1. Kraków, Poland
Festival vibes meet olde-worlde history in Kraków. We recommend packing in as many medieval sites as possible, and then getting stuck into a great night out. Try to plan your trip to coincide with one of the city’s many, many festivals, which range from the typical (think Summer Jazz Festival and the Kraków Film Festival) to the more obscure, like the International Soup Festival. Yum.
Average one-bed Airbnb: £59 ($77)
Average pint: £2.15 ($2.82)
Photograph: Shutterstock
2. Riga, Latvia
In Riga, it’s all about the art nouveau. The architecture is seriously beautiful, and there’s a huge, buzzy creative scene. Check out Putti, a modern gallery and events space, or Rīgas Birža for something more traditional. Looking for something less refined? The booze here is really cheap – so if you’re looking to let loose, head to the Old Town for all the most established bars.
Average one-bed Airbnb: £49 ($64)
Average pint: £2.76 ($3.66)
Photograph: JossK / Shutterstock.com
3. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Český Krumlov is a lot like Prague, but without the stag dos. Its labyrinthine, baroque streets all lead you, eventually, to the huge castle complex at the centre. It’s beautiful in summer, but for the really picturesque views go in winter, when it’s blanketed in snow. Keep warm in one of the many cosy cafés, or try traditional food in one of the live music parlours. Not a rowdy bunch of blokes to be seen.
Average one-bed Airbnb: £76 ($99)
Average pint: £1.44 ($1.89)
Photograph: F8 studio / Shutterstock.com
4. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is great if you’re looking for a good time. Don’t sleep on the nightlife, just make sure to avoid the overhyped bars near the centre and head for one of the sky bars instead. You can try (delicious, hearty) traditional food for bargain prices, too. Our reccomedation is the legendary Caru’ cu Bere – order the grilled pork and a side of sauerkraut.
Average one-bed Airbnb: £45 ($59)
Average pint: £1.48 ($1.94)
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Photograph: Shutterstock
5. Belgrade, Serbia
Chaotic, gritty, packed and super cheap – Belgrade is anything but a quiet getaway location. Smokey dive bars and gig venues nestle in old socialist architecture, competing for space in the once-desolate Savamala area, which is now home to a thriving culture scene. Head to Ada Ciganlija, a reclaimed island on the Sava river, if you’re looking to find a tiny, tranquil slice of nature.
Average one-bed Airbnb: £39 ($51)
Average pint: £1.53 ($2.01)
Photograph: Shutterstock
6. Kaunas, Lithuania
Kaunas is going to be big this year. It’s one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2022, and an incredible 1,000 events are being planned to celebrate it. If you can’t make it to any of them, there are plenty of seriously impressive exhibition spaces open all year round, like the Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery. And if you want something a bit weirder, head to the seriously strange Devil’s Museum.
Average one-bed Airbnb: £58 ($76)
Average pint: £2.90 ($3.81)
Photograph: Shutterstock
7. Zagreb, Croatia
This city is made for walking – we recommend that you wander from the beautiful, sprawling main square to basically every sight. That’ll keep costs low, and your exposure to amazing sights high. If you do want to get your transport fix, though, jump on the funicular and head up the hill for unbeatable views. Or just hang out in one of the many, many cool cafés.
Average one-bed Airbnb: £51 ($66)
Average pint: £1.82 ($2.39)
Source: 11 of the Cheapest Cities to Visit in Europe on a Budget (timeout.com)