It’s that time again. The turkey has been eaten and the gifts opened, the ball has dropped in Times Square and “next year” is, well… “this year.” It’s another first of January and there’s never been a better time to take a leap across the pond. If a trip to Europe is on your list of resolutions for 2020, then you’re in the right place.
The List
I’ve pored over the internet, from the most popular travel outlets to the dusty and ignored back pages of Google, compiling data on cheap European destinations so you can spend less time wondering if you’ve got a great deal and more time planning the perfect vacation. The following are on average the least expensive European cities to fly round trip to from the United States this year.
13. Warsaw, Poland: $987.73
Our list kicks off with the bustling and beautiful Polish capital. Warsaw is a city steeped in history and culture; it’s a place where distinguished Gothic architecture juxtaposes modern hubs for shopping and dining. Get lost wondering the rustic cobblestone streets of Warsaw’s Old Town before checking out the beautiful 14th century St. John’s Archcathedral and the Royal Castle. WWII buffs will enjoy the Museum of Warsaw Uprising and those willing to travel outside the city can explore such monumental sites as the infamous Aushwitz concentration camp and lesser known Lambinowice, a place where 300,000 members of the anti-Nazi coalition were interned during the conflict.
Warsaw is also a fantastic destination for admirers of classical music. The Chopin concerts run from May through September and take place in quaint Royal Lazienki Park. Likewise, a festival of contemporary classical music held at multiple venues throughout the city also takes place in September. Those that enjoy fine art can find beautiful contemporary works at Zacheta Gallery, dazzling sculptures in the Xawery Dunikowski Museum of Sculpture, and modern masterpieces in the Warsaw Museum of Modern Art.
12. Berlin, Germany: $839.63
Berlin really is a jack of all trades kind of town. Spend a day admiring the regal architecture of the Brandenberg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, and Reichstag Building. Appreciate Berlin’s sprawling fine art scene by visiting the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and KW Institute for Contemporary Art. Finally, experience the somber gravity felt standing amid the 2,711 grey concrete slabs of the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe before walking the mile-long, still-standing portions of the original Berlin Wall that have been converted to a modern art exhibit.
Berlin is ripe with the kinds of attractions travelers come to expect from the capital cities of Europe: Art, history, culture, and fine cuisines to name a few, but Berlin has more to offer for the backpacker who can slow down and appreciate the often overlooked finer details. Walk the quiet side-streets and get away from the din of the crowd. Discover small mom and pop neighborhood cafes that offer delicious bites made from local ingredients and pour fresh German beer. Rent a bicycle and ride through Tempelhofer Feld, a massive public park made from the bones of a contemporary decommissioned airport. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon experiencing Berlin’s slow side… and then when the sun goes down, you can see why Germany’s capital show’s New York who the real city that never sleeps is.
Berlin is home to arguably the largest underground nightclub scene in the world. Old factories and train stations abandoned during the war have since been converted to exclusive clubs for the “in” crowd. Some of these clubs can be a bit hard to find, and even harder to get into, but if you’re a night owl who can get past the notoriously picky bouncers, spend a night of revelry immersed in the leading edge of the house music scene. And expect to be more than fashionably late; the party starts after midnight and doesn’t stop ’till the sun comes up.
11. Milan, Italy: $837.90
More than a hub for fashion and design, Milan also boasts a robust selection of art and history. The famous Duomo di Milano cathedral, Sforzesco Castle, and Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie are all spectacularly intricate buildings that also host impressive collections of fine art, the last of which is home to Da Vinci’s massively influential and undeniably famous “Last Supper.”
Spend some time strolling the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping center, known as “the living-room of the Milanese.” Take in the smooth and colorfully ornate marble floors, the high vaulted glass ceilings, and the iconic pegasus statue of this historic center of commerce. Spend a day living like the other half; however, shoe string travelers like myself may want to keep their shopping limited to the “window” variety.
After your stroll, spend the rest of the afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture and Renaissance art collections of the Pinacoteca di Brera and San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore before taking some well-earned R&R in Sempione Park with an authentic Italian cappuccino or a cup of decadent gelato from nearby Gelato Fatto Con Amore.
