1.Vilnius, Lithuania
There are not as many tourists in Vilnius as in many other Eastern European countries, so Lithuania last year launched an unusual campaign aimed at attracting visitors, primarily millennials. A campaign with the slogan "Nobody knows where it is, but when you find it - it's great. Vilnius: The G-spot of Europe ", showed a young woman lying on a map of Europe, grabbing Lithuania in her hand while keeping her eyes closed in ecstasy. The campaign caused a great deal of attention, and negative criticism in Lithuania, because it was launched a few weeks before the arrival of Pope Francis. Vilnius is known as one of the cities with the largest number of churches in the city center, but apart from sightseeing the sacral buildings, you have a lot to do. In the Old Town, for example, you have Užupis, an ‘artistic republic’ with its own anthem and constitution. For the best view of the city, climb the Gediminas tower, and if you like heights, we suggest another activity, which is not cheap, but it is fun: flying in a hot air balloon. These tours are quite popular, and some flights start from the city center, so you will often see balloons in the sky above Vilnius. Flight prices range from around 100 euros and up. For a souvenir, go to the market and look for apple cheese. You read that right. Apple cheese is dark in color and is traditionally made in Lithuania, Belarus and Poland. Be sure to try Shirvenos pea beer as well.
2.Belgrade, Serbia
The capital of Serbia is a great choice for a cheap trip, especially if you like to eat well and have even better fun. Take a walk along Kalemegdan, sit somewhere on a good barbecue, peek into the insanely decorated restaurant Lorenzo & Kakalamba, visit the Tesla Museum, and in the evening explore the fun on rafts located along the banks of the Sava and Danube rivers. In summer, bathe on Ada Ciganilia, today a peninsula that is a wonderful recreational oasis. Or at least have a coffee there overlooking the river. Taxi transportation is cheap so don’t even worry about how they’ll get around town.
3.Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey has risen again as one of the TOP destinations for tourists and is reputed to be one of the cheapest destinations, whether you are traveling to Istanbul or going on a beach holiday to Antalya. There is not much to write about Istanbul, probably everyone knows that it is a city on two continents, where cats are adored, they eat great and shop even better in the markets, especially the Grand Bazaar. The Coronation Church of the Emperors Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace which was the sultan’s home with a harem of the most beautiful women, numerous baths (hammam) and the huge covered bazaar Kapalı Çarşı are the most famous places in the city and don’t skip crossing to another continent by ferry. Read more about Istanbul in our past articles listed below.
3.Warsaw, Poland
The capital of Poland is the best choice for all who love culture and history. The old city center, which was terribly destroyed during World War II, has been restored and is under UNESCO protection and is worth a visit. Theater and museum lovers will come into their own. Namely, there are over 40 theaters in the city, more than cinemas, and the entrance to numerous museums is only about 5 euros. Visit the officially narrowest house on two floors, only 1.22 meters wide and 9 meters high, before heading to Copernicus Science Center, the best Polish science museum opened in 2010, which houses over 400 interactive exhibits through as many as 6 zones.
5.Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is an extremely affordable city and don't just throw it away when planning new trips. The Palace of Parliament is the number one building you need to see live. With an area of 365,000 square meters and over 1,000 rooms, this is the second largest administrative building in the world commissioned by former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. Be sure to peek into the palace to get the impression of grandeur, but also to experience one of the best views of the city from the balcony of the palace. Of the museums, you should definitely visit the open-air museum Muzeul Satului or Village Museum located in the park of King Michael I and showing the traditional Romanian life in the countryside. You will see 272 authentic peasant houses and farms from all parts of Romania. Once you are here on a tour, go to Herastrau Park where you will see something that will remind you of Paris - the Arc de Triomphe. It was originally built of wood back in 1878 when Romania gained independence, and has since undergone a series of renovations. It's nice that you can climb it! If you like stories about Dracula, continue to Transylvania, which is about a 3-hour drive from Bucharest. Bran Castle of Count Dracula is located in a village on top of a hill. Interestingly, the writer Bram Stoker was never in Romania but the imaginary Dracula’s castle was based on a description of Bran Castle.
