Cheap European City Breaks For Students On A Budget!

July 3, 2012
By: Amy Harris

As a student, it can often be quite difficult to obtain the funds for a decent summer holiday. It can be particularly depressing when the exam period is over and the prospect of summer in a potentially rainy UK looms ahead of us.

If you haven’t got the funds for a big trip away this summer, and haven’t jumped on the festival band wagon, then why not read on and try one of the following European destinations that will give you a dose of culture – but hopefully won’t break the bank.

1. Sofia, Bulgaria
According to the European Back Packer Index, Sofia is Europe’s cheapest tourist city, it is also one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city offers a free English-language sightseeing tour to give you a feel of this history. Visit the Elephant Bookstore in the middle of a cafe, selling an extensive selection of second hand books, or take a stroll through Borisova Gradina, the best known park in Sofia. There are also no shortage of churches and museums which depict more of the city’s cultural heritage. According to the Backpackers Index, it costs around £14 a day for tourists in Sofia and it is certainly a city to be enjoyed with it’s rich history, incredible nightlife, and reasonable prices!

 

2. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is the second cheapest city for back packers in Europe, according to the Daily Backpacker Index, and apparently Europe’s ‘Best travel bargain’ at the moment. It has been described as similar to Prague, only cheaper, and a tourist can enjoy the city from as little as £17 a day.
The main market square is a must-see, which is surrounded by historic buildings and a great place if you like people watching. For a more sombre, but unforgettable experience, visit near by Auschwitz or Oskar Schindler’s Factory which inspired the infamous Spielberg classic.
For nightlife, Krakow has supposedly has the highest concentration of bars in one place, to any where else in the world. Some recommendations include, ‘Prozak’ in Plac Dominikanski, ‘Propaganda’, in Kazimierz and if you are feeling particularly adventurous try Polish Vodka Tasting to start as you mean to go on at JazzRockCafe Club.

3.Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is ranked as number 13 in the cheapest cities in Europe, as claimed by the Backpackers Index, and although more expensive than Eastern Europe, you can still live reasonably cheaply in this lovely city. Calm during the day, and transformed at night, the best nightlife is around Bairro Alto, Santos, Docas and 24 de Julho, where bars, restaurants and night clubs pop up for you can party all night long!
As the city is on the coastline, fresh fish is in abundance, which you can pair with a local wine, then stroll around the little streets afterwards. There are also a large selection of tourist villages, hotels and hostels which you can find for a great price.
If you want some culture, visit the Sintra Palace and then enjoy the famous Tram 28- which will take you all around the city.