When it comes to traveling, European countries are among the best choices due to their rich culture and fascinating historical background. The development of European civilization is mainly linked to the era of European colonization, from the 16th to the 20th century. With the expansion and the development of the trade, European countries got a chance to exchange their experiences and enrich the European culture. Of course, this was a brief presentation of the historical background of Europe. However, it helps to explain why today we see modern European cities on the top lists of the best travel destinations with the best reviews from visitors. After highlighting the main reasons why Europe is a ”must-visit” travel destination, we would like to present the best deals for your summer vacations. So here’s our list of the best European cities to visit for cheap summer holidays!
1. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is the most populated city in the Nordic region. This beautiful city is considered the cultural center of Sweden, so it’s the best place to visit to explore the symbolic places, the architectural values and get the picture of the most memorable Swedish buildings. The city is located in Sweden’s Southern east coast near the Lake Mälaren, which is the country’s third largest lake. There are so many places to visit in Stockholm, including the Vasa Museum where you’ll see the oldest ships (constructed in 1626) and explore the main characteristics of their design. If you get tired, you can rest at the stunning Game Park Djurgarden Island, which is a beautiful park in the center of the city. This park attracts visitors due to its relaxing green areas and astonishing sights. Of course, this is only a small part of the entire tour program of Stockholm. As for the costs, we are glad to highlight the fact that the prices have gone down, and the whole trip is 23% cheaper this year when compared to 2014. Thus, the average cost of your trip to Stockholm in summer is just over $2,000 for a one-week stay.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
The capital and the largest city of Portugal, Lisbon has an economic, touristic as well as cultural value for the whole world and that’s why it has been officially recognized as a global city. The city’s icon is Belem Tower, which was built in early 1500’s. Also, it is notable that Belem Tower has been recognized World Heritage monument by UNESCO. Another must-visit place is Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Here you’ll find breathtaking collections of ancient as well as modern arts. Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is a monastery situated near the shore of Belem, which has also been declared as a World Heritage monument by UNESCO. Fortunately, Portugal also offers excellent deals for visitors. A one-week trip to Lisbon in summer will cost you just over $2,000.
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is very popular for its unique architecture and rich historical background. The buildings of this city stand out being representatives of different periods in the history. Of course, a remarkable historical monument is the ”Wall”, which was built to divide Eastern part of Germany from the Western part during the WWII. Another monument that you have to visit during your stay is Brandenburger Tor, which was built in 1788-1791 and nowadays appears to be the characteristic symbol of Germany and Berlin. Luckily to see those as mentioned above and many more places in Germany, you don’t have to spend much money – a one-week trip will cost you just over $2,000.
4. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels was established in the 19th century. Back in the old times, Brussels was a village but today it’s one of the urbanest cities in Europe. During your stay in Brussels, you can visit the Museum of Arts and History to explore the rich collections of ancient Egyptian artworks, as well as the rich heritage left by Corinthian and other ancient civilizations. During your stay, you can take a walk in the Grand Place Square, which is the central square of the city. Filled with cafes, shops and drinking spots this place is one of the best hangout places for a valuable relaxing time. Ok, we presented just a small part of the joy, but to get the whole picture, you need to visit this beautiful city.
5. Athens, Greece
Greece is well known for its rich historical background. There are so many things to speak about when referring to Greek culture. Particularly Athens stands out for showing off a new modern interpretation of the ancient architecture of the city. If you ever visit Athens, you’ll see how interestingly ancient and modern buildings stand right next to each other there and look very harmonious. The characteristic symbol of Athens is Akropolis, a heritage left from ancient Greek civilization. Of course, a lot of things have changed in Athens during the construction works for the Olympic games of 2004. Athens in modern times is a wealthy, cosmopolitan city that attracts visitors with its beautiful sights that have historical value.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
The impressing city with the breathtaking bridges, cathedrals, towers and church domes has so many interesting places you should visit. It is amazing how the city has stayed undamaged after WWII. It should be noted that the best views are separated by the Vltava River. From the left side, you’ll see the beautiful Prague Castle area and Lesser Town and on the right side, you’ll find the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, and the New Town. Another remarkable fact is that the Old Town is linked to Lesser Town by the fascinating Charles Bridge. To enjoy a full tour in Prague, you’ll have to spend just over $2,000, as that’s how much one-week stay will cost you there in summer.
7. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is where history meets arts and romance. The city stands out for presenting an interesting mixture of baroque and neoclassical styles. Budapest is also known as ”the Paris of Eastern Europe” for its incredible architectural heritage and beauty. Also, we would like to highlight especially the fact that the city is popular for its famous, relaxing thermal baths. Your one-week trip to Budapest in summer will cost you about $2,000, and we think that the experience is totally worth the price.
8. Krakow, Poland
Krakow has a cultural and historical meaning not only for Poland but all Europe. Once you get to Krakow, you have to visit the Old Town, which is the central district of Krakow. Old Town has been declared as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites and has been officially named as Cracow’s Historic Centre. In Old Town you’ll see the Royal Road, which is the old royal residence, St. Florian’s Church as well as the Barbican of Krakow, a historic gateway leading to Old Town, built in 1499.
9. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is the historical and cultural center of Romania, located in the southeastern part of the country. The city was declared as the capital of Romania in 1862. Its beauty from the architectural perspective always stands out, as the buildings of the city are the results of an unusual mixture of neoclassical, interbellum (interwar period) and modern styles. A one-week trip to Bucharest will cost you under $2,000.
10. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, which is considered the ”European Corner” of the country. The city was built and developed during the years of Byzantium autocracy, and lots of sights have still maintained their original look. Being under the influence of Hellenistic and Roman architecture and culture for many years this city seems to be an interesting cultural mix. The historic areas of the city are the beautiful Sarayburnu, where the Topkapı Palace, the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Hagia Irene, Zeyrek Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Little Hagia Sophia and Walls of Constantinople are located. To explore the history lying behind these magnificent buildings you have to pay just under $2,000 (for a week stay) which is totally worth it for the experience.
11. Valencia, Spain
Since the very beginning of 2015, Spain has managed to beat another record in the tourism industry with around 25% growth of visitors, thus leading the list of the world’s most touristic countries. While in 2014 Spain received around 65 million tourists, only in January and February of 2015 there were already 6.5 million visitors in the country, which is the reason in 2015 Spain is expected to welcome more tourists than last year. No wonder, everyone wants to visit Spain, as it has so many fantastic cities to explore, each one telling a unique story of culture, traditions, and architecture. What makes Spain lead the list of the most budget-friendly European countries to visit is that it offers the lowest prices while providing excellent service. For less than $1200 you’ll be able to sunbathe, explore the famous sights of Valencia, and taste the mouth-watering national dishes, taking sun-filled positive memories with you to your hometown.
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