AirBnB is the latest and greatest in travel accommodations for those looking to find someplace cheap in Europe. What makes it an especially fantastic option is that you can find a home based on your preferences and budget, whereas a hotel or other rental might not have the same options.
The seven best cheap AirBnBs in Europe are:
| AirBnB Property | Location |
|---|---|
| Beautiful Penthouse in the Heart of Calahonda | Calahonda, Spain |
| Lovely Studio with Garden in the Heart of St. Tropez | St. Tropez, France |
| Time Out at the Lake | Mengerskirchen, Germany |
| CASA ENZO con vista mare | Amalfi, Italy |
| Westerstraat Spacious Family Home Enkhuizen | Enkhuizen, Netherlands |
| Beach View - Kingsdown Holiday Park | Kingsdown, United Kingdom |
| Modern Beach Apartment | Albufeira, Portugal |
If you’re ready to embark on a European vacay and ready to branch out from the traditional hotel or vacation properties while respecting your budget, stick around. Up next, we’ll share our seven best cheap AirBnBs in Europe.
Staying in an AirBnB in Europe
Alright, you’re ready. You’ve committed to the idea of finding an AirBnB in Europe, but what do you need to know before your stay? From reading reviews and communicating with hosts to planning ahead and staying flexible, incorporating these tips for doing an Airbnb Experience can enhance your overall experience and ensure a memorable journey.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you leave for your trip so that you can make the most of your AirBnB:
- Investigate the electrical outlet situation. European outlets are different than the ones used in the US. Some AirBnBs will provide adapters, but you might need to bring your own.
- Check out the weather. It’s always a good idea to check out the weather so you can pack accordingly. Still, if you’re staying at an AirBnB, it’s possible you might not be within walking distance of a store to pick up something you forgot, like a sweater or raincoat, whereas if you were at a hotel, you might have access to a hotel gift shop.
- Bring your own linens if you can. If there’s room in your bag, you might want to pack an extra pillowcase or towel. Hotels have extras on hand, but you’re on your own at an AirBnB, so these are nice things to have around.
- Let the host know who is staying with you. Since AirBnBs are traditionally owned by individuals or small rental companies, they like to know who stays in the property. They might have limitations on the guests’ ages.
Does Europe Have AirBnB?
Europe absolutely has AirBnB. And there are plenty within your budget that will fit the profile you’re looking for. Here are just a few examples of fun and unique AirBnBs in Europe:
- Apartment stays in the heart of Cannes
- Tiny houses in Switzerland
- Entire lakefront home in Vello, Italy
- Condos on the Strait of Gibraltar in Spain
And these are just a few of AirBnB’s extensive listings across Europe. Not to mention, each of these rentals is priced at an affordable rate that will undoubtedly keep your wallet happy.
Is AirBnB Safe in Europe?
The safety of an AirBnB most definitely depends on the location, as with any vacation rental or even hotel. Before you click the “book” button to confirm your stay, it’s best to do a little research on the location’s safety. Statistically speaking, the least-safe popular areas would be:
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Moscow, Russia
- Mitrovica, Kosovo
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Rome, Italy
- Marseille, France
(Sources: The Travel and Business Insider)
Of course, each of these has been deemed “unsafe” for various reasons. While some experienced higher crime rates due to smaller populations and higher poverty levels, others are marked as unsafe because of unstable political conditions. Unpredictable weather is another factor in the safety of some areas.
(Wondering what are some safe spots to do some solo female travel? Check out that article to find out!)
The 7 Best Cheap AirBnBs in Europe
Now the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the big reveal. The seven best cheap AirBnBs in Europe are coming right up. Oh, wait, one more thing. What exactly does “cheap” mean? For the purposes of this article, it means under $100 per night.
1. Beautiful Penthouse in the Heart of Calahonda
Calahonda, Spain
The spectacular rooftop views at Precioso ático en el corazón de Calahonda alone are worth the $64/night. Surely you can imagine yourself sipping your morning coffee or enjoying a relaxing afternoon soak in the marble tub, all while taking in the white and blue traditional Spanish architecture of the surrounding town. But just beyond the town itself, you’ll be able to see Costa del Sol in all of its glory.
The doors to the interior lead to a quaint space with tons of natural light shining through the windows. Guests have the entire apartment, including a fully equipped kitchen. There’s also a pool for those in the apartment building.
2. Lovely Studio with Garden in the Heart of St. Tropez
St. Tropez, France
For just $60/night, guests can have the entire condo to themselves at Joli Studio Avec Jardin au cœur de St Tropez. This studio space maximizes the available space with a queen bed and bunk bed, so there’s room for four guests. The studio apartment’s interior has lots of modern updates and furnishings, including a kitchen and bathroom.
