These wonderful cities are also pleasantly surprising for their lack of tourist crowds.
Against the backdrop of increasing travel costs, tourists are increasingly looking for ways to save money on their vacations. One of the most popular methods is to choose alternative vacation spots that are not yet overcrowded.
Vinícius Costa, an expert from the travel publication Travel Off Path, has compiled a list of five European cities that offer relatively affordable winter travel experiences that are just as beautiful as the more well-known destinations.
5 beautiful European cities for a budget-friendly vacation this winter
1. Gdansk, Poland
This port city in northeastern Poland is a true post-war miracle. Destroyed during World War II, it has risen from the ashes and become a vibrant center along the Motlawa River, with a picturesque Old Town.
Walking along the main pedestrian street of Gdansk, Dluga Street, you can admire the colorful houses decorated with intricate patterns and decorative cornices. Meanwhile, on the waterfront itself, there is the best-preserved medieval crane in Europe and many “milk bars” serving Polish food at affordable prices. Well, to enjoy the most spectacular view of Gdansk, you should climb the Church of St. Mary.
The average price for dinner in a budget restaurant in Gdansk is 10-15 dollars per person, and in a mid-range restaurant, it is 30-40 dollars for two people. A night in a hostel costs 20-30 dollars, and in a three-star hotel, it costs 45-50 dollars. A single trip on public transportation costs 1.1-1.3 dollars, and admission to museums costs 6-9 dollars.
2. Riga, Latvia
The Latvian capital boasts a vast number of beautifully decorated facades and majestic buildings, and at its heart lies the medieval Old Town with its colorful mansions, traditional taverns, and cobblestone alleys.
The city is also known for one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, with the first Christmas tree being erected in 1510 at the Blackheads House, a historic merchant guild.
The average price for dinner in a budget restaurant in Riga is 8-12 dollars per person, and in a mid-range restaurant, it is 35-45 dollars for two people. A night in a hostel costs 20-30 dollars, and in a three-star hotel, it costs 44-50 dollars. A single trip on public transportation costs 1.6-1.7 dollars, and admission to museums costs 8-9 dollars.
3. Thessaloniki, Greece
Those who are looking for milder weather and the charm of the Old World, which can only be found in the ancient city of Greece, should visit the country’s second-largest metropolis, located on the shores of the azure Mediterranean Sea and boasting a thousand-year history.
Although it can be quite chilly, Thessaloniki hardly ever rains in winter – 4-5 days a month. And if you dress warm enough, you can enjoy souvlaki with homemade wine in a tavern by the sea.
The average price for dinner in a budget restaurant in Thessaloniki is 11-17 dollars per person, and in a mid-range restaurant, it is 28-40 dollars for two people. A night in a hostel costs 25-35 dollars, and a three-star hotel costs 50-65 dollars. A single ride on public transportation costs 0.65-0.7 dollars, and admission to museums costs 8-9 dollars.
4. Pontevedra, Spain
This small town in northwestern Spain is located right on the Way of St. James, a Catholic pilgrimage route that leads to Santiago de Compostela. Although many tourists only consider it as a stopover on the route, it is worth staying longer.
Tourists are greeted by a beautifully preserved historic center with arcaded squares, Gothic buildings, and family-run bars serving tapas for lunch at a fraction of the price in Barcelona.
The average price for dinner in a budget restaurant in Pontevedra is 12-15 dollars per person, and in a mid-range restaurant, it is 50-70 dollars for two people. A night in a hostel costs 32-40 dollars, and in a three-star hotel, it costs 70-90 dollars. A single ride on public transportation costs 2-3 dollars, and admission to museums costs 6-10 dollars.
5. Sofia, Bulgaria
The Bulgarian capital is becoming more and more fashionable every year, but it is still not spoiled by an excessive influx of tourists. For many years, Sofia has been ruled by many civilizations, which has created a truly unique urban landscape: from Roman churches and mosaics to Ottoman-era mosques and the majestic Byzantine-style Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
The average price for dinner in a budget restaurant in Sofia is 9-12 dollars per person, and in a mid-range restaurant, it is 25-35 dollars for two. A night in a hostel costs 17-30 dollars, and in a three-star hotel, it costs 40-60 dollars. A single trip on public transportation costs 0.9 dollars, and admission to museums costs 5-8 dollars.
