Top 10 Budget Summer Holiday Destinations 2024
Which 10 cities are the cheapest holiday destinations for summer 2024?
Get ready for sunshine, adventure, and affordability with these 10 exciting summer destinations! Each city offers a unique blend of culture, history, and beauty, all waiting to be explored.
1. Lisbon, Portugal:
Lisbon, Portugal’s charming capital, boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a delicious food scene. Explore the São Jorge Castle, a former royal palace with stunning city views. Wander the narrow streets of the Alfama district, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, and soak up its medieval atmosphere. Take a classic yellow tram ride, a nostalgic way to see the city. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Praia de Carcavelos, just a short trip away, where you can try surfing or simply soak up the sun.
- Summer Weather: Expect warm and sunny days with average highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Rain is infrequent in summer, averaging around 3 rainy days per month.
- Special Summer Activities: Join a lively festival like the Festas de Lisboa in June, celebrating the city’s patron saint. Enjoy outdoor concerts and movie screenings in iconic squares. Take a boat trip on the Tagus River and admire the city skyline from a different perspective. Savor fresh seafood dishes at a beachside restaurant.
2. Prague, Czech Republic:
Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires” in Czech Republic, enchants with its stunning architecture and charming atmosphere. Explore the majestic Prague Castle complex, a sprawling fortress showcasing architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque. Take a scenic cruise on the Vltava River, winding its way through the heart of the city. Visit the lively Old Town Square, with its iconic astronomical clock. Enjoy a picnic in Kampa Island park, a peaceful green oasis amidst the city bustle.
- Summer Weather: Prague offers pleasant summers with average highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). Rain is occasional, averaging around 5 rainy days per month.
- Special Summer Activities: Attend a classical music concert under the stars at stunning locations like Prague Castle gardens. Explore the city’s vibrant farmers markets and sample fresh seasonal produce. Take a day trip to Kutná Hora, a historic town famous for its Sedlec Ossuary, a bone chapel decorated with human skeletons.
3. Krakow, Poland:
Krakow, Poland, is a city steeped in history. Explore the medieval Main Market Square, the largest in Europe, bustling with cafes, restaurants, and vendors. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and delve into an underground world of salt sculptures and chambers. Take a walking tour of the Kazimierz district, known for its Jewish heritage and synagogues. Relax in Planty Park, a horseshoe-shaped green belt surrounding the Old Town, or enjoy a traditional folk music performance in the evening.
- Summer Summer Weather: Krakow experiences warm summers with average highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F). Rainfall is moderate in summer, averaging around 8 rainy days per month.
- Special Summer Activities: Attend the Krakow Film Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Eastern Europe. Take a boat trip on the Vistula River and admire the city from a different perspective. Explore the Wawel Royal Castle, a former seat of Polish royalty. Enjoy a refreshing local beer at one of the many outdoor cafes in the Main Market Square.
4. Budapest, Hungary:
Budapest, Hungary, is a city of thermal baths, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Budapest is known as the “City of Baths” for a reason — relax and rejuvenate in the Szechenyi Baths, one of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe, with stunning