We're as guilty of it as anyone: trotting out every ridiculously cheap flight from New York or Boston or Atlanta to some cool-ass European capital or coast and saying, eyes wide and spittle spraying, "Now's the time! Get to Europe!"
There's only one catch, and it's a big one. Even with the euro and the British pound scraping against historical lows vs. the US dollar (gyaaah! Seriously! Get to Europe!!) you still have to pay London prices once you touch down at Heathrow or Reykjavik prices when you pop by Iceland. And clearly if you were in the mood to scrape along like a peasant, you'd just apply to grad school.
But what if we told you -- which, yes, we're literally telling you now -- that you can hit truly world-class destinations that are cheap even when their currency isn't on markdown. That you can enjoy the finest Catalan food, the most calendar-worthy Mediterranean beaches, the time-worn castles and platinum lagers and free-wheeling Croats who make Europe a beloved destination for the world's travelers. And once you cover airfare, you can do it all for less than you'd blow on a normal weekend road trip.
We know, because we asked our stable of cost-conscious writers to pick their favorite spots to hit on the cheap. Here are the 16 European cities they recommend to anyone who'd rather pocket a euro than spend it.
1.Porto, Portugal
Port wine and just-caught seafood rule in Western Europe's favorite bargain city.
Why it's so cheap: The dollar and euro are nearly dead even right now and holding steady. Add Portugal's perennial status as Western Europe's top bargain to the equation, and you won't find any bloated price tags along this Atlantic shoreline. Lodging, chow, and booze typically wipe out a holiday budget, but you'll be styling in affordable mode at two- or three-star hotels near the city's medieval/romantic Old Town.
Why you should go: Clean and classy Porto is the heart and soul of Northern Portugal, a World Heritage City where even the McDonald's has chandeliers. Olden, narrow lanes offer unofficial landmarks like squeaky-floor bookshops, indoor-outdoor cafes where patrons converse sans iPhones, and alluring courtyard squares hiding behind every façade. Portugal's pristine coastline and fondness for organic agriculture ensure that no traveler leaves blasé about its food, wine, or truffle butter.
2.Berlin, Germany
An ever-changing cultural mecca perpetually at low prices
Why it's so cheap: The capital city of Germany is arguably the cheapest in Western Europe. Finding affordable accommodation is as easy as finding a great club, and that is really easy. You can rent an Airbnb close to the CBD for as little as $30 a day. Plus, after a night of partying you can stumble to any street corner and get a traditional German currywurst for $3 with a pint for the same price. Berlin is definitely a museum city; so don't forget to bring your student ID for discounted entrance fees. There're also dozens of monuments, famous street art, beautiful parks, and attractions you can visit for absolutely nothing.
Why you should go: Berlin is one of the more progressive and laid-back cities in Western Europe; it's an indescribable mix of old-school Europe and youthful hipster energy. If you see a line outside some grungy warehouse building, join it, especially if it's the infamous Berghain. Your night will be filled with dancing, drinking, back-room mischief, and some of the best DJs in the world.
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