Been dreaming of visiting Europe but think it’s too expensive? These stunning and pocket-friendly European destinations might just change your mind!
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, also known as the "city of a thousand spires," is the capital city of the Czech Republic. One of Europe's architectural gems, Prague has a vast number of cultural, architectural, and historical attractions. The most popular attraction for tourists, Prague Castle, spread across 18 acres, is the largest royal palace complex in Europe and once housed Holy Roman Emperors, the Habsburgs and Bohemian kings. It includes a number of impressive buildings within its walls such as the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, Old Royal Palace with its grand Vladislav Hall, the Powder Tower, and the Golden Lane with its medieval workshops. Other attractions include the Charles Bridge over the Vltava River, the Jewish Quarter with its old synagogues, and the medieval Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square. Prague is an excellent travel bargain and a definite must-see on anyone's European tour. Prague also hosts the Czech Beer Festival, which is the largest beer festival in the Czech Republic, held for 17 days every year in May
The currency used in Prague is the Czech Crown (CZK).
1 Czech Koruna is equivalent to 3.04 Indian Rupee.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, also known as the Paris of Middle Europe, is the capital of Hungary. Budapest is a bargain in terms of affordable travel. Bisected by the Danube River, seven bridges and two railway bridges join the present day Buda and Pest. Its 1,000-year-old culture is reflected in the remains of the Roman, neo-Gothic, Renaissance and Ottoman architecture at sites like Castle Hill and Fisherman's Bastion. One of the reasons the Romans first colonised the area immediately is so that they could utilise and enjoy the thermal springs. Indeed, in 1934 Budapest was officially ranked as a "City of Spas".
From museums and galleries, churches and synagogues, palaces and historic buildings, thermal spas and nightclubs, to riverside promenades, flea markets, bookstores, antique stores and café houses, Budapest has a lot to offer. An excellent public transportation system is the topping on the cake.
The currency used in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
1 Indian Rupee is equivalent to 4.02 Hungarian Forint.
3. Krakow, Poland
Krakow, the second largest city in Poland, is situated on the Vistula River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, and is one of Europe's best travel bargains. Home to Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in the world, Krakow is well known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and Jewish quarter. Krakow’s old town is centered on Rynek Glowny, the largest medieval market square in Europe, the site of the Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era trading outpost, and St. Mary’s Basilica, the 14th-century twin towered church. Wawel Hill, the former seat of Polish royalty, houses the 14th-century Royal Castle and the majestic Wawel Cathedral, which represent the European architectural styles of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Not to be missed excursions from Krakow are the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Auschwitz concentration camp.
The currency used in Poland is the Polish Zloty.
1 Polish Zloty is equivalent to 18.17 Indian Rupee.
4. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, also known as Constantinople and Byzantium, is a transcontinental city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Both a physical and cultural link between Asia and Europe, Istanbul has an abundance of historical landmarks and cultural sites such as mosques, basilicas, cathedrals and ancient bazaars which co-exist with present day restaurants, shopping malls, galleries and nightclubs. Top sights in Istanbul dating back to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Basilica Cistern and Hippodrome. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are not to be missed. Take in the beauty of one of the world’s greatest skylines illuminated at night, on the European and Asian waterfronts of the Bosphorous, during a dinner cruise, while you enjoy a multicourse Turkish meal, traditional Turkish music and dance. An essential part of any trip to Istanbul, plan a visit to a haman (traditional Turkish bath) where your skin will be scrubbed clean.
The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY)
1 Turkish Lira is equivalent to 18.42 Indian Rupee.
5. Berlin, Germany
Berlin, the capital of Germany, was founded in the 13th century. The cultural capital of central Europe, cosmopolitan Berlin has much to offer, from sightseeing and museums to exciting events, concerts and shows. Berlin’s dark period in history can be seen in its Holocaust memorial and the remnants of the Berlin wall, which divided Germany into two from August 1961 to November 1989. The Brandenburg Gate, which was located in no-man's land between East and West Germany during the Cold War, is now a symbol of Germany’s reunification. Other points of interest include Charlottenburg Palace, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, Topography of Terror and The German Spy Museum. Once you’re done with the top attractions, you could enjoy the lush greenery in the sprawling Tiergarten in central Berlin, go shopping at Berlin’s dapper boutiques and design stores, dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, visit one of the many breweries in Berlin or check out the city’s all-night party scene.
The currency used in Germany is the Euro. You can buy Euro online here.
1 Euro is equivalent to 78.18 Indian Rupee.
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean, at the mouth of the Tagus River. A warm Mediterranean climate, historic monuments, a lively nightlife, relatively cheap food and friendly people makes Lisbon an increasingly popular place to visit in Europe. Popular sights to visit include: The lavish 15th century Jeronimos Monastery, a World Heritage monument which is also the resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama; The iconic Tower of Belem, an ornate watchtower that once guarded Lisbon and the mouth of the River Tagus; Sao Roque Church, home to the world's most expensive chapel, The Chapel of St. John, which was designed in Rome using the most costly materials available, and considered a masterpiece of European art; The Castle of Saint George, the ancient seat of power for over 400 years, which offers a bird's-eye view of the city; and The extravagant Madre De Deus Convent, which is now a museum displaying five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles or azulejos (an ancient art form).
The currency used in Lisbon is the Euro.
1 Euro is equivalent to 78.18 Indian Rupee.
7. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a small city on the Dalmatian coast in southern Croatia, overlooking the tranquil blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. One of the world's most magnificent walled cities, Dubrovnik’s architectural treasures has been well preserved for centuries by the old town walls. Within the massive stone walls are the 18th-century Baroque Dubrovnik Cathedral that is dedicated to St. Blaise, the 16th-century Gothic- Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Cultural History museum which was originally the Rector’s Palace. Visit the Minceta Tower for panoramic city and sea views and walk down Stradun, the 11th century pedestrian street that runs through the center of the old town, popular for its shops and restaurants. Other important landmarks in Dubrovnik include the Franciscan Monastery, D’Onofrio’s Fountain, and Orlando’s Column. Another main draw for tourists is the filming locations of the popular HBO TV show 'The Game of Thrones'. For those not interested in sightseeing, the fantastic local cuisine, pebbled beaches, and warm waters of the pristine sea in Dubrovnik provide enough temptation.
The currency used in Dubrovnik is the Croatian Kuna.
1 Croatian Kuna is equivalent to 9.69 Indian Rupee.
These relatively inexpensive places in Europe have much to offer in terms of things to do and see. Before you head off for your European adventure, contact Ebix Cash World Money at +91 7303401234 for all your forex and currency exchange requirements.
