Airbnb's reshaping market
Several European cities banned or severely restricted Airbnb 2023–2026 — Barcelona phasing out by 2028, Florence restricting rentals, Amsterdam capping at 30 nights/year/property. Cities below either remain affordable or have weaker regulation. Verify legal status before booking long stays.
Krakow
Polish second city, abundant well-located 1-bedroom Airbnbs at €40–80/night. Old Town and Kazimierz neighborhoods central and walkable. Plus dental tourism + low cost of living combination.
Sofia
Sofia Bulgarian capital — €35–70/night for central apartments. Cheaper than Krakow even. Limited regulation; supply abundant.
Athens
Athens €45–95/night for Plaka or Kolonaki neighborhoods. Greek law has begun limiting STR but supply still abundant.
Lisbon
Lisbon €60–130/night central. Lisbon's golden visa program created glut of properties. Some restrictions discussed but not yet implemented broadly.
Porto
Porto Lisbon alternative — €50–100/night. Compact city, walkable, Douro views.
Naples
Naples €50–110/night central. Italian Airbnb market less restricted than France or Spain. Old town gritty but characterful.
Bratislava
Slovak capital — €45–85/night. Compact old town, less touristy than Prague.
Budapest
Budapest €55–110/night. Cheaper than Vienna immediately across border. New 2025 STR regulations gradually tightening.
Cities with high prices/restrictions
Barcelona, Amsterdam, Vienna, Paris (deeply regulated), Florence (heavily restricted central). Hotels often better value vs scarce-Airbnb pricing.
Strategy
Verify host registration number — required in many EU cities now. Hotel direct-booking matching Airbnb prices in cities with restrictive STR laws. Long-term Airbnb (28+ nights) often discount 20–40%. Read our overtourism alternatives.