photo from FLickr by: qyphon

Planning to tour Europe? Or maybe you’re there and have already browsed the Louvre in Paris, seen the ruins of Rome and climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Either way, if you’re burning to see a different side to the continent, you might want to check out cheap flights to the following, more off-the-beaten track but fascinating, cities:

Budapest

The capital of Hungary gives you taste of all four European corners in one package. Split down the middle by the river Danube, the various districts have a mix of architecture and ambience to suit everyone. Visit the vast Buda Castle complex on the Buda side, or head over the Széchenyi Bridge for the Parliament buildings, the chic young professional area, or the historic Jewish Quarter. Budapest Ferihegy International Airport has 3 terminals, and Terminal 1 tends to service most of the low-cost airlines.

Lisbon

The great thing about Lisbon is that it has all of the elements of a vibrant Mediterranean destination – great weather, good food, and quaint cobbled streets – but it’s also relatively cheap. Whether you want to see the sights of the Chiado area, or wander the streets of leafy Belém, you’re guaranteed to find two things: azulejos tiling, and breathtaking views. Long-haul flight companies, like Continental Airways, as well as short-haul, such as Easyjet, fly to Lisbon Portela Airport.

Prague

The Czech capital has managed to preserve many of its impressive monuments, despite twentieth century war. Prague Castle,

photo from Flickr by: Orangesplaash

the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Petřín hill are all worth a visit. And if you’re in search of a bargain, there are some good flea markets, such as the one along the river bank.  Prague Ruzyně Airport serves as the base for Czech Airlines, as well as receiving low-cost carriers.

Warsaw

It’s not known as the Phoenix city for nothing, as the Polish capital was successfully rebuilt and reborn after the destruction of World War II. The cityscape is a mixture of architectural styles, sporting many skyscrapers, but you will still find beautiful old palaces, mansions and churches, such as the neoclassical Łazienki Palace and park, or the reconstructed Royal Castle. LOT Polish Airlines operates a range of international flights to and from Warsaw Chopin Airport.

Istanbul

photo from Flickr by: Ipoh 子

Ok, so technically, this destination is half European. It’s the only city in the world to span two continents, either side of the Bosporus straight. But it is this unique combination of East and West that makes Istanbul so exciting. The skyline is punctured by church spires and mosque domes alike. Browse a spice market, or go to a French patisserie, all within the same metropolis. But the views from and of the Golden Horn natural harbor are really something else. Most people traveling here are likely to fly to Atatürk International Airport, which is bigger than Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, located on the Asian side of the city.

All these destinations are just as interesting as the more well-known European cities, but when you travel to the above, you’re likely to see fewer tourists, as well as save a few pennies.