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Exploring Europe doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
And while cities like London, Oslo and Zurich are notoriously expensive, there are still plenty of affordable destinations to explore.
Travel insurance company Quotezone has done research to find the most affordable cities in Europe. And this underrated cultural spot turned out to be the best place for budget travelers.
An affordable hotspot
Warsaw is an incredibly affordable holiday destination with hotel rooms costing an average of just 45.60 euros ($49.50) per night. And as an added bonus, the city has no tourist tax.
Taking public transportation to navigate the city costs less than 1 euro (and less than $1), while you won’t have to spend more than $6-7 to visit one of the city’s many museums and galleries to visit.
But there are so many more reasons to visit this beautiful city than just the affordable price.
This is why I think Warsaw is so underrated, and why the city stands head and shoulders above so many of its contemporaries when it comes to a budget holiday.
The best attractions in Warsaw
Warsaw is a city with a rich and turbulent history.
Much of the city, especially the Old Town, was razed during the Second World War, but was rebuilt so carefully that it is now the city’s most popular tourist attraction.
Warsaw’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is such a beautiful and colorful space. Exploring Warsaw’s Old Town is free, making it a great option for budget travelers.
And while many museums and other attractions in the city have a small fee, many are also free at various times throughout the week.
A visit to Warsaw’s beautiful Royal Castle costs 30 zl ($7.60), but admission is free on Wednesdays. The Chopin Museum also offers free admission on Wednesdays.
The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews charges an entrance fee of 25 zl ($6.30), but is free on Thursdays.
You can also visit the Warsaw Rising museum for free on Sundays, otherwise admission costs a very reasonable 25 zl ($6.30).
The Palace of Culture and Science costs 20 zl ($5.00), but I highly recommend this attraction. The building itself was the last ‘gift’ to the city from Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and it is a very controversial building. However, what really makes it stand out is the viewing terrace, where you can enjoy views of the entire city.
Excellent hospitality
Everywhere in Warsaw you are assured of a warm welcome: tourists are wanted here. They are proud of their city and want to share it.
Warsaw was the birthplace of both Chopin and Marie Curie and you’ll find both celebrated in the streets.
The old town even has benches that play Chopin’s music when you sit down.
And the food in Warsaw is excellent. From traditional Polish dumplings to incredible Asian cuisine and without a doubt the best pizza I’ve ever eaten, you’re truly spoiled for choice.
The nightlife in the city is also great. My favorite place to be after dark is Roots Cocktail Bar, which was chosen by Tripadvisor (and by me!) as the number one bar in Warsaw.
The drinks are incredible, the staff are attentive and there is live music on the weekends. It’s such a good atmosphere.
And if you cross the Wisła River you will find Praga, the city’s quirky artistic center and popular among students. You’ll find cafes, bookstores, funky graffiti and an abundance of local pubs here. I think it is best visited in the evening.
Warsaw is not the most popular tourist destination in Poland. The city is overshadowed by other Polish cities such as Krakow and Gdansk. That’s a real shame, because Warsaw may not be as flashy, but it’s still my favorite Polish city.
There are some real hidden gems in Warsaw worth discovering. Especially if you are traveling on a budget.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