10. Zürich, Switzerland: $829.78
Switzerland is widely recognized as a particularly expensive place to vacation, and while Zürich is no exception to this, reasonable airfare can make the global center of banking and finance a bit more accessible to travelers on a budget.
As with most cities in Europe, the old world relics of Zürich will be a main attraction to those interested in history and architecture. Check out the iconic 12th century Grossmünster cathedral and the 11th century Fraumünster church, situated in the heart of Zürich. The Bahnhofstrasse, a quaint, high-end neighborhood located in the city’s center, offers luxury shopping for those looking to experience one of the world’s most exclusive venues for commerce. Boutiques offering fine clothing and jewlery, decadent Swiss chocolates, and finely tuned luxury watches line the pedestrian-friendly streets, and a cable car offers more leisurely passage through this quaint and distinguished district.
If you’re spending time anywhere in Switzerland, exploring the Swiss Alps is an absolute must. For those visiting Zürich this may mean a trip to the top of Uetliberg Mountain, a peak situated on the nearby Swiss Plateau. For a short, 20-minute train ride from the city and a 40-minute, non-strenuous hike, one can experience panoramic views of the both the city and lake of Zürich.
9. Budapest, Hungary: $826.60
In addition to the cultural, commercial, and culinary attractions of Budapest, Europe’s second largest river, the Danube, runs directly through the Hungarian capital. “The Blue Danube” bisects Budapest and offers relaxing waterfront promenades across the city to visitors and locals alike. To those exploring after dark, this iconic body of water provides spectacular evening views of the city’s illuminated landmarks, such as the reflected Hungarian Parliament Building pictured above.
Take part in one of Hungary’s oldest and most famous traditions by mineral bathing in one of Budapest’s many naturally occurring geothermal spas. The Szechenyi Bath is the largest and most popular of these spas; it’s open every day of the year and offers additional services, including a massage parlor, sauna, and gymnasium for those looking to splurge.
Artistically inclined travelers should seek the Museum of Fine Arts in Hero’s Square to see a massive Neoclassical collection, Renaissance and 19th century pieces, and even a sizable Egyptian exhibit. Across the Danube, the Hungarian National Gallery features pieces from the 15th century to today, whereas the modern art exhibited in the Ludwig Museum offers a chronological “cherry on top” to the fine art of Budapest.
8. Stockholm, Sweden: $754.80
Winding canals, viking roots, sweet chocolates, and world famous meatballs. The Swedish capital certainly has an interesting mix of attractions to capture the intrigue of those planning a visit. Stockholm isn’t the most frugal-friendly destination on this list, but the riveting history, immaculately kept city streets, and charming locals are just enough to help you forget that your beer was 90 Swedish kronas… wait was that a good deal? I can’t math.
The Stockholm Archipelago is conveniently parsed into separate districts set on neighboring islands, and a cheap, punctual public railway system offers convenient and reliable transportation throughout these districts, making Stockholm an easy town to explore on foot. The 6 main districts of Stockholm are: Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Södermalm, Djurgårde, Östermalm, and Vasastan, each of which offers their own unique experience, ensuring that travelers of all ages and interests can be satisfied.
Younger travelers and those looking to stay within a budget should seek out Södermalm, a trendy neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafes, and college bars. Vacationers who can afford to spend more on accommodations and wish to experience the heart of Stockholm might look into rooms in centralized Norrmalm, historic Gamla Stan, or elegant Östermalm. Visitors traveling with families may wish to stay in the quieter parts of Stockholm. Djurgårde is primarily residential and offers a slower pace than the other districts, and peripheral Vasastan is home to city escapes such as the Stockholm Observatory and open spaces of Vasaparken.
7. Madrid, Spain: $740.15
The life of a sun-soaked, siesta having, sardana dancing Spaniard is certainly one to be admired. You can bet the Spanish capital city embodies the best of this vibrant culture and many of the attractions Madrid has to offer are conveniently located right in the center of the city.
