Summer is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time to start planning for your next big holiday. And with lots of sun on offer in Europe, it’s your perfect chance for a trip to see one of the world’s most famous cities. Just in case you needed another excuse for a fabulous summer break, we at KAYAK India have analysed our search data and uncovered the top 10 cheapest destinations in Europe this summer for Indians along with some essential travel information, just for you.
There’s also the 10 Trending & Popular European Destinations For Your 2018 Summer Holidays and also where Europeans themselves are travelling to over the summer.
Top 10 Cheapest Destinations In Europe This Summer
10. Rome, Italy
Rome is one of the most exciting destinations in the world. The Italian capital has it all, nightlife, shopping, fine dining and entertainment, whilst being world renowned for its array of historic landmarks. It’s also an incredibly friendly city. Whether you want to chat over coffee in the piazza or need directions to the Spanish Steps, the locals are more than happy to help. Known as the ‘Eternal City’, Rome was once the stronghold of the mighty Roman Empire. Its timeless charm captivates visitors who flock to the city for romantic breaks, family vacations, and shopping sprees. Built on seven hills and the banks of the River Tiber, the city is a fabulous blend of elegantly crumbling ruins, magnificent palaces and bustling piazzas, ancient cobbled alleyways and glorious open spaces.
9. Vienna, Austria
Elegant, full of history, and a thriving food, nightlife, and cultural center, Vienna has everything vacationers could ever need. This stunning Central European gem is truly one of the world’s great cities.
Walk in the footsteps of Viennese greats like Sigmund Freud, Mozart, and the artist Egon Schiele. Watch a classical concert at the Musikverein or a spectacular opera at the Staatsoper after dining on succulent Wiener Schnitzel at restaurants like Reinthaler’s Beisl. Tour stunning palaces like Schönbrunn or spend all day at the massive Art History Museum with masterpieces by Vermeer and Velázquez. But Vienna isn’t all about concerts and art. You can shop at fashion boutiques in the Goldenes Quartier or dive into all-night dance clubs like Donau Techno. Whatever you love to do, you’ll adore Vienna.
8. Munich, Germany
Nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, Munich combines historical elegance with down-to-earth charm. View timeless masterpieces from the world’s great painters, take a stroll down one of Europe’s best shopping streets, and rub elbows with the locals at a beer garden. For centuries, Munich has been a major center of art and commerce. You’ll find splendid baroque churches in the Old Town neighborhood and masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, and Vincent van Gogh in the Museum District. The world-famous Maximilianstrasse shopping district has high-end fashion houses like Chanel and Ralph Lauren, and the headquarters of car manufacturer BMW are in the suburbs. Munich is a very friendly and approachable city. You can sing along with an Oompah band in a crowded beer hall, or, if your taste runs to quieter pursuits, sunbathe in one of Munich’s many parks. Plus, you are only a few miles away from some of the highest peaks in the Bavarian Alps.
7. Berlin, Germany
Berlin buzzes with an energy unmatched anywhere else in the world. It is a sophisticated metropolis offering chic art galleries, an innovative dining scene, and iconic cultural institutions like the Berlin State Opera. Berlin is also an edgy center for avant-garde work in music, the visual and performing arts, where nightclubs are packed with partygoers until dawn. The past is never far from sight and monuments like the Holocaust Memorial and Berlin Wall Memorial dot throughout the city. It is also a city that rebuilt itself with glittering modern architecture like the striking modernist Berliner Philharmonie concert hall with its swooping roof lined in shimmering gold. Shaped by a turbulent past, Berlin never takes itself for granted, and visitors will find a relaxed, fun-loving spirit.
6. Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s capital city is one of Eastern Europe’s most attractive destinations. It has a beautiful setting on the Danube River, stately palaces, castles and museums to visit, and a youthful population who love to hit the town’s bars and clubs. Budapest’s golden age came under the Habsburgs in the 18th and 19th centuries, and when you visit, you’ll be astonished by the beauty that remains. You can see ballet in the Drechsler Palace, climb to the citadel on Gellért Hill, or see how the Imperial royal family lived at Buda Castle. After the sightseeing’s all done, relax in thermal baths like Széchenyi, wind through the city’s nightlife districts, or spend the evening sampling the gourmet cuisine at restaurants like Borbiróság. At the end of it all, you’ll have fallen in love with this friendly, gorgeous European capital.
