Americans can fly nonstop to these three underrated European cities this winter

Are you thinking of a winter getaway to Europe, but baguette and wine picnics in Paris and walks along the Thames in London haven’t exactly sparked your interest in life before?

To some extent we’re all tired of the same old European clichés, but it’s not like the Old Continent’s lesser-known gems are as accessible as the off-season tourist hotspots: if you head east, for example, you’ll have to deal with one- to two-stop flights and multiple transfers.

Fortunately, there is always an exception to the rule, or in this case: 3 of them.

No long layovers in Frankfurt this time: Americans can fly directly to a trio of vastly underrated, but incredible European capitals in the colder months, and let’s just say if you’re a traveler on a budget, you’re in for a treat.

Warsaw, Poland

The first city on the list is vibrant Warsaw, the capital of Polandand how some people like to call it the ‘Chicago of Europe’:

It’s unlike any other European city you’ve been to before, with a skyscraper-dominated skyline contrasting with much older historic buildings, such as the Windy Cinty, and it even has its own ‘riverwalk’ along the scenic Vistula River.

For American tourists looking for some Old World charm, however, Warsaw’s biggest draw lies in its picture-perfect Old Town: Reconstructed after World War II, it is a compact historic center, criss-crossed with cobbled streets.

Some of the city’s most famous landmarks are located here, including the Market Square, a public space flanked by colorful facades and cafes, the Royal Castle with opulent rooms and art galleriesand the Barbican, a renovated medieval city wall complete with towers and imposing gates.

The only downside is that Warsaw winters are notoriously bitterly cold, but there’s nothing savory about it żurek (sour rye soup) cannot be solved. Just pick a locally frequented ‘milk bar’ of your choice, and chances are you won’t be charged more than $15 for lunch and a few pints of draft beer.

If you’re looking for accommodation, it’s as cheap as the local food: this winter, overnight rates for a double room in the Regent Warsaw start from just $150.

Fly direct to Warsaw (WAW) from the US

*Rates are based on KAYAK estimates

Bucharest, Romania

This one is for those who have a long-held niche interest in communist heritage, and are drawn to it quirky city breaks that break from the overly polished European model: welcome to Bucharest, the sprawling, brutalist behemoth of a city that Romania calls its capital.

Don’t get us wrong: Romania freed itself from the shackles of harsh socialism decades ago, but the scars of the past can still be seen everywhere in Bucharest:

From the concrete giant that is the Palace of Parliament, to the tall, blocky House of the Free Press, with its austere exterior, and of course the rows upon rows of gray apartment buildings as far as the eye can see, visiting Bucharest is like a secret look beyond the now fallen Iron Curtain.

Weirdest and perhaps most intriguing, in the historic center, Soviet-inspired architecture gives way to Haussmannian buildings in classic Parisian fashion, and a pedestrian-friendly Old Town dotted with medieval gems.

Some of Bucharest’s must-sees include Calea Victoriei, an avenue flanked by French-style buildings, the 18th-century Stavropoleos Monastery, the ruined old princely court, which used to be the palace of Vlad the Impaler (the real real Dracula), and for the beer lovers among us: Caru’ cu Bere:

This historic beer hall is one of Bucharest’s hidden gems, and aside from the $3 hoppy beer, it has an impressive Gothic interior.

In that respect, Bucharest is probably one of the cheapest European capitals you can visit: place an order ciorba (Romanian sour soup), a grilled pork main course and a pitcher of freshly squeezed mint lemonade will cost you $18 tops at a casual eatery with a meniul zilei (daily menu).

As far as nightly rates are concerned, this cozy ‘Little Bucharest‘ studio in the heart of the city costs a traveling couple $68 per night.

Fly direct to Bucharest (OTP) from the US

Belgrade, Serbia

Finally, what shouldn’t be overlooked is Belgrade, both the cultural heart and administrative capital of Serbia, but also a fast-rising cosmopolitan hub that’s still a bit rough around the edges – but hey, that’s exactly what sets it apart from the rest.

Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava, two of the most important in Europe, Belgrade has a rich history of more than 2000 yearsFrom its founding as a Roman fortress, through Byzantine rule, an Ottoman conquest and ultimately the rise of Serbia as a state.

Remnants of this diverse past can be found everywhere in Belgrade, but especially within the walls of the centrally located Kalemegdan Fortress:

The ruins of the original Roman settlement, Singidunum, are still visible in parts of the fortress. They are layered by medieval watchtowers, Ottoman drawbridges, Austrian bastions and gates, and more.

Kalemegdan is also the best place to admire the sunset in Belgrade, as indicated sweeping views of the entire city– although the equally scenic Gardoš Tower, in the laid-back Zemun district, offers equally stunning views.

Also not to be missed: Knez Mihailova, the main pedestrian shopping street, with stately 19th-century buildings and boutiques, Skadarlija, a cobbled street full of bohemian bars, and the Church of St. Sava, the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans.

Are you hungry yet? A typical Serbian lunch consists of a soup as a starter and a main course ćevapigrilled minced meat sausages, usually served in a flatbread with chopped onions and herbs, and house beer, or some rakija (their fruity spirit). Realistically, this order will cost you approximately $18.

In terms of accommodation, you get the best value for your money Belgrade Center Apartment Skadarlija III: Fully equipped apartments start from $100 per night (for 2 people), and the address is within walking distance of all the major downtown attractions.

Fly direct to Bucharest (OTP) from the US

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.