Dreaming of a summer Europe tour where you can leave the winter chill behind? Is the exchange rate the only thing holding you back? Fear not!
You can explore Europe’s stunning destinations without breaking the bank – all it takes is some strategic planning and a few insider tips from the Sure GILTEDGE team!
From Porto in Portugal to Budapest in Hungary, let’s take a budget-friendly tour of Europe’s slightly lesser-known destinations. We’ll help you stretch your rand to the max without compromising your experience.
PORTUGAL: Porto
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city and the birthplace of port wine, offers a unique blend of history, architecture and delicious Portuguese cuisine.
Why it’s rand-friendly: The cost of living is lower in Porto than in many other Portuguese cities, such as Lisbon and parts of the Algarve. According to Numbeo.com, you’ll pay up to 25% less at a restaurant in Porto than in Lisbon. One-way tickets on local transport are also 25% cheaper in Porto, costing approximately €1.50 each. As for accommodation, the average cost is R1,500 per night*.
A tip from our experts:
“Save on transport and explore Porto’s Ribeira district on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a picturesque neighbourhood with narrow streets, colourful buildings and stunning views of the Douro River. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront promenade, soak in the charming ambience, and capture some Instagram-worthy photos. It won’t cost you a cent!”
CZECH REPUBLIC: Prague
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its fairy-tale architecture and vibrant nightlife. It’s bursting with incredible landmarks to explore, from Prague Castle, which stretches across the city’s skyline, to Charles Bridge, the city’s definitive symbol.
Why it’s rand-friendly: The rand is currently stronger than the Czech koruna. At the time of writing, R1 will get you Kč1,18. In Prague, the average cost of a hotel stay per person per night is R1,600, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around R210, and local transport will set you back less than R30 for a one-way ticket.
A tip from our experts:
“Public transportation in Prague is celebrated for its reliability. It’s budget-friendly and convenient for exploring the city’s top attractions. You can purchase a day pass for approximately R140, granting you access to the tram, metro and bus networks.”
SPAIN: Valencia
Valencia is where one of Spain’s best-loved dishes originated: the paella – making it a hit with foodies. It’s also a leading destination for anyone interested in modern architecture and relaxing on beautiful beaches promising abundant sunshine almost all year round.
Why it’s rand-friendly: Swap Barcelona for Valencia and you’ll save big on your Europe tour. Many travel experts agree that this port city is the cheapest to travel to in Spain. Accommodation costs, on average, R1,165 per person per night and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant will total around R240. A one-way ticket on local transport is estimated to cost just under R30.
A tip from our experts:
“Make a beeline for the Central Market (Mercado Central) for a mouthwatering and affordable food experience. This busy market offers a scrumptious selection of fresh produce, local delicacies and tapas for sharing. Grab a few snacks, find a sunny spot in one of the nearby parks and enjoy a picnic lunch alongside the locals.”
HUNGARY: Budapest
Hungary is, hands down, one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. Lovingly nicknamed ‘The Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest, Hungary’s capital city, is celebrated for its thermal baths, dazzling river views, and its ruin bar scene (bars are set up in abandoned buildings, courtyards, or warehouses, often decorated with eclectic furnishings and art installations).
Why it’s rand-friendly: The rand is currently stronger than the Hungarian forint. At the time of writing, R1 will get you Ft18,45. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will generally cost less than R200, and a one-way ticket on local transport will total less than R20. R988 per person per night is the average cost of accommodation in Budapest.
A tip from our experts:
“Consider visiting the city’s sought-after thermal baths during the daytime. Many baths offer discounted rates for morning or afternoon visits, allowing you to enjoy the healing waters and beautiful surroundings without spending a fortune.”
GREECE: Corfu
Corfu, a sun-soaked Greek island dotted with olive groves and located in the Ionian Sea, promises the best bang for your buck on the beach. Along with its shimmering shores, tourists will love strolling through its Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets and countless Venetian-style buildings showcasing the island’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Why it’s rand-friendly: A visit to Corfu is cheaper in almost every aspect compared to a visit to the ever-popular city of Athens. Accommodation averages under R1,000 per person per night and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant shouldn’t cost much more than R200. As for public transport, Corfu residents and tourists rely primarily on the island’s ‘blue bus’ service. The price of a day ticket for unlimited transport on the buses is approximately R100.
A tip from our experts:
“Not a fan of crowds or schedules? Avoid the buses and rent a scooter or a bicycle instead. This way, you can explore the island at your own pace. This budget-friendly mode of transportation allows you to discover hidden beaches, quaint villages and breathtaking viewpoints without the cost of a guided tour.”
TURKEY: Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and cultural and economic hub, offers a lively blend of the East and West. It’s best known for its Byzantine and Ottoman heritage (it served as the capital for both empires), boasting a wealth of historical landmarks including UNESCO World Heritage Site Hagia Sophia.
Why it’s rand-friendly: The rand is slightly stronger than the Turkish lira, with R1 buying you ₺1,29, at the time of writing. Interesting fact: the cost of living in Turkey is 9.1% less expensive than in Johannesburg, according to Numbeo.com. Budget to spend an estimated R116 on a meal at an inexpensive restaurant and R8 for a one-way ticket on local transport. On average, accommodation costs R900 per person per night.
A tip from our experts:
“Enjoy a Bosphorus ferry ride on a public ferry, costing between R6 and R9,50 per person. These ferries offer gorgeous views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. That said, if you do have a bit extra to spend, it’s always worthwhile splurging on a longer, more luxurious Bosphorus cruise.”
CROATIA: Split
Steer clear of tourist-y Dubrovnik and head straight to Split – consumer prices are 13.6% lower. Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and home to Diocletian’s Palace, located in the heart of the old town. Built in the 4th century AD, this palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman ruins.
Why it’s rand-friendly: While it’s not the cheapest country in Europe, it’s certainly possible to travel to Croatia, and Split specifically, on a budget. You’re looking at around R1,500 per person per night for accommodation and R160 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. A one-way ticket on local transport will set you back less than R30.
A tip from our experts:
“Street-food culture in Croatia is on the rise. Try it for yourself instead of eating at expensive restaurants if you’re hoping to save. Be sure to sample local specialities like cevapi (grilled meat), burek (pastry filled with cheese or meat) and local seafood dishes. Also, be on the lookout for konobas, traditional Croatian taverns, serving up hearty and affordable meals.”
ESTONIA: Tallinn
Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city, artfully merges the old with the new. Its Old Town is still encircled by walls dating back to the 13th century, yet the city is renowned as a hub for technology and innovation. It was one of the first countries to implement digital initiatives and is known for its e-governance systems, digital infrastructure and tech-driven business start-up scene.
Why it’s rand-friendly: Tallinn is one of Europe’s smallest capitals, so it’s easy (and affordable) to traverse it on foot. Accommodation costs approximately R947 per person per night and an inexpensive restaurant will charge around R240 for a meal. If you’re not keen on walking, the public transport system comprises trolleys, trams and buses, and a day ticket will cost you an estimated R110.
A tip from our experts:
“Spend at least a few days exploring Tallinn’s Old Town. Lose yourself in the maze of cobblestone streets, admire the medieval buildings, and visit St Olaf’s Church for panoramic views of the city. The best part? A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is absolutely free!”
Make the most of your Europe tour – and your budget – with the help of team Sure GILTEDGE! We’re happy to customise an experience just for you, down to every last detail. Contact us today.