The best of that sweet, delicious port wine can be found in Porto, which has long been a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. However, this seaside community has more to offer than just vino. On Portugal's northwest coast, Porto (or Oporto), a charming European metropolis where visitors may enjoy both the outdoors and culture, is located, and that is one of the best cheap European vacations. Visitors can explore the city's numerous museums, savor its distinctive architecture, unwind in its lush parks, and, of course, hit the beach.

The six arches that bridge the Rio Douro (also known as the "Douro River"), which runs along Porto's southern border, give the city its moniker, Cidade das Pontes, or "City of Bridges." The Dom Luis I Bridge, the most recognizable of Porto's six buildings, offers the greatest views of the Douro River. From here, you can get a sense of the distinctive appeal of Porto, from its vibrant UNESCO World Heritage historic quarter to the adjacent town of Vila Nova de Gaia, just south, where you can find the area's renowned wines. You could explore the city for a few days or a week while learning about the modern art on display at the Serralves Foundation complex and the history of Porto's historic churches like the Sé and Igreja de So Francisco. Whatever you decide to see and do in this enthralling city, you'll come away with a sense of the variety of things Porto has to offer, some fantastic images, and, preferably, a bottle or two of its best wine.

From May through September, when the weather is frequently sunny and mild, is the ideal season to visit Porto. Porto has a generally moderate climate. High summer temperatures are tolerable because of the winds and adjacent beaches, which will also keep you cool. While the fall offers cooler temperatures and sporadic drizzles, the winter will undoubtedly bring some rain. Showers (albeit fewer than in the winter) and mild temperatures are additional features of spring.

Due to Porto's location near the Atlantic Ocean, the local cuisine there emphasizes seafood and is served with copious amounts of wine. The Francesinha, a sandwich of toasted pork, cheese, and beer-based sauce served with fries, is one of Porto's traditional foods. Tripas à moda do Porto are another (tripe cooked with white beans, sausage and vegetables). Many restaurants serve tasty tripe meals, but according to tourists, Bufete Fase (which doesn't sell anything else) and Café Santiago (located just southeast of Mercado Bolho) are the greatest options for Francesinha. There are more than 365 methods to cook cod, or bacalhau, which is another well-liked main course in Porto. Among other versions, it can be prepared with potatoes and chickpeas (bacalhau com batata e gro), scrambled eggs, potatoes, and olives (bacalhau á Brás), or tomatoes and garlic when boiling (bacalhau á Portuguesa).

Location: part of Portugal and is one of the major urban areas of the Iberian peninsula.

Ranking:

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in July
• #1 in Best Cheap European Vacations
• #2 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe
• #8 in Best Wine Vacations
• #10 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
• #17 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
  

Prague is a thriving city that is getting more visitors than ever. But its charming downtown conceals both a troubled past and a strong one. Prague has endured multiple overthrows, invasions, fires, and floods since approximately A.D. 870. This reputation for tenacity and endurance is what draws people to the Czech capital. These days, the city's renowned churches, winding lanes, intimidating hilltop castles, and statue-lined bridges make for a picture-perfect urban fairy tale setting. The charms of this city would be hard for even the most weary traveler to resist.

Prior to its flashier neighbors to the west, Prague was a hidden gem. The city was unable to conceal its wonders for long, and today it is a sanctuary for tourists looking for breathtaking sights at reasonable prices. Even today, many of Prague's greatest attractions, such as the renowned Charles Bridge and the ancient Prague Castle, are free to enter, and many hotels have rates that are considerably lower than those of other European cities. But time is running out on this tradition of finding great deals, so if you're expecting to score a deal, act quickly.

Prague is best visited in the spring and early fall when the weather is pleasant and there are less tourists around. The milder summer months (average high temperatures range in the low to mid-70s) see the highest influx of visitors because of the city's normally frigid environment, which results in higher hotel prices. However, the spring and early fall have sunny skies, highs in the mid- to upper-60s, and significantly more affordable hotel rates. Prague also shines during the joyous Christmas season, but be forewarned that the city experiences significant snowfall and that high temperatures rarely exceed the mid-30s.

