Europe is home to some fantastic cities and one has been voted the best for value – with a pint costing around £2.41. Here is why you should visit it this year
City breaks are a dream for those looking to quickly escape and hit the reset button. And if a European jaunt is what gets your travel juices flowing, then you’ve struck gold, as the experts at Flight Hacks have dished out a summer bargain travel list. They’ve crunched the numbers, factoring in daily averages for flights from any London airport, food and digs per night, to pinpoint the top bang-for-your-buck holiday spots.
Topping the charts as Europe’s most economical holiday spot is Bucharest, Romania. You can revel in all its delights for a neat £215.52 a day, with hotel stays hitting the jackpot as the continent’s cheapest averaging a mere £86.72 a night.
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So if you’re tempted by the cheapest place let’s take a look at Bucharest more closely.
What is there to do in Bucharest?
Nestled in Southern Romania, this historical gem not only served as the stomping grounds for Vlad The Impaler but also snagged the moniker “Little Paris” for its elegant early 20th-century architecture. It boasts a population of about 1.83 million (circa 2019) and promises a cultural feast.
Tripadvisor’s crowned jewel for the city is the Stavropoleos Monastery, scoring an impressive 4.5 rating. Dating back to 1724, it stands proudly among the capital’s oldest structures.
Culture vultures can either discover its charms solo or opt for a guided tour around the monastery, reports the Express. One visitor raved about a church on Tripadvisor, calling it “beautiful” among numerous five-star reviews.
A user remarked: “What I loved most was the quiet and cosy atmosphere of the place, even if this architectural beauty is located in the middle of Bucharest, in the most crowded place.”
Another shared: “One of my favourite places in Bucharest! Amazing monastery is full of peace and harmony. I recommend visiting it Saturday and Sunday at 6pm and to listen to the prayers.”
And a fourth enthused: “Standing inside this monastery, takes your breath away. The walls and high ceilings adorned with beautiful religious artwork, it hard to put to words just how beautiful it really Is.”
Other must-see spots in the Romanian capital include the world’s second-largest building, the Palace of Parliament, and of course, the Old Town is a must-visit spot.
Expect to discover a host of bars and eateries offering traditional Romanian cuisine there.
Bucharest is also a magnet for those seeking vibrant nightlife, with a pint going for as little as £2.41 according to Numbeo statistics. There are plenty of top-tier venues to enjoy, including Player Club, Shoteria, and Club Revenge.
How to get to Bucharest
Getting to Romania is straightforward with many airlines offering flights. Direct services are available from London, Birmingham, and Glasgow with carriers such as Ryanair, BA, easyJet and Wizz Air flying to the destination.
Kayak reveals that one-way flights to Bucharest kick off from the capital, with the journey clocking in just over three hours from London.
When is the best time to visit Bucharest?
The milder months of April, May, June, September and October are ideal to dodge the sweltering summer climes, as it can get quite toasty in those parts.
Conversely, winter might charm with snow, but be wary as it can throw public transport into chaos. Also, tourist hotspots sometimes shut their doors owing to harsh weather, and expect the nights to start nipping at 4pm.
Top 10 budget-friendly European destinations to visit (average cost per day):
Immanuel Debeer, CEO at Flight Hacks, said: “Going on holiday in Europe doesn’t need to cost an eye-watering amount of money. This study demonstrates that by exploring various travel sites and researching the cost of living in certain cities, you can visit some of the most beautiful and culturally rich areas Europe has to offer without breaking the bank.”