A trip to Europe is now cheaper than it has been for a while – the pound’s newfound strength against the Euro, coupled with cheap flights from low cost airlines, means that it’s possible to enjoy a relatively inexpensive break while ensconced in the heart of Europe’s most attractive cities.
The warmth of spring is just around the corner, and the pounds forecast to consolidate its strength as the temperature rises, so here are four top cities to enjoy a relaxing and affordable break in over the next year – and the must see attractions to visit when you’re there.
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is synonymous with open-mindedness and youth – the city’s key tenet is tolerance, and with it there’s a refreshing open-mindedness and quirkiness – but the atmospheric canals and cafes that form the city’s stunning skeleton cast an invigorating spell over any visitor. Amsterdam streets are some of the most beautiful in the world.
Instead of walking around these sightly streets, get on a bike. Amsterdam’s typically flat dutch landscape and bike sharing program allows cycling to be one of the cheapest and most enjoyable ways to travel around.
Traveling to Amsterdam is a quick and simple affair too. And if you’re not close to a ferry-port then one of the many cheap flights to Amsterdam that depart each day will get you there quickly and inexpensively.
Must see: Take a canal tour to appreciate the ambience from the water.
2. Barcelona:
‘Barca’ is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the whole of Europe – not just Spain – and has some of the mildest and consistently hot weather-systems of any city on the continent due to it’s shielded Pyrenean proximity.
The city is a celebration of art and architecture, from Gothic to Gaudi, and this celebration of form and style follows into the city’s celebrated tapas scene, where transgressive rather than traditional creations are imagined in the myriad tapas bars that line the streets of the old town. Many of the cheapest and best – such as the Asian inspired Dos Pallilos – are hidden away.
Must see: The whole of the city can be viewed from the parapet of a Guadi’s masterpiece: Park Guell.
3. Berlin
Berlin’s bohemian heartbeat pulses to the rhythm of the modern-day beatniks who flock to the city to embrace its progressive atmosphere and liberal club scene. The nightlife of the city is legendary – partying till dawn is par for the course – but Berlin’s also a hauntingly beautiful city due to the melancholy that surrounds the city’s historical upheaval and baroque architecture.
Full of past division and dichotomy, the ancient streets of Berlin are now becoming the thoroughfares of Europe’s developing 21st century digital hub. And the city’s still one Europe’s most affordable destinations despite price rises over the past few years.
Must see: Artwork on the East Side Gallery, painted on a remaining 1.3km piece of the Berlin Wall.
4. Malaga
Andalusia’s second city, Malaga, has been catching up with Spain’s more obvious urban attractions over the past few years, while retaining its status as one of the few major Spanish cities that’s relatively untouched by throngs of tourists.
The weekend streets of the old town play host to an authentic display of Andalusia’s zest for life, as people of all ages and generations happily inter-mingle until the early hours – then enjoy some sun soaked people-watching the next day. Joining in is easy, natural, and thankfully cheap – Malaga’s prices haven’t yet caught up with the neighbouring resorts on the Costa Del Sol – an getting to Malaga is easy too. Cheap flights to Malaga depart from most UK airports and will have you soaking up the sun in under two hours.
Must see: The Picasso museum in the old town hosts 204 original works from Malaga’s most famous son: Pablo Picasso
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post.
Photo Credits: Amsterdam by Joao Maximo, Park guell by WeLove Barcelona, Berlin by http2007 and Malaga by Presleyjesus