Despite not being as well-known or in demand as some of its European neighbors, Czech cuisine is just as delectable. The cuisine of the nation has been affected over its more than 1,100-year history by adjacent nations like Germany, Austria, and Poland. Meat, and lots of it, along with gravy and knedlky, make up most meals (bread dumplings). Svcková, one of the most traditional Czech dishes, is made out of this combination together with a vegetable cream sauce, whipped cream, and cranberry sauce. Additionally, there are robust foods like bramboráky (potato pancakes), a common street food in the nearby nations. Unique desserts from the Czech Republic include pernky (gingerbread cookies) and ovocné knedlky (fresh fruit dumplings covered with curd cheese). Join a meal tour to get a thorough insight of the city's dining options.

Location: in capital of the Czech Republic, Lying at the heart of Europe.

Ranking:

• #1 in Best Christmas Vacations
• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe
• #2 in Best Cheap European Vacations
• #3 in Best Family Vacations in Europe
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in September
• #6 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Europe
• #7 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
• #10 in Best Places to Visit in December
• #10 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
  

Valencia is aesthetically attractive and economical, that is one of the best cheap European vacations. The Jard del Tria's green tones stand in stark contrast to the beaches' glistening golden sand and glistening cerulean seas. Additionally, the oranges' hue is as rich as their flavor. Those who claim that this Spanish seaside city lacks charm may not have ever strolled beneath the citrus trees that drop blossoms into the cobblestone streets or heard the hum of the Valencian dialect among the product stalls of the Mercado Central. Valencia today provides a blend of Madrid's history and Barcelona's modern ambience for a fraction of the price of larger cities, despite having spent years hidden in their shadows.

Valencia is at its most pleasant in April and May, when the weather is nice and there aren't as many people around. The city enjoys a generally nice Mediterranean climate in general. Valencia actually experiences 300 days on average of sunshine every year. The average high temperatures are between 60 degrees in the cooler months and 85 degrees in the middle of summer. Between the mid-40s and the mid-60s, wintertime temperatures are also quite pleasant, and the city is largely devoid of tourists. The drawback is that several attractions reduce their operating hours.

The meandering lanes of Center City, particularly the Mercado Central, are where you'll find the greatest Spanish food, but there are also several excellent cafes and tapas restaurants close to La Avenida del Puerto. Numerous eateries provide prix fixe lunch menus, which are an excellent way to try Spanish food without spending a lot of money. Keep in mind that the Spanish often eat dinner at least nine hours later. Follow the Valencians to one of the many tapas bars scattered throughout the city if your stomach begins to growl before it is time to eat.

Location: on Spain's eastern coast, at the mouth of the Turia River, right in the centre of the Gulf of Valencia

Ranking:

• #3 in Best Cheap European Vacations
• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Spain
  

Greetings from Budapest, where one of the best cheap European vacations is situated. Simply put, if you haven't been here, you should start making preparations to come. Many people are drawn to the city because you may enter a nightclub right after leaving a thermal bath (and then back into the bath). History buffs can choose among Roman, neo-Gothic, Renaissance, and Ottoman architecture at locations like Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion in a city that has been inhabited since the Old Stone Age.

Budapest is Hungary's commercial, political, and cultural hub, in addition to its seat of government. The Pearl of the Danube is filled with culture, from its diverse culinary scene to its historic Jewish past. Budapest, which is divided by the Danube River into the Pest, Buda, and Buda areas, combines contemporary amenities with historic buildings and green spaces. No matter what you're looking for—food, shopping, or museums—Budapest has enough to offer. You won't have to make a decision because the rates are reasonable; you can indulge in all of them.

Budapest is best visited in March through May and from September through November. The ideal weather and low tourist season are experienced during these shoulder seasons. The weather is generally pleasant, with temperatures rarely rising over tolerable levels. Average highs in July and August are in the upper 70s, while January's average lows are in the mid-20s. Even though July is the hottest and wettest season of the year, the city is overrun with tourists.

Budapest's restaurant scene is incredibly diverse. Have an American-style lunch, a traditional Hungarian dinner, and a classic Italian breakfast. At tourist favorites like Caviar & Bull and Arany Kaviar Restaurant. Visitors advise dining at Mazi, which is influenced by Greece, or Comme Chez Soi, which focuses on Italian cuisine, for less expensive but equally delicious fare. Diners also laud fast-casual restaurants like Hoppacska and Bors GasztroBar.

