8 Of The Cheapest Cities You Must Visit In Europe

Those cities can help one travel across Europe on a budget and save some euros, savoring rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant experiences without breaking one’s bank.

1. Budapest, Hungary

-Food:

Known for hearty dishes like goulash and chimney cake, which can be found at lower costs at the different street food markets, like Karavan.

-Highlights

Buda Castle and Széchenyi Thermal Baths are also some of the country’s most iconic landmarks. You could take a cruise along the Danube River, appreciating lovely vistas of the Parliament building.

-Specialty

Thermal baths are an experience per se; it can relieve you from all the stress.

-Unique things

Go to the Ruin Bars in the Jewish Quarter. An eclectic mix of art, history, and night-out atmosphere.

– Activities :

Promenade on Chain Bridge, view the panorama from Fisherman’s Bastion, or rest in a thermal spa.

2. Kraków, Poland

 

– Food:

One can easily find pierogi and zapiekanka at a moderate price everywhere. Several Milk Bars offer traditional dishes at affordable prices.

– Highlights :

Wawel Castle, and Rynek Glowny-the largest medieval square in Europe. There is an array of free history and architecture attractions in the city.

– Specialty :

Poland’s café culture is lively and budget-friendly, great for trying lots of local desserts.

– Activities :

Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO site featuring chapels deep within the mine.

– Take a free city walk in Old Town, explore Kazimierz (the old Jewish district), or head to the Oskar Schindler Museum.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

– Food:

Look for local favorites like pork knuckle or trdelník, the sweet pastry. Everywhere, cheap street fare.

– Highlights :

More stunning architecture from Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and Old Town Square – all of which are free.

– Specialty:

Beer is big in Czech Republic; Prague is where you’ll find the cheapest pints in Europe

– Unique things:

See the Astronomical Clock and take a selfie photo at the John Lennon Wall.

-Activities:

Go on walking tours of the Gothic architecture, hike over to Petrin Hill with views over the city, or enjoy a leisure boat on the Vltava River.

 4. Bratislava, Slovakia

– Food :

Bryndzové Halušky (potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese) and Skalický trdelník.

– HighLights:

Bratislava Castle rises above the city and provides fantastic, historic viewpoints.

– Specialty:

Take a Danube River cruise to see the city from the water.

– Unique things :

See Old Town and all its odd statues, such as the sewer worker, known as Cumil.

– Activities :

Devin Castle, ride your bike on the Danube bike path, climb the Little Carpathians.

 5. Riga, Latvia

 

– Food:

See Latvian rye, grey peas, smoked fish. At cafés and street vendors you will find meals that are really affordable.

– Highlights :

The city center, with its Art Nouveau buildings, is one of the best preserved in Europe.

– Specialty food:

Riga Central Market offers an amazing variety of local food. It is located in historic hangars that once served as a zeppelin base.

– Unique things :

The Latvian National Opera or Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.

– Activities :

Take a walk around Old Town, climb up on top of St. Peter’s Church to admire the panorama of the city or go through the beautiful Bastion Hill Park.

 6. Sofia, Bulgaria

– Food:

Try shopska salad, moussaka, and banitsa from street vendors. Such low prices make eating out a joy.

– Highlights :

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is beautiful; you can delve into Bulgaria’s history at the National History Museum.

– Specialty:

For this country, you surely know Bulgarian rose oil, which, indeed, can be encountered at any turn in Sofia: its products.

– Unique things :

Discover the ruins of ancient Serdica, which exist beneath the city, a combination of Roman history.

– Activities :

Walking tours are free, go to Vitosha Mountain for skiing or hiking, and Boyana Church.

7.Vilnius, Lithuania

– Food:

Staple food items that should be tried include cepelinai, potato dumplings, and cold beet soup; it is very affordable and delicious.

-Highlights :

Admire a view of the city’s Old Town, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the medieval Gediminas’ Tower.

