• Intro
• 1. Antwerp
• 2. Barcelona
• 3. Berlin
• 4. Bologna
• 5. Budapest
• 6. Dublin
• 7. Lisbon
• 8. Ljubljana
• 9. Riga
• 10. Zagreb

Budapest

The Draw Everything is still cheaper in Eastern Europe, even when you’re living large at the most renowned hotels and restaurants. This city takes beauty seriously, from the ornate public baths (try the Grand Gellert Baths and Spa for $18) to the architecture along the boulevards.

Don’t Miss Take the funicular up to Castle Hill, the picturesque area in the historic district, Buda. Modern Pest across the Danube is where you’ll find Andrássy Avenue, cafés, and the legendary Baraka restaurant (36/1-483-1355). Dinner entrées are in the $30–$40 range, but lunch is half that.

When to Go Year-round, though it’s best March–June and September–November.

Where to Stay A restored Art Nouveau treasure centrally located on the Danube, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace isn’t cheap (though rates are half those in Paris), but rooms are spacious and kids stay free (rooms from $440; fourseasons.com/budapest). In Buda, the modern, gallery-like Art’otel Budapest incorporates four 18th-century townhouses and features artist Donald Sultan’s work (rooms from $275; artotel.de).

Combine With A river cruise along the Danube.

See Antwerp Travel Guide | See Barcelona Travel Guide | See Lisbon Travel GuideSee Zagreb Travel Guide