Save on your European vacation by flying to less touristy destinations. (iStock)
Planning a budget trip to Europe is not impossible. It's about choosing where and when to travel. Travelers looking to explore the continental delights of the old country should probably avoid the busy summer months and instead opt for off-season trips during the fall and winter months.
Choosing an economic region like Eastern Europe and avoiding tourist hotspots like London and Paris can help you maximize your investment. If Eastern Europe isn't for you, visit cities near popular regions to save money. For example, if visiting Spain is on your travel list, you can opt for a cheaper city like Valencia and still taste the essence of Spain for a fraction of the price of visiting a more affected city by mass tourism like Barcelona. .
During your stay in Europe, opt for public transport or walking: two excellent ways to discover a city. You can also save money on food and drinks by avoiding restaurants located in tourist areas and eating where locals eat instead.
When you choose a hotel, you can find exclusive and unique rates of up to 50% off for globally recognized hotel chains and thousands of excellent and unique boutique hotels around the world through ShareItTravel's global hotel booking platform.
These are five affordable cities you can visit in Europe if you are traveling on a budget.
1. Porto, Portugal
Bologna, Italy is a foodie's paradise. (iStock)
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and was elected an ideal destination for small budgets by US News. The town has plenty of old-world charm, with cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century townhouses. Plus, this is where you can find the best sweet-tasting port. Travelers love saving on free tourist attractions like Porto's museums, architecture, lush parks, and beaches.
Full of good local food spots will give you a real insight into the local cuisine. To benefit from 50% off your hotel reservations for your European getaway, consider signing up for a free ShareItTravel travel subscription. Book your stay with world-renowned hotel chains or choose from unique boutiques.
2. Bologna, Italy
Bologna, Italy is a foodie's paradise. (iStock)
Florence, Italy, is a top European destination, which makes it more difficult to score deals. If you want to enjoy the charm of this beautiful Italian city at a reduced price, consider visiting Bologna instead. The city was recently voted one of the most underrated European destinations for travelers for its culinary scene. Additionally, it is rich in architecture and historical significance.
Additionally, you can easily access Florence for a day trip by train and book your trip via Rail line. It takes on average 45 minutes to travel from Bologna to Florence by train, a distance of approximately 80 km.
Find your hotel in Bologna at rates up to 50% off thanks to ShareItTravel's global hotel booking platform.
3. Valencia, Spain
Try authentic Valencian cuisine. (iStock)
Valencia is another affordable European city, known for its lush landscape and beautiful beaches. You'll experience an open-air Spanish food market, similar to the one in Barcelona, but without the crowds.
The city is home to many monuments and the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex of museums, cinemas, theaters and much more. Don't miss out on trying an authentic Valencian paella.
You can also save on your stay in Valencia by booking your hotel at an exclusive rate through ShareItTravel's global hotel booking platform.
4. Athens, Greece
Athens has history and great beaches. (iStock)
Athens is the capital of Greece and the largest city in the country. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is the southernmost capital of the European continent. This capital is known for its rich history, culture and gastronomy.
You'll want to visit the majestic ruins of the Parthenon and explore some of the city's unique neighborhoods, like the Plaka. The quaint streets, historic monuments and bustling shops of this neighborhood make it a must-see. Find Athens hotels up to 50% off via ShareItTravel's global hotel booking platform.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is an affordable European city. (iStock)
Hungary is another cheap European country that offers a similar experience to expensive Western European cities. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, offers several major attractions to visit for free, such as Heroes' Square and the Széchenyi chain bridge across the Danube.
You will also want to check out the Széchenyi baths and swimming pool, a popular neo-baroque spa complex that has been around for over a century. Plus, an average meal costs around $7, so eating out won't cut into your travel budget too much.
Saving on hotel costs for your Budapest vacation doesn't mean skimping on quality. ShareItTravel's global hotel booking platform offers a wide selection of top-rated hotels at discounted prices.
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