-Specialty:

Not many cities in Eastern Europe can boast as beautiful a baroque town as Vilnius.

-Unique things:

Visit the de facto “independent” district of the Republic of Užupis, if you must.

-Activities :

Visit the Hill of Three Crosses, go to the Vilnius Cathedral, or stroll through Bernardine Park.

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8. Belgrade, Serbia

– Food:

Purchase grilled meat ćevapi and burek from street stalls. Serbian cuisine is hearty and very cheap.

– Highlights:

Taking pictures at Kalemegdan Fortress to have a fantastic view of where the Danube and Sava rivers meet.

– Specialty:

Belgrade can boast of having one of the most enthusiastic nightlife scenes within Europe as well as many floating bars on rivers.

– Unique things:

Tour the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, full of traditional restaurants and street art.

– Activities :

Stroll down Knez Mihailova Street, take a boat tour of the rivers, or drop by the Nikola Tesla Museum.

# Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the cheapest city to visit in Europe?

Kraków, Poland, if you are planning an informal budget, could easily be one of the cheapest destinations in Europe because the food is cheap, entrance fees to attractions are low, and so are your lodging options.

2. Are these cities safe for tourists?

All the cities are generally safe for tourists. However, as with any tourist destination, it’s always prudent to be vigilant all the time, even in crowded places.

3. When is the best time to visit these cities?

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October), especially when the weather is not very hot and there are fewer people around, making them good visitation periods.

Oui, à chaque ville, il y a des visites à pied financièrement gratuites et puis plein d’attractions libre: les parcs, les places, les musées.

4. Is budget accommodation readily available?

All the above cities have budget accommodation options from hostels to budget hotel and every kind of accommodation for any budget requirement.

The continent of Europe is characterized by diversity with its own specifics of traditions, festivals, and social practices. Some unique cultural phenomena which make Europe stand out are listed below:

 1. Siesta in Southern Europe

Another traditional break is known as a “siesta” in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece. Businesses are closed while people take a rest. This typically occurs between 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, especially for smaller towns and villages.

 2. Café Culture

Café culture is huge across Europe, not least in France, Austria, and Italy. People sit in cafés to enjoy their quick coffee but also to socialize, read the papers, and relax. Where else could you sit in Vienna and ponder for hours to the accompaniment of Schubert on the violin?

 3. Central European Christmas Markets

Other popular traditional Christmas markets are held in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These lively market stalls are filled with handmade items, mulled wine, and holiday specials. Some are located in the town squares and attract tourists from across the globe during holidays.

4. Sixten: Cultural Traditions of Scandinavia

It is a popular social tradition in Sweden and the other Nordic countries: “fika”, which describes taking a coffee break with friends or colleagues, according to sources of relaxation, but more intensively emphasized on socializing. It appears to play a huge part in the culture of that area.

5. Public Bathing in Eastern Europe

– In Hungary, in the Czech Republic, public baths and thermal spas play a major role in the area’s local life. Especially, in Budapest, thermal baths are well known, where locals and tourists share the time to relax in naturally heated mineral waters, a tradition dating back to the Romans.

6. Siesta and Aperitivo in Italy

– Italians treasure not only the afternoon nap (siesta) but also “aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink, often taken with tiny snacks. Aperitivo is a social occasion, generally made with friends in a neighborhood bar or café between work and dinner time.

 7. Flamenco in Spain

Flamenco is a highly influential form of traditional art found mainly in southern Spain, especially in Andalusia. It consists of a blend of singing, guitar playing, dancing, and clapping the hands (palmas). This is a very subjective performance, highly developed in the nation’s culture and often associated with the Romani.

 8. Punctuality in Germany and Switzerland

For example, Germany or Switzerland in the central Europe respect punctuality. In these countries, to be in time is respect and it is a sign that shows other people do not matter.

