Cheap European cities: low-cost destinations in Europe

This wonderful Polish city, the second largest and one of the oldest in the country, stands on the banks of the Vistula River. Although it is no longer the political capital of Poland, it continues to be perceived by both the national population and tourists from all over the world as its true and only Polish capital of culture. The annual list of events and festivals is endless and each time of year brings with it a celebration of theatre, art, music, film, dance, literature and, last but not least, food. So if you are passionate about art and culture, whether you go as a couple, alone or with your family, Krakow will leave you speechless.

The best time for a holiday is from the beginning of May until the end of July. Pleasant temperatures (up to 20-25 degrees), rarer rains, and months richer in events and festivals (among them the Wianki, Flower Wreath Festival, at the end of May).
SEE ALSO: What to see in Krakow

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and its largest city; it was founded thousands of years ago and still continues to expand as the cultural and economic centre of the country. Currently, the population is around one million, attracted to this nerve centre by the city's strategic location in the west of the country and surrounded by the inland slopes of Mount Vitosha. One of the main strengths of this city is its interculturalism and the coexistence of different traditions and religions that create a unique atmosphere for those who visit.

The best time for a holiday in Sofia is May-June. You will find mild weather, attractions that are not very crowded, and interesting events (e.g. Salon des Arts and SeemeSofia).
SEE ALSO: What you must see in Sofia

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is the country's primary centre of political, economic and cultural life. Its administration is run as an autonomous municipality, so it has a real socio-political skeleton of its own. It has a population of 1,759,000 and is a continuously growing city.
What it has to offer both those who live there and those who are just passing through for tourist reasons is truly colourful and varied, ranging from attractions of historical interest to special architecture, to the characteristic curative thermal waters with which the entire city is littered. For a weekend of pure relaxation or a trip dedicated to art and culture, Budapest will be an excellent choice.

The best time for a holiday is summer, for climate and events, first and foremost the Sziget, a renowned international music festival in early August.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Budapest

The capital of the island of Malta, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is defined as"the Most Humble City": always in flux, encompassing the political and commercial heart of the islands. Its culture and history are steeped in influences dictated by the presence of the Order of the Knights of Malta and its construction was among the most rapid of all Mediterranean cities, completed in only 15 years.
Valletta is the most modern part of the island and is pervaded by masterpieces of Baroque art, making it a World Heritage Site. Strolling through its streets, you can pass fascinating historical sites, discover heraldic coats of arms hidden in back alleys and listen to jazz played live in its picturesque cafés.

We recommend visiting Malta in April, May, June and September. In low season you can enjoy both the sea and the attractions without the high summer temperatures and excessive crowds.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Valletta

Athens is the historic capital of Europe, with a very long history whose first settlements date back to Neolithic times. In the 5th century B.C., the Golden Age of Pericles, the peak of Athens' history acquired universal significance for its civil and political values, as well as for the depth of its cultural and philosophical tradition. Its endless and fascinating monuments represent the various dominations and conquests the city underwent, creating a mosaic of cultures and artistic and religious expressions. Most of the city's historic centre has been converted into a 3 km pedestrian zone leading, at its highest point, to the fulcrum of its archaeological sites in their infinite splendour.

We recommend visiting Athens in spring to find good weather and numerous events (in May the city hosts the Athens Festival).
SEE ALSO: What to see in Athens

Bucharest, the Romanian capital, is not only the country's most populous city with almost 2 million inhabitants, but also the sixth most populous of all European Union capitals. It lies on the Dambovita River and is surrounded by the Ilfov district, but administratively the Bucharest metropolitan area is a district in itself.
This city with many centuries of history today represents the largest industrial and commercial centre in Romania, and bears the imprint of the various historical periods in which it developed. From its birth in the 15th century to the Belle Epoque period where it earned the nickname'Little Paris', by exploring its suburbs and attractions you can experience all the steps of its growth as a city and as a unique reality in Europe.

Between late March and early April you will find enjoyable weather with average temperatures. During the Easter period and at the beginning of spring, the city hosts the Martisor Festival, one of the most significant and engaging events in the Romanian tradition.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Bucharest

The capital of the Slovak Republic, also known as'the beauty on the Danube', not only brings with it an interesting historical heritage but is currently located in the centre of the most developing region of Central Europe. With its population of around 425,000, Bratislava represents a small but vibrant European city situated between the Danube and the inner slopes of the Little Carpathian mountain range. It is precisely its location that has always made it an excellent commercial centre and today, despite its long history, it can boast of being one of the world's youngest capitals, as can its population.

The spring period is the best for a holiday in Bratislava, especially May for the flowering season and evenings full of events, art and music.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Bratislava

Among our suggestions for a low-budget holiday is a not-so-low-cost destination like Paris.
To save money, all you need to do is book a stay between February and April, choose a hostel or small flat in the city centre, eat in boulangeries or the many fabulous patisseries, and you can enjoy a romantic 4-day holiday for less than €300.00 per person.

