Before they get expensive too: 5 European cities where NIS 100 will last you a whole day

We all know the story: Europe has become expensive. Spain, Greece, Italy — all the places we loved are now out of our price range, thanks to the crowds arriving and driving prices up in every direction. But wait a moment before giving up on the European dream. There are still a few charming little corners that haven’t realized yet they can charge Paris-level prices.

Our journey begins with five cities that still remember how to be accessible. They’re not only cheap — they’re also much less crowded, flights there cost less, and you’ll get a true European experience without breaking the bank.

The Albanian coastline is gaining recognition as a budget-friendly alternative to Greece and Spain, but the real gem is the capital, Tirana. The city is full of fascinating communist history: Bunk’art 1, a Cold War bunker turned into a popular museum, costs just NIS 18 to enter.

A major bonus is that many traditional buildings have received a colorful makeover in the form of street art. Excellent restaurants like Mystic 2 and bars like Radio Bar serve high-quality food and drinks at fair prices.

The Bulgarian capital offers a warm and pleasant summer with prices you won’t believe. Beyond the fascinating mix of communist relics, Roman ruins, and Byzantine architecture, the city also offers stunning free tours to nearby Mount Vitosha.

There are also free food tours with tastings. And the wine and beer? Incredibly cheap in the parks and hidden bars.

Though it’s Croatia’s capital, Zagreb remains in the shadow of more tourist-heavy destinations — and that’s exactly what makes it a hidden treasure. Why? Because you can do everything on foot. It’s a city where everything is accessible and you’ll barely need public transport, but even if you do — a tram ride of up to 30 minutes costs just NIS 2. From the large main square, you can walk to almost all of the city’s attractions, and then grab a great spot for people-watching — the cafés here are amazing.

Kaunas was the European Capital of Culture in 2022, and as part of the celebrations, 1,000 events were held there. Even after the excitement faded, impressive venues like the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum remained. And for those looking for something weirder — the Devil’s Museum is an unforgettable experience.

In Riga, it’s all about Art Nouveau. The architecture is stunning and there’s a vibrant creative scene. You can visit the modern Putti Art Gallery or the more traditional Rīgas Birža. Most importantly? Alcohol here is very cheap — perfect for those wanting to let loose in the Old Town without breaking the budget.

The common denominator in all these destinations? An authentic European experience, fascinating architecture, rich culture, and excellent food — all at prices that won’t hurt your bank account. Flights to these places are cheaper, the cities are less crowded with tourists, and you get to experience Europe as it truly is.