 9. Tapas in Spain

The food culture can be consumed in many small, small, shared portions, really very strong in Spain. Tapas bars consist of people gathering around to socialize over a variety of small plates such as olives and seafood, while wine and beer is the usual beverage accompanying the meal.

 10. Open-Air Markets

Open-air markets are a big affair across Europe, especially so in France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Their staples include fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, and flowers, which add to the community feel and play up the freshness of local European foods.

 11. Festivals of Light

– The winter months have light festivals everywhere, especially in Europe. There is **Lucia** Day in Sweden, where children wear white and carry candles on December 13th to signal the beginning of light. In France, the lights of **Fête des Lumières** engulf the entire city with stunning light displays across Lyon.

 12. Medieval and Renaissance Fairs

Medieval and Renaissance fairs celebrate local history and culture, all across Europe- especially in Italy, Germany, and Spain. People are dressed up in period costumes, with the performances, jousts, and trade put together with a medieval flavor that sends someone back into the ages.

 13. Love of Nature in Scandinavia

– In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, there is an old cultural bond with nature. “Friluftsliv” or “open-air living” has characterized spending time outdoors, hiking, and enjoying nature as a part of life.

 14. Afternoon Tea in England

It is afternoon tea, the quintessential British tea. Traditionally taken between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm tea, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as a few pastries represent the meal. It’s a pleasantly spent afternoon in cafes, hotels, or your own home, reflecting British elegance and hospitality.

15. Wine Regions

– Wine culture is quite deeply imbedded into the regions of France, Italy, and Spain. Bordeaux in France and Burgundy, for example, have “wine tastings” and visits to vineyards as a popular experience to immerse oneself in the local cultures of those countries; similar to Tuscany, Italy, or La Rioja in Spain.

These cultural aspects are unique and talk about the diversity and historical richness of Europe, and travellers get a great sense of connection with the local traditions and lifestyles as well.

The Best Food in Europe: A Culinary Tour

The continent of Europe is known for its many varieties in cuisines. Each region has something great to offer in the world of food. The continent, given its width and depth, could bring forward everything from rich French sauces to fresh seafood in the Mediterranean, hearty sausages in Germany, the temptation of pasta up the noses of Italians, and many others. Come along, and let’s explore this with the gastronomic tour guide as we dig into the best food you must try when visiting the continent.

1. Italy

 

Pizza, Pasta and Gelato Italy is a country of among the most known dishes in the world. Italian food is characterized with simplicity – it uses fresh ingredients as well as traditional cooking techniques to deliver hearty, full-of-flavour dishes.

– Pizza: This is Naples’. Where one of the world’s most-loved foods comes from. If you get a chance, try one of the classic Neapolitan pizzas, with crispy crust under a thin paste of fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil.

-Pasta: Every region has its unique expression of pasta, though spaghetti carbonara in Rome, lasagna from Bologna, for example, can be special cases. Pasta carbonara is a creamy pasta made of eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper; lasagna is the baked dish formed from layers of pasta with meat sauce and béchamel.

– Gelato: The Italian version of ice cream, gelato is thicker and richer in taste than ordinary ice cream. Popular flavors include pistachio, hazelnut, and stracciatella (chocolate chip).

2. France – Fine Dining and Pastry Paradise

French food always boasts the class of fine dining with heavy sauces, delicate pastries, and full flavors. French take pride in the culture of cooking because of putting a high price on quality products and method of preparation.

Some of the most popular dishes to be enjoyed during breakfast are the following:

Croissants: This is the quintessential breakfast pastry of France-buttery, flaky, golden. In fact, its taste just goes perfectly well with the café au lait.

– Beef Bourguignon: Beef stew cooked in red wine, onions, carrots, mushrooms. It comes from the Burgundy region and is comfort food.

– Ratatouille: Vegetable stew from Provençal made of eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers. This is a vegetarian heaven, simple, yet somehow deliciously elegant, as are many French cookings.

