If you’re already thinking of your next trip, why not consider Europe? People may say that it’s a lot more expensive but there’s a lot to be seen, experienced, tasted, and heard when you explore these cities. Insider tip: fares to Europe start from $670 only! Click here to enjoy special offers before 18 September 2018.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy these cities without emptying your pockets and we will share some money-saving tips to help you save some bucks. Keep your eyes peeled for bargains in the article 😉
Here are nine European cities that should be on your travel bucket list. And guess what? It won’t be as expensive as you think.
9. Dublin (flights starting from $700 or roughly P37.4K)
The Irish are known for their drinking habits and there’s plenty of that to explore in Dublin. The locals sure give respect to alcohol, especially at the Guinness Storehouse Factory, where you can learn more about the homegrown brand. There’s also the Irish Whiskey Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the drink, both in terms of knowledge and an actual pint. Of course, there’s more to the city than its booze and history is just as rich. Start your cultural visit with the National Museum of Ireland, where you can enter free of charge. Follow that up with the Dublin Castle, an 800-year-old structure that has witnessed the country’s history. You can also visit the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was built around the same time and is the largest church in all of Ireland. Cap off your first day by hanging out in Temple Bar, where you can soak in the atmosphere of the lively busking performance. If you’re there on a Saturday, check out the Temple Bar Food Market!
8. Oslo (flights starting from $739 or roughly P39.5K)
You won’t want to miss witnessing the daily changing of guards at the Royal Palace when in Oslo.
Transport yourself to the countryside of Old Norway, find traditional Norwegian wooden houses in the two small roads of Damstredet and Telthusbakken in Oslo.
There’s plenty to do in the Norwegian capital, especially if you’re an adventurous traveler. The Oslo Summer Park is a large climbing park with 12 trails, with the highlight being the Tigerspranget (“The Tiger Leap”), a 13-meter free fall to the ground. There’s also the Nordmarka wilderness area, where you can hike, bike, or swim in the many lakes.
Wander and explore some of the city’s most well-known landmarks that are free: the City Hall (Oslo’s Rådhus) for the gorgeous Nordic-themed murals, Parliament House, and Akershus Castle and Fortress, built in 1299 for a view of Oslofjord.
7. Brussels (flights starting from $700 or roughly P37.4K)
The Belgian capital is steeped in history, which explains why there are so many UNESCO World Heritage Sites here. On top of the list are the majestic Grand Place, which has breathtaking architecture, and the Maison du Roi (Town Hall), which houses the Museum of the City of Brussels. Because of the vast amount of history in this city, there are plenty of museums and sights to see like the Atomium, a unique sphere that offers a panoramic view of the city; the Parlamentarium, which explains the European Parliament that’s easy to understand and is free; and the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the Belgian artist René Magritte.
Don’t forget to visit Manneken Pis, the bronze statue that immortalized the image of a peeing boy! There is also Jeanneke Pis, a peeing girl, and Zinneke, a peeing dog which is unware to many visitors. Try hunting these sculptures there!
6. Stockholm (flights starting from $726 or roughly P38.8K)
Like Brussels, Stockholm is filled to the brim with historical landmarks, including one you didn’t expect. Start with the Drottningholm Palace, Sweden’s best-preserved royal palace from the 17th century, which serves as the permanent residence of the royal family and one of Stockholm’s three World Heritage Sites. Sweden is the country that produced the pop band ABBA so make sure to visit ABBA the Museum! You can also try out free city walking tours that let you explore Gamla Stan, or the Old Town. Stockholm has some beautiful parks, so be sure to check out RÃ¥lambshovsparken, Gärdet, and Tantolunden. For a perfect bird’s eye view of the city, you can go to the outdoor service area of Mosebacke or go up Katarina Hissen.
5. Geneva (flights starting from $737 or roughly P39.4K)
Despite being one of the most expensive city in Europe, there are many free and inexpensive things to do here! A trip to Geneva wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Jet d’Eau, the center of the city’s harbour and dubbed as its star attraction. It’s a magnificent water jet with 500 litres of water passing through it per second. Stroll around Vieille-Ville, or Old Town, the largest historic town in Switzerland. It is an ancient maze of picturesque squares, filled with homey cafés, restaurants, and galleries. While you are there, check out St. Peter’s Cathedral, where you can climb 157 steps to the tower for a panoramic view of the city. For history buffs, there are plenty of free museums in Geneva like the Museum of History of Science, Natural History Museum, and Maison Tavel (Tavel House) which is the oldest house in Geneva built in the 12th century.
4. London (flights starting from $740 or roughly P39.5K)
There’s more to London than the London Bridge (but please don’t miss it because it’s beautiful). Go back in time to visit the 900-year-old London Tower, which at some point became a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house, and zoo.
Since London is the home of Queen Elizabeth, a trip to Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace is a must! Be sure to catch the changing of guards. Tip: get to the palace at least 45 minutes prior to reserve a good spot. For shopaholics, you can check out Camden Market for anything related to fashion, music, jewelry, and quirky knick-knacks. Foodies, don’t miss out Borough Market for retail food therapy, the largest and oldest food market in London. Dig in to British traditional delights like Scotch egg, pies, and more. Fancy a free concert? Go to St Martin’s in the Fields. You can expect chorale music, harp concerts, piano solos, and more.
