Europe has been a dream destination for tourists from all over the world because of its beautiful cities, scenic nature, swift transport, and stunning trains and highways. Americans are no exception. London, Paris and Rome remain the hotspots of Europe, but these days people are looking to explore affordable offbeat destinations like Lisbon, Kraków, and Budapest as well.
The best part? You can find round-trip flights from US cities like New York or Miami for as little as $300–$500 using the right platform. Planning in advance also helps. In this guide, you'll find the best European cities for unforgettable experiences and how to find cheapest round trip flights. You’ll also know how to buy discount cards, coupons and taxi rides.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has a lot to offer to a curious traveler. Walk through history by taking a guided tour of the Moorish-inspired alleys of Alfama and hidden Fado houses tucked away in labyrinthine neighborhoods. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a brilliant example of Manueline architecture, which prides itself on its stone carvings.
Lisbon will not disappoint you when it comes to culinary delights such as pastéis de nata and flavorful seafood stews. It’s also known for its nightlife, lantern-lit streets and riverfront promenades.
Why It’s a Smart Pick:
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TAP Portugal offers regular flash sales for flights from New York and Boston.
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Use flight deal trackers like Cheapfaremart.com to catch limited-time offers.
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Lisbon’s public transport (tram and metro) is among the cheapest in Europe—get a 24-hour Navegante card (~€6.60) for unlimited access.
Where to Find Local Travel Discounts:
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The Ask Me Lisboa kiosks located in Baixa and Rossio distribute discount cards for attractions and public transport.
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The Lisboa Card: You can buy it online or at the airport. It offers free admission to 39 museums and monuments and includes free public transport.
Non-Fluffy Highlights:
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National Tile Museum – A unique museum focused entirely on the history and art of ceramic tiles.
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LX Factory – A repurposed industrial site with design shops, bookstores, rooftop bars, and budget food stalls.
2. Kraków, Poland
Kraków has many attractions. Walk through history by exploring the charming streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Wawel Castle, the former residence of Polish kings, with its stunning Wawel Cathedral. Discover the largest medieval market square in Europe, Rynek Główny, and admire the iconic Cloth Hall. Kraków will not disappoint you when it comes to traditional Polish cuisine such as pierogi, bigos, and zapiekanka. It's also known for its lively Kazimierz district, with its blend of Jewish heritage and trendy bars and restaurants.
Why It’s a Smart Pick:
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Book a “LOT Polish” flight, which often includes free carry-on and checked bags in their economy class.
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Sign up for Cheapfaremart.com’s email list for promo codes and last-minute sales.
Where to Save Locally:
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Visit the Krakow Tourist Information office at Rynek Główny (Main Square) for free walking tour info and discounted museum bundles.
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Museum and public transport day passes are available at kiosks and newsstands. Get the KrakowCard for €28 (valid for 3 days).
Destination Highlights:
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Nowa Huta District – A Soviet-planned suburb with Communist-era architecture and steelworks tours.
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Wieliczka Salt Mine – UNESCO-listed and accessible by train or bus (~€5) from the city center.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Be ready for a quick encounter with a mix of artistic and cultural influences from the gothic era. It’s
Barcelona, the coastal metropolis and cultural heartland of Spain. Traverse the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, and you’ll be thrilled to see how ancient history blends with modern architecture. Barcelona Cathedral prides itself on its intricate architecture. Other attractions include Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and beautiful Casa Batlló.
If you're a food lover, Barcelona is a paradise. Try mouthwatering Catalan cuisine, from rich seafood stews to sweet crema Catalana. Don’t miss sampling the local wines. As the sun sets, the city's beaches come alive and people looking for nightlife, head towards El Raval and Gothic Quarter.
Why It’s a Smart Pick:
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LEVEL and Iberia frequently drop fares under $450 round-trip if booked 2–3 months in advance.
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Use Cheapfaremart and Google Flights Explore and set alerts for flexible dates.
Where to Find Travel Discounts:
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Barcelona Turisme offices at Plaça Catalunya and the airport offer city passes like the Barcelona Card. It offers access to free public transport and the museum.
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Kiosks at Estació de Sants sell discounted train tickets for regional travel (e.g., to Sitges, Girona).
Unique Attractions (Value Focused):
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Bunkers del Carmel: It offers panoramic city views. It’s free to enter and popular with locals.
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Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau: This is a lesser-known Art Nouveau site where you can get combo tickets under €15.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the lesser known gem of Europe has many things to offer. It promises thermal baths and ruin bars. Watch the scenic Danube, the majestic river of Europe. Stroll through the grand boulevards of Pest, blessed with the stunning architecture, and then cross over to Buda, where the castle and its labyrinthine streets whisper the secrets of the past. And then, of course, there's the food that will leave you wanting for more. It includes hearty goulash, sweet chimney cakes, and paprika-spiced everything that warms the soul. The city also offers captivating contrasts such as stately parliament buildings alongside quirky ruin bars. Forget Thai massages, as in Budapest, you can try the addictive, ancient thermal baths that soothe your muscles. The nightlife is pure fun: sophisticated, yet wild. Budapest will steal your heart and tempt you to return again.
Why It’s a Smart Pick:
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Budget-friendly food and lodging options.
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Play Airlines offers round-trip flights via Reykjavik for under $400.
Where to Save Locally:
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The Budapest Info Points: It’s located near Deák Ferenc Square and at Keleti Station offer discounted combo passes.
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The Budapest Card: You can buy it online or inside the city. It covers public transport and free entry to 30+ attractions.
Specific Experiences:
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Memento Park: It's an outdoor museum with Communist-era statues, which is just a 20-min bus ride from the city.
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Ruin Bars in District VII: The district has converted buildings into eclectic bars. There is no entry fee, just the cost of your drink.
5. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin reminds you of sitting in a pub with an old friend, swapping stories and sharing laughs. It's a heartwarming and welcoming city. Visit the Guinness Storehouse, a famous brewery in
Dublin, Ireland. Since its opening in 2000, over twenty million visitors have visited it. Visit the Long Room, the main chamber of the Old Library at the famous Trinity College, which houses 200,000 books, many of which are among the rarest and oldest. Would you like to enjoy live music, go to the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar. Among the culinary delights, try the Irish stew. The biggest asset of the city are its people that truly make Dublin special. They are witty, warm, and always up for a chat.
Why It’s a Smart Pick:
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Aer Lingus often includes checked bags and meals in the fare.
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Join Jack’s Flight Club for early alerts on flash sales to Ireland.
Where to Find Discounts:
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Dublin Visitor Centre: It’s at O'Connell Street, where you can buy the DoDublin Card for bus tours and airport transfers.
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For train travel, check IrishRail.ie for early bird fares booked 5–7 days in advance.
Specific Attractions:
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Kilmainham Gaol: Book online to skip long lines; €8 entry with full historical guided tour.
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Howth Cliff Walk: A free, scenic coastal hike just 25 minutes by DART train.
Bonus: Tools to Find the Cheapest Flights from the US to Europe
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Cheapfaremart.com: Great for exclusive discount codes and last-minute deals.
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Google Flights: Best for flexible date searches and price history.
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Hopper: Predicts price drops and gives recommendations.
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Jack’s Flight Club: Email alerts with flash deals, often 40–60% off average prices.
Final Thought
You don’t need a big budget to explore Europe. All you need is smart planning and the right resources. It’s time to try the European cities, where you can travel even on a small budget. You should know how to find affordable airfares and leverage verified local discount sources. Explore Europe for less without sacrificing authenticity or experience. Skip the fluff, keep your travel tools sharp, and discover more for less.
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