Location: in capital of Hungary
Ranking:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe
• #4 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe
• #6 in Best Cheap European Vacations
• #15 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
• #18 in Best Places to Visit in Europe

When it comes to historical significance, few cities can match Athens. Athenians leave their homes and make their way to neighborhood markets or chess matches on the sidewalk as the sun rises over the smooth marble monuments of the Acropolis and fills the cobblestone streets along its foot. The city seems to be enjoying a pleasant retirement from its heyday as a political and cultural powerhouse as life seems to move more leisurely. But as the sun sets, Athens' contradictions become apparent: dance clubs play loud rock music amid ancient columns, the dazzling lights of Omonia Square reflect the Parthenon's glistening columns, which are illuminated for all to see, and the air thickens with the aroma of spiced lamb and music from a nearby taverna.

The ideal months to visit Athens are March through May and September through November. Sunshine is essentially a given during these pleasant spring and autumn months. In addition, there are fewer people around and it is simpler to find hotel and airfare discounts than in the summer. But don't worry if you decide to travel during Athens' winter months of December through February. Despite being cold, Athens' winters are not too harsh, in part because of Greece's Mediterranean position. Meanwhile, the months of June through August are oppressively hot and crowded with tourists, making sightseeing unpleasant and difficult.

Traditional mom-and-pop eateries may be found all across central Athens, from high-end restaurants in Kolonaki to ancient neighborhoods at the foot of the Acropolis. Go to some of the more sedate areas like Koukaki, Mets, or Pangrati if you want a wonderful lunch away from the tourist crowd. Remember that Athenians typically don't eat dinner until around nine or ten o'clock.

Location: in Mainland Greece
Ranking:

• #7 in Best Cheap European Vacations
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in May
• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Europe
• #11 in Best Family Vacations in Europe
• #11 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
• #19 in Best Spring Vacations

Lisbon, which is frequently overshadowed by its well-known European cousins, is skilled at lulling visitors into its laid-back appeal. That is one of the best cheap European vacations. Its passageways weave through vibrant, centuries-old structures as it sits on seven hills. St. George's Castle protrudes from the city's skyline, giving it an air of Old World mystique. And village life continues to thrive despite the new, sleek structures that are steadily sprouting up throughout the metropolis.

Lisbon is more than just sitting around drinking coffee and eating pastéis de nata all day, though. Portugal's coastal capital offers a wealth of opportunities, from discovering the Fado clubs in Bairro Alto to admiring the view from the top of the Santa Justa Elevator; from lounging on the beaches in Cascais to looking for treasure at the historic Feira da Ladra flea market; from taking in the enormous exhibits at the Oceanarium to indulging in bacalhau (salted cod).

Because the weather is still mild, hotel rates are lower, and there are less tourists than in the summer, March to May or September to October are the finest times to visit Lisbon. You might also be able to get in a couple beach days at those times of year. Temperatures are high and the beaches are packed in the summer. Lows in Lisbon's winters dip into the mid- to upper-40s, which is warm for Europe.

Lisbon is one of the European cities where it is easy to find a tasty, reasonably priced meal. This holds true even in many tourist areas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any meal in between. For less than 30 euros per day, per person, you can enjoy the best of traditional Portuguese cuisine if you're on a tight budget. Visit Time Out Market for a genuine feast of the city's culinary offerings. The food hall, which is housed in the Mercado da Ribeira at Cais do Sodre, is crammed with of different merchants selling everything from sushi to wine to Iberico ham. There will always be crowded, but previous visitors claimed it's worthwhile.

Location: in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus.
Ranking:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in July
• #8 in Best Cheap European Vacations
• #21 in Best Places to Visit in Europe

On the western coast of Ireland, in County Galway, you'll find the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, and the enchanting Aran Islands. The majority of tourists base themselves in the vibrant university town of Galway City. Many of the top Irish excursions depart from this location and take tourists to these breathtaking natural beauties. The city has a fantastic evening scene with pubs, theaters, and, of course, music because it has such a youthful spirit. Fantastic festivals, such as the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway International Oyster Festival, take place during the summer.

Galway was selected as one of only five UNESCO Cities of Film in 2014, and it will serve as the European Capital of Culture in 2020. It is also the location of the more than 400-year-old creation of the well-known Irish Claddagh ring, which consists of two hands clasped around a heart with a crown above it (symbolizing love, friendship, and loyalty). Galway is also an excellent place to hear the language because it is the only bilingual city in Ireland, with 20 percent of the population speaking Irish or Gaelic.