But in all honesty, you’re not going to St. Tropez to stay in your AirBnB, now are you? The outdoor space adjacent to the studio is perfect for lounging, but you’ll probably spend most of your time at the beach. The apartment’s location puts you just about a five-minute walk away from the sandy shores and blue waters of the Golfe de St. Tropez.
3. Time Out at the Lake
If being outdoorsy is more your thing, try visiting Auszeit am See, or “Time Out at the Lake,” Germany. And it truly is a time out. Take a break from everyday life and relax while you’re fully submerged in the surrounding nature, where your mind can fully shut off. Plus, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing you’re spending just $90/night.
Guests can wander the property, including the private sauna house and gardens. There’s also a fully-stocked library and a warming pellet stove for maximum coziness. The nearby town and lake are perfect for daytime adventures, too.
4. CASA ENZO con vista mare
Amalfi, Italy
All of those Amalfi Coast photos you see as you scroll through your Insta feed make it seem pretty fabulous and expensive. Way out of your price range, right? Wrong! AirBnB makes it affordable to stay at a sea view home for under $100 per night, actually just $94/night to be exact.
This sweet little sea view home has a modest interior, with a traditional European apartment-style kitchen. But there’s a fantastic terrace outside with a stunning view of the lush green foliage and turquoise waters of the coast. It’s the perfect spot for a cappuccino before making your way to the sites below or having an evening Aperol Spritz.
(If you are looking for a get away to a lovely tropical island, check out this article on the cheapest tropical islands to vacation to!)
5. Westerstraat Spacious Family Home Enkhuizen
Enkhuizen, Netherlands
Most people think of Amsterdam when they envision a trip to the Netherlands or Holland. Still, this adorable little harbor town in the country’s northern region paints a much different picture. At around $57/night, guests can stay in this spacious family home and experience some of the more relaxed vibes the country has to offer.
This home is full of traditional elements, but at the same time, doesn’t skimp on modern necessities. Here, you’ll be just a short walk from restaurants, shops, and the canals. There’s also an amusement park nearby so that boredom won’t be an issue.
6. Beach View - Kingsdown Holiday Park
Kingsdown, United Kingdom
This sweet little A-frame beach rental is only $78/night, but the price includes much more than a place to lay your head at night. The home itself is simple but still photo-worthy. It’s within a resort property, so guests have access to a pool, tennis courts, and of course, beach views.
But the real gem of this property is the fact that you can visit two countries in one! The location is so close to “The Chunnel” that goes under the Strait of Dover, connecting England and France, you could easily make a day trip of it.
7. Modern Beach Apartment
Even though this coastal jewel in Southern Portugal is listed right now for just $24/night, it’s been freshly remodeled and has a perfect location. Albufeira was once upon a time just a fishing village, but with the decline of the fishing industry and the rise of tourism, the town quickly became a holiday hot spot.
Anyone staying in this apartment will be within walking distance to the beach and close to the downtown area and waterfront promenade. Visitors can find fantastic eateries, bars, and all kinds of shops.
Is AirBnB Cheaper Than Hotels in Europe?
For the most part, AirBnBs are cheaper than hotels in Europe. “Hotels” doesn’t include hostels because those are definitely cheaper, although potentially dangerous, option too. If you’re booking your accommodations strictly based on budget considerations, AirBnB is a great option.
If you do decide to go this route, it’s important to consider the additional expenses you might encounter that are usually included as part of your fee in staying at a hotel. Here are a few of those costs that aren’t exactly hidden, but they’re usually factored in with hotel stays, so you might not be aware of how much they can impact your budget:
- Cleaning fees
- Complimentary convenience items like soaps, shampoo, and lotion
- Taxes
- Cancellation fees
AirBnBs also come with perks that you might not find or have access to while staying at a hotel. Here are some of those:
- Transparent parking fees: If you plan to drive or rent a car, you can filter your search to find a home with on-site parking. Then you’ll know whether or not there’s a fee upfront. Hotels will sometimes charge an arm and a leg for parking, and often it’s in an off-site lot that involves valet. And that’s if hotel parking is available at all.
- Discounted bookings for extra nights: Another way to offset fees is booking more than one night in an AirBnB. There are plenty of hosts that offer discounts for booking additional nights in their home.
- Neighbors: When you stay in an AirBnB, you have neighbors, whereas, in a hotel, you’ll more than likely be staying near other travelers. With neighbors, you might find yourself making a new friend or getting the inside info on the best local spots to dine.
Outro
Traveling throughout Europe can get expensive when you start adding up all of the costs you’ll encounter. But you can save on your accommodations by staying at an AirBnB. The ones we listed above are all affordable and comfortable. Enjoy your European vacation!
(Just so you know you are getting on the best flight possible, check out Scott’s Cheap Flight Reviews!)