12 Cities That Are Just as Beautiful as Paris but Way Cheaper

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Paris, France’s capital and one of Europe’s prime tourist destinations, is famous for its beautiful architecture, including the iconic Eiffel Tower, high-class fashion, rich culture, and delicious food. However, Paris city breaks are hardly renowned for being budget-friendly. Accommodation in popular areas can be extremely expensive, especially during holiday seasons or during Paris Fashion Week.

Therefore, if you’re a budget traveler, you’ll be better off visiting somewhere as beautiful as Paris but more affordable. To learn more, here are 12 cities that are just as beautiful as Paris but way cheaper. These places are more budget-friendly in terms of factors like accommodation and food.

Montpellier, France

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Montpellier is another French city you can explore and spend less than you would in Paris. Often referred to as the gateway to France’s southern coast and the Mediterranean, Montpellier is a gorgeous city filled with ancient buildings, natural spaces, and picturesque neighborhoods. As you stroll through the city, you’ll step back through 1,000 years of history.

To ensure you feel those dreamy Parisian vibes in Montpellier, the city is even home to its own Arc de Triomphe. Montpellier Cathedral and Place de la Comédie are two other historical landmarks you don’t want to miss. Montpellier is more expensive than Nancy, but you can still find accommodation and cheap eats in the city for a fraction of the price of central city hotels and restaurants in Paris.

Krakow, Poland

With hotel prices as low as $60 per night for stunning hotels in Krakow’s magnificent Old Town and low day-to-day costs for travelers, especially compared to Paris, Krakow is a top choice for budget backpackers. The Historic Centre of Kraków is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you can rest assured you’ll find an array of impressive historic sights.

Situated at the foot of Royal Wawel Castle, this 13th-century merchant town has Europe’s largest market square, a Gothic cathedral, historical houses, pristine temples, and magnificent churches. The addition of the city’s medieval Kazimierz site and 14th-century fortifications only enhance the city’s appeal.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia, on Spain’s eastern coast, is one of the country’s oldest cities, with a history that dates back more than 2,100 years. As such, it’s home to some of Spain’s most exciting and unique architecture, including Valencia Cathedral from the 13th century and Serranos Towers from the 14th century.

Another major point of interest in the city is the River Park. Home to Turia Gardens, this park stretches 5.6 miles (9 kilometers) through the city’s center. Regarding affordability, accommodation, attractions, food, and transportation are cheaper in Valencia than in Paris. For example, you can book stunning hotels in Valencia for as little as $62 a night.

Trieste, Italy

Trieste is a vibrant port city in Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Often called “Venice’s Little Sister” because of its charming canals and classic architecture, this city is an excellent place to visit if you’re looking for affordable accommodation, high-quality yet cheap food, and access to a wide range of attractions.

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Tourists can comfortably enjoy a vacation in Trieste for as little as $100 a day. With this budget, you’ll find beautiful accommodation in a central location that allows you to easily explore Trieste’s picturesque waterfront promenades, jaw-dropping architecture, and fascinating castles. Don’t miss Castello di San Giusto, Cattedrale di San Giusto Martire, and Unity of Italy Square.

Athens, Greece

Athens is easily one of the most influential cities in the world, never mind Europe. Famous for its political innovations, historical figures, and breathtaking art and culture, it’s no surprise millions of tourists flock to the city yearly. Add to that hot weather and long sandy beaches, and you’re in for a real treat.

Some of the best sights to see in Athens include the world-famous Acropolis of Athens, where you’ll find the Parthenon, the Plaka neighborhood, and Monastiraki Square. Beachgoers will enjoy visiting Kalamaki Beach and Voula Beach. Aside from its apparent beauty, Athens is also known for its affordability. In the city, you’ll quickly find affordable accommodation and cheap eats that cost a fraction of Paris prices.

Porto, Portugal

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Porto is a mind-blowingly beautiful coastal city in Northwest Portugal. It has vibrant architecture, a medieval district, stately bridges, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with small cafes, houses, and authentic Portuguese stores. In Porto, you can spend your days eating good food, drinking even better wine, and exploring the most popular attractions.

