Many Europeans feel like it is impossible to vacation in a big city without spending an arm and a leg.  Well, I scoured the internet looking for some cheap European cities and, thankfully, found four that would be perfect for families on a budget.

Tallinn, Estonia

While Tallinn isn’t exactly dirt-cheap, it is quite a bit cheaper than European counterparts like Paris and London.  Budget accommodations should be very reasonable, allowing you to spend that extra money on some of the  plentiful options in the city.  A great way to see the city from above is to head to one of the view platforms on Toompea hill and relish in the picturesque views of Tallinn, witnessing Old Town’s tiled rooftops and towers and the modern city centre.  Tallinn is a city that has taken big strides in tourism recently, only two decades removed from Communist rule.  Its architecture is definitely something to behold, with booming cathedrals and iconic museums and monuments.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a city brimming with Old World charm.  For some reason, this city is often overlooked by many travelers when planning a European getaway.  Bruges is only an hour from Brussels by train and a few hours from London, Paris, and Amsterdam.  The city is quite lovely, with Gothic tones evident all over.  Walking along all the canals in Bruges makes for a nice little day.  Also, make sure to check out the world-famous art by the Flemish Primitives and the Burg, a neat little square.  When in Bruges, make sure you try some mouth-watering chocolate or famous mussels.  Wash it all down with a monk-made beer.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a very walkable Polish city.  Although it is Poland’s second largest city with over 750,000 people, tourists will find it easy to walk to almost all of the sights and attractions this beautiful city has to offer.  It is possible to see the whole city centre without public transportation. The Old Town section of Krakow are where most of the popular tourist attractions are.  Many of Krakow’s famous attractions are free.  The picturesque Wawel Castle only costs about $4 to explore.  For a taste of Poland’s specialty, make sure to try some delicious pierogies, which are similar to ravioli and stuffed with potato or cheese.  Krakow is a city that remained off many tourist’s radar until recently, so plan to visit it soon before it’s jam-packed with them!

Granada, Spain

This little gem in the southern Spain community of Andalusia is a real treat for travelers.  Granada is best-known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site “palace city”, known as La Alhambra.  The Alhambra is a huge castle/monument located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.  This wonderful area provides some of the most stunning picture opportunities found anywhere on the planet.  A tourist could easily spend all day exploring this massive structure.  Be sure to buy tickets ahead of time, as it is quite a popular place.  Apart from La Alhambra, Granada is a walkable city buzzing with Spanish flavor.  There are many areas in the city to just hang out and relax, soaking in sunshine and enjoying the great views.  Be sure to walk through all the neighborhoods and check out the shops.  For a taste of Spain, go to a tapas restaurant and drink a tinto, a wine-based drink similar to sangria.