Valencia
#3 in Best Cheap European Vacations
Compared to Barcelona, Valencia has equally beautiful beaches but fewer crowds. It is also a lot more affordable. The city offers a diverse range of free things to do, including relaxing on the sand, wandering through Plaza del Ayuntamiento, exploring the Valencia Cathedral and shopping at the Central Market, the crown jewel of one of the oldest food market areas in Europe. Plus, if you time your trip right and want to visit a few Spanish cities, you can often find flights and train routes from Barcelona or Madrid to Valencia for less than $100 round trip.
Tallinn
#4 in Best Cheap European Vacations
Overlooking the Baltic Sea, Tallinn draws travelers to Estonia with its charming atmosphere and historical attractions. Start by walking through the capital’s Old Town, which is webbed with cobblestone streets, old-world buildings and all kinds of medieval delights. Then, explore the city’s eclectic museums, which cover everything from maritime history to the KGB. Look into purchasing a Tallinn Card if you plan on visiting multiple museums. The cards vary in duration and price – the longest option for 72 hours costs about $60 – and include access to museums and public transportation, plus discounts for tours, shops and restaurants.
