16 Unique And Budget Friendly City Trips In Europe 2022
Now that it is finally allowed again after two long years of sitting at home, everyone wants to get on a plane right away. And we can’t blame you, because Sem and I have been busy compiling our bucket list for months. Doing so, we have come up with a lot of unique, surprising and cheap destinations that would make amazing city trips. Therefore, we have put together a list of 16 unique and budget friendly city trips in Europe!
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is a beautiful, but for many unknown city. The capital of Georgia can be easily seen in a few days and is therefore perfect for a city trip. Tbilisi is full of the most beautiful buildings, lavishing bath houses, friendly people and a very rich history. The city is not very well known among tourists yet, which gives it a remarkably authentic atmosphere. In comparison to other European capitals, Tbilisi is a lot cheaper as well!
Valencia, Spain
Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain. It has everything to offer: from a beautiful city with a historic centre, to a long shopping avenue. From a 10 km long park with lots to do and see, to a beautiful and huge beach with a lovely boulevard. Valencia has the same (and maybe even more) to offer than the touristy Barcelona or Madrid, only for a fraction of the price. Not just accommodation and food is a lot cheaper, but also entrance to attractions is cheap and often even free.
If you want to read more about this wonderful city, make sure to check out our ultimate travel guide to Valencia.
Istanbul, Turkey
Many people would not think of Turkey as a destination for a city trip, but Istanbul is the perfect place for it! There is so much to see in Istanbul! The city is adorned by beautiful architecture and beautiful buildings with a lot of history. The city offers enormous choices of food and drink, so you can make it as expensive or cheap as you like. Entrance fees and accommodation in Istanbul is also extremely cheap compared to other European cities.
Valletta, Malta
Valletta is not a well-known city trip location, but it is one of the cheapest and one of the most beautiful in Europe! The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one not to be missed. Despite being the smallest capital city in Europe, you simply cannot get bored here. Valletta is characterised by its sandstone buildings, distinctive balconies and colourful doors. The towering fortress walls surrounding Valletta have lovely parks and sunny terraces.
Oradea, Romania
Oradea is still a very unknown city, but definitely worthwhile for a nice city trip! Because the city is so unknown, it is still very untouched and pure. In Oradea there is a lot to do and see. From museums to beautiful buildings, but also delicious food. Oradea is very cheap. You can even find plane tickets for €10 euros roundtrip, and once you’re there it’s not much more expensive! This incredibly unique and cheap city trip is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
Riga, Latvia
Another cheap and unique location in Europe is Latvia’s capital, Riga. In Riga, you find all kinds of influences from other countries, yet it has managed to preserve its own identity. Here too, there is much to discover in both the cultural and culinary fields. Riga also has many places to go out, and a visit to the beach is also worthwhile! This unique destination really takes you to another world.
Tirana, Albania
Tirana is the capital of Albania and a very surprising destination for a city trip. This large, multifaceted city has much to offer. From the trendy district of Blokku to a beautiful view from the Skytower. Besides being a cheap country, Albania also has beautiful nature. Therefore, during your visit to Tirana it is also worthwhile to look for a day trip just outside the city, for example to Durrës.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is yet to be discovered as a city break. Nevertheless, this beautiful city has much to offer. Ljubljana is a hip city, full of impressive buildings, street art, cosy restaurants and fun things to do on the Ljubljanica River, such as paddle surfing. This city is also perfect for students, as it is a student city itself, and full of bars and clubs.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh is not an entirely unknown location for a city trip. The city is known for its beautiful buildings, where it feels almost magical. Although Edinburgh is not the cheapest city on this list, it is a much cheaper option compared to, for example, London.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the cheapest, but also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city consists of two parts: Buda and Pest, which are separated by the river Donau. Buda is the more quiet part of the city, while the centre and the nightlife can be found in Pest. There is also a large, one-week festival, Sziget, held annually in this city. Budapest is a truly beautiful place, which everyone should visit at least once.
Sevilla, Spain
Sevilla is quite a famous city trip destination, and it is for a reason! Sevilla might be one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, if not in Europe. This vibrant, fun city has the most beautiful architecture, the biggest historical centre of Europe, lively bars and restaurants and don’t be surprised if you see a spontaneous flamenco show. Sevilla is a lot cheaper to visit than other touristic places in Spain, such as Barcelona. This incredible city should absolutely be on top of your bucket list!
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is perhaps the most visited city in Poland. And we understand very well why! The city is beautiful, but also offers a lot of history, especially in relation to the Holocaust and the Second World War. Therefore, the city makes an enormous impact. Apart from the history, Krakow is also a lively city, with fun markets and charming restaurants and bars. Moreover, it is a very cheap destination!
Munich, Germany
Germany is not really a well-known country for a city trip. Well, except Berlin. Nevertheless, the country has beautiful cities that are absolutely worth visiting, for example Munich. Munich is not only the capital of Bavaria, but also the second most important city in Germany. Moreover, this lively city attracts countless tourists thanks to its numerous museums, its beer culture and its buzzing city centre. And it is not expensive at all! In addition, Munich is also situated in a beautiful environment with the most beautiful nature. Therefore, a day trip from Munich is definitely worth considering!
Nîmes, France
Nîmes is an unknown, but immensely charming city in France. The city, but also the region around it, is breathtakingly beautiful. Nîmes was a very important city in Roman times, which makes the city enormously rich in history and has many attractions from Roman times. Although Nîmes is not a large city, you can easily spend a whole day there. The city has a friendly and charming atmosphere and the many Roman ruins are very interesting. The city, from accommodation to flights and foods and drinks, is also quite cheap.
Bari, Italy
Another unknown, inexpensive and enormously entertaining gem is the Italian city of Bari. Bari is a wonderful port city. Not only because of the ancient traditions, the beautiful places and the delicious food, but also the friendly locals make this place such a fun destination for a city trip. In addition, the weather in Bari is (almost) always beautiful. Bari is definitely worth a visit, especially if you do not like mass tourism.
Granada, Spain
Granada is one of the most remarkable and beautiful cities in Spain. The city is a bit hidden between the mountains, but it is definitely worth a visit. Besides the world-famous Alhambra, there are many more beautiful and unique sights here. The Moorish influences are still very visible here today and sometimes it feels as if you are in Morocco instead of Spain. Next to extremely beautiful and unique, the city is also a very budget friendly destination!
What is your favourite city break destination? And which of the cities on this list would you really like to visit? Let us know in the comments!