6.Porto, Portugal
Porto is a beautiful city located at the confluence of the river Duoro and the Atlantic Ocean, and is primarily known as the place where the alcoholic beverage porto originated and there you will find a number of cellars where you can learn about the history of this drink and of course taste it. And then if you already like authentic things, try their fillets (tripice) and the well-known france. Get accommodation in the center, in the district of Ribeira, which is located along the river, because you will be within easy reach of all important attractions and gastronomic locations.
7.Riga, Latvia
The oldest attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Institute and the architectural architecture. In addition, the local government has a small coffee shop and a restaurant in the village, which is not available, and is served in the village. You will be able to walk to the slope, positite Kuću na uglu (Stura Maja) on the other side to Brugibas Street and Stabu Street. You are kidding the USSR-koristio KGB kao svoje središte gdje su mučili zatvorenike. Danas je tu muzej u kojem možete vidjeti ćelije gdje su držali zatvorenike, tamnice i uredske prostore. As a souvenir from Riga, you can enjoy Crni balzam (Rīgas Melnais balzams) as a Latvian orchard in the medical center of the country, or if you want to have a cocktail or cocktail.
8.Bratislava, Slovakia
Another city on the banks of the Danube is on this list. Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia located near the border with Austria and Hungary and surrounded by vineyards and mountains. The old town center is intended only for pedestrians who like to enjoy themselves as Croats - sitting in cafes. When you’re hungry, head to pubs that serve cheaper food than restaurants. Of the attractions, don't miss the Blue Church, in fact the Church of St. Elizabeth on the corner east of the old part in Bezručova Street, as well as the Bratislava Castle on the hill above the city from where the view of the Danube extends.
9.Sofia, Bulgaria
Although Moscow was in ninth place on the list of surveys, we cannot help but get the impression that something has been miscalculated. Anyone who has been to Moscow knows that it is not a cheap city at all, neither in terms of accommodation nor food. Therefore, we put Sofia on this list on our own, where we had a very good time. Sofia is definitely one of the cheaper destinations in Europe. It is also one of the oldest European cities rich in history, from the Rotunda of St. George from the 4th century to the church of Boyana from the Middle Ages. Sofia may be dormant in the winter, but in the summer this city wakes up and becomes a living combination of different cultures. It is not on the sea, but it is a great city for a good night out. For beach lovers, on the Black Sea coast there are many beautiful and cheap places to relax. The most interesting characteristic of the Black Sea is the low salinity and greenish color of the sea due to the algae. Past the famous Varna, there is Sunny Beach, also the largest summer resort with a beach 5 kilometers long, then Nessebar, Sozopol, St. Constantine and Elena and Golden Sands.
10.Lisbon, Portugal
Just like with position number nine, here we put Lisbon instead of the official ten in whose place Prague stood. Why? Because Prague has become overcrowded. Lisbon is still a destination where you can enjoy without crowding, both in architecture and in low prices of accommodation, food and drinks. We have already written a lot about Lisbon (above in the article at Porto we have posted a few links), and it is not worse to mention that this is THE destination for all who are gourmets and who like to drink really good wine.
11.Krakow,Poland
According to the number of inhabitants, Krakow is somewhere with Zagreb, and it is increasingly becoming a favorite destination of many tourists, especially those who love beer because it is the cheapest beer in Europe. Krakow has the largest concentration of pubs and cafes in the whole world! They are located around the Old Town and the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. Visit Oscar Schindler’s factory. Meet this great World War II hero about whom Spielberg also made a film. Then go to the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp to see probably the saddest place of that same war. And don’t take selfies like some tourists, this is not a place to pose. After that educational, but above all depressing trip, visit the Krakow ZOO, especially if you have never seen pink flamingos in your life.
12.Sarande, Albania
If we don't just put the capitals, we will switch to the sea for a while. The most acclaimed beach destination in Albania is definitely Sarande, their pearl on the sea with over 300 sunny days a year. It is located between the Ionian Sea and the olive-growing hills, and has some of the most beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, in some parts the redevelopment is extremely large, so right next to the beach you have complexes of 5 or more floors.
13.Budapest, Hungary
The beautiful Hungarian capital is a great destination if you want to spend cheap. To visit Budapest, choose the Nomago bus from Zagreb, which will take you to Budapest for 16-20 euros, more specifically to the Népliget National Park. Take advantage of free sightseeing tours and later treat yourself to good, cheap stews and excellent beers. Look for refreshment in the thermal pools, of which we single out the one in the center of Széchenyi.