The French capital, known worldwide as the'City of Lights', is celebrated for its impeccable urban planning, architecture, museums, cathedrals, parks and lush boulevards. It was founded some 2000 years ago from a small island in the middle of the Seine, today's Ile de la Cité, but soon spread to both banks: the right side became and still is the commercial heart of the city while the left side, home to the University of Paris, is the hub of its artistic and intellectual component.
Whether for a romantic weekend getaway or a family outing, Paris retains a magical element for anyone visiting.
SEE ALSO: What you must see in Paris

Ljubljana is the political and cultural epicentre of the Slovenian region, as well as the commercial, transport and cultural hub of the entire nation. Its inhabitants refer to it as'the friendly city' because despite being a small to medium-sized European capital it offers visitors everything they would expect from a real large metropolis, while maintaining the open and friendly character that characterises a small country.

The best period is between April and May and between September and October. The climate is pleasant, accommodation prices are affordable and the attractions are not very crowded.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Ljubljana

Lisbon is the spectacular capital of Portugal, one of the liveliest and most vibrant cities in Europe. At its core, it manages to combine an ancient historical and cultural heritage with a fervent modernism that can be felt in every corner of the city. As a destination for travellers, Lisbon offers not only a favourable year-round climate, but above all an incredible variety of possible activities and attractions for tourists to experience and visit. For this reason, the city lends itself comfortably to all types of holidays: whether for a cultural trip, or for a fun and nightlife holiday with a group of friends, or even for a relaxing weekend in the city with a couple or family.

Thebest time to visit is spring and autumn. Mild climate, affordable flights and accommodation. Every weekend in May there is theOut Jazz Festival. For sea and beaches, obviously best June and early September.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Lisbon

Berlin isn't exactly a low-budget destination either, but it's so rich in opportunities that it easily suits any type of tourist. Especially if you are young and accommodating, you can sleep in a hostel in the centre for around €20.00 per night.

Built on the banks of the river Spree, Berlin has always been one of Europe's most economically, culturally and politically influential cities (for better or worse) since its origins in the 13th century. An ancient capital that still shows in its monuments and buildings the signs of all its history, but without ever losing the modern touch that makes it a truly great metropolis. Hundreds of thousands of visitors all year round are attracted to this city for its unique style, its exceptional museums with an international flavour, and above all for its numerous historical and cultural attractions.

The best period is between May and September. Temperatures are pleasant and there are the most important events of the year (among them the'Carnival of Cultures' between late May and early June).
SEE ALSO: What to see in Berlin

The second longest island in the Adriatic, Pag covers an area of approximately 284 square kilometres and 63 km in length. Due to the strong influence of the bura wind, vegetation is not widespread and the landscape is almost completely untouched. The enchanting beaches and the charm of the island in general have made it a popular summer holiday destination among young people in recent years.
Making Pag an even more inviting destination is the famous resort of Novalia, in the north of the island, which is currently considered one of the most important centres of leisure and entertainment in Croatia with its open-air discos and numerous summer music festivals.
Pag is a very affordable destination, but to save even more money, book in June and September.
SEE ALSO: Island of Pag, Croatia - beaches and nightlife

Today, this famous seaside resort on the Costa Brava is confirmed as a popular summer holiday destination, especially among young people looking for fun. In spite of this, however, Lloret de Mar can boast a very long history, with its origins dating back as far as 300 B.C., as evidenced by the numerous archaeological sites in the area, as it has been considered one of the Mediterranean's most desirable ports since its foundation. It currently welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists every year and its tourist infrastructure is among the most popular of Spain's many coastal destinations.

Like all seaside destinations, May, June and September are the periods with the best price/climate ratio. But generally speaking, costs are affordable even in the high season (July and August).

Tirana, Albania's capital, lies 27km east of the Adriatic coast and sits on the banks of the River Ishm, at the end of a fertile valley. It was founded in the 17th century by a Turkish general and gradually developed as the economic and commercial hub of the region due to its particularly strategic location. In the early 1900s, it was rebuilt according to the plans of a group of Italian architects, so that walking through its streets and admiring its buildings one could feel that one is in an almost familiar place.
This destination lends itself to several holiday variants: the centre is full of attractions for those in search of art and culture to discover, but moving a little further along the coast, Albania also offers wonderful beaches in which to enjoy a few days by the sea.

The most eventful period is summer, which is also ideal for beach tourism. The Albanian coasts are fairly quiet and do not suffer from particular overcrowding even in the high season.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Tirana

Located in the very beating heart of Europe, Prague is one of the most sophisticated cities on the continent and the major economic and cultural centre of the Czech Republic. The city shows in its structure two distant yet harmoniously coexisting faces: on the one hand the older architectural, artistic and cultural heritage rich in Bohemian influences, and on the other an urban and modern touch that sets it apart.
Seen from above, all its small churches topped by towers offer a unique perspective, which is why Prague is also known as 'thecity of a hundred spires' and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The best time to visit is late spring and early autumn (June and September). Temperatures are around 20 degrees and summer overcrowding is avoided. The Christmas period is attractive, but more expensive.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Prague