Prague cityscape. Photo: Marketa/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
We take a quick look at the top European destinations for frugal travellers this year.
Prague, Czech Republic
For a holiday jam-packed with history, art, culture and great food, Prague is the place to go. Despite increased popularity in recent years, accommodation and food prices remain relatively affordable, if you know where to look.
Currency: Czech koruna. €1 = 27CZK.
Money tip: Some locations like hotels and restaurants accept euro, but prepare for a less than favourable exchange rate. Keep some small change for use in public toilets and public transport ticket machines.
Pay a visit to: Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague National Theatre, Prague Astronomical Clock
Expedia price spotlight: Return flights and seven nights in July at the four star Hotel Sovereign for €429 per person.
Kiev, Ukraine
Kiev, the largest and capital city of Ukraine, has always represented an attractive destination for bargain-hunting holiday makers in Europe, and recent uncertainty has led to a big drop in its currency value, yet visitors still come due to a mix of low prices and and curiosity. The historic centre of the Eastern Slavic civilisations, Kiev remains the centre of Eastern Orthodox Christianity even today. Not for the nervous travellers, Ukraine remains cheap but a little scary.
The Motherland Monument, Kiev. Photo: Kamil Porembiński/Flickr.
Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia. €1 = 25UAH.
Money tip: Tipping isn’t mandatory in Kiev, but is expected in restaurants, for example. Eat at local establishments to keep the cost of food down.
Don’t miss: The Monastery of the Caves, Museum of the Great Patriotic War, St Sophia Cathedral, Golden Gate, Kiev Fortress
Expedia spotlight: Return flights and seven nights at the three star Premier Hotel Rus in July for €392 per person.
Lisbon, Portugal
A charming city and capital of Portugal, Lisbon is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to value for money, and one of Europe’s friendliest. A cosmopolitan city within two and-a-half hours flight from Dublin, its great for romantic getaways or a summer holiday with the kids, easily explorable on foot with plenty to see and do.
Currency: Euro. €1 = €1.
Carmo church ruins in Lisbon. Photo: artur84/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Money tip: Lisbon taxis are pricey, but the city centre is quite walkable. Don’t forget, many museums and other attractions are free on the first Sunday of each month.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of tourist activities, consider getting the Lisboa card for 1, 2 or 3 days – giving you free travel on public transport, free travel on train lines to Sintra and Cascais, free access to 26 museums, monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites, various deals on tours, shopping and nightlife, as well as the chance to skip the queue at popular attractions.
Don’t miss: Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon Zoo, Sao Jorge Castle.
Expedia spotlight: Return flights and seven nights at the five star Hotel Real Palacio for €446 per person in July.
Istanbul, Turkey
Prices have been creeping up in recent years, however the Turkish Lira’s decline of late is proving enticing to foreign travellers. There’s plenty to see and do in this ancient city, once capital to the Byzantine Empire, from markets and mosques to Turkish cuisine and a beautiful cityscape. Just remember – it’s Istanbul not Constantinople.
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. Photo: Suat Eman/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Currency: Turkish Lira. €1 = 2.8TRY.
Money tip: Some street vendors, particularly in the Grand Bazaar, can be quite insistent. If you’re not interested, look them in the eye and tell them no, calmly but forcefully in Turkish: hayir.
Similar to our Leap card, the Istanbul Kart is an all-round prepaid public transportation card that can be bought at special vending machines and other select retailers. Each card can be used for up to five people so there’s no need to buy multiple cards, and there’s a non-refundable fee of 10TRY (€3.50).
Don’t miss: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Modern Art Museum, Gulhane Park, Grand Bazaar
Expedia spotlight: Return flights and seven nights in July at the Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Golden Horn for €442 per person.
Budapest, Hungary
Avoid the more touristy places in Budapest and you’ll find a charming city you can see for very little. Consistently ranked high in value destination lists, Budapest is a gem of a city straddling the Danube river. Great food, architectural beauty, relaxing hot springs and centuries of history around every corner all combine to make for a superb destination. Don’t forget, the further away from the city centre, the cheaper the hotels.
Hungarian Parliament, Budapest. Photo: federico stevanin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Currency: Hungarian forint. €1 = 300HUF.
Money tip: ATMs in Hungary will dispense local currency at your bank’s rate but be warned, you may pay a foreign exchange fee on top of the services fees. There are many exchange kiosks available in tourist centres and shopping areas. Avoid the significant surcharge at the airport.
Tipping is also very much part of the culture, from upscale restaurants to taxi drivers and hairdressers.
Don’t miss: St Stephen’s Basilica, Hungarian State Opera House, Buda Castle, City Park, Széchenyi thermal bath
Expedia spotlight: Return flights and seven nights at the four star Mercure Budapest Buda Hotel for €365 per person.
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