Best Buget European Destinations

Taking that trip to Europe might seem like an indulgence reserved for starry-eyed honeymooners, but it really doesn’t cost that much to travel to some top European destinations from Singapore.

Here are five affordable European destinations you can enjoy without having to spend a bomb.

Athens, Greece

Budget airline Scoot’s first flight from Singapore enables access to Athens for under $1,000 during promotion periods. Greece is known as the cradle of Western civilization and has no shortage of ancient ruins.

The Greek capital is filled with not-to-be-missed historic sites such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysus and so much more.

 

Cost saving travel tips
– One of the cheapest meals you can enjoy in Athens is a gyro, a hearty meat-filled wrap which costs about 3 euro.
– Many museums offer free entry on certain days during the year or week, so it’s best to check their websites before you go to see if you’ll be able to get in free during your stay.

Estimated costs
Flight from Singapore: 950 SGD, Accommodation: 30 SGD per person per night for a shared Airbnb apartment, Food: 30 euro per day.

 

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is another destination that Singapore residents can get to on a budget airline. The German capital is filled with sites and museums dedicated to World War II.

Some war-related must-sees for history buffs include Checkpoint Charlie and the Jewish Museum. The East Side Gallery, composed of remnants of the Berlin Wall covered in stunning graffiti, is also an essential visit.

 

Cost saving travel tips
– Cheap street food treats you can enjoy for under 7 euro include kebabs, takeaway pizza slices and of course, bratwurst and currywurst.
– There are many free walking tours available throughout the city. To find them, make a quick internet search or inquire at your accommodation.

Estimated costs
Flight from Singapore: 800 SGD, Accommodation: 30 SGD per person per night for a shared Airbnb apartment, Food: 35 euro per day.

 

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the world’s most livable cities and a must-visit for fans of classical music. Austria was the birthplace of a litany of composers including Mozart, Haydn, and Mahler, to name a few.

Vienna’s numerous sights include the magnificent Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace, and Belvedere, and no visit is complete without taking in a concert at one of the city’s lavish venues, such as the Vienna State Opera.

 

Cost saving travel tips
– Viennese cakes and pastries, which you can buy at cafes and supermarkets, make an inexpensive and delicious breakfast or snack.
– If you will be using the metro to travel around, consider buying a 24-, 48- or 72-hour ticket.

Estimated costs
Flight from Singapore: 850 SGD, Accommodation: 40 SGD per person per day for a shared Airbnb apartment, Food: 30 euro per day.

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey lies at the confluence of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, with some parts of its territory officially located in Europe and some in Asia. However, Turkish culture is much more European, with strong Mediterranean influences.

Must-see sights include the Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine basilica covered in intricate mosaics, the blue Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Don’t forget to take an evening stroll along the shores of the Bosporus.

 

Cost saving travel tips
– Instead of taking a boat tour on the Bosphorus, you can hop on one of the public ferries that take you across the waterway for less than 1 SGD.
– When shopping at local markets, don’t be afraid to haggle. As a tourist, you’re likely to be quoted more than double the selling price.

Estimated costs
Flight from Singapore: 950 SGD, Accommodation: 25 SGD per person per night for a shared Airbnb apartment, Food: 60 lire per day.

 

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is not only the least expensive Western European capital in terms of food and accommodation but also one of the most colorful. Intricate azulejo tilework stands in contrast with candy-colored building facades.

After exploring the Baixa area with its many high street shops and the Praça do Comércio, a gigantic square in the center of town, head for the Barro Alto, which is filled with restaurants and cafes, or hit up the atmospheric Alfama neighborhood, where Moorish architecture can be spotted on winding streets.

 

Cost saving travel tips
– When dining at a restaurant, if you are presented with small dishes before your order arrives, know that they are not free. You will only be charged if you eat them.
– Many restaurants have house wines which are generally quite good and much cheaper than bottled wine.

Estimated costs
Flight from Singapore: 1,100 SGD, Accommodation: 20 SGD per person per day for a shared Airbnb apartment, Food: 15 euro per day.

Before embarking on your European adventure, don’t forget to protect yourself with a cheap and great travel insurance policy like HL Assurance’s Travel Protect360. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider signing up for an annual rather than a single-trip travel insurance policy for year-round protection.

By Joanne Poh

Disclaimer: All info contained herein is intended for your general information only and is not a substitute for insurance advice. If you have a specific question, please consult our insurance experts at 6702 0202.