing, these apartments had great ratings and glowing feedback, but things can change with new management or ownership. So be sure to read the full description and recent reviews before hitting that confirm button!
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