Thanks to the current economic climate, visions of Europe probably entail huge Euro signs rather than beautiful architecture.
But the continent isn’t all 5-star Italian hotels and expensive Parisian 4-course meals. There’s a whole unexplored world out there that doesn’t have to break your budget.
The World Economic Forum released a Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report from 2015, and it turns out there are quite a few European countries that Canadians might just be able to afford. Based on their price competitiveness, these top ten European destinations also all made it into the world’s top 100 most affordable.
Here are the top ten cheapest European countries to visit in 2016.
Bulgaria
You can take your pick of crumbling castles with a backdrop of lush forest in the list’s most price competitive European country. Visit the Belogradchik Rocks, Kaleto Fortress, or cycle through the unspoiled Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria.
Photo: Interrail
Russia
It’s the world’s largest nation, and the second on the list to get you more for your money come vacation time. The Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and the Winter Palace all await you in Moscow and St. Petersburg, or take the train trip of a lifetime on the Trans-Siberian express.
Poland
Poland is a haven for medieval architecture with deep Jewish culture and cuisine. Visit Auschwitz, underground chapels, or explore the palaces in the capital city, Warsaw.
Romania
Who doesn’t love castles and vampires? This picturesque country has mountains, forests, and ski resorts for you to explore, and its capital city, Bucharest, is constantly topping lists for the best European hotspots.
Lithuania
It may not scream beach destination but Palanga is Lithuania’s premier seaside resort with live music and nightclubs galore. The baroque architecture in Vilnius is another spot you shouldn’t miss, along with the Trakai Castle, a fairytale castle sitting in the middle of a moat.
Photo: Lithuania for you
Latvia
A member of the European Union since 2004, Latvia has an abundance of national parks, stunning cathedrals, and museums and galleries. Set on the River Daugava, Riga, has art nouveau architecture, beach swimming and canal boat tours for holidaymakers to sample.
Moldova
We can forgive you for knowing little about this former Soviet republic. What would be unforgivable however, is overlooking this charming European gem now that you’re in the know. The Pushkin Museum, Cricova winery, and Bendery Fortress are just a few great reasons to visit.
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Georgia
It holds the highest peak in Europe (Mount Elbrus), Tusheti National Park, and the mind-blowingly beautiful Caucasian Mountains. The oldest city, Mtskheta, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and its capital, Tbilisi, is one of the most fascinating and culturally diverse capitals on the continent. Google. It. Now.
Estonia
Sandy white beaches beside the Baltic Sea, an open air museum, and hiking trails for nature-lovers, this European country has a little something for all travellers. Its medieval capital Tallinn is yet another UNESCO city on the list, and with its cobblestone streets and perfectly preserved architecture it’s easy to see why.
Hungary
One word. Budapest. Second words. Thermal baths. Third…..okay, there’s too much on offer in Hungary to count on just one hand. Lakes, abbeys, castles, and a thriving nightlife with pubs and floating restaurants on the Danube River, there are a whole stack of reasons to visit.
