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When it comes to Europe, it’s almost impossible to choose just one place to visit.
It is a beautiful, culturally diverse continent where almost every city has its own unique look and feel.
Europe is also a destination known for knowing how to take your wallet out of your pocket!
But a visit to Europe does not have to be expensive. You just have to choose the right destination!
Spending time in London, Paris or Copenhagen won’t be cheap.
But according to new research from OmioThe best low-budget destination for travelers in Europe is the beautiful and historic Spanish city of Granada.
Free things to see and do
One of the main reasons why Granada scores so high in the Omio report is the plenty of free things to see and do in the city.
In fact, the report states that there are as many as 112 free attractions in the city. This includes 10 free museums.
Among the best of these is the Federico García Lorca Center, an arts and culture center that hosts regular events and changing exhibitions.
The center also includes a permanent exhibition of one of Granada’s most famous sons: the poet Federico Garcia Lorca.
Close to the Alhambra you will find the Carmen de los Mártires, a beautiful building with an orchard and a European-style garden. A great place to take a moment of rest and relaxation.
The exceptional Alhambra
The most important thing to do in the city is to visit the iconic Alhambra: by far the most famous building in Granada.
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex. Built in Islamic style, it is the best and best-known example of Islamic architecture not only in Spain but also in Western Europe.
There is an entrance fee to the main palace complex in the Alhambra (with prices from 10.60 euros or $11.50 per person) but if you only visit one attraction in Granada, this should be it!
The palace is known for its beautiful ornamental work, perfectly maintained courtyards and numerous fountains.
But the Nasrid Building, considered the heart of the complex, is where the royal family actually lived and is therefore the most ornate.
If you want to visit the site without spending a cent, you can visit the Palace of Charles V, which houses the Alhambra Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in the Alhambra complex, completely free of charge.
Incredible architecture
The architecture in Granada is so exquisite that it should be considered an attraction in itself.
Granada was the last city to be reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, so many of the buildings here have a distinctive Moorish influence.
In fact, at certain points you will wonder whether you are in Europe or North Africa!
Be sure to see the Catedral de Granada, even if you only admire the architectural details on the outside.
Then enter the Monasterio de San Jerónimo, built in Renaissance style and as beautiful inside as it is outside.
This was the first Christian monastery built after the reconquest from the Catholic Monarchs and it exudes a festive atmosphere.
You need a ticket to enter, which you can buy in advance and which is any ticket price 6 euros ($6.50)
Granada is not the most walkable city in Europe. But the good news is that you can get a ticket for the sightseeing bus for just 6 euros ($6.50), which means you can hop on and off between all the city’s major attractions.
This is one of the most affordable sightseeing buses in Western Europe.
Granada’s nightlife
Finally, after all that sightseeing, it’s time to hit the city. Because Granada has a very active (and affordable) nightlife. According to Omio, there are no fewer than 100,000 86 bars and nightclubs in town where you can buy a beer for just over $2.
Plus, you don’t have to eat an expensive meal before heading to the bar.
Granada has a long tradition of offering free tapas with every drink ordered, adding to the value of your night out!
In most bars you don’t have a choice of the tapas you are offered: a small plate with your drinks is simply brought to your table.
Other bars have a chalkboard on a bar and you can choose from different options, which often change regularly.
Some of the best free tapas dishes to try in Granada are calamari (squid), gambas (shrimp), Jambon iberico or croquettes.
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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.