– Macarons: French macarons are dainty sandwich cookies whose exterior is crunchy and whose interior, of course, is soft and infused with flavor. Popular flavors include raspberry, pistachio, and salted caramel.

3. Spain – Tapas, Paella, and Churros

It’s a land in which food and social life are inextricably linked together, and arguably of all its traditions-nothing seemed more perfectly endemic than this one of tapping a small dish to share over drinks.

Tapas Small bites range from something as humble as olives and bread to highly elaborate fare such as patatas bravas (fried potatoes in spicy tomato sauce) or gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic). Tapas bars are at the very heart of Spanish social life, where friends meet to share food and conversation.

– Paella: Regional national dish of Valencia, paella is a rice preparation prepared with mainly saffron, chicken, and rabbit or seafood. The best paellas are cooked in wide shallow pans so the rice forms at the bottom a crispy layer called socarrat.

– Churros con Chocolate: This is one of the best-liked Spanish desserts, **churros **being crispy fried dough sticks sprinkled with sugar, consumed with a thick, heavy chocolate sauce for dipping.

4. Germany – Sausages, Pretzels, and Beer

Food in Germany is heavy warming food mainly focusing on meats, potatoes, and bread. Truly speaking, it is a food for indulgence with rich flavors.

– Bratwurst: Germans are rather proud of some of the world’s most renowned sausages but for one among the popular ones, it is actually a specific type known as **bratwurst**. While meat may be pork, beef or even veal, bratwurst is usually grilled or pan-fried and served with mustard and sauerkraut.

– Schnitzel: Breaded and fried cutlet of meat, often beef or pork. No wonder, therefore, that such a favourite is so highly popular all over Germany. Often served with potato salad or French fries.

– Pretzels: The soft chewy German pretzels the locals call them are ideal with mustard or as a partner to beer.

– Beer: Germany is indeed famous for their beer culture, with variations of pilsner, weissbier (wheat beer), and dunkel or dark beer. For the best experience in trying the real country beer culture, visit Munich during Oktoberfest.

5. Portugal – Seafood and Pastéis de Nata

The majority of the food Portuguese cook comes from the country being a maritime nation, so seafood is certainly the main act on their dining table. There is such an interesting sweets heritage, and pastéis de nata is the national dessert.

Bacalhau: salted cod is the sweetheart of the Portuguese diet; indeed there are over 365 ways of preparing it, one for each day of the year. Bacalhau à Brás: one of its most famous versions, with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

– Francesinha: One of the more bulging forms of Porto, this is a cured meat-filled sandwich completed with melted cheese on top, all accompanied by a good quantity of a rich tomato-beer sauce, served with some fries.

– Pastéis de Nata: Cult custard tarts, filled with sweet creamy custard and crisp in flaky pastry. At its finest when warm, topped with a pinch of cinnamon or some powdered sugar.

6.Hungary – Goulash and Paprika

Hungarian food is heavy, spicy, and rich, with **paprika** appearing to dominate nearly every dish. Food is focused on Hungary’s peasant roots: meat, root vegetables, and a mountain of dairy food constituting the staple of nearly every meal.

– Goulash:Goulash is a national dish of Hungary. A stew prepared from beef, onions and loads of paprika and slow-cooked until tender and bursting with flavor. Most often served with bread or dumplings.

– Lángos: One of the most popular street foods, lángos is basically fried dough that is topped with sour cream, grated cheese, and garlic butter. Perfect for a quick take out.

– Chicken Paprikash: Another is chicken paprikash. This is just a cooking method that involves chicken cooked in a sauce of paprika, onions, and sour cream. They normally serve it with dumplings or noodles.

Does Europe offer any sort of culinary diversity; flavors, ingredients, customs themselves not unlike its diverse culture. Pasta in Italy, pastries in France or German sausage-used at every meal, it all speaks about the people and history of Europe. A heaven for gourmets, Europe is waiting to be discovered!