5. Madrid, Spain
Spain’s capital is an extraordinary city and despite its popularity, it made its way on to our list of cheapest destinations in Europe this summer. Culturally dynamic, bursting with creativity and exuberance, it’s a haven for clubbers, music fans, and art lovers. But it also has much to offer more relaxed vacationers. From the endless masterpieces of the Museo del Prado to the shops of Gran Vía, Madrid is a city to explore at your own pace, and it’s a city that visitors won’t forget. Sports fans can roar with the massive crowds at Real Madrid matches, while couples can walk arm in arm past the crystal palace and fountains in Buen Retiro Park. History lovers can learn about the Spanish Empire at the Royal Palace of Madrid, while everyone can tuck into patatas bravas, bowls of cocido Madrileño, and slices of satisfying Spanish omelette. In short, if you want a city with fine food, great nightlife, museums, galleries, and a superb transportation network, Madrid is the destination to pick.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
The glorious city of Prague is one of Europe’s great cultural and artistic capitals. Experience immaculately preserved castles, churches, and synagogues, a rich musical tradition, and hearty food and drink. Prague was spared from bombing raids during World War II, which means that its medieval old town has some of the best-preserved architecture in Europe. The winding, maze-like streets reveal new sights and sounds around every corner, whether it’s a string quartet playing a Mozart concerto or vivid reminders of Prague’s once-thriving Jewish population. Despite Prague’s high-culture reputation, it is a modern city with a friendly populace and surprisingly affordable prices compared to other major European destinations. You’ll find cheap hotels, great prices on antiques and collectibles, and local restaurants that serve traditional rib-sticking Czech cuisine. Prague is a premier vacation destination that will appeal to both experienced and new travelers. You’ll find all of the art, culture, and fine dining of cities like Paris or Berlin only on a smaller, more accessible scale.
3. Brussels, Belgium
There are few cities with such a multicultural feel as Brussels. As one of the major European centers for politics and with three official languages, this beautiful and multifaceted city will have you believing you’re in a fairytale. With all of its history and amazing gothic architecture, Brussels is sure to inspire you and transport you back in time. But you won’t stay in the past for long – Brussels is one of Europe’s most bustling, fashionable modern cities. The people in Brussels are some the kindest you’ll ever meet and the potential language barrier doesn’t affect their happy disposition.
2. Milan, Italy
Italy’s second-largest city is a delight for tourists. This elegant, efficient city has an excellent public transportation system, stunning architecture, world-famous works of art, and more designer boutiques than almost any city on earth. Milan offers an endless array of experiences. Attend February’s Milan Fashion Week to see the year’s new trends and watch the world’s elite designers in action. Visit a soccer match at San Siro Stadium, gaze at da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and statues by Michelangelo, or stroll arm in arm along the canals of Navigli, checking out the antique stands, before choosing a welcoming trattoria for your evening meal. With a unique blend of art, fashion, great museums, sporting attractions, food, and street life, Milan has it all, and it’s a wonderful vacation spot.
1. Istanbul, Turkey
History buffs, foodies, adventurers: Istanbul could be your dream destination, and it tops our lisst of cheapest destinations in Europe this summer. This huge city lies at the crossroads between East and West, and the influences of its geographic location can be felt everywhere. From the spectacular Topkapi Palace of the Ottoman Sultan to the sublime domes and towers of the Hagia Sophia and the ruins of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cites, the past is everywhere in Istanbul – and it’s fascinating. Beyond sightseeing, Istanbul offers much more to adore. From the color and energy of the Grand Bazaar to the exquisite fabrics at boutiques like Haremlique, Istanbul is a great place to shop. The taste and aroma of a traditional Turkish kebab from restaurants like Asitane and the option of dancing the night away at the bars in Galata make clear: Istanbul has it all.
*Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.co.in on 4 May, 2018. The prices are quoted in INR. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
