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Ten Top European Cities
Travelling abroad used to come down to a few well-worn destinations, but since the advent of the cheap and cheerful airlines, the possibilities are almost endless. Here we look at ten top European cities well worth a visit.
And of course, although it might be cheap to get there, you also have to ensure that your destination has decently priced hotels, otherwise all your savings from using a budget airline, will have been instantly wiped out with high accommodation costs.
So, here are our ten European hotspots, in alphabetical order.
And not surprisingly, first up is Barcelona, Spain. Even though this crops up naturally because of its alphabetical position, this gorgeous city would be at the top in many people’s lists and if you haven’t already been to this ever-popular destination, get your skates on now.
It has many claims-to-fame, including being one of the few Cities with a beach nearby (ten minutes) and its memorable architecture, although few doubt that they’ll ever finish the Sagrada Familia cathedral, designed by Antoni Gaudi, but maybe that’s the point. Once visitors have relaxed on the beach, taken in the architectural splendour, one of the other great things about Barcelona is that eating out won’t cost you an arm and a pork leg. Not only are the Spanish famed for their ‘fast-food’ (Tapas), but restaurant and bar prices are not outrageous. Barcelona is still regarded as a cheap city and one which is very welcoming to the cost-conscious tourist and shopper.
Even getting around doesn’t require a wad full of cash, with cheap Metro trains and convenient open-top bus tours which allow you to enjoy the city to its fullest extent. Take for example the La Rambla, an area of the City which is packed full of traditional bars and restaurants.
That’s Spain done. Now we get to the more unusual European hotspots and ones that deserve some attention.
So number two in our list is Bratislava, capital city of Slovakia. And for many of us, it’s wise to check up on our political and geographical textbooks before we venture to such places. Slovakia used to have the word Czech before it, but since 1993, it has been an independent state, which borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Ukraine. Okay, that’s enough of the geography.
The city of Bratislava sits atop the river Danube and provides the enthusiastic traveller with all they need: great accommodation, good food and lots to see, all at cheap prices. And it’s a city packed full of history, from the difficult Cold War times to the more welcome Velvet Revolution, but not forgetting the troubled monarchy. And a lot of that is reflected in the impressive Bratislava Castle.
In the Old Town you will find enough great bars, cafes and restaurants to keep the most discerning foodie happy, and the City Centre is certainly not backward when it comes to shopping at competitive prices.
All in all, there’s nothing Cold War now about Bratislava.
Moving on, our third choice is Bucharest, Romania.
Certainly not an unknown city amongst the experienced traveller, Bucharest is sometimes known as the Paris of the East. That’s not because of the high prices and the lack of natives in August, but mainly because of the architecture. Bucharest also boasts decorous buildings, fine boulevards and lavish parks; a city on a grand scale.
And budget travellers love this city, as it’s cheap to get around, stay and eat. Metro and bus tickets are very good value, and those in the know, looking for great, but very affordable accommodation, tend to gravitate towards the area surrounding the train station.
The list of places to visit is endless and includes the Palace of Parliament, apparently the world’s second-largest building (only beaten by the US defence building, the Pentagon).
Fourth up is Budapest, Hungary. This is another city that claims the River Danube at its heart and is a place which offers good value for the cost-conscious traveller. Divided as it is by the river, over two thirds of the city is on the flat bank to the east and is known as the Pest area. The older part of the city lies on the west bank of the river, which is hillier and known as the Buda area. Here lies the main sites, including the walled castle hill area and royal palace. This is the place for those seeking culture and tradition.
In terms of cost, Budapest enjoys a cheapish transport network and for those wanting to drink and eat, and be merry on a tight budget, then they are in luck. And shopping is not expensive either.
In fifth spot is Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic and famous in many Western minds as being the place where the old Soviet Empire flexed its muscles in 1968, putting down revolution with bloody force.
Ironically nowadays its gaining a reputation as a top European venue for the hen and stag crowds, attracted it would appear mainly by the very low cost of drinks. But if you’re willing to steer past the occasional over excited group of wedding planners, then Prague has a lot to offer as well as cheap booze.
