Europe is home to a rich and long history. There are many grand monuments that date back many centuries and modern buildings whose architecture is just futuristic. Each place has its own amazing cuisine and must-see places. While most European vacations can be extremely costly, there are a few hidden gems that don’t cost as much as the popular tourist hubs. Spending time in these not so popular tourist spots will mean you get to interact with locals and can enjoy attractions that are less crowded. Here is a list of cheap European destinations for you to visit.
Ukraine
Ukraine is home to the biggest nuclear incident ever, but the country has so much more to offer. The country is one of the least explored countries in Europe and is a true hidden gem. The city of Lviv in Ukraine has been influenced by so many different cultures, including Hungarian, Polish, Austrian, German, and Italian cultures. This means the city’s architecture is a beautiful concoction of all these styles. The country also has many gun ranges and trails for weapons enthusiasts to enjoy. You can also take a safe trip to the city of Pripyat to see the after-effects of a nuclear explosion and learn about the steps being made towards recovery. You do not have to worry about radiation as the tours only expose you to the same amount of radiation as you would experience in long haul flights.
The Czech Republic
The beautiful country of the Czech Republic is filled with medieval castles, gothic fortresses and churches, museums, concert halls, and many buildings that date back to the 1300s. Prague is one of the best budget destinations in all of Europe. The city has amazing beer, amazing nature, and well-preserved architecture. If you want to enjoy design, art or architecture visit, then Prague is the place to be. The country is also easily accessible to students.
Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is as beautiful as all the major tourist destinations in Europe. The major advantage that has over the other cities is that is is much cheaper. It is surrounded by forests and mountains that make it a perfect place to go hiking and enjoy nature. The city is also filled with many old buildings with gorgeous architecture. You could also visit the Old town as it has an amazing nightlife and great cafes, the place is also pedestrian-only so you enjoy your time without the sound of vehicles.
Poland
This country has always been a hotspot for students as the prices are much lower than other European countries like England and France. However, the city does not rank lower than them in things to see. The country is filled with many great sights like Slowinski National Park, Jasna Gora Monastery, Lazienki Park, Krakow Cloth Hall, Wawel Castle, and the mesmerizing Tatra Mountains. The great thing is that all these amazing sights do not burn a hole into your wallet. While the city of Warsaw is amazing, you can spend your time in Krakow if you are in a seriously tight budget.
Hungary
The great nation of Hungary is filled with many grand castles, parks, cathedrals, squares, and hotels. The architecture of the cities of Hungary is reflective of its era as a middle power of Europe. Budapest, the capital, is slowly growing as a tourist destination due to great food and incredible sights. The country has cheap transportation, food, and accommodation, which makes it a great destination for students. If you are in a budget, you should look for hotels on the edge of cities as the ones located in the middle of cities tend to be expensive.
Croatia
While Croatia is not dead cheap, it is still cheaper than most major European destinations. If you are looking to discover the biodiversity of the country it has many amazing national parks and many majestic mountains for you to explore. The country also has some of the best Roman ruins in the world. You could also lie back and enjoy the seas in any of Croatia’s gorgeous beaches. The Euro is not widely accepted even though Croatia is part of the European Union.
Romania
The country’s towns have old town areas where you will find beautiful building architectures that date back many centuries. Bucharest, the capital of Romania, has some of the most beautiful old buildings in the country. Each and every old building in the country is reminiscent of some indigenous architecture style. If you are seeking an adrenaline rush, you could always visit the Bran Castle, also known as “Dracula’s Castle.”
Bulgaria
The country is one of the top destinations in eastern Europe due to its delicious food, amiable people, beautiful architecture, and rich history. The country has been influenced by Ottoman, Greek, Slavic, and Persian cultures. Thus you will be able to experience many cultures in just one country.
Latvia
While this country barely gets any recognition, it packs many amazing experiences. The country has many beautiful beaches, ancient castles, old towns, art nouveau buildings, and forests that are straight out of fairy tales. Rundale Palace is especially beautiful. This country is much cheaper than any of its neighboring countries.
Lithuania
In Lithuania, you can visit Vilnius and go camping on the Curonian Spit. This long curved sand dune extends all the way into the Baltic Sea is one of the best places to stay away from the world. You could also enjoy the amazing Lithuania summers by staying at a cottage in Nida, the largest town on the Curonian Spit.
Albania
This country can offer you a holiday in the Mediterranean without having to spend a fortune. You could explore the city of Tirana and take in its awe-inspiring architecture. You should visit the Blue Eye spring in Saranda to see one of the prettiest sights in the entire country.