Top 8 budget European cities: where to fly for your next trip
Traveling in Europe is always in fashion, especially in summer, but fall and winter can also bring many surprises and impressions. During this period, prices are significantly reduced, including for air travel (of course, except for holidays and vacations). During the off-peak season, ticket prices are reduced by at least 10% for domestic flights and 5% for international flights. However, you can find even more favorable options if you know a few key details.
In particular, if you are easygoing and don't have specific vacation or weekend preferences, we recommend expanding your search. For example, midweek departures are often cheaper than weekend departures. Also, specialized search engines offer the option to select "anywhere" as a destination so that you can find the best deals. Additionally, it is worth considering departing from different airports nearby. For example, low-cost carriers often do not depart from major international hubs. The last hack is to use a price alert tool to keep track of price changes by comparing them with offers from different companies.
To simplify your search, check out the top 8 best low-cost European cities you can fly to right now and the percentage difference in price compared to summer. Despite the fact that this list is tied to seasonality, you can travel here at any time of the year, as many of the destinations are known for their fairly budget-friendly prices.
Stockholm, Sweden (35% cheaper)
Stockholm is one of the most affordable European cities to fly to in the fall. The Swedish city is filled with charming parks, and there are plenty of indoor activities available, including visits to the most popular museums, such as
- the Vasa Museum and the
- ABBA Museum
If you're feeling really cold and brave, try a traditional Swedish sauna, which involves dipping into cool water after the session.
Oslo, Norway (40% cheaper)
Oslo is an important cultural center of Norway with a developed urban infrastructure and easy access to picturesque nature. The capital of the Northern European country is a great choice for an autumn vacation when everything around is colored with bright hues. If it gets too cold outside (for example, in October, the average daytime temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit), explore one of the interesting museums, such as the Viking Museum or the Munch Museum. However, we advise you to pack some warm clothes to witness Norway's natural wonders with your own eyes: from the incredible northern lights to whale watching.
Hamburg, Germany (35% cheaper)
Even if you don't make it to the famous Oktoberfest, there's still plenty to do in Hamburg, both in autumn and winter. The golden season attracts numerous traditional activities, including apple picking and large-scale Halloween celebrations. In winter, a gastronomic walk is a must-do, where you can taste a variety of dishes created in a special multicultural environment. For history buffs, this inexpensive city in Europe offers day trips to any of the nearby palaces and castles, including Ludwigslust, which is nicknamed the "Versailles of the North" for a reason.
Ibiza, Spain (35% cheaper)
Of course, this lively, incendiary place is primarily chosen for a crazy summer vacation due to the numerous parties and clubs. However, visiting the Balearic Islands at other times will allow you to experience this destination from a different perspective. In the fall and winter, Ibiza is much less crowded, so there are no problems with booking a table to enjoy delicious dishes. In addition, the city hosts the annual Ibiza Sabor food festival in October. As the temperatures outside have dropped to comfortable levels, it's the perfect time to explore the island by bike or hike, but it's still warm enough for a relaxing beach vacation.
Dublin, Ireland (25% cheaper)
Despite the fact that Ireland is associated with the color green, even Dublin dons an elegant golden dress in the fall. To fully enjoy the natural beauty of the region, head to Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed park in Europe, covering 1,750 acres. To warm up and relax after a long walk, visit one of the many pubs in the capital that are open year-round. A unique event among the fall activities is the annual Bram Stoker Festival, which honors the famous Irish writer.
Brussels, Belgium (25% cheaper)
The list of the top 8 cheapest European cities includes the capital of Belgium. It's hard to find a better time to take a walk in a Brussels park than in the colorful fall. The main thing is to bring a raincoat just in case. Among the most popular parks worth visiting:
- Park Royal, built in the XVIII century;
- Tervuren Park with numerous trees;
- Bois de la Cambre in the English style.
Of course, it would be a crime not to visit a chocolatier for a classic hot chocolate, or even a bar and enjoy the famous Belgian beer.
Madrid, Spain (30% cheaper)
After the hot summer, when you can only spend time on the beaches, fall is the perfect choice for exploring the historic city. In addition to visiting popular tourist attractions, check the schedule of numerous city festivals to attend at least one of them, such as the Fiesta de la Almudena, dedicated to the city's patron saint. Don't forget to bring an umbrella, as this time of year is characterized by light but frequent rains.
Copenhagen, Denmark (30% cheaper)
Copenhagen is one of the most affordable European travel destinations. The Danish capital attracts travelers throughout the year, and autumn is no exception for long walks along its picturesque streets. Also, a trip to Copenhagen will be a great occasion to visit the neighboring Dyrehaven. This unique park to the north of the capital is a natural resort with small lakes and beautiful landscapes. In addition, Dyrehaven is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to more than two thousand reindeer that roam freely.
