This article is reproduced with permission from “Lonely Planet”
（id：LonelyPlanet-CN）
Incredible, exciting and surprising, Europe is such a magical treasure trove of culture, history, architecture and stunning natural beauty. Living history, vibrant culture, extraordinary art and architecture, renowned food and wine… Europe has so much to offer travelers.
You may think that the air tickets and hotels to Europe are too expensive, and the price can also be described as “high”, but in fact, it is not necessary to “empty” your wallet when you go to Europe. Many countries not only have beautiful scenery, but also the price-performance ratio is not inferior to Southeast Asia! Let Lonely Planet introduce you to several cost-effective European destinations today. After reading this article, you can plan your trip to Europe!
—— Montenegro——
Just imagine, there is such a place, its beaches are as charming as the sapphires of Croatia, the steep and steep peaks are comparable to Switzerland, the canyons are as deep as the Grand Canyon of Colorado, the squares are as elegant as Venice Square, and the small towns are as old as Greek towns . Surrounded by a Mediterranean climate and only two-thirds the size of Wales, this is Montenegro. The name alone already conjures images of romance and excitement – and this enchanting land will not disappoint you on either count.
Kotor
Take the time machine and go back to the ancient European towns. There are moats outside the city, deep alleys in the city, and stone churches in every square. Kotor Old Town may not be as flashy as Dubrovnik, but it has more life and is just as exciting. The surrounding majestic and undulating mountains are integrated with the old city, as if this small town can disappear into the giant palm of nature at any time.
Budva Old Town
The walled old city of Budva is very beautiful, standing on the shore of the Adriatic Sea, like a miniature version of Dubrovnik, only a little less noisy. The old town is filled with a romantic atmosphere, and you can feel the typical Mediterranean enthusiasm for life on every street corner. You can explore the maze of narrow cobblestone streets, drink in the open-air cafes and bars, and climb up to the castle to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sea.
Kotor
There are 48 peaks over 2,000 meters in the Durmitor Mountains, the highest of which is Mount Bobotov Cook at 2,532 meters. The 18 glacial lakes scattered among them are called gorske oči (eyes of the mountain). The largest black lake can be reached on foot 3 kilometers from Zabljak, the main entrance of the park. The scenery along the way is pleasant and magnificent, and the limestone landform polished by ice and water is breathtaking.
—— Poland——
If there was a “Most Extraordinary History Award” in the world, Poland would deserve the medal. But nothing can suppress the strong sense of cultural identity among Poles. As a result, Polish cities like bustling Warsaw and culturally rich Krakow radiate an energetic mix of old and new. And although the economic momentum is good and prices are slowly rising, Poland is still a great value tourist destination suitable for year-round travel.
Krakow
With its fascinating mix of history and harmonious architecture in its charming old streets and squares, Krakow, Poland’s once imperial city, will not disappoint. I can’t tell why it is so special, the sloping stone arches of the medieval buildings in the old city exude a sense of history, making the streets of the city feel very flavorful. Plus, there’s a world of difference between a majestic castle and a low-key hipster bar in a rundown backstreet of Kazimierz, a city you’ll want to get to know.
Kotor
When it comes to Poland’s capital, you probably don’t immediately think of elegant palaces. After all, the city was razed to the ground by Germany during World War II. But that’s what’s most surprising about Warsaw. From the lovely “Water Palace” in Łazienki Park to the stately Wilanów Palace, these palaces portray a side of Warsaw that’s not often seen in elegance. If you like big buildings, check out the sprawling Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science, right in the heart of the city.
auschwitz concentration camp
The concentration camp was established in 1941 by the German military occupiers. It is a solemn reminder that the largest mass murder in human history took place here. The notorious slogan “Arbeit macht frei (work brings freedom)” can be seen at the entrance to the concentration camp. Passing through the entrance, several former prison cells house stunning exhibits. Visiting this place is an unsettling but soul-touching experience.
—— Czech Republic——
Prague may be one of the most popular travel destinations in this country and even in Europe, with a history spanning thousands of years and a beauty comparable to Paris. The country’s Renaissance towns have survived centuries and are still intact. The unique terrain here also provides an excellent stage for various outdoor sports. As for Czech beer, there is no better one in Europe.
prague
Prague perfectly seals the medieval style, allowing you to see Europe 500 years ago. You are attracted by its past, but reluctant to leave because of its present and future. Drinking a glass of Czech signature lager beer, you can still find quiet moments: enjoy your own Charles Bridge at dawn, admire the extremely beautiful cityscape of Prague Old Town, or get lost in the intricate lanes of Prague Lesser Town.
Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is perhaps the only world-class tourist destination and must-see place in the Czech Republic other than Prague. From a distance, it looks like any other small town on the outskirts of the Czech Republic, but once you get closer and see the Renaissance castle towering over this quiet 17th-century town, you can feel its attraction Li: This is really the legendary “fairy tale town”.
Kutna Hora
Medieval streetscapes, the spectacular Gothic Church of St. Barbara and the Ossuary make up this UNESCO World Heritage town, an easy day trip from Prague. Yes, you heard it right, there is indeed a horrible church decorated with human bones near Kutna Hora, which is located in Sedlec Monastery. Some 40,000 remains made up what is now the stunning Ossuary.
—— HUNGARY——
Hungarians have always stood out – the language they speak, the way they cook their food, and their style of wine tasting. This is the most exotic place in Europe. Lazily soaking in the open-air hot spring, crystal clear snowflakes are flying down, where else can you enjoy such a pleasant treatment? The charm, fun and excitement of Western Europe can be experienced in Hungary for half the cost.
budapest
The capital of Hungary is one of the most interesting and pleasant places to visit on the European continent. Stretching across the banks of the romantic Danube, bounded by the Buda Hills to the west and the start of the Great Plain to the east, Budapest is perhaps the most beautiful city in Central Europe. The parks are full of beauty, the architecture is second to none, and the museums are full of treasures. Cruise ships go to and from the scenic Danube Bend, Turkish-era hot springs spew steam, and nightlife hustles until dawn… The scenery of Budapest will not let you down.
spa
There are more than 300 hot springs open to the public in Hungary, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to soak in the hot springs. Some thermal baths, such as Rudas in Budapest, Kairali and some Turkish baths in Eger, date back to the 16th century. Nowadays, water parks that can accommodate more people are becoming more and more popular. Among the most extraordinary spa experiences in Hungary are floating in the thermal lake in Heviz and soaking in the thermal waters of a castle in Gyula.
—— Lithuania——
Although Lithuania is small in size, it has many tourist attractions. Tourists interested in Baroque architecture, ancient castles, and archaeological treasures can feast their eyes on the Lithuanian capital and surrounding cities. Sculpture parks and interactive museums can satisfy tourists who want to understand the sufferings of Lithuania in modern times, modern art spaces and exhibitions are enough to seduce those tourists who are more interested in modern times, and all-night bars in the city and by the beach will make those lazy tourists linger .
Vilnius
Beautiful Vilnius is rich in Baroque style, with cobbled streets, church spiers framing a distinctive skyline, bars and small restaurants. The Baroque jewel of the Baltic States, Vilnius is an attractive city. Located in the center of Vilnius, it is the largest Baroque Old Town in Europe and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
curonian spit
Come and breathe the pure air of the enchanting Curonian Spit, with its fragrant pine forests and towering sand dunes. Divided equally between Lithuania and Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast, this marvelous strip has some of the most precious dune land in Europe and is inhabited by wild animals such as elk and birds. In 2000, UNESCO declared this A fragile sand spit is listed as a World Heritage Site.
hill of crosses
One of the most stunning landscapes in Lithuania is the legendary Hill of Crosses. Thousands of crosses are covered with hump-like hills. When the evening wind blows, the crosses on the mountain will jingle. The crosses erected here date back to at least the 19th century, if not longer. They were pushed down by the Soviet army, but every night, people risked their lives and freedom to bypass the Soviet soldiers and crawl through the blockade of barbed wire to erect more crosses to express their love for the country.
– END –