It’s a smallish city, meaning that you can see most of it on foot, but even for those not keen on a bit of exercise, then the transportation system is cheap and cheerful. And for those in need of some sights, it has those and more. Top things to see are the Charles Bridge and the resplendent Prague Castle.
Up until now, most cities will have struck a note of familiarity with those thinking of visiting, but our sixth choice, Ljubljana, in Slovenia, is mostly in unchartered waters.
One of the main charms about the city of Ljubljana is its unspoilt nature which gives a sense of stepping back in time. The city is known for its narrow cobbled streets which exude charm and atmosphere. Here you can enjoy superb cafes and restaurants, as well as a lively shopping scene, including antique and local craft shops.
Those keen on the historic sites can be spoilt with abundant locations, with plenty of picturesque squares, bridges and roads. And there’s even a castle.
Plenty of accommodation is available at the lower end of the market, but travellers should be aware that it is not as high a standard as other European cities. But, if you’re doing things on a tight budget, then there are plenty of cheap places to stay.
In seventh spot comes Riga, in Latvia. This country was for many decades occupied by the Soviet Union who weren’t known for their generosity and charm, nor for their forward town planning. So in architectural terms, for many, Riga still looks like a film set for the Cold War, but there is nothing cold about the welcome visitors receive in the city.
And although Latvia is part of the European Union, prices remain back in the old days, with very good value food and drink. Shopping is also cheap and fun, and for those that want to dash around the city seeing the sites, the trolleybuses are a dream.
Culturally the city has a wealth of sites to see, including the Dome square (its cathedral boasts the largest organ in Europe) and the Occupational Museum, which harks back to the years of Soviet parenthood. And for those keen on shopping at a rustic street level, the Central Market can prove a delight.
Right, for the eighth choice, it’s back to the well worn path of cities that have been on the tourist map for hundreds of years. Rome, Italy, is up their with the best of them. And although it’s a favourite destination of the budget airlines, travellers should be aware that they use airports which can be some miles away. But, at least, some do provide cost-effective transfer transport, so that shouldn’t put the savvy traveller off.
Rome has everything a visitor should want. Great accommodation, - across all levels – superb restaurants, again catering for all budgets, and fantastic shopping. Rome has it all, but it can work out pricey, so make sure you stick to a tight budget.
As to historic sights, it’s doubtful that a person could appreciate them all in one month, nevermind a short stay. So visitors should prioritise and arrange to go back when they get the chance. But first-timers should tick-off the Colosseum (they stopped throwing Christians to the Lions some time ago), the Vatican City (don’t expect a personal audience with the Pope), the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain.
Okay, for our penultimate city on our list, we travel out of the box again. And once again it’s a country which bears the large foot print of its previous occupants, the Soviets. And Tallinn, in Estonia, is currently respected as having the cheapest prices of almost any European city, both in terms of accommodation and food.
For those that want the sense of what it was like living under the iron grip of the Soviets, then the architecture of this city will form the ideal backdrop. The Russians invited themselves in for over 60 years, so there’s much to see.
But there’s plenty of history in the city as well, with most people basing their stay around the medieval quarter of Tallinn, one of the best preserved examples in Europe. Here the lucky victor can enjoy the superb Tallinn Hall Square, quaint old city walls and miles of shopping streets.
Historic sites are in abundance and entry is cheap. All in all, Tallinn has a great deal to offer the European traveller.
Last up in tenth spot is Vilnius in Lithuania. One of the most charming things about this city is its size, its smallish proportions give it a sense of intimacy and cosiness. This also saves on the transport costs, as you can traverse the city quite easily on foot.
It is a city made up of narrow cobbled streets and hundreds of cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s not bad for shopping either, although don’t expect the whole range of goods usually found in European cities. Costs are good too and the budget traveller can feel that their wallet is not being unduly hammered.
And Vilnius is not short of culture either. Head for the Old Town and there’s plenty of galleries, museums and historic sights to enjoy. Live performances are a feature of the city and the arts lover can enjoy, opera, ballet, drama and organ concerts for a very fair price.
So there we are, ten great European cities which offer the new, or seasoned traveller, on whatever budget, a chance to soak up good food, wine and culture.
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