Europe has always been a sought after destination for Indian travellers but many times the grand travel plans are halted midway because of prices! Even if you bag a cheap flight, there's no guarantee that the cost of enjoying the attractions of the place will be affordable. If you book a grand European tour package, there is a restriction on what you can see and do. You are left tied to the package and can't wander off to enjoy and explore the city at your own pace!
So here's the short list of the cheapest countries in Europe you can travel to in budget
Hungary
Stunning architecture, vibrant folk art, thermal spas, beautiful lakesides and Europe's best nightlife, Hungary is a country that deserves to be visited. And the best city, is the capital - Budapest.
Budapest is a beautiful city and its charm has often led to it being called the 'Paris of the East'. It remains a popular destination because of its low prices, beautiful architecture, youthful spirit, vibrant nightlife, and history. It has complex past that has resulted in a beautifully diverse culture, reflected in every corner of the city. The 19th century Chain Bridge, connecting Buda and Pest, the two parts of the city divided by The Danube, is a great example of the architectural marvels that this city has. Sitting on the banks of Danube, while the sun sets and the city lights up, is one of the most peaceful and beautiful, making Hungary one of the most popular choices among tourists booking holidays to cheapest countries in Europe.
Cheapest Month To Fly: March 2018 from New Delhi
Must Visit: Buda Castle, Parliament House, Jewish Quarter, Matthias Church.
Must Eat: Langos, Goulash, Lecso, Tokaj Wine and Fisherman's Soup.
Must Do: Take a dip at the Thermal Baths; Grab a glass of local wine at a Hungarian Ruin Bar; Walk through the Central Market Hall; Trek to Gellert Hill.
Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 500; Food – Rs. 1000; Travel via public transport – Rs. 500; Accommodation – Average cost for one night – Rs. 2500 on double occupancy.
Spain
Spain is the most passionately alive country in Europe. It's a place where anything can happen and crazy experiences are waiting at every corner. And Madrid, the capital is one of it's most beautiful cities to explore.
Madrid is Spain's capital and one of its largest cities. It's also one of the cheaper countries in Western Europe. Reasonable prices, beautiful architecture, yummy food, lively nightlife make Madrid a sought after destination for one and all. As soon as you step foot in the city you can see it breathe around you! It is one of the most liveliest cities in the Western Europe. Madrid may lack the romance of Paris, and the history of Rome but it doesn't make it any less exciting. It is a city of passion and life, music and dance, good food and better wines. And it is an artistic city which can confidently claim the title of 'Culinary Capital' of Europe!
Cheapest Month To Fly: October 2017 from Ahmedabad
Must Visit: Reina Sofia Museum, Madrid Royal Palace, Prado Museum and Plaza Mayor
Must Eat: Tapas, Tortilla Espanola, Gazpacho, Seafood Paella and Sangria
Must Do: Dine at Botin, a famous restaurant that has been mentioned in numerous books and movies; Stroll along Grand Avenue, a beautiful stretch with stunning sights all around; Shop at El Rastro Flea Market; Dine at a Tapas Bar; Eat late night churros, available almost at every corner in Madrid.
Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 750; Food – Rs. 1800; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 250; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 3500 on double occupancy.
Portugal
Portugal is cheerful, energetic, creative and adventurous. It's a country that charms you into exploring it at length, a country where the past and the present mingle and create harmony. And to experience the true Portugal, visit Lisbon.
Famous for its pastel buildings, café culture, and Fado music, Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city. And it's friendly on the pocket with cheap accommodations and attractions costing lesser than other Western European cities. Lisbon very effortlessly combines traditional heritage with modern culture. With great weather all year round, Lisbon serves as a great place to just sit back and relax on the beach with cheap but tasty local wines and gorgeous Atlantic Ocean.
Cheapest Month To Fly: October 2017 from New Delhi
Must Visit: Palace of Ajuda, Belem Tower, Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira, Rua Augusta Church and Sao Jorge Castle.
Must Eat: Pastel De Nata (Egg Custard Tarts), Bacalhau (Cod Fish), Polvo A Lagareiro (Boiled and Roasted Whole Octopus) and Sopa De Cacao (Shark Soup).
Must Do: See the sun rise over Almafa from Sao Pedro De Alacantara Miradouro; Shop for antiques and pottery at Fiera Da Ladra; Listen to the traditional Faso at Tasca Bela; Take a sightseeing tour on a tuk tuk; Have a cup of 'Uma Bica', traditional Portuguese espresso; Cruise through the town on the historic Tram 28.
Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 500; Food – Rs. 1300; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 200; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 2000 on double occupancy.
Italy
Italy is not only one of the cheapest countries in Europe but also a fascinating mix of art, history, food and wine. It's heart-thumping, soul-stirring and beautiful beyond. And Rome, the heart of Italy, is a reflection of everything the country has to offer and more.
Rome is a true mix of old and new. It’s a city that proudly flaunts its ancient history while it continues to evolve. It's a city that lives and breathes - it's dirty, crowded and noisy. It’s also beautiful, romantic and has a certain magical aura around it. It is proud of its grand monuments, that have stood strong against time and technology, but it is also reflective of the modernism and advancement happening around it. The cobbled lanes and hidden cafes, the gelato stands and coffee outlets - these details just add to the overall charisma of Rome.
Cheapest Month To Fly: November 2017 from New Delhi
Must See: The Colloseum, The Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and The Vatican City.
Must Eat: Other than pizza, pasta and gelato, do try Carciofo Ala Romana (stuffed artichokes), Torta Ricotta (ricotta cheese and sour berries cake), Maritozzo (sweet bread roll filled with whipped cream) and Coda Alla Vaccinara (tomato soup with stewed ox-tail).
