Thanks low-cost Carriers, cheap travel is “en vogue”. Accommodation at discount rates completes the deal: Centrally located hotels, hostels, apartments and b&bs from 30€ per person per night are waiting in Europe’s southern cities of Istanbul, Athens, Sevilla and Lisbon. Compared to the average Europe-wide rate of 58 euros, every guest saves 28 euros per night…
With maximum temperatures of 20ºC in January and real big city flair - 11.4m inhabitants make Istanbul one of the biggest cities in the world. It is also the only one located on two continents. In the European part, there is the Topkapi Palace, one of Istanbul’s emblematic sights (entry 10€). Not to be missed is a boat ride on the Bosphorus which separates Europe and Asia (5€). With the last bit of your savings you could pay a visit to the hip Riddim Bar (12€). Say hello - or “Merhaba!” - to Istanbul.
Athens, the Greek capital with around 4m inhabitants, is another sunny city in Europe. Magnificent sandy beaches await you almost all year long (up to 15ºC degrees in January). The undisputed highlight: the Acropolis (entry 12€). Not antique, yet just as timeless: the Maria Callas Museum. Entry to the exhibition is free. Which leaves the bigger part of the savings for a real Greek meal, e.g. in the “To Kafenio” (from 10€). Tradicional Greek Raki is waiting at the “Psira” in the downtown “Psiri” neighbourhood (6€).
Seville welcomes guests throughout the winter months. 1.5m people live in the Andalusian capital which is the home of Flamenco. Some euros are well invested in a sevillian breakfast: “porras” (Spanish “doughnuts”) with hot chocolate (3€). Follow this with a view of the city from the Giralda, the famous cathedral’s bell tower (entry 7.50€). A snackcan be had at the “El Tremendo”, typically a beer with “tapas” of almonds (almendras) and tuna (atún, 4€). Another Sevilla must - a Flamenco show in the “La Carboneria” where free entry leaves travellers with a handful of euros for Sangria.
Just as sunny is Lisbon (2.8m inhabitants). The ultramodern Expo 1998 area Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) hosts the Oceanarium, Europe’s biggest aquarium (11€). The Torre de Belém (tower, 3€) figures among the UNESCO’s world heritage sights. Unbeatable views are offered by the Castelo de São Jorge (castle, 5€). What remains of the money saved can be spent on Bacalhau (dried salted cod) and drinks in the Bairro Alto neighbourhood, known for the best nightlife in the Portuguese capital.
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