My Best Value Locations in Europe

Europe doesn’t have to be expensive to travel, although it can be. When I lived in the Czech Republic as an Au pair, I was lucky enough to do a lot of travel. I nipped over to Berlin for a weekend, spent a few days exploring museums in Vienna and fell in love with Budapest. There are a number of countries in Europe that will not only destroy, but also violate your bank balance. I’ve intentionally avoided countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark because I don’t think I’m at a stage of my life where I can afford to do them properly. 

I was surprised to find that there are a few places in Europe that are barely more expensive than Asia, but include all of the comfort and charms that Europe is adored for. Here are some of my favourite places in Europe that not only have the cheapest accommodation in Europe, but are also very entertaining and have a unique flavor. If you’re planning on visiting Europe for the summer, you must check out some of these money saving gems:

Lisbon: 
There’s an old charm feel about Lisbon, the city which seems to be built up spiraling around the old castle that is perched on the hill. There are little cobblestone streets everywhere; delicious pastel de nata and you’re only a stone throw away from Sintra. You can spend a day riding around on the old, red trams that slowly drag themselves up and down the winding streets. Another bonus of Lisbon is that it’s literally on the water’s edge, meaning you’re never too far away from a beach – what else could you want? It’s definitely one of the best value locations in Europe. 

Istanbul:
Half in Europe, half in Asia, Istanbul is a hot pot for both culture and history. There are few things that compare to Istanbul’s stunning skyline, with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The Grand Bazaar is chaotic, mesmerizing and almost timeless. Istanbul is irresistibly photogenic and is a lot kinder on the budget than most capital cities in Europe.

Budapest: 
I love Budapest; it’s no secret. I’ve been here twice and both times find myself in awe of how irresistibly beautiful this city is. Everything about Budapest is cheap: some of the cheapest accommodation, cheap food, and the alcohol’s cheaper than water. It’s one of the few places in the world where I’ve found myself in a swanky wine bar, able to afford to buy wine by the bottle without cringing. The view from the riverfront is stunning and New York  Café is an absolute must-visit. 

Berlin:
Ah, there’s so much history and culture crammed into Berlin, that even without its affordable price tag it is an essential stop on any trip to Europe. Berlin is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting places in Europe to visit if you are interested in art, culture or history. Though the majority buildings in Berlin tend to be dark and sterile, you’ll find a great number of them are painted in beautiful murals. Even the tram rides are enjoyable, with random buskers joining you for a stop or two to play some music. Not only does Berlin have one of the wildest party scenes in Europe, it’s also dirt-cheap. I’m so fond of Berlin that I actually spent a great deal time researching the logistics of me moving there. 

Those are my four best value places to visit in Europe – I think most of them barely cost more than traveling in capital cities in South East Asia. 

What are your favourite great value destinations – in Europe or elsewhere?