Where to go in Europe when the euro is weak

This spring, the euro hit a seven-year low against the pound and a 12-year low against the dollar. Currently, the pound will buy you around EUR 1.40, compared to EUR 1.20 this time last year. If this isn’t the perfect excuse to book a trip to Europe, we don’t know what is! To help you decide where to spend all those extra euros, we’ve put together a list of the best value European cities.

Hipster street food and nice architecture in Barcelona

Barcelona is a foodie’s paradise if you avoid the tourist traps around the main attractions such as Las Ramblas. For tempting international cuisine, reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere, head to the regular street food market “Eat Street” (pictured above, ©ZacVanLab).

Admission to some of Barcelona’s biggest attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia or the funicular, can be a bit steep, but one of the ones that’s definitely worth the money is Park Güell. The surreal and colourful architecture will instantly brighten your day while you take full advantage of the sunshine.

Berlin’s turbulent history and weekend parties

A recent Rolling Stone magazine article declared that Berlin was “over”, but don’t believe it. Berlin is still one of the most interesting, weird and dynamic cities in Europe. Prices may have rocketed in recent years, but it’s still ridiculously cheap compared to London, especially when it comes to entertainment and food.

Berghain is consistently ranked in the top ten best clubs in the world, and rightly so. Admission costs between €8 and €14, but because the club is open 24 hours a day from Thursday night to Monday, you can keep your ticket for a long time – some people stay for days. There are sofas to sleep on, swings to relax on and an ice cream bar and café to replenish your energy.

For an amazing and amazingly cheap meal, head to Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap for a vegetarian kebab full of roasted vegetables, crunchy cheese and rich sauce – the best 2 euros you’ll ever spend. Berlin is also one of the most historically interesting cities in the world: forget expensive Checkpoint Charlie and head to the free Berlin Wall Memorial to see what life was really like in the shadow of the Wall.

Decadent hostels and fish street festivals in Lisbon

Lisbon has the largest concentration of award-winning hostels in the world, based on millions of customer reviews. Expect decadent architecture, a relaxed atmosphere and affordable prices at hostels like Independente Hostel, Lisbon Destination Hostel or Lisbon Lounge Hostel.

From food to architecture, art to nightlife, Lisbon has a lot to offer young people on a budget. One of the best things about the city, however, is the plethora of free concerts and outdoor events that take place throughout the summer. The biggest of these takes place in mid-June on the feast of the patron saint, St. Anthony, and includes parades, open-air parties and plenty of sardines and other street food.

Free tapas and a huge flea market in Madrid

Patatas bravas, Spanish omelette, churros… In Madrid, it’s no problem to find quality and filling food even on a budget. Go for the menu del dia for lunch – you’ll get several courses and half a bottle of wine for no more than 10 euros. In the evening, many bars will offer you free tapas when you order a beer – that’s basically dinner sorted!

One of the city’s best features is its spectacular architecture, which is best appreciated amidst the lush greenery of its many public parks. Afterwards, pick up a cheap snack at the supermarket and head to one of the beautiful old squares where the locals gather in the evening.

On Sunday, head to El Rastro, Europe’s largest outdoor flea market. It’s worth a visit even if you don’t buy anything, as you’ll see all sorts of weird and wonderful items, plus it’s a great place for people watching.

Amazing beaches and cheap street food in Athens

Athens is a place of liberal discovery with amazing coastal walks, archaeological sites and bustling side streets. The city boasts some of the cheapest street food in Europe: fresh moussaka, loukoumades (doughnuts dipped in honey), “slouvaki” (Greek rolls) and “kilouri” (crusty bread coated in sesame seeds) can be found on every corner for as little as €0.60. For a cheaper meal, visit the “tavernas” in the backstreets, where you can indulge in a three-course meal for just over €10.

For a relaxing day trip, take the €9.50 ferry to Agistri, where pine forests, lemon groves and idyllic beaches await.