Not every European Union member uses the euro. Of the 27 EU countries, 21 belong to the Eurozone and have adopted the euro as their official currency — but six members retain their own currencies. Remaining outside the single currency gives these countries more control over monetary policy: they can set interest rates and manage exchange rates to suit national economic needs, and they aren’t directly exposed to euro-area-specific monetary shocks. For travelers, that also means potential currency advantages when converting dollars, pounds, pesos, or other currencies.
Czech Republic
Located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic is rich in medieval architecture and historic towns. Prague alone is a treasure trove of Gothic and Baroque landmarks and contains Prague Castle, an immense complex that ranks among the largest of its kind. The country also has a long tradition of brewing beer that dates back centuries.
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). Approximate rate: 1 CZK = 0.047 USD.
Where to stay: Mandarin Oriental, Prague; Art Deco Imperial Hotel, Prague; Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague.
Denmark
Denmark blends laid-back Scandinavian living with strong traditions in design, cuisine, and urban green space. Copenhagen’s colorful Nyhavn, expansive pedestrian Strøget shopping street, and design institutions make the city a compact, walkable capital with plenty of cultural highlights.
Currency: Danish krone (DKK). Approximate rate: 1 DKK = 0.15 USD.
Where to stay: 1 Hotel Copenhagen; Villa Copenhagen; Park Lane Copenhagen.
Hungary
Hungary packs a surprising variety of natural and cultural attractions into a relatively small area. It boasts thermal lakes, large freshwater bodies like Lake Balaton, and vast grasslands. Budapest is famed for its grand architecture, thermal baths, and landmarks such as the Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, and Fisherman’s Bastion.
Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF). Approximate rate: 1 HUF = 0.0031 USD.
Where to stay: The St. Regis Budapest; Aria Hotel Budapest; Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest.
Poland
Sitting at the geographic heart of Europe, Poland offers a deep historical record visible in its medieval castles, resilient cities, and museums documenting 20th-century history. Cities like Kraków, Gdańsk, and Warsaw each present distinctive architecture, lively squares, and cultural institutions.
Currency: Polish zloty (PLN). Approximate rate: 1 PLN = 0.26 USD.
Where to stay: Hotel Rialto (Warsaw); Mamaison Hotel Le Regina (Warsaw); Nobu Hotel Warsaw.
Romania
Romania spans a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and coastline, and is known for dramatic castles and well-preserved natural areas like the Danube Delta. Transylvania’s fortified churches and medieval towns draw visitors seeking history and scenic drives.
Currency: Romanian new leu (RON). Approximate rate: 1 RON = 0.22 USD.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel; InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest; Carol Parc Hotel.
Sweden
Sweden combines a robust, stable economy with wide-open natural beauty: from archipelagos and forests to the midnight sun in the far north. Stockholm offers a mix of historic neighborhoods, contemporary design, and a thriving food scene, while places like Gotland and Gothenburg provide different regional flavors.
Currency: Swedish krona (SEK). Approximate rate: 1 SEK = 0.10 USD.
Where to stay: Grand Hôtel Stockholm; Sibbjäns (boutique farm stay); Hotel Skeppsholmen.
Whether you’re planning a culturally focused city break, a nature-oriented trip, or a budget-conscious journey, these six EU countries offer the flexibility of their own currencies alongside rich travel experiences. Keep current exchange rates in mind when budgeting, and consider how local pricing might make one destination more economical than another at the time of your visit.
