Europe cannot be considered one of the cheapest destinations for travel. Just mention Switzerland, Norway, France, and it becomes clear that spending a weekend in one of these countries will cost a pretty penny. But Europe is beautiful precisely because it offers countries and cities for all tastes and budgets. There are plenty of places on the European map where you can have a fantastic time without breaking the bank. Today, we will talk about such destinations where you can feel at ease with any budget.
Lviv (Ukraine)
In the past five years, the ancient city of Lviv, located in Western Ukraine, has transformed from an ordinary regional center into a true tourist Mecca. Indeed, medieval temples, fortresses, and picturesque parks have been here before, but today Lviv attracts millions of tourists, not only from neighboring European countries but also from other continents. What is the secret of the capital of Western Ukraine?
Lviv is a prime example of how, for a reasonable amount of money, you can offer tourists top-notch service and unique entertainment linked to the city's history and culture. Here, the question isn't where to go in Lviv, but rather how to manage to see everything.
flickr / Grzegorz Kozakiewicz
Costs?
- Prices in Lviv hostels start at $5-7 per day for a single bed. Most of these accommodations are located in the central area, within walking distance of the attractions, so you won't have to spend money on public transport or taxis.
- The average price for a cafeteria lunch in Lviv is $2. Dinner at a mid-range restaurant for two will cost about $12-15.
What to do?
- Embark on a gastro-tour of Lviv's unique restaurants and cafes. Visit the city executioner, delve into a mine where coffee is mined, enjoy the taste of fresh beer, or bargain over the bill in a Jewish restaurant. Lviv has the largest number of dining establishments per square meter in Europe.
- Experience the difference between Lviv by day and by night. We assure you, walking the same streets during the day and at night will be utterly different experiences.
- Appreciate the city's scale from the top of High Castle Hill - the highest point in Lviv.
- Ride a tram, as Lviv was one of the first European cities to introduce this mode of public transport.
- Marvel at the beauty and grandeur of ancient cathedrals, some of which have been standing since the Middle Ages.
Budapest (Hungary)
Historical Budapest is an excellent choice for an active youth weekend. The capital of Hungary keeps up with the times, thus the entertainment industry is very well-developed here, not to mention the variety of historical attractions. If you're planning to spend your upcoming weekend here, InTravel.net can help you plan your visit to this wonderful city and even buy tickets to Budapest in advance.
Costs?
- A spot in a shared room in a hostel costs $8-10.
- A complex lunch at a self-service cafe will set you back $5-7.
What to do?
- Compare the two parts of the city - Buda and Pest.
- View Budapest from a cruise boat on the Danube.
- Swim in the thermal baths during the day and join the same baths for a party at night.
- Visit one of the best zoos in Europe
- Explore the underground world of Budapest - ancient catacombs and the Pálvölgyi caves.
Tbilisi (Georgia)
Georgia is a vibrant country where you can have an entertaining and affordable weekend. Starting, of course, with the capital, as Tbilisi harmoniously combines the atmosphere of antiquity with a modern rhythm of life.
Costs?
- The price for a spot in a hostel is $5-7 per day. A double room in a hotel starts at $20 and up.
- A lunch of national Georgian dishes (khachapuri, kebab, khinkali) will cost about $10-12.
What to do?
- Try to cover all of Tbilisi's attractions on foot to soak up the city's special atmosphere.
- Ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress.
- Learn new plant names at the botanical garden.
- Learn to make toasts during a wine tasting.
- Don't just stay in Tbilisi; go explore the attractions of other regions: the waterfalls of Svaneti, the wines of Kakheti, the ancient city of Mtskheta.
flickr / Vadim Klochko
Krakow (Poland)
Krakow is considered the cultural capital of Poland, so a weekend here will definitely be rich and enlightening. The city boasts well-developed tourist infrastructure, and Polish prices will make the trip even more pleasant.
Costs?
- A double room in a hostel costs $25-30. Krakow is a very popular destination for tourists, so we recommend you book a hotel in Krakow on InTravel.net in advance. Moreover, you can immediately plan the route of your future trip on the site.
- A street snack such as a sandwich or a bun is about $2. A light lunch of a cutlet, side dish, and salad will cost around $4.
What to do?
- Start your acquaintance with the city from the Market Square, which is considered the largest in Europe.
- Enhance your knowledge through the rich exhibits of the Archaeological Museum and the National Museum of Krakow.
- Learn to navigate using a topographic map in Wolski Forest.
- Climb Kosciuszko Mound and view the city from above.
Tivat (Montenegro)
Tivat - a resort city in Montenegro, which, however, is not as well-known as Budva or Kotor. Nevertheless, due to this, there's a smaller stream of tourists and prices do not soar during the season. Tivat is the perfect place for those who love a calm and measured rest by the sea.
flickr / Magalie L'Abbé
Costs?
- Apartments in a private house for two will cost $20-30. A room in a 3-star hotel costs $50.
- A lunch for two consisting of grilled fish and salad will cost $25-30.
What to do?
- Sunbathe on all the resort's beaches.
- Visit the neighboring islands of Flowers, St. Mark, and Our Lady of Mercy near Tivat.
- Go diving and explore underwater caves and shipwrecks.
- Take photos against the backdrop of the Bucha Fortress, built over 500 years ago.
flickr / Andrey Shagin
Kaliningrad (Russia)
Kaliningrad is a piece of Russia in the heart of Europe and at the same time a little Europe on the map of the Russian state. This city and the eponymous region are geographically located between Poland and Lithuania, on the Baltic Sea coast, but administratively are part of the Russian Federation. Visiting this city is worthwhile at least to see the striking contrast between the gray monotonous constructions of the Soviet era and the traditional ancient quarters in the spirit of Old Europe.
flickr / Jongwon Lee
Costs?
- A double room in a modest hotel costs $15-20. A spot in a hostel is cheaper - $7-8.
- A light lunch for two in a city cafe will cost about $10.
What to do?
- Take a photo against the backdrop of the Cathedral.
- Learn more about the region's history in the Amber Museum and Fish Village.
- Go to the sea and find a piece of amber in the sand.
- Visit the unique natural wonder, the Curonian Spit, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Walk through the Dancing Forest and marvel at the trees' bizarrely bent trunks, twisted in the most incredible ways.
flickr / Tania L
