img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}Thinking of a winter getaway to Europe, but baguette and wine picnics in Paris, and strolls along the Thames in London don’t exactly pique your interest life before?
To a certain degree, we’re all tired of the same old European cliches, but it’s not like the Old Continent’s lesser-known gems are as accessible as the touristy hotspots in the off-season: if you’re heading East, for instance, you’re looking at one to two-stop flights and multiple transfers.
Luckily, there’s always an exception to the rule, or in this case, 3 of them.
No long layovers in Frankfurt this time: Americans can fly direct to a trio of hugely underrated, yet incredible European capitals in the colder months, and let’s just say that, if you’re a traveler on a budget, you’re in for a treat.
Warsaw, Poland
The first city on the list is the vibrant Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, and how some people like to call it, the ‘Chicago of Europe’:
It’s not like any European city you might have been to before, with a skyscraper-dominated skyline contrasting with far-older historic buildings—much like the Windy Cinty, and it even has its own ‘riverwalk’ along the scenic Vistula River.
For American tourists looking for some of that Old World charm, however, Warsaw’s biggest appeal is in its picture-perfect Old Town: reconstructed following World War II, it is a compact historic center cut through with cobblestone lanes.
Some of the city’s most famous landmarks are here, including Market Square, a public space flanked by colorful facades and cafes, the Royal Castle, which features opulent chambers and art galleries, and the Barbican, a renovated medieval city wall complete with towers and imposing gates.
The only downside is, Warsaw winters are infamously bitterly-cold, but there’s nothing a hearty żurek (sour rye soup) can’t fix. Just pick any local-frequented ‘milk bar’ of your liking, and chances are you won’t get billed over $15 for lunch and a couple of pints of draft beer.
If you’re looking for accommodation, it’s equally cheap as the local grub: this winter, overnight rates for a double room at the Regent Warsaw start from only $150.
Fly Nonstop To Warsaw (WAW) From The U.S.
Departure cityAirlineAverage Flight TimeAverage roundtrip fareChicago (ORD)LOT Polish Airlines9h30$504–$724Los Angeles (LAX)LOT Polish Airlines11h30$650–$700Miami (MIA)LOT Polish Airlines10h45$650–$700Newark (EWR)LOT Polish Airlines8h30$655–$724New York (JFK)LOT Polish Airlines8h30$655–$724
*Fares are based on KAYAK estimates
Bucharest, Romania
This one’s for those who have that long-nurtured niche interest in communist heritage, and who are drawn to quirky city breaks that break out of the overpolished European mold: welcome to Bucharest, the sprawling, brutalist behemoth of a city Romania calls capital.
Don’t get us wrong, Romania has freed itself from the shackles of hardline socialism decades ago, but the scars of the past are still seen all around 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 greyed-out apartment blocks as far as the eyes can see, visiting Bucharest is like taking a furtive peek beyond the now-fallen Iron Curtain.
The weirdest, and perhaps most intriguing part is that, in the Historic Center, the Soviet-inspired architecture gives way to Haussmann edifices 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 Vlad the Impaler’s palace (the actual real-life Dracula), and for the beer buffs out there, Caru’ cu Bere:
This historic beer hall is one of Bucharest’s hidden gems, and other than the hoppy $3 beer, it has an impressive Gothic interior.
On that note, Bucharest is probably one of the cheapest European capitals you could visit: ordering a ciorbă (Romanian sour soup), a grilled pork for main, and a jug of freshly-squeezed mint lemonade will cost you $18 tops in a casual eatery with a meniul zilei (daily menu).
As for nightly rates, this cozy ‘Little Bucharest‘ studio in the heart of the city will set a traveling couple back $68 per night.
Fly Nonstop To Bucharest (OTP) From The U.S.
Departure cityAirlineAverage Flight TimeAverage roundtrip fareNew York (JFK)HiSky Europe9h25$470–$527
Belgrade, Serbia
Not to be overlooked, we have finally Belgrade, both the cultural heart, and administrative capital of Serbia, as well as a fast-rising cosmopolitan hub still a little 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 Rivers, two of Europe’s most important, Belgrade has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, from its founding as a Roman fort, through Byzantine rule, an Ottoman conquest, and ultimately the emergence of Serbia as a state.
Remnants of this diverse past can be found all around Belgrade, but particularly within the walls of its centrally-located Kalemegdan Fortress:
The ruins of the original Roman settlement, Singidunum, are still visible in parts of the fortification. They’re layered by medieval watchtowers, Ottoman drawbridges, Austrian bastions and gates, and many more.
Kalemegdan is also the best spot to catch the sunset in Belgrade, as it commands sweeping vistas of the entire city—though the equally-scenic Gardoš Tower, in the laid-back district of Zemun, offers equally-beautiful views.
Also not to be missed: Knez Mihailova, the main pedestrianized shopping street, with stately 19th-century buildings and boutique shops, Skadarlija, a cobbled street lined with bohemian bars, and the Church of St. Sava, the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans.
Feel hungry yet? A typical Serbian lunch consists of a soup for starters, a main of ćevapi, grilled minced meat sausages typically served in a flatbread with chopped onions and herbs, and either domestic beer, or some rakija (their fruity spirit). Realistically, this order would cost you around $18.
As far as accommodation goes, you’ll get the best bang for your buck at Belgrade Center Apartment Skadarlija III: fully-equipped apartments start from $100-a-night (for 2 guests), and the address is within walking distance of all the main points of interest in the downtown zone.
Fly Nonstop To Bucharest (OTP) From The U.S.
Departure cityAirlineAverage Flight TimeAverage roundtrip fareChicago (ORD)Air Serbia9h45$520–$894New York (JFK)Air Serbia8h40$367–$671
Vinicius CostaVini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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