3. Madrid (flights starting from $700 or roughly P37.4K)
There’s so much to see in Madrid, Spain’s capital city. It’s home to stunning architecture, so drop by the Royal Palace, the official home of the Kings of Spain, dating as far back as Charles III (who ruled from 1759 to 1788); and the Plaza Mayor and Puerto del Sol for a charming look at a time gone by. To experience life as a local, we recommend the Paseo del Arte, which has three museums and other buildings worth taking photos of. For something truly unforgettable, visit the Las Ventas Bullring, considered as the most famous bullfighting ring in the world.
If you are looking to admire the breathtaking view of Madrid, check out the Azotea del CÃrculo de Bellas Artes for open-air views. Explore the Templo de Debod for free. This ancient Egyptian temple, best visited at sunset, was donated as a gift by the Egyptian government to Spain for helping to save temples from ruin after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
2. Amsterdam (flights starting from $919 or roughly P49.1K)
If your only knowledge of Amsterdam is of the red light district, boy, you are missing out. Amsterdam is home to many sights and the best way to explore it is by bike. Hop on over to the canal belt and admire the picturesque buildings, followed by a visit to the Museumplein, the cultural beating heart of Amsterdam and home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. The Netherlands is known for its tulips so make sure you stop by Bollenstreek, a world-famous tulip field where the flowers are arranged across colorful stripes.
One of the must-do things in Amsterdam is to take a boat ride. You can go on a free boat ride from the central station, take the free Amsterdam Public Transport ferry to the North of Amsterdam. If you are feeling hungry, go to Albert Cuypmarkt, Amsterdam’s largest market, filled with fresh produce and Dutch delicacies. Try the raw herring sandwich, poffertjes (Dutch baby pancakes) and freshly made stroopwafels! Enjoy free lunchtime performances by the opera and Dutch Philharmonic at Muziektheater.
1. Paris (flights starting from $723 or roughly (P38.6K)
Ah, Paris. The city of love! A visit to the Eiffel Tower is non-negotiable, and there’s plenty more to see. The Champs-Elysées, described as the world’s most beautiful avenue, is a sight to behold with its restaurants, luxury boutiques, and clubs. To experience the city’s culture, visit the Louvre Museum to see some of history’s most important pieces of art, and the district of Montmartre to see how artists live. Make sure to observe the impossibly chic Parisians and take style notes.
Paris houses many stunning spiritual relics – cathedrals and churches which have free entry. Visiting the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris is essential. Take a boat ride along the Seine and enjoy another view of the cathedral. To capture the best photo of Paris, head up to the top of Montmartre or the little-known Parc de Belleville to snap Instagram worthy photos and enjoy a panoramic view of Paris without paying a Euro.
BONUS: South America
1. Lima (flights starting from $2,065 or roughly P110.4K)
If you are looking for a city full of rich flavors, unique experiences and a magical union of the past and the present, Lima is your best bet. The Peruvian capital is a world heritage site, with the city of Caral, the oldest civilization of America up north; and the Archaeological Complex of Pachacamac down south. At the end of any day, relax at Parque de la Reserva, which transforms at night with its famous fountains. For something truly historic, the Pucllana Temple is within the city and is said to have been built in 500AD. You can also catch a glimpse of Peruvian culture and its history in Casa De La Literatura, it is a former train station but now has transformed into a library filled with books, artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.Â
Wander around Plaza Mayor, Lima’s main square, where you can find picturesque colonial architecture buildings from the Municipal Palace of Lima to the Palacio de Gabierno (Presidential Palace) and the Basilica Cathedral. Witness the ceremonial changing of guards at Pizarro’s palace. Tip: Do not take photos through the gate, you will get whistled at and might even be escorted out of the premise. Arrive early to get a good spot.
Relax and stroll along the scenic Malecon Boardwalk in Miraflores, one of the most beautiful areas in Lima. It’s a perfect place to sight-see and wind down.
No trip to Peru is complete without exploring the Machu Picchu. Although the tour will not come cheap, it will be worth every penny. Be amazed by the famous ruins in the Incan capital of Cusco and the Incan farming region of the Sacred Valley, you can expect a wonderfully interpretive introduction to the Inca Empire which was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America.Â
2. Rio de Janeiro (flights starting from $2,018 or roughly (P107.9K)
If you like the sunny climate and spending the day at the beach, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro is the spot for you. But there’s more to Rio than its beaches and they’re all worth exploring. Top on the list is a visit to Sugarloaf, a high hill that offers unparalleled views of the city. You also cannot miss the sight of Cristo Redentor, the biggest and most famous scripture Art Déco of the world. Down below, you can continue your outdoor streak with the Botanical Garden, which has housed rare and exotic plants since 1808. Of course, Rio is also home to Brazilian culture, which you can see at the Contemporary Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum, and the Museum of Tomorrow.
Nature lovers, head over to Horto Waterfall for a refreshing shower. You will be surprised to know that there is a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery just 15 minutes away from the city. Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Skip the samba school parties and enjoy free local samba on the streets! The best roda de samba (samba circles) can be found at Pedra do Sal.
The world is at your feet at dream prices. From September 4 to September 18, 2018, you can book a trip to these 11 cities and more at incredible prices with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from USD 670 to Europe and USD 2,018 to South America. Travel period is from September 9, 2018 to June 15, 2019, so make sure to book now here.
