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10 Best Affordable Europe Vacations | U.S. News Travel
#1
Lisbon
Why go: Gothic cathedrals, treasure-filled museums, and a buzzing nightlife scene -- Portugal's capital offers everything you would expect from a European getaway at a fraction of the price of flashier cities like Paris or Rome. Experienced travelers say that you can hang your hat at a top-notch hotel, enjoy mouth-watering meals and experience everything this city has to offer without having to cut corners. Although the euro is the official currency, miniscule price tags at major attractions and popular nightlife spots make Lisbon an enjoyable place to be 24/7.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Lisbon»
#2
Krakow
Why go: Drawing upon more than 750 years of history, Poland's capital city beckons to travelers with shallow pockets and an interest in the past. Not only is Krakow home to towering gothic churches, ornate royal palaces and unique museums, the meandering streets of this central European city are also peppered with budget friendly hotels, restaurants and nightlife hotspots. Experts say that you need at least several days to do Krakow justice, but that shouldn't be too difficult given the small price you'll have to pay to stay.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Krakow»
#3
Prague
Why go: Similar to Amsterdam and Barcelona, the prices in this former bargain-hunter's paradise are swiftly rising. But it is still possible to find affordable lodging in this city, especially if you can brave the Czech Republic's cold winter weather. Although most attractions charge small entrance fees, good eats (and cheap drinks) are never hard to find, and a tourist-friendly, cost-effective public transportation system makes the city easy to explore. And don't worry about breaking the bank in order to get there.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Prague»
#4
Istanbul
Why go: This up-and-coming tourist hotspot boasts a wide array of attractions catering to all types of visitors. And because affordable lodging and cheap eats abound in this Turkish city, you won't feel guilty about staying a few extra days, not that you'll be doing much sleeping. Nightlife is a top attraction, with restaurants, bars and clubs staying open until the wee hours of the morning. However, getting around this massive city is rather difficult, and you may find it's easier to just fork over cash for a cab. Plus, Istanbul has not yet overturned its reputation as a somewhat dodgy destination, and experienced travelers recommend avoiding Istanbul if you're traveling alone.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Istanbul»
#5
Valencia
Why go: More and more travelers in search of the perfect southern European getaway are turning their eyes to the seaside city of Valencia. Lying along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and accessible by high-speed train from both Madrid and Barcelona, this vibrant Spanish city boasts world-class museums, lush parks and gardens, golden beaches and quirky festivals, and it's also the birthplace of paella. But experts say the real perk of this coastal city is that room rates and meal prices are considerably lower here than in other comparable cities.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Valencia»
#6
Budapest
Why go: With an eclectic mix of neoclassical, baroque and art nouveau architecture, experts have dubbed Budapest the most beautiful city in central Europe. While days can be spent marveling at postcard-worthy basilicas or soaking in thermal baths, this ancient city really comes alive at night. Accessible by plane, train and boat, this eclectic city overflows with homey hotels, alternative lodging options like apartment rentals, and scrumptious eateries that allow visitors a true taste of Hungarian life without exhausting their credit cards.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Budapest»
#7
Berlin
Why go: Described by Lonely Planet as "brassy, bold and beautiful," Germany's capital is teeming with culture that calls to visitors from around the globe. With attractions showcasing Berlin's influence on modern science, technology and the arts -- not to mention its hearty cuisine and hedonistic nightlife -- Berlin stands out among its fellow European capitals. If you're not already sold, Berlin is easily and affordably accessible from the U.S. and other European destinations, and thanks to its efficient subway system, getting around is simple. Berlin is also peppered with hotels offering rates that won't break the bank.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Berlin»
#8
Barcelona
Why go: Although the apartments may be "Gaudi," experts say that Barcelona is Spain's most hip and cosmopolitan city. This Mediterranean city offers a wide array of cultural daytime attractions that include museums, churches and markets, as well as rowdy nightlife scene. And although the city's increasing population as a tourist hotspot has begun to inflate prices, room rates and meal tickets are still lower than in most comparable cities, including Nice and Florence. However, you will have to work a little harder to stay within your budget than you would have 10 years ago.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Barcelona»
#9
Amsterdam
Why go: For years, Amsterdam has coveted its reputation as quirky and lackadaisical, welcoming a wide variety of visitors -- from rowdy 20-somethings to history buffs. Attractions here range from sacred to salacious; the food is everything from scrumptious to savory and prices fluctuate between low and lower. However, this once-hidden gem in the Netherlands is experiencing a surge of tourism, so prices are slowly on the rise. Experts recommend that you hurry up and visit before high prices turn Amsterdam into just another European city.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Amsterdam»
#10
Crete
Why go: While getting there requires a bit of a splurge, those who take the time to do their homework should have no problem finding affordable room rates on Crete. Not to mention that the island's breathtaking beaches and stunning scenery don't cost a penny, and public buses make getting around this island easy and affordable. When it comes to eating, Crete restaurants -- which serve tasty, heart-healthy portions of seafood -- will not disappoint you, but you may have to head back to the city in order to find the best deals.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Crete»
#1
Lisbon
Why go: Gothic cathedrals, treasure-filled museums, and a buzzing nightlife scene -- Portugal's capital offers everything you would expect from a European getaway at a fraction of the price of flashier cities like Paris or Rome. Experienced travelers say that you can hang your hat at a top-notch hotel, enjoy mouth-watering meals and experience everything this city has to offer without having to cut corners. Although the euro is the official currency, miniscule price tags at major attractions and popular nightlife spots make Lisbon an enjoyable place to be 24/7.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Lisbon»
#2
Krakow
Why go: Drawing upon more than 750 years of history, Poland's capital city beckons to travelers with shallow pockets and an interest in the past. Not only is Krakow home to towering gothic churches, ornate royal palaces and unique museums, the meandering streets of this central European city are also peppered with budget friendly hotels, restaurants and nightlife hotspots. Experts say that you need at least several days to do Krakow justice, but that shouldn't be too difficult given the small price you'll have to pay to stay.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Krakow»
#3
Prague
Why go: Similar to Amsterdam and Barcelona, the prices in this former bargain-hunter's paradise are swiftly rising. But it is still possible to find affordable lodging in this city, especially if you can brave the Czech Republic's cold winter weather. Although most attractions charge small entrance fees, good eats (and cheap drinks) are never hard to find, and a tourist-friendly, cost-effective public transportation system makes the city easy to explore. And don't worry about breaking the bank in order to get there.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Prague»
#4
Istanbul
Why go: This up-and-coming tourist hotspot boasts a wide array of attractions catering to all types of visitors. And because affordable lodging and cheap eats abound in this Turkish city, you won't feel guilty about staying a few extra days, not that you'll be doing much sleeping. Nightlife is a top attraction, with restaurants, bars and clubs staying open until the wee hours of the morning. However, getting around this massive city is rather difficult, and you may find it's easier to just fork over cash for a cab. Plus, Istanbul has not yet overturned its reputation as a somewhat dodgy destination, and experienced travelers recommend avoiding Istanbul if you're traveling alone.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Istanbul»
#5
Valencia
Why go: More and more travelers in search of the perfect southern European getaway are turning their eyes to the seaside city of Valencia. Lying along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and accessible by high-speed train from both Madrid and Barcelona, this vibrant Spanish city boasts world-class museums, lush parks and gardens, golden beaches and quirky festivals, and it's also the birthplace of paella. But experts say the real perk of this coastal city is that room rates and meal prices are considerably lower here than in other comparable cities.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Valencia»
#6
Budapest
Why go: With an eclectic mix of neoclassical, baroque and art nouveau architecture, experts have dubbed Budapest the most beautiful city in central Europe. While days can be spent marveling at postcard-worthy basilicas or soaking in thermal baths, this ancient city really comes alive at night. Accessible by plane, train and boat, this eclectic city overflows with homey hotels, alternative lodging options like apartment rentals, and scrumptious eateries that allow visitors a true taste of Hungarian life without exhausting their credit cards.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Budapest»
#7
Berlin
Why go: Described by Lonely Planet as "brassy, bold and beautiful," Germany's capital is teeming with culture that calls to visitors from around the globe. With attractions showcasing Berlin's influence on modern science, technology and the arts -- not to mention its hearty cuisine and hedonistic nightlife -- Berlin stands out among its fellow European capitals. If you're not already sold, Berlin is easily and affordably accessible from the U.S. and other European destinations, and thanks to its efficient subway system, getting around is simple. Berlin is also peppered with hotels offering rates that won't break the bank.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Berlin»
#8
Barcelona
Why go: Although the apartments may be "Gaudi," experts say that Barcelona is Spain's most hip and cosmopolitan city. This Mediterranean city offers a wide array of cultural daytime attractions that include museums, churches and markets, as well as rowdy nightlife scene. And although the city's increasing population as a tourist hotspot has begun to inflate prices, room rates and meal tickets are still lower than in most comparable cities, including Nice and Florence. However, you will have to work a little harder to stay within your budget than you would have 10 years ago.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Barcelona»
#9
Amsterdam
Why go: For years, Amsterdam has coveted its reputation as quirky and lackadaisical, welcoming a wide variety of visitors -- from rowdy 20-somethings to history buffs. Attractions here range from sacred to salacious; the food is everything from scrumptious to savory and prices fluctuate between low and lower. However, this once-hidden gem in the Netherlands is experiencing a surge of tourism, so prices are slowly on the rise. Experts recommend that you hurry up and visit before high prices turn Amsterdam into just another European city.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Amsterdam»
#10
Crete
Why go: While getting there requires a bit of a splurge, those who take the time to do their homework should have no problem finding affordable room rates on Crete. Not to mention that the island's breathtaking beaches and stunning scenery don't cost a penny, and public buses make getting around this island easy and affordable. When it comes to eating, Crete restaurants -- which serve tasty, heart-healthy portions of seafood -- will not disappoint you, but you may have to head back to the city in order to find the best deals.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Crete»