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Exploring Europe doesn't have to break the bank.
And while cities like London, Oslo, and Zurich are notoriously expensive, there are still plenty of affordable destinations to explore.
Travel insurance company Quotezone conducted research to find the most affordable cities in Europe. And this underrated cultural spot has proven to be the best for budget travelers.
An affordable hot spot
Warsaw is an incredibly affordable vacation destination with hotel rooms costing just 45.60 euros ($49.50) per night on average. And as a bonus, the city has no tourist tax.
Taking public transportation to get around the city will cost less than a euro (and less than a dollar), while you won't have to spend more than $6-7 to visit one of the many museums and city galleries.
But there are many more reasons to visit this beautiful city than just affordability.
here's why I think Warsaw is so underratedand why the city stands head and shoulders above so many of its contemporaries when it comes to budget pausing.
The best attractions in Warsaw
Warsaw is a city with a rich and eventful history.
Much of the city, and particularly its old town, was razed during World War II, but it was so carefully rebuilt that today it is the most popular tourist attraction in the city.
Warsaw Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is such a pretty and colorful space. Exploring Warsaw Old Town is free, making it a great option for travelers on a budget.
And while many of the city's museums and other attractions charge a fee, many of them are also free at different times of the week.
A visit to Warsaw's magnificent Royal Castle will cost 30 zl ($7.60) but entry is free on Wednesdays. The Chopin Museum also offers free entry on Wednesdays.
The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews has an entrance fee of 25 zl ($6.30) but is free on Thursdays.
You can also visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum for free on Sundays, otherwise entry costs a very reasonable 25 zl ($6.30).
The Palace of Culture and Science costs 20 zl ($5.00) but I highly recommend this attraction. The building itself was the last “gift” given to the city by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and is a very controversial building. What really sets it apart is its panoramic terrace, from where you can enjoy views of the entire city.
Excellent hospitality
Wherever you go in Warsaw, you will be assured of a warm welcome: tourists are in demand here. They are proud of their city and want to share it.
Warsaw is the birthplace of Chopin and Marie Curie and you will find them both celebrated in the streets.
In the old town, there are even benches that play Chopin's music when you sit down.
And the food in Warsaw is excellent. From traditional Polish dumplings to incredible Asian cuisine to the best pizza I've ever had, you'll truly be spoiled for choice.
The city's nightlife is also great. My favorite place to go after dark is Roots Cocktail Bar, which was chosen as the number one bar in Warsaw by Tripadvisor (and by me!)
The drinks are amazing, the staff is attentive and there is live music on the weekends. It’s such a great atmosphere.
And if you cross the Wisła River you will find Praga, which is the city's original artistic center and popular with its students. Here you'll find cafes, bookstores, funky graffiti and a host of local pubs. I think it's best visited in the evening.
Warsaw is not the most popular tourist destination in Poland. The city tends to be overshadowed by other Polish cities like Krakow and Gdansk. It's a shame, because Warsaw may not be as spectacular, but it's still my favorite Polish city.
There are some real hidden gems in Warsaw that are worth exploring. Especially if you are traveling on a budget.
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The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the publication.
