Holidays in Europe can break the bank, but not if you visit these places

Magnificent squares, imposing basilicas, and storybook castles with soaring turrets and striking orange roofs ... Krakow has everything you expect from a world-class European city, but without the crowds. You can fly to the city direct from European hotspots such as London, Paris and Rome, on budget airlines (hello, Ryanair and Wizz), and once you land, check into five-star hotels such as Radisson Blu and Holiday Inn for under $300 a night. visitkrakow.com

How Albania - south of Montenegro, north of Greece and east of the Adriatic Sea - has managed to fly under the radar of international travellers so far is beyond our comprehension, considering how stunning its coastal stretches are, not to mention some of the cheapest hotel rooms in Europe. Hunker down in the capital city of Tirana, with bright-coloured buildings, a pedestrian-friendly city centre and full-of-character neighbourhoods, or go a bit further - to the Riviera town of Dhermi, where the beaches and waters are as stunning as they are on the nearby Greek island of Corfu, but minus the masses and exxy tariffs. albania.al

It's well known for gorgeous neighbourhoods, historic architecture, bright-yellow trams and delicious food, including the world-famous custard tarts. But one thing most travellers to Europe don't realise is: Lisbon is quite affordable, too. In fact, a 2023 survey by UK's Post Office ranked the city as the best-value location for a European city break. The survey takes into account aspects such as three-star-hotel accommodation, a meal for two with a bottle of wine, sightseeing and public transport, and comes up with an estimate of what a two-night break in the city would cost. For Lisbon, it about 225 pounds or $435. What's not to love about that? visitlisboa.com

You can totally live like an Ottoman emperor in the Turkish Metropolis, straddling Europe and Asia, and renowned for luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. But many of the best activities in the city are free. Wander through the colourful Grand Bazaar, visit mosques such as Soleymaniye and Rustem Pasa, and enjoy a picnic in Gulhane Park without having to reach out for your wallet. Feast on pocket-friendly street food - from spinach-and-feta-filled boreks to delicious kebabs. And when it's time to sleep, check in to Crowne Plaza Istanbul - Old City, for affordable four-star digs right in the heart of all the action. goturkiye.com

Travelling to the most-visited country in the world doesn't mean you have to mortgage your house ... if you go one hour north of Paris (or about 90 minutes east of London on Eurostar) to the riverside city of Lille, where - according to budgetyourtrip.com - visitors spend about $US125 ($194) per day. Not bad, considering it's the fourth-largest city in France, with a bustling cultural and commercial heart, an old town complete with timeless architecture, and cool cafes in gorgeous squares where you can soak up all the grandeur. en.lilletourism.com

The Latvian capital has the best of both worlds - a Heritage-listed old town as well as a thriving student population, which not only keeps the prices down, but also imbues the city with young energy you can feel in its bars. Explore sites such as Town Hall Square and St Peter's Church, before checking into a chic five-star hotel such as A22 for under $300 a night. latvia.travel

The little-known Puglian town of Candela made global headlines in 2017 when its mayor started offering 2000 euros to people who would relocate there to help boost the town's dwindling population. And while there's still no rush to head to Candela, put these euro-savvy Puglian spots on your radar: Lecce for beautiful baroque architecture; Alberobello for its distinctive cone-roofed stone buildings, known as trulli; and Polignano a Mare for crystal-clear coves right on the Adriatic. italia.it

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Greece is surprisingly not as expensive as some other hotspots, particularly if you travel outside the peak summer months or to places such as Argos, which boasts historically significant archaeological sites and lively squares without the queues and European price tags. visitgreece.gr