Europe is well-known for having wildly popular travel destinations on the top of every traveler’s bucket list. The Old Continent attracts visitors for its iconic landmarks, and must-see attractions, just as much as the general lively atmosphere.
While Europe vacation hotspots are reputed to be expensive, recent changes in the Dollar-Euro parity — mainly in favor of the American currency — make them much more affordable.
You really should take advantage of this drop now before prices go back up. In average, traveling to Europe this year will be as much as %11 cheaper than in 2014. Here we put together the top 5 Europe bargain destinations that you can afford for $2,000.
1. Istanbul – Turkey
Istanbul is growing into a top-class European tourism hotspot. In fact, it was the most visited travel destination in Europe according to a MasterCard research. There are many things to do in the Turkish capital.
Exploring the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, revel in the bars and restaurants of the lively Taksim Square, and relaxing in the many hamams. While Istanbul is a haven for history and culture buffs, lovers must contemplate the cityscape from the top of the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus harbor from the middle of the Galata Bridge.
Istanbul is also the ultimate bargain destination in Europe 2015. This summer an average week-long trip to Istanbul will cost you around $1,900, with $1,200 spent on the airfare. That %25 drop compared to last year represents about $600 put back into your pockets.
2. Bucharest – Romania
Nightly hotel fares average $67 in Bucharest: by $11, the cheapest in Europe. That makes the Romanian capital a great bargain destination and vacation spot for history and culture buffs.
The National Art Museum, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the Parliament Palace are architectural marvels full of artsy local artifacts and pieces. Nature lovers must visit the Herastrau Park and the Cismigiu Garden while the party crowd will find the — mostly inexpensive — pleasures of the Lipscani District to be the right place to save their saved dollars.
Expect to still pay $1,500 in average for airfare for a one-week travel expenditure of $1,894.
3. Krakow – Poland
Poland has been a top vacation destination in Europe for over half-a-century, for the very least. That could explain why the cost of a week-long trip has remain sensibly the same (around $2,000).
Krakow attracts European as well as Internationals. Some come to witness the vestiges of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the scars left by the Second World War. But Krakow is, above all, a top shopping destination blessed with a vibrant nightlife.
Rynek Glowny is said to be the oldest Medieval market square in Europe and the center of your trip. Spend time sightseeing, shopping and experiencing the food and the local atmosphere around the square.
4. Budapest – Hungary
Why visit Budapest? What about the $71 per night? That is the average lodging; the second cheapest among these top 5 bargain destinations. At that price, you won’t be staying at the Grand Budapest Hotel but you will be able to afford some time to explore the local thermal baths. These spas and pools are heated by natural thermal springs and truly quintessential to any trip to Budapest.
But there is more to Budapest, starting with the Medieval architectures around Castle Hill — especially the Fisherman’s Bastion. Learn everything about this European capital’s troubling past in the House of Terror to the Heroes’ Square.
Those into arts should visit the Hungarian National Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the century-old Hungarian State Opera House.
5. Prague – Czech Republic
Prague is a popular stag night spot for English and French. It is also uprising bachelor party destination for Wall Street workers as well. That is because Prague boasts one of the wildest party scenes in Europe with world-class venues without the hefty price that usually come with them.
But Prague is also full of impressive architectural marvels including the famous Astronomical Clock, the gigantic Prague Castle, and the ever-popular Charles Bridge.
You will understand that a week in Prague will cost you a little more than $2.000. Regardless, it comes as a surprise to see this bustling European capital to feature in the top 5 bargain destination of Europe.
You don’t see your dream European destination in this list? Check out the complete TripAdvisor TripIndex Europe to see where your favorite destinations rank.