Europe is a stunning continent and made up of so many different countries with so much to offer. From the Victorian, cobbled streets and royal history of England, to the vineyards of Italy, and the coastal regions of Spain, there’s plenty to see and do. If you want to broaden your travel horizons and have a bucket list of places to see, but don’t want to loosen the purse strings too much, there are still ways to do so.
In fact, it’s easier than you think, so I’ve rounded up the best European destinations to head to if you’re on a budget.
London, England
Although the average visitor to London spends a reported £683, it can actually be done on a budget – if you know how. As capital cities go, it’s a fantastic place to go. Pubs, shopping, palaces, parks; London is bustling with culture, and can be the perfect weekend getaway. Even those who live in the capital say they could be here for years and not see everything, so it pays (in more ways than one) to create an itinerary. Travel on the tube and use your contactless card to avoid wasting extra money on tickets, so you only pay per journey. Book a budget hotel such as a Travelodge – with loads of central locations which are comfortable, clean, and affordable – as it’s a great way to rest your head after a busy day. You can also scope out the best things to see and do for free that week through websites such as Time Out (and the cheap eats, too!).
Palermo, Sicily
The capital of Italian island, Sicily, Palermo is a stunning place to experience all the country has to offer in the way of culture, weather, and of course, food. Italy is a fantastic place to go if you’re counting the pennies. If you scope out the right places, it can really be very affordable. When you go out for drinks, you’ll find the bars offer up an abundance of free snacks to accompany your aperitifs. Plus, the more you spend on drinks, the more you’ll get in terms of snacks! Olives, bread, arancini, crisps; it’s all readily available and can double up as a light lunch to save even more money, too. Check out all the free things to see and do in terms of museums, historical ruins, and churches, head to the beach for the day and take a picnic, and travel by foot or bus, as opposed to expensive taxis.
Palma, Majorca
Nestled on the coast, close to the airport, Palma is where the tourists and locals flock to every summer. Its selection of hotels are very affordable, to match the many restaurants, bars and local shops. You can even book your own villa or Airbnb, which means you’ll save money on cooking your own meals and enjoying a glass or two of wine on the balcony as opposed to spending money in a bar. Travelling around the city can mostly be done on foot, especially if it’s a beach holiday you’re after, and the beaches are free to all, just remember to take plenty of towels and your own parasol so you don’t have to fork out for a sun lounger on the beach.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
In recent years, Eastern European countries such as Croatia have grown drastically in popularity, especially destinations such as Dubrovnik. This seaport is the perfect representation of relaxed city life (if you can ever say those two words in the same sentence), and will leave you in awe every time. It’s also a very cost-friendly destination, whether you’re after a weekend break or a full-blown week-long holiday. The City Walls are a popular landmark, but free to explore, as are many galleries and museums, as well as other historical spots. The food and drink are exceptionally well-priced, with a bottle of local beer available for as little as £2. Bargain! Kick back, enjoy the weather, and soak up the atmosphere without worrying about money for a few days.
If you’re hoping to keep your budget in check on your next holiday, here are the best European destinations to put on your bucket-list. Have you visited any of these destinations? We would love to hear more about your experience below.