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We recommend spending a lot of time walking around the medieval Ribeira district. This riverside district is home to some of the best architecture and views in the city. Don’t miss São Francisco Church, the 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, or Luís I Bridge, either! Budget backpackers can find excellent private rooms in the city for just $66 and cheap eats for as little as $7.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, set along the Danube River near the border of Austria and Hungary. The city is home to a charming 18th-century Old Town filled with lively cafes, bars, and restaurants. Around the city, you’ll also find the Little Carpathian Mountains and various vineyards serving up the most amazing wines.

The best views of this colorful city can be found at Bratislava Castle. From here, you can see the entire city in all its glory. Other notable landmarks include Michael’s Gate, Hrad Devín Castle, and The Blue Church. Food and transport prices are on a par with most of Europe, but aside from that, most things are pretty cheap, especially accommodation, which typically costs two to three times less than in Paris.

Istanbul, Turkey

Like Athens, Istanbul is famous for its rich history, unique culture, and breathtaking architecture. A walk through the streets of Istanbul will allow you to admire the city’s sheer beauty and find hidden gem street markets, world-famous landmarks, and quaint traditional Turkish restaurants.

Visit the Hagia Sophia religious site, the Blue Mosque, and the Galata Tower. Shopaholics should also spare a few hours to explore the Grand Bazaar and its 4,000+ stores. Compared to Paris, Istanbul is super cheap. According to Expatistan, the cost of living in Istanbul is 42% lower than in Paris. Therefore, you can expect to find more affordable accommodation and restaurants.

Nancy, France

If you don’t want to pay the prices in Paris but still want to experience France at its finest, book a trip to Nancy. A riverfront city in northeastern France, this charming city offers much the same as Paris but on a smaller scale. You’ll find lush gardens, fascinating museums, and impressive 18th-century architecture in abundance.

Some of the most popular things to do in Nancy include walking around Parc de la Pépinière, exploring the Museum of Fine Arts, taking photographs of Place Stanislas, and visiting the Basilica of Saint Epvre of Nancy. Accommodation and food prices in Nancy are much lower than in Paris, so you can expect your budget to go further. My Life Elsewhere reports that Nancy’s restaurants cost almost 12% less.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov is a relatively unheard-of city in the Czech Republic’s South Bohemia region. Dominated by a 13th-century castle and bisected by the Vltava River, this picturesque city is fascinating to explore. Wandering around the vibrant town and admiring its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements is a joy.

Meanwhile, the best views of the city and its orange-tiled buildings can be found at the top of the city’s bell tower. Regarding prices, accommodation and food prices in the city are incredibly affordable. Excellent accommodation in a central location can be found for as little as $40 a night. According to Budget Your Trip, the average meal in a restaurant costs just $8.72.

Vienna, Austria

Many consider Vienna one of Europe’s most expensive cities. While in some ways that’s true, and the city is the most expensive in Austria, Vienna is much more affordable than European counterparts, such as Paris and London. This is great, considering Vienna has many similarities to Paris.

Situated alongside the Danube River, Vienna is famed for its arts and culture, Imperial palaces, historic landmarks, and breathtaking architecture. Like Paris, the city combines a classical charm with modern influences, too. Popular attractions in the city include Schönbrunn Palace, Museums Quartier district, and the Museum of Natural History Vienna. Regarding prices, the average daily cost in Vienna is approximately $87 a day less than in Paris.

Valletta, Malta

Malta’s capital is one of the most affordable cities in Europe. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there are plenty of things to see and do. The average daily cost in Valletta, including accommodation, food, entertainment, and transportation, is approximately $124. Compared to Paris’ daily average of $249, visiting Valletta instead is a no-brainer.

Valletta is a playground for Maltese history, arts, and culture. You’ll spend most of your time exploring the winding streets of the Valletta Waterfront, admiring the architecture, and relaxing in the turquoise waters at Gozo’s Blue Lagoon. Iconic landmarks worth looking for in the city include St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Triton Fountain, and Casa Rocca Piccola.