Spend your morning taking in the elegant Plaza Mayor and historic Plaza Oriente before grabbing an early lunch made from fresh local ingredients in the Mercado de San Miguel. From there, walk to placid El Retiro Park to enjoy the sunshine and take a traditional Spanish mid-day siesta. After the post-lunch haze has cleared, take in the stunning architecture of Catedral de la Almudena and the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest functioning royal palace in Europe. And of course no trip to Madrid would be complete without a visit to the Museo Reina Sofía, home to Picasso’s Guernica among many other 20th century masterpieces.
6. Paris, France: $725.98
Ah, Paris. Who doesn’t have some preconceived notion of what to expect in the city of light? Romance, culinary excellence, and classic works of fine art readily come to mind, but there’s more to Paris than what’s provided in your brochure; scratch deeper than its surface and you’ll find it to be a city that can transcend even the highest of popular opinion.
If you find yourself in Paris, of course you need to check a few things off your list. You should pay visit to the Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and of course the Eiffel Tower. Bask in the glory of da Vinci, Micelangelo, and Delacroix in the Louvre, the world’s largest museum of fine art. Travel outside the city to the Palace of Versailles, its opulence is worth the trip, and travel underneath the city, the catacombs are worth the wait. But Paris offers more to those who are patient.
The city is massive; it’s sprawl is more than could possibly be explored in a week, and its radial design can throw a minor wrench in off the cuff navigation. That said, for every few hours you spend in line at one of Paris’ mainstream attractions, spend an hour strolling the backstreets. Get a freshly made crepe from a cobblestone street cart, meander the myriad pre-19th century neighborhoods, and grab an alleyway petit dejeuner; just don’t expect your fresh herring hors d’oeuvre to be cooked.
5. Oslo, Norway: $722.98
Oslo is longitudinally situated to receive seemingly unnatural daylight hours during the summer months and long, cold winter nights; keep this in mind when planning your trip. Because of this, the popular season for travel to Norway falls between May and August, when the days are longer (and warmer!). Glass half-full people will recognize, however, that this leaves the rest of the year more available for those interested in checking out the northern lights.
Known for spectacular, snow capped mountain landscapes and deeply carved Atlantic fjords, you may be surprised to find traditional European attractions at the city’s center, such as the Oslo Cathedral, Akershus Fortress, the Oslo Royal Palace, and of course no trip to Norway would be complete without a visit to the Viking Ship Museum. Additionally, academic souls traveling to Oslo can experience the historic Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, which takes place at city hall in December.
After spending a day or two exploring Oslo, venture outside the city to experience the spectacular and truly one-of-a-kind, Norwegian landscape. Hike to the popular precipice of Pulpit Rock, venture to the delicately (terrifyingly?) balanced boulder of Kjeragbolten, and wander the panoramic dreamscape of Segla, just to name a few must-see outdoor destinations.
4. Barcelona, Spain: $677.00
I’ve said for years now that Barcelona is a city for everybody; quaint coffee shops and chic restaurants adjoin busy shopping centers and ancient neighborhoods showcasing Gothic cathedrals. The city planners that designed this popular Spanish destination must have had intuitive exploration and ease of pedestrian navigation in mind. The entire city forms a giant grid for cars that is then further subdivided into smaller grids for bicycles and pedestrian traffic. This essentially creates a series of fractal blocks that can be equally and conveniently accessed by those traveling by all modes of transportation. Furthermore, a single, giant thoroughfare divides this system of blocks diagonally and can be easily traversed by Barcelona’s effective and affordable public transportation system.
La Sagrada Familia, perhaps the city’s most famous attraction, is a 137 year-old 19th century cathedral that is still currently undergoing construction. The old, browned ground floor set in 1882 juxtaposes a host of steel cranes and fresh concrete positioned along the historic structure’s uppermost spires. As if that weren’t interesting enough, the creatively detailed, smooth, and organic looking architecture of the cathedral’s interior illuminated by the uniquely vibrant and intricate stained glass windows evokes a sense of standing within the belly of a dazzling, living ecosystem and is quite possibly too beautiful for words.
