Sometimes, the best things in life are free (or close to it anyway), and never is this truer than when traveling in Europe. These eight European destinations prove that cheap travel doesn’t have to mean bad travel. Done right, your next European holiday can be world-class without costing you an arm and a leg.
Pack your bags and get ready to explore Europe’s 8 cheapest holiday options for budget travellers
Berlin, Germany
There’s something for everyone in Berlin. Whether your thing is trendy cafes or historic ruins, Berlin is varied enough for all tastes. Budget travellers may prefer staying in former East Berlin, full of inexpensive and funky hostels, cafes, shopping, and nightlife. Be sure to check out a free Tuesday concert from the Berlin Philharmonic or any of the dozens of free public festivals and events calendared throughout the year.
Paris, France
There’s no question Paris can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be! In fact, Paris offers so many budget options, it’s a wonder it doesn’t take a top spot on more budget travel lists. Skip the restaurants and picnic with wine and cheese from an outdoor market. Forget taxis and take advantage of Paris’s vast bike-share program. And why pay for museums when you can visit for free? Many of the major museums cost nothing the first Sunday of each month.
London, United Kingdom
Like Paris, London isn’t exactly known for being a cheap place to holiday. But with so many free world-class museums, including the British Museum, vendors selling inexpensive West End tickets, and the availability of increasingly popular street food options, London could be one of the best budget destinations in Europe. It’s possible to have the time of your life in London without spending much more over the cost of your flight and accommodations.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is, like Paris and London, one of Europe’s most popular cities. It is also, undoubtedly, the most affordable. Cheap gourmet tapas, cost-saving car shares, and endless free places to visit like Gaudi’s famous Parc Güell rank Barcelona highly on our list. But, if that isn’t enough, keep in mind that even Barcelona’s best hotels slash their rates by up to half during the off season. A glamorous 4-star room can be yours for next to nothing!
Sophia, Bulgaria
Tourism in Sophia, the capital of Bulgaria, has recently undergone quite a boom, providing budget-conscious visitors all the comforts typically found in luxury vacation packages. For about €30.00 a day, you’ll have no trouble securing a comfy bed, good food and drink, and all the cultural attractions you would expect from Europe’s second-oldest city. And, when you want to get away from it all, you won’t have to travel far for a day at the Black Sea.
Budapest, Hungary
Overall, Eastern Europe delivers excellent value for money, but nowhere is this more readily seen than in Budapest. Known as “the Paris of Eastern Europe”, Hungary’s capital city has everything you could want – UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reasonably priced thermal baths and, of course, all the goulash you can eat. And, parents, take note: from free Ferris wheels to budget puppet theatre, you’ll find plenty of budget options to keep the kids entertained.
Crete, Greece
If you’re not in the mood for a city-break, you’re in luck! There has never been a better time to visit the gorgeous island of Crete. With Greece’s economic crisis keeping prices lower than in other parts of Europe, you’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime without breaking the bank! The largest, southern-most Greek Island, Crete has all the sun, sand, and sea you could ask for (which might explain why its inhabitants live to be over 100 years old!).
Porto, Portugal
Portugal is, in general, one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Europe, and with its endless array of good food, cheap transport, and reasonably priced accommodations, it provides good value. We recommend lesser-frequented Porto if it’s a budget beach get-away you’re looking for. Lisbon may take the top-spot on Portugal’s list of popular beach destinations, but in Porto you won’t have to fight for prime surf-side real estate!
Just because a city is popular doesn’t mean you should avoid it. And just because it has a reputation for being expensive doesn’t mean you can’t afford to travel there. With just a bit of planning – and a little money – you can afford to spend your next holiday in any of these destinations. Check out all of our low-fare options and start planning your next holiday today!