Visit Galway between July and October for the greatest weather. The city's outdoor attractions can be visited in beautiful weather, and there are plenty of events scheduled. Plan to bring clothes if you want to visit the area's coastline attractions, such the Cliffs of Moher, where there is little to protect you from the wind. Expect pleasant maximum temperatures in the mid-sixties. Visitors will find fantastic deals on accommodations throughout the "midseason" for tourists, which includes spring and fall. Winters can be frigid, with lows in the mid-thirties. Galway is fortunate to have a wealth of fresh foods thanks to its waterfront setting and proximity to nearby farms. It boasts a good number of outstanding pubs, like other Irish cities, but there are also many restaurants to satisfy any appetite.

Location: the western coast of Ireland.
Ranking:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Ireland
• #9 in Best Cheap European Vacations

The dedication of a bullfighting matador, the fervor of a flamenco dancer, and the carefree indulgence of an afternoon siesta are not just romanticized memories of a long-gone Spain. Seville and the Andalusia region in the south of the country are major centers for these cultural traditions. The church facades, minarets, and ancient ghettos of Seville, a city defined by Jewish, Islamic, and Christian influences, provide evidence of each religion's existence. Seville's centuries-old neighborhoods and cultural attractions will enchant visitors who enjoy a fair dose of history amid leisurely strolls along tiny streets and leisurely, drawn-out lunches.

Spend your time in Seville enjoying tapas at a street corner cafe or taking in the music of an impromptu guitarist in a public space. Even while the warm weather and laid-back atmosphere could tempt you to laze around all day, make time to tour the parks, gardens, and palaces that highlight the city's rich history and stunning architectural features. You may see "NO8DO" on city buses, seats, bike racks, and even manhole covers if you look attentively. NO8DO, a rebus for "no me ha dejado" in Spanish, means "It (Seville) has not abandoned me." Keep the phrase in your memory since it's likely that you'll adopt it for yourself. Once you've experienced Seville's charms, you'll remember them for a long time.

The months of March through May are ideal for travel to Seville. The weather is moderate throughout these months, there isn't as much tourist traffic as there is in the summer, and hotels typically have reduced rates (except during special events). The city's most famous annual events, like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, are also held in the spring. Seville experiences some of the hottest summers in all of Europe, with frequent highs of 102 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, many people may relocate to the adjacent beach towns, which will increase the visibility of the large number of city tourists. While visitor throngs decrease and temperatures cool in the fall, the rainy season starts. Wintertime in Seville is generally chilly (highs rarely fall below 60 degrees), and residents spend more time inside.

The tapas options in Seville are the tried-and-true originals, despite the fact that it might seem like you can get tapas - or traditional foods served in small, sharing servings - in nearly every major city these days. Consider sampling two or three of these interesting small appetizers at each meal. Try traditional dishes like tortilla de patatas, a quiche-like potato dish, or choose something a little more adventurous like rabo de toro (oxtail). Despite the fact that some restaurants will offer English menus, it will be useful to learn Spanish vocabulary like plancha (grilled) and frito (fried) to ensure that you are ordering food that is to your taste. Try El Rinconcillo, Seville's oldest tapas bar, or Taberna Coloniales Catedral for some of the best variations on traditional tapas. Both locations are in the El Centro district. Visit premium eateries like Vinera San Telmo (located in Barrio Santa Cruz) or Restaurante Oriza for a more contemporary take on the specialties (in El Centro near the Universidad de Sevilla). No matter where you eat, you'll probably taste a lot of olive oil since Andalusia is the world's leading exporter of the substance and commonly uses it in local dishes.

Location: in the capital and largest city of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville.
Ranking:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Spain
• #8 in Best Winter Vacations
• #11 in Best Cheap European Vacations
• #21 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe

Connecting Europe and Asia, as well as East and West, Istanbul has a rich and intricate history. The illustrious history of this city, which served as the Ottoman and Byzantine empires' respective capitals. Additionally, it combines elements of its past and present to provide an unusual mix of design, such as a glass tower adjacent to a Byzantine church or a vibrant bazaar beneath a shopping center. The surrounding environment is likewise magnificent. The city is divided in two by the Bosphorus, a strait that joins the Black Sea in the north with the Sea of Marmara in the south. From the azure waters, visitors may see a skyline of modern buildings, steeples, and domes.