After scouting your path from the panorama of Park Güell, meander the mercantile streets of La Rambla, admire the sculptures and architecture of Plaça Catalunya, and catch a concert at Casa Milà before ending your day with a conclusive sunset along the expansive stretch of golden Mediterranean coastline Barcelona has to offer.
3. Dublin, Ireland: $662.13
Nestled into the crook of Ireland’s eastern coast lies the emerald isle’s modest capital, a place to discover music, art, culture, and of course to grab a drink or three.
Not one to let the rest of Europe pull ahead in the way of history and architecture, impressive structures to visit in the Irish capital include Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, The Spire, and Ha’penny Bridge. Pay a visit to the childhood home of famed writer Oscar Wilde before admiring the century spanning art collection housed next door in the National Gallery of Ireland. After exploring Dublin’s cultural centers, a short 30-minute trip north of the city will take you to Malahide Castle and Gardens, an impressively preserved 12th century bastion majestically situated on a 260 acre, meticulously kept estate.
In addition to the traditional attractions, be sure to take time to explore the small streets, boutiques, and waterfront taverns Dublin has to offer; this city contains immeasurable life to those that are willing to delve, drink, and keep conversation. And of course no trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse. Sláinte!
2. London, England: $638.23
There are certainly highlights of London that demand to be seen: Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abby to name just a few; and of course your trip to the English capital won’t be complete without a visit to such spectacles as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Tower of London. However, the true heart of London will be found in the winding cobblestone byways, the rich multi-centennial historic neighborhoods, and the people you’ll meet in the bustling pubs and rowdy football match ups of this permanent global fixture.
Established circa 1520, the Prospect of Whitby claims to be the oldest pub in London, but this landmark watering hole is far from the only place to imbibe like the best of the 14th century. Hunt down Ye Olde Mitre Tavern, a quaint, no-frills pub tucked away in a nondescript cobblestone alleyway. Established in 1772, this classic tavern claims to have hosted such clientele as Elizabeth I, but of course no crawl of the historic pubs of London would be complete without a visit to the famous Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. Grab a Sam Smith beer and make your way through this multi-chambered, labyrinth-like tap house to one of the myriad nooks that were likely once occupied by the literary genius of Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, or Samuel Johnson just to name a few.
After getting your fill of the ancient pubs of London, stroll the multi-national restaurants and packed modern pubs of Brixton, or explore the Borough and Maltby Street Markets for your midday meal. Then class it up as you wander the affluent neighborhoods of Mayfair and Chelsea, before donning a casual jersey and embracing the high-energy atmosphere and infamously rowdy fans of a world renowned football match at “The Bridge.”
1. Reykjavik, Iceland: $628.93
Much like Oslo, those visiting Reykjavik in the off season can forego typical peak season crowds and experience the mystifying Northern Lights in exchange for a little daylight; however, Iceland’s famous Southern Highlands are only accessible during a brief 2 month period from late June/early July until September, when the snows have melted and the roads are cleared.
Within the Icelandic capital, pay a visit to the modern-day cathedral Hallgrimskirja and early 20th century waterfront sculpture “Sun Voyager.” Enjoy a leisurely afternoon among the rolling greens and quaint cafes of Austurvöllur, a popular city square in northwestern Reykjavik, before heading next door to “The Settlement Exhibition”, a small archaeological exhibition with preserved remnants of 10th century Viking settlements. Additional experiences of Icelandic history and culture can be found at Reykjavik Town Hall, the National Museum of Iceland, and neighboring Tjörnin, a small lake in central Reykjavik surrounded by museums and galleries.
After exploring Reykjavik, head outside the city to experience the unmatched majesty of the Icelandic landscape. Blue Lagoon and Jökulsárlón boast the placid, turqoise pools associated with glacial bodies of water, whereas Gullfoss Falls offers spectacular views of unique waterfalls. However, the truly adventurous will travel to Thingvellir National Park to scuba dive the Silfra Fissure, formed by the space between tectonic plates that separate North America and Eurasia. This deep freshwater fissure is an extension of the Mid Atlantic Ridge, a massive geologic feature that splits the tiny island asunder.
Wander&Wonder 