Offering some of the world’s most iconic sights, best museums and superb cuisines, Europe has always been a must-do destination for many travellers from across the world.
However, much of Europe has become pricey with overpriced hotels, expensive restaurants and entry fees to many attractions and museums. It hardly makes you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. However, there are also countries that make a big impact, with little impact on the purse.
Below we give you the best-value destinations in the continent at the moment…
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is the most expensive city in the Baltic area because it’s a popular getaway for the Finns just a two-hour ferry ride away,but it’s still cheap by most European standards. Frequent ferries from Helsinki are loaded with the party crowd and those looking to stock up on bulk alcohol for the return trip. It’s a fun place with a lovely Old Town. Average living costs per day are around £32.
Berlin, Germany
Surprisingly, Berlin, the capital of Europe’s largest economy is also one of its cheapest cities. And what a city: where else can you see Cold War and WWII relics in the flesh, enjoy a selection of some of Europe’s best contemporary art and shopping before dining on traditional German food with a modern twist? There are also a multitude of bars and clubs for you to dance the night away and there is a great range of cheap accommodation and stylish hostels. £40 a day is the average living cost in Berlin.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik has one of the most amazing walled historic centres in the world, and it used to be considered a bargain compared to Italy. Croatia and Dubrovnik are however on the rise with tourism so prices are rapidly rising. So get there before they get too expensive! An average cost of a day is around £45.
Budapest, Hungary
Another excellent travel bargain, Budapest is all-around cheap as long as you steer clear of the tourist places along the river. There’s so much to do with castles, cathedrals and thermal spas that are cheap enough even for the backpacking set. Hostels are also budget friendly but you have to travel outside the centre to find inexpensive hotels. Average cost for a day is £20.
Istanbul, Turkey
The classic east-meets-west city had been creeping up in price, but the decline of the Turkish Lira lately has made it a bargain again. There’s no shortage of markets, mosques, and attractions for a long weekend break. Markets are a great way to grab a bargain! Accommodation is more expensive than you might expect but if you dig deep you’ll find something to fit in with your finances. Istanbul rates around £27 per day living costs.
Riga, Latvia
It’s surprising to see a city so far north also so high on the cheap-cities list, but it turns out that Riga is quite a bargain for backpackers. Hostels are inexpensive, and so is pretty much everything else. Riga’s main problem is that it’s a bit out of the way for those not on an extensive tour. You’re looking at around £23 per day living costs.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is basically a small Munich: everything is clean and safe. It is also well connected with the rest of the country and public transportation is abundant. It is apparent the government have invested money in to this city in order to make it a budget tourist destination. Unfortunately, there isn’t a massive amount to do except drink several good quality beers with locals or other people staying at your hostel. However, beer is cheap at only €1. Average costs per day average out at around £27 a day.
Prague, Czech Republic
The topic of €1 beers brings us neatly to the centre of Eastern Europe: Prague! This amazing city has lots to offer and is often nicknamed the “the Rome of Eastern Europe”. Prague is already quickly becoming a tourist destination because of its beautiful medieval centre and also for being a cheap place to party and drink. The city has a rich and long history and many museums that are certainly worth going to. Travel is also very cheap if you want to see some more of the country. £27 is around average price for a day.
Lisbon, Portugal
In this striking and dramatically hilly Portuguese capital, Lisbon ensures that your money goes a long way. The city is surrounded with delicious coffee shops and inexpensive restaurants. They also have a tram which can take you around the city for next to nothing. Free museums such as the contemporary collection of the Museu Colecção Berardo are further deal sweeteners – and if that’s not enough there are hundreds of beaches to the south of the city if you’re after a day trip to the sea. You are looking at around £33 per day in Lisbon.
