Budget traveling in Europe in winter: where to plan a trip without extra expenses

Are you frozen with winter boredom? Then it's time to go on a trip! After all, from December to February, European cities are especially atmospheric: Christmas markets, nativity scenes, concerts, ice rinks, and, of course, hot and fragrant mulled wine. You shouldn't miss this! So, where to go on vacation without spending a fortune - we tell you below.

Bratislava, Slovakia

It is located on the banks of the Danube in the foothills of the Small Carpathians. By the way, this is the only capital in the world that has borders with two other countries - Austria and Hungary.

First, visit Bratislava Castle. During the Roman Empire, a Roman border fortification was located here. Since the 16th century, the castle has served as the residence of Hungarian kings. Today the building has been reconstructed. Tourists can visit the exhibition halls of the National Museum.

If you are traveling from December to January, visit the Christmas market on the main square. Travelers can buy Christmas tree decorations, souvenirs, and handmade goods. Be sure to try the caramelized apples, potato cakes with lard, and gingerbread.

Also visit St. Martin's Cathedral, where emperors were crowned between 1563 and 1830, including Maximilian II (1563) and Maria Theresa (1741).

Wroclaw, Poland

The city is located in Lower Silesia to the north of the Sudetenland. In 2016, the city received the status of the European Capital of Culture. In 2017, the World Games were held in Wroclaw.

One of the symbols of Poland is the island of Tumsky. It is here that the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which was built in the tenth century, is located. We advise you to climb the tower of the building, where an observation deck has been arranged.

Also take a walk around the Rynok Square. Tourists can see the famous Wroclaw gnomes - small bronze statuettes. By the way, they began to be installed in 2001.

And, of course, go to the Zoological Garden. The attraction has been operating since 1865. Its area is about 33 hectares. Today, it is home to more than 12,000 animals, including giraffes, leopards, snow leopards, baboons, elephants, seals, and penguins.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. The city is a major passenger and cargo seaport.

First, take a walk around the Town Hall Square, a masterpiece of 15th-century architecture. During the Christmas season, a fair is organized here. Tourists can buy handmade woolen products, Christmas decorations, and jewelry. Be sure to try glög and traditional gingerbread cookies.

Next, go to the former Niguliste Lutheran Church. By the way, it is about 500 years old. Today, the old building houses a museum and concert hall where you can see rare icons, ancient tombstones and a fragment of Bernt Notke's painting "Dance of Death".

Visit Toompea Castle. It once served as the residence of Danish kings and then Estonian rulers. Today it belongs to the parliament, the Riigikogu.

Riga, Latvia

The city is located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga on the Baltic Sea. Interesting fact: the historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We recommend visiting the cathedral. Its construction began in 1211. It houses the world-famous organ of 1883-1884.

Next, go to the Town Hall. This is an exact copy of the building that was completely destroyed by the German occupiers during World War II. It was restored at the beginning of the XXI century and all the details of the original facade were recreated. Today, the Riga City Council meets in the building.

Also visit the local castle. It once served as a fortress of the Livonian Order. Only the Lead Tower remains in its original form. Today it is the residence of the President of Latvia and the National History Museum.

And, of course, go to the Church of St. Gertrude, built in the eclectic and neo-Gothic style. Historically, the church was located on the edge of the village, surrounded by farmland. Nowadays, the shrine is considered an important spiritual center, where services and musical events are still held.

Travel to the atmospheric locations of Europe!

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