Istanbul appears calm from a distance, but the interior is delightfully chaotic. Discover the crowded bazaar stalls and bustling streets that have defined the city for hundreds of years. You'll be unable to process the sights, sounds, and smells as drivers jostle for place and shops haggle in a barrage of conversation. In relation to odors... As you explore, sample some of the street cuisine, including döner, which is Istanbul's take on fast food. And as night falls, you'll see that Istanbul loses some of its formal façade to expose a vibrant nightlife. Istanbul has long been a crossroads of cultures and continents, and it continues to astound tourists with its quick pace, rich past, and vibrant present.

Istanbul is best visited in the months of March through May and between September and November. Attraction crowds are reasonable, hotel costs are typical, and daytime temperatures are often in the 60s and 70s around that time. The temperatures spike into the low 60s to low 80s during peak season, which runs from June through August, while lodging costs rise to keep up with the demand from incoming tourists. The least expensive months to travel are December through February, but because of Istanbul's wet, snowy, and frigid weather (highs in the 30s to high 50s), you'll need to pack an umbrella and wear appropriate clothing.

Turkish food can be characterized as a combination of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian ingredients. Kebabs and mezes, or little servings that resemble tapas, are particularly well-known and well-liked in Istanbul. Meats, legumes, fresh vegetables, and nuts are typically the main ingredients in dishes. In addition, yogurt is a key ingredient in a lot of Turkish dishes and is frequently served alongside meat dishes and breads. Among locals and out-of-town visitors, street cuisine is also highly well-liked. Examples include döner, which is typically cooked with lamb meat, and simit, a bread that resembles a bagel and works well as a portable snack. You can get through all the sightseeing on a Turkish coffee, then for dessert, try some Turkish Delight candies.

Location: in an intercontinental city, spanning the Bosphorus.
Ranking:

• #12 in Best Cheap European Vacations

Perhaps the strongest force at work in Granada is its attractiveness, which draws tourists there long before they are supposed to. This Andalusian gem, hidden among the Sierra Nevada Mountains in southern Spain, is drenched in contagious European charm and a strong sense of mystery brought on by its fascinating past. In Granada, mosques once stood where cathedrals now stand, bakeries where bathhouses once stood, and shops where tea was the main menu item rather than tapas. Even though the days of shifting dynasties and warring cultures are long gone, there is still a palpable sense of heritage that begs to be understood.

However, that does not imply that it is not valued. Numerous tourists make the journey to this small Spanish city each year, drawn by Granada's history as a former Moorish empire, its ancient architecture, and its rich culture. And visitors can quickly learn that everything is possible in Granada. You can see a flamenco performance in a cave that used to be home to African gypsies, buy items on Moroccan streets, trek in the slopes of Spain's largest national park, and eat for free every night thanks to Granada's burgeoning tapas industry. Therefore, enjoy Granada in all of its distinctive forms while you're there and, if possible, allow yourself to become entirely engrossed in its beauty; you won't regret it.

The months of May and June, as well as September and October, are ideal for traveling to Granada. The months of May and June are cool, the flowers are in full bloom, and the calendar is packed with some of the major cultural events in the city. Although spending the summer in Spain may seem like a romantic notion, Granada's location at the southernmost point of Europe results in daily temperatures that reach the 80s and 90s in July and August, which could make for an uncomfortable vacation. Winter is an option for those looking for off-peak rates, however costs may vary depending on where you stay given the close skiing at the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In addition to May and June, the best months to travel are September and October. These months have spring-like weather, but as evenings draw in, temperatures begin to drop starting in October.

While tapas are available throughout Spain, Granada is one of the greatest cities to sample this gastronomic custom. Granada upholds the tapas tradition in its most basic form: order a drink and get a free plate of tapas, unlike other popular tourist sites in the nation like Madrid or Barcelona. For those who are new, tapas are best defined as an appetizer or snack. In the Spanish custom, every drink you order at a bar comes with an appetizer, or plate of tapas. The tapas typically come in greater servings the more beverages you order. Even though the majority of restaurants in Spain charge for tapas, tapas are still seen as a gift to customers in Granada and much of southern Spain.

Location: at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of four rivers, the Darro, the Genil, the Monachil and the Beiro.
Ranking:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Spain
• #13 in Best Cheap European Vacations

Vienna is literally and figuratively centered on history, that is one of the best cheap European vacations. You almost expect a Vienna resident like composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or psychologist Sigmund Freud to round a cobblestone corner and say, "guten tag," thanks to the Innere Stadt's winding alleyways that weave among historic buildings. Elegant baroque mansions from the Habsburg Monarchy tower over the city, and modern cafes are filled with the sounds of Mozart's classical arias. You can find culture here if that's what you're after.

But this city is not just about music and kings. With indie bookstores and high fashion fighting for customers, Vienna is a terrific spot to spend some money. There are also a surprisingly large number of kid-friendly attractions, such as an excellent zoo and an amusement park. Although many Vienna residents go to bed early, you are not required to; instead, sneak out to one of the bars along the Bermuda Triangle in the city or stop by one of the wine taverns that skirt the Vienna Woods.

Vienna is best visited in April through May or in September through October. In the spring and fall, there aren't many people around. The majority of travelers come to Vienna in the summer to take advantage of the pleasant, bright weather. You can anticipate the city to become overcrowded and for accommodation rates to soar between June and August. Although the freezing weather can be a hindrance, December also experiences a rise in tourism as many Europeans rush to the city for a taste of Christmas cheer served Viennese-style.

One of the city's top must-dos is to eat delicious Viennese food. However, beware: Austrian cuisine heavily emphasizes meat. Traditional Austrian pubs, or beisls, serve hearty quantities of wiener schnitzel, goulash, and Tafelspitz, a rich stew predominantly consisting of beef and potatoes (deep-fried, breaded veal). Recent visitors recommend Lugeck and Ofenloch, both of which are located in Innere Stadt, if you're searching for a genuine Austrian lunch. But you might want to stay away from the Innere Stadt area if you're trying to save some money. Check out the streets that are just outside the city center instead. Motto in Weiden and Gmakeller in Landstrasse are suggested by tourists. Vienna has experienced a growth in international cuisines over the past few years, from Asian to Italian meals. Whatever place you choose to eat at, make sure to have cash because certain Viennese eateries do not take credit cards.

Location: in the eastern part of Austria and is close to the borders of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
Ranking:

• #8 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe
• #8 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in October
• #9 in Best Family Vacations in Europe
• #10 in Best Christmas Vacations
• #11 in Best Places to Visit in Europe
• #14 in Best Cheap European Vacations

England enjoys London, the United States adores New York, France is a little narcissistic about Paris, and Germany follows suit by claiming Berlin with pride. Since the collapse of the Berlin Wall more than 20 years ago, the city has seen a cultural revival that includes everything from museums and fashion to cuisine and nightclubs. But that doesn't mean that this city has forgotten its troubled past; in fact, monuments to the murdered Jews of Europe, the Topography of Terror, and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum serve as reminders of its unwavering respect. Berlin, though, is improving. You may see the proof by spending an afternoon people-watching at a busy cafe or participating in an all-night dance party at a trendy club.

The finest months to visit Berlin are May through September, when the weather is perfect for relaxing in parks, sipping coffee, and taking leisurely strolls through the city. On the other hand, winter is extremely cold, with temperatures typically ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. But now may be the perfect time for budget-minded visitors to find low rates on airfare and lodging.

There are many traditional German dishes available in Berlin, as well as a vibrant ethnic culinary scene and even healthier vegetarian options. However, you shouldn't pass up the chance to chow down on the traditional foods that Berlin is famous for. A wide range of sausages, such as bratwurst, bockwurst (pork and veal), and the distinctive currywurst (sausage wrapped in ketchup and curry powder), are always in demand (flattened, breaded, fried veal). German food places a lot of emphasis on the pig, to the point where you can have Fishbein (pork knuckle) with potatoes and sauerkraut. Visit Berlin's oldest restaurant, Zur letzten Instanz, for some hearty fare. One block separates it from the Klosterstraße U-Bahn station.

Location: in the capital and largest city of Germany.
Ranking:

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Germany
• #15 in Best Cheap European Vacations
• #19 in Best Places to Visit in Europe