With the dollar’s dismal exchange value and the stratospheric rise of the British pound, Europe seems a bit far away these days - and the Atlantic crossing has nothing to do with it. Luckily, IgoUgo members have put their money on 10 budget-friendly places where European travel is still within reach. Affordable Europe? You might be surprised.

Riga, Latvia
IgoUgo member Liam Hetherington says: “The capital of Latvia combines grown-up urban attitude with a pretty, historical core, marrying the enchanting streets of its old town (Vecriga), the Jugenstil (Art Nouveau) architecture of independence (seen best in Doma Lauk and the Freedom Monument), and a plethora of pubs, bars, and nightclubs to enchanting effect. It is a city whose time truly has come.”

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
IgoUgo member captain oddsocks says: “Sarajevo’s old town is a warren of cobbled streets and low-roofed Ottoman-style buildings that now house cafés, restaurants, and stores selling everything from traditional hand-beaten copperware and Turkish carpets to the latest shoes from Italy or fashions from Western Europe.”



Klaipeda, Lithuania
IgoUgo member Koentje3000 says: “Klaipeda’s old town justifies at least a one-day visit, with its neoclassical Drama Theatre, half-timbered houses, and the ruins of an old castle, and the white, sandy coast north of the city stretches all the way to neighbouring Latvia. Prices in Lithuania are still quite cheap for European standards: about half the price of what you would pay in Western Europe.”

Rome, Italy
IgoUgo member Scubabartek says: “As a lover of architecture and classical times, I was in awe from the first minute in Rome. This is a city of 900 churches, countless fountains, several forums from the ancient Roman times and countless buildings, sculptures, bridges, and structures. Rome doesn't have to be expensive at all. Decide on what you want see for sure and check out all the pertinent information, and you can have lots of fun on a shoestring budget.”

Tallinn, Estonia
IgoUgo member mightywease says: “Tallinn has an awful lot to offer a visitor: a depth of history and culture, a medieval Old Town which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, excellent restaurants providing local and international cuisine, plus a vibrant nightlife of bars and clubs.”

Lisbon, Portugal
IgoUgo member Owen Lipsett says: “Although an earthquake in 1755 ended Lisbon's period of glory as Europe's greatest port, it can still console itself (and visitors) as the prettiest, friendliest, most laid-back and inexpensive capital city in Western Europe.”

Athens, Greece
IgoUgo member actonsteve says: “One of the best things about visiting the Acropolis are the views across Athens. It spreads for tens of miles, broken only by the green rocks of Lycabettus Hill, poking out like an island from the white concrete that stretches away to the mountains. The Acropolis is the heart and soul of Greece. You would have to have a heart of marble not to be moved by it all.”

Bratislava, Slovakia
IgoUgo member Re Carroll says: “Unlike nearby Vienna or Budapest, Bratislava is still relatively undiscovered by many tourists and provides a relaxing change of pace with friendly people, laidback charm, and an extra bonus of very reasonable prices.”

Bari, Italy
IgoUgo member nocciola says: “Bari is easy to get to from London (Ryanair), it's cheap, the weather is hot...and so are the locals! What is Bari? It's a port, a university town, a web of cobbled streets, it's dirty and noisy, it's full of new bars and friendly faces. Bari is a fun destination for an Italian weekend away.”

Barcelona, Spain
IgoUgo member Red Mezz says: “All of Catalan is a unique and intoxicating mixture of the wonder of old Spanish heritage, new Spain, with the delicate flavouring of French influence. Everything from the food to the language has these variants from both Spain and France and has developed its own very distinct and savory style. And Barcelona is the pinnacle of this achievement.”

travel blog and content by IgoUgo.