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A shoulder-season vacation is the perfect way to get out of that wintery mindset and relieve yourself from the stresses of day-to-day life; however, there’s a catch.
Prices are skyrocketing and summer travel plans always take priority, which leaves those trying to get out of their hometown rut this spring on a pretty tight budget, especially when it comes to flying overseas.
Luckily for us, Europe, one of the world’s most coveted hotspots this time of year, is filled with stunning yet reasonably-priced destinations, granted, so long as you look beyond massively popular destinations like London or Paris.
In fact, Statista just came out with its own list of the cheapest European cities you can visit this spring based on their daily price index, and these were the 5 places that dominated the ranking:
5. Sarajevo
The Bosnia and Herzegovina capital is one of Eastern Europe’s most underrated destinations, and I’m sure that everyone who’s gotten to see just how much value you get for your money here will agree.
With average daily costs evaluated to be just under $50, Sarajevo is the ideal city for travelers who want to experience the region’s rich history and culture on a budget.
Here, you can stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Bazaar (otherwise known as Baščaršija), go on a free sightseeing tour of the Latin Bridge and the Eternal Flame, and even take a few breaks in between to try some of the mouthwatering local dishes, like gulaš, burek, and ćevapi, oftentimes for less than what you’d pay here in the U.S. for a single cup of coffee.
4. Budapest
Famous for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and impressive nightlife, the “Pearl of the Danube” adds yet another win to its long list of successes – being named one of the best budget-friendly destinations in all of Europe.
One thing I loved about visiting Budapest is the fact that even though you’ll be paying far less than what you would in bigger, better-known destinations, the sights you’ll get to experience here are akin to what you’d see in the likes of Prague or Vienna.
That’s why those dying to take a picture of that quintessential European city skyline will find Budapest to be everything they’d wished for and more.
Iconic landmarks like the Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Hungarian Parliament Building can be visited either completely free of charge or by paying a modest entry fee (the most expensive is the latter, which charges non-EEA citizens roughly $30 per adult).
3. Krakow
Though Krakow is slowly but surely getting out of the shadow of its more famous counterpart, Warsaw, its status as a charming, great-value destination where tourists can experience the European city charm in its most authentic form remains as strong as ever.
By paying just a little over $47 a day, you’ll get to not only stay in one of the many gorgeous accommodation options across the Polish city but also view some world-class attractions like the St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hal, the Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Wawel Royal Castle, and Planty Park.
2. Bucharest
People like to lovingly call the Romanian capital “the Paris of Eastern Europe,” but the comparison doesn’t really do either of these gorgeous cities justice – they both hold a unique type of charm.
While the allure of Paris, along with its history attractions, is undeniable, there’s a level of warmth, authenticity, and affordability to Bucharest that makes the latter, dare I say, better in some contexts than the famous French capital.
Here, you’ll discover that stunning attractions like the Romanian Athenaeum, the Lipscani District, and Herastrau Park don’t have to set you back a fortune.
1. Sofia
With daily costs that don’t even reach the $40 mark and picture-perfect landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Mountain, and the National Palace of Culture, Sofia has rightfully earned its title as the best, cheapest city to visit in Europe this spring.
Bulgaria is particularly lovely this time of year, as temperatures range between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F) – otherwise known as the perfect springtime weather.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.