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Europe is the dream vacation destination for many Americans, but prices in some cities can be a nightmare. If you have a middle-class income and are considering an affordable European vacation, you can forget about traveling to most Swiss cities, as well as other expensive destinations like Paris, Monte Carlo, and Copenhagen. On the bright side, there are many European destinations It won't break the bank.
You don't have to sacrifice the usual amenities, either. There are many European cities that fit a middle-class budget and also offer the combination of charm, culture, cuisine, scenery and history that you expect from a European vacation.
Here are nine European vacation destinations even the middle class can afford it (listed alphabetically).
Athens, Greece
The 2023 Post Town Cost Barometer has ranked Athens as the cheapest place for a fall city break in Europe, Condé Nast reported. Athens hotels offer “particularly good value,” with prices in some central locations as low as $70 a night.
Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian capital offers many free attractions, including Heroes' Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Meals are also affordable, with coffee and drinks averaging about $2 each and multi-course meals (including a bottle of wine) averaging about $20 or less per person. US News & World Report detailed.
Klagenfurt, Austria
Conde Nast considers Klagenfurt one of the “most affordable” Austrian cities to visit. You can get a main course at many restaurants for only around $7 – and if you're looking for an even better deal, you can visit the farmers' market on Benediktinerplatz. June is the cheapest time to go, before the city fills up with summer crowds.
Lille, France
If you want to soak up the French experience in all its cultural and gastronomic splendor, Lille is a much cheaper alternative to Paris. Cultural attractions cost an average of $15 in Lille, and you can stay at the five-star L'Hermitage Gantois hotel, built in the 15th century, with starting rates of less than $220 a night.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a great place for foodies on a budget. You can enjoy a three-course meal for two with a bottle of house wine for an average price of $42, depending on the Post Town Cost Barometer. For affordable five-star hotel accommodations, consider the 1908 Lisboa Hotel, which costs around $200 per night.
Prague, Czech Republic
According to US News, you won't have to “pay too much money” to experience Prague because many of its top attractions are free. These include strolling Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Petrín Hill. You can also find five-star hotels here for under $350 a night, as well as plenty of three- and four-star accommodations for even less.
Valencia, Spain
This beautiful beach destination has fewer crowds and lower costs than Barcelona and other Spanish coastal towns. You can often find flights and train routes from Barcelona or Madrid to Valencia for less than $100 round trip, US News reported. There's plenty to do here too, with popular sites including the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Central Market.
Vilnius, Lithuania
The Post Office City Cost Barometer ranked Vilnius as the second most affordable European destination overall, first for the most affordable accommodation, fourth for the cheapest meals and fifth for the most affordable cultural attractions. less expensive. You can stay in a four-star hotel, like the Congress Avenue Hotel, for as little as $53 per night.
Zagreb, Croatia
The average cost in Zagreb for a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of house wine is $61, and the average cost to visit cultural attractions such as museums and heritage sites is $12.50. One of the best ways to spend a day is to stroll around the city center and enjoy its great architecture and numerous shops.
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