Budget European destinations: where to go this winter

The cold season can turn out surprisingly affordable for travelers if you know where to go and how to save money. Thus, don't hesitate and go explore the atmospheric towns. Today we're going to tell you about some interesting destinations and what they have to offer.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is located south of the center of the Sofia Basin. The capital is the main cultural and economic center of the country. In winter, the average temperature ranges from +2°C to +6°C.

For those who love skiing, we recommend going to the Bansko resort. It is located at an altitude of about 936 meters above sea level. There are about 20 slopes here - red, black, orange and blue - as well as 13 ski lifts.

A daytime ski-pass costs about €45.

By the way, the distance from the local international airport is about 160 kilometers.

We also recommend visiting the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The shrine was built in the Neo-Byzantine style. It is also considered one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Inside, tourists can see frescoes, mosaics, and stained glass windows.

We recommend taking a walk in the Borisova Gradina Park. It was created at the end of the XIX century at the initiative of a Swiss gardener, and features a waterfall, a pond, and flower beds. It is especially fabulous in winter.

Bucharest, Romania

It is located in the southeast of the country on the banks of the Dâmbovița River. From December to February, the average temperature ranges from +2°C to +6°C.

First, go to the Palace of Parliament. It is considered one of the largest civilian administrative buildings in the world. The construction lasted 13 years (from 1984 to 1997).

The process caused a mixed reaction among the locals, as it required the destruction of the historic district, after which many families lost their homes. Today, the building houses the parliament and office space.

Be sure to take a walk in the Old Town. It is characterized by cozy streets, various sculptures and buildings of the XIX-early XX centuries. Also, do not forget about the Calea Victoriei and visit the National Military Club and the majestic National History Museum of Romania.

For winter activities, we recommend a trip to the Poiana Brasov ski resort. It is located at an altitude of 1,030 meters above sea level. There are about 11 slopes: blue, red, and black.

A day ski pass will cost about €43.

Porto, Portugal

Located in the western part of the country on the Atlantic Ocean. In winter, the average temperature ranges from +9°C to +14°C.

First, visit the historic center of the city - Ribeira. It once played an important role as a trade and manufacturing center. Today it is characterized by narrow alleys that converge to a small square on the waterfront.

Tourists will see a fountain with a bronze cube and the facade of one of the buildings decorated with the Portuguese coat of arms and a statue of John the Baptist.

You can take beautiful photos on the Dom Luís I Bridge, built in 1881-1887. It was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel himself. The structure stretches for more than 385 meters.

For shopping enthusiasts, we recommend heading to the main pedestrian street of Santa Catarina. It is more than 1.5 kilometers long, and is home to a large number of well-known brand stores, restaurants and cafes.

Děčín, Chezh Republic

It is located in the Ústecký region in the north of the country. The town was first mentioned in 993. At that time, the settlement of the Přemyslovice family was located here. In winter, the average temperature ranges from 0°C to +5°C.

Start your trip from Děčín Castle. It was built in the classicist style. The world-famous Scottish writer Walter Scott had been here, and Frédéric Chopin composed one of his waltzes in the building too. There is the largest orchidarium in Central Europe on the territory.

We alsp advise you to climb to the top of Hoher Schneeberg, the highest among the Elbe Sandstone Mountains (723 meters above sea level). Here, tourists will see an old observation tower where a hotel once operated.

And, of course, go to Czech (Bohemian) Switzerland. Since the XIX century, this area has gained popularity among travelers. Its rocky landscapes inspired prominent Romantic artists, including the German painter Ludwig Richter.

The main attraction is the Pravčická brána. The path to the man-made arched bridge leads past boulders, waterfalls, and a centuries-old forest. We recommend visiting the castle and restaurant at the foot of the attraction.

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