A European vacation can be eye-wateringly expensive, especially if you choose to visit some of the most popular European tourist destinations such as Paris, Venice, Rome and London. However, if you’re planning on a budget vacation in Europe in 2012, then you may consider choosing some of these cheaper European cities to preserve your budget;
Berlin, Germany’s capital city is one of the cheapest tourist destinations in Europe and rather surprisingly, this vibrant city is relatively inexpensive in comparison to numerous other European cities. Berlin in short is one of Europe’s cultural hubs, which offers plenty of amazing things to see and explore. You will come across ancient architectural monuments and churches such as the biggest church in Berlin, the Berliner Dom, the highly regarded Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche and the large Catholic domed church of St. Hedwigs Kathedrale.
There are also many cultural centres and modern hot-spots in Berlin. Explore the city’s vast array of galleries, art centres and museums such as Museumsinsel, Kulturforum and the Berlinische Galerie which showcases a number of modern cutting-edge arts. In addition, enjoy dining at any of the superb cafés, excellent eateries and traditional restaurants, serving a wide choice of authentic German and international cuisine.
You could also try to catch a local show at one of the many cinemas, theatres and opera houses in Berlin. Try the Deutsches Theater with classical performances, or if modern theater is more your thing make your way to the Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz and for a memorable opera performance book your seat at the Deutsche Oper which is a classic opera house.
Discover the imaginative modern architecture that the city boasts and tour across the city’s most historically significant and distinct neighbourhoods while vacationing here. Furthermore, go out for experiencing the city’s most pulsating nightlife.
Another popular (and yet so cheap) European city to explore is Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. This amazing tourist destination and Hungarian capital is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with myriads of unique things to see and do.
For decades, the beautiful historic monuments and spots in Budapest attract a large number of history buffs from all across the globe. While in the city, don’t miss to visit the beautiful historic sections of the Castle Hill where people flock to see the stunning Royal Palace, the huge array of classical paintings in the National Gallery and the neo-gothic architecture of the Matthias Church.
Tour across the sprawling urban localities of Pest adjoining the Danube River (which of course if a whole tourist attraction in itself) and explore the neo-gothic Parliament Buildings and many museums which are situated here. You can also enjoy exploring the beautiful mansions, cosmopolitan centres and shopping establishments that the modern city of Budapest has to offer.
The Andrássy út boulevard in Pest is home to many delights such as the State Opera House where you can get glammed up, the City Park where you can relax by day and the Ernst Museum which features many contemporary Hungarian works of art. Astonishingly, Budapest is an active, mystifying and enticing city unlike most of the traditional European cities. The city’s urban appeals, historic scene and the vast entertainment choices are perfect for an enjoyable and budget European vacation.
If you are aware of the city of Istanbul in Turkey, then you should know that Sultanahmet, the ancient Islamic province, is located within Istanbul. Renowned as the most scenic and major tourist attraction in Istanbul, this popular province houses numerous historic establishments such as the Topkapi Palace, Saint Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Hippodrome, Egyptian Spice Markets and the most popular Grand Bazaar.
In addition, the city also boasts a wide array of touristy things to do including the scenic tours to the Dolmabahce Palace and Camlica Hill and cruise trips to Bosphorus, a crucial waterway separating the continents of Asia and Europe. If you are looking for some scenic adventures, then take a tour to the Prince’s Islands in the gorgeous Marmara Sea.
Also visit the amazing avenues in Akbiyik Caddesi and enjoy shopping and dining at this popular urban province of Istanbul, which is lined with chains of local eateries, cafés and bars.
Dubrovnik in Croatia is another great holiday choice and is also a cheap European travel destination choice for many. This southern Croatian city is also known as The Pearl of The Adriatic and boasts a number of ancient monuments and heritage sites and in fact has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.
In addition, the city also offers an array of excellent nature spots and beaches such as the Lapad and Banje beaches, where you can relax during the day. You can also opt for various day trips to the Cavtat, Mljet National Park or Elaphite Islands and get ready for a wonderful nature touring experience in Croatia. The more adventurous can also go swimming in the warm Adriatic Sea beneath the old harbour walls, charter a local yacht to explore the surrounding landscapes or even take a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is home to the gothic renaissance architectural wonder, the Sponza Palace and the central street, Placa Stradun, come to life at night with a myriad of shops, bars and entertainment.