Must Do: Take a stroll along the oldest and longest road of Rome, via Appia Antica; Visit Quartiere Coppedè, a hidden fairy-tale neighbourhood; Visit Trajan’s Market and the ruins located on Via dei Fori Imperiali; Visit Mercato Monti, one of Rome's trendiest markets and visit the deconstructed church at Caracalla.
Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 1000; Food – Rs. 1500; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 500; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 3000 on double occupancy.
Greece
Greece is hiking through majestic landscapes, experiencing romantic sunsets, and visiting sun bleached ancient ruins. Athens - its capital is the place to experience the beauty of this gorgeous country.
Athens is the land of Gods and heroes and is one of the most iconic cities in Europe. It's an old city with narrow lanes, but has a vibrant feel with its bustling cafes, bars and restaurants. The city's cultural and social life passes by these ancient monuments merging the past and the present in an enigmatic manner. It is a city where culture, history, nightlife and food welcome you with open arms. Hotels in Athens can be expensive, so it's ideal to check out affordable Airbnbs or hostels! Food in touristy areas is expensive, so opt for going a little off the trail and having true Greek food!
Cheapest Month to Fly: July 2017 from Mumbai
Must See: The Acropolis, The Parthenon, The Roman Stadium, Syntagma Square, Plaka (the neighbourhood of the Gods).
Must Eat: Moussaka (eggplant, meat and tomato layered dish), Souvlaki (grilled meat or veggies), Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), Galaktoboureko (custard in filo pastry) and Ouzo liquor.
Must Do: Go water-skiing at the Saronic Gulf, Watch the changing of guards at the parliament building; Pass by the Hadrian’s Arch; Visit the Temple of Zeus; Be artsy and see the Athenian Street/Graffiti Art; Shop at flea markets, specially at Monastiraki; Eat traditional Greek food
Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 1000; Food – Rs. 1600; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 250; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 1800 on double occupancy.
Czechia
Czech Republic, Czechia now, is a country where you can spend your vacation relaxing in spas or by the countryside, or spend it drinking beer and soaking the culture. The capital, Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best city to try European Beer!
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world — it’s like you stepped inside a fairytale. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and that shows the historic component of the city more than anything else. It's a city that still has trams running in the middle of cobbled pathways and small cafes lined up on the sidewalks welcoming you to try their ice creams and other baked goods. And the beer in Prague is one of the best that you'll taste in the world. Germany may have Octoberfest but it's Prague that boasts of the best beer in Europe. Here's a city where you don't even have to speak, just place a beer mat on your table and beer is served. Prague is a city as beautiful as Paris, with a history as rich as Rome.
Cheapest Month To Fly: October 2017 from Mumbai
Must See: Kafka Museum, Prague Castle, Jewish Museum, St. George's Basilica and Kampa Park.
Must Eat: Potato Pancakes, Pork Knuckle, Steak Tartare and Eggs; Svickova na Smetane (beef in gravy) and Kolaches.
Must Do: Walk along the Charles Bridge; See the hour pass by in the Prague Astronomical Clock; See a show at the Prague National Theatre; Climb the steps to see the Prague Castle and enjoy the city view from there; Try a local beer; Dance in front of the Dancing House; Get a photo in front of the Lennon Wall.
Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 400; Food – Rs. 1100; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 250; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 2000 on double occupancy.
Poland
Poland is about harbour-side history, reconstructed cities and tranquil mountain views. Warsaw, a city literally reborn after the war, shows the true spirit, determination and strength of the Polish way of life.
Warsaw is a city of rebirth. It's a city born out of the ashes of a terrible war and has established itself as a modern wonder. It's different from a usual European city, as it is not around a city square but instead, spread in a vertical manner, full of Gothic, communist and modern architecture. It's a city that survived World War II and emerged as a fascinating mix of cultures and landmarks.
Cheapest Month To Fly: October 2017 from New Delhi
Must See: The Old Town, Park Łazienkowski, The Royal Route (from Old Town to Wilanów Palace), Warsaw Ghetto, Warsaw Uprising Museum.
Must Eat: Polish Highlander cheese, Pierogi, Paczki Pastries, cabbage rolls and potato dumplings.
Must Do: Hang out at Plac Zbawiciela (Savior Square), Relax at the Zegrze Lake, Visit the Adam Mickiewicz Museum Of Literature, Sit by Sigismund’s Column, Go to the Museum Of Caricature And Cartoon Art and Visit the Grand Theatre.
Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 550; Food – Rs. 1050; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 350; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 2500 on double occupancy.
Georgia
From beautiful vineyards to enchanting churches and watchtowers, from fantastic mountain scenery to intriguing little villages bustling with life, Georgia is a marvellous canvas for walkers, horse riders, cyclists, skiers, rafters and travellers of every kind.
A multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious city, Tbilisi is the emerging destination in Eastern Europe. It has some of the best fashion boutiques, amazing local cuisine, gorgeous architecture and a history that is reflected in the day to day lives of the people. The lively atmosphere of its cobbled streets and diversity of the people living there shows how Tbilisi is the right mix of East and West.
Cheapest Month To Fly: November 2017 from Mumbai
Must See: Narikala Fortress, Rustaveli Square, Georgian National Museum, Jvaris-Mama church, Mother Georgia Monument and Tbilisi Mosque.
Must Eat: Khachapuri Adjaruli (stuffed cheese bread), Churchkhela (nuts soaked in grape juice), Tklapi (fruit rollups) Lobiani (flaky disks of bean-filled dough) and Kharcho (beef or veggie soup)
Must Do: Take a dip in the Sulfur Spring Baths; Shop at the Meidan Bazaar; Watch a puppet show at the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre; Take a walk on the Peace Bridge; Visit a local Georgian wine factory.
Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 400; Food – Rs. 1000; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 150; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 2500 on double occupancy.
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