22 Affordable Destinations in Europe That Are Awaiting Your Arrival
Athens, Greece
High season for Athens is summer, but if you visit in the shoulder or off-season, the Greek capital can be one of the better deals in Europe. Much of the city is walkable, so you can avoid factoring transportation into your budget. The city also has a number of free and cheap attractions such as free walking tours, museums and affordable street food.
Athens is known for having tons of hotels offering affordable rooms, but like many places accommodation prices can increase if you book last minute, so regardless of what time of year you plan to visit, book your accommodation well in advance to save.
Overall Greece can be done on the cheap if you plan ahead and avoid summer. Grab a gyro from a street stand outside your $50 USD a night hotel and set off to see what you can see on foot in this ancient city and you’ll understand why we’ve included it on our list.
Istanbul, Turkey
Affordable hotels and many cheap restaurants and street eats make Istanbul a good choice for your affordable European holiday. A number of tour operators offer tours in and outside of the city and the prices are good, especially when compared to the rest of Europe.
Turkey is also one of the most affordable destinations in Europe for those looking for a beach vacation, making it an attractive summer option. On top of that, the city has a vibrant market culture with the Grand Bazaar and the spice market both selling many interesting wares for an affordable price.
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St. Petersburg, Russia
The Dollar-Ruble exchange rate is very favorable right now, which means your money will go further on a trip to Russia’s most European city. While there, take a stroll down the city’s most famous street, Nevsky Prospect, where you can appreciate the impressive historic architecture and visit Kazan Cathedral for free.
Dvortsovaya Ploshad, the city square where Nevsky Prospect meets the river, is an impressive remnant of Russian Imperial times and is a great place for people-watching with the Winter Palace and Hermitage as your backdrop.
Booking your flight and accommodations well in advance can also help you save money, as this will easily be the most expensive part of your trip to Russia. Do note that many nationalities (including the United States) have very high visa fees to travel to Russia, so you should certainly factor this into your decision before booking your tickets.
