Few people put the words “budget” and “Europe” in the same sentence, which is a real shame. Often people think of Europe as a place to visit only if you want to assault your wallet. The truth is, there are lots of parts of Europe that are still relatively cheap, some of which almost compare to the prices of South East Asia. Travel doesn’t need to be expensive, especially if you prioritise experiences over accumulating more things. We’ve compiled a list of the top 4 budget destinations in Europe to inspire you to explore a little more:
1) Berlin, Germany
Rich with history, Berlin is a great place to visit. Compared to the rest of Western Europe and elsewhere in Germany, Berlin is cheap. It’s also scattered with a ridiculous number of galleries, photo exhibitions and museums. If you want to get a fix of art and culture, in a budget destination, then Berlin is the obvious choice for you. It is also one of the best places in Europe to explore some of the World War II History as well as what remains of the Berlin Wall. This is a city that is a lot cheaper than it should be, so enjoy it before that changes.
2) Budapest, Hungary
Often ignored in favour of the two beautiful cities nearby, Prague and Vienna, Budapest is an exceptional place to visit. The river separates the city into Buda and Pest, which both sides warranting a few days of exploration each. Here you can find yourself in high quality wine bars, paying as much for a bottle of wine as you would for a whole glass in Vienna. Budapest has a fantastic tram system (the oldest in Europe) that is very cheap and efficient.
3) Lisbon, Portugal
If you love beautiful weather, then you’ll love Lisbon. Lisbon’s castle is perched up on a hill and the city gently sprawls down below it and outwards. There’s a gorgeous beach a mere twenty minutes away and old trams that slowly climb the winding streets. Most visitors to Europe manage a visit to Spain or France, but completely miss Portugal off the map. Don’t make the same mistake – your budget will thank you for it. Here you’ll enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, without the hefty price tag that usually goes along side them.
4) Granada, Spain
The further south in Spain you go, the cheaper the prices tend to be. Granada is a slow, fun and relaxed city that is home to one of the most beautiful complexes in the world: The Alhambra. This is reason enough to visit Spain, but there are a few more reasons to check out this beautiful town. In most parts of Spain, tapas are very popular. Tapas are essentially small snack size foods that are enjoyed with wine or beer. In Granada, they are “gratis” or “free” in many of the bars. It is sort of a tradition to move from bar to bar sampling the free tapas. There are also ample markets and charming streets to wander down in Granada, making it a lovely place to visit.
Don’t miss these great destinations off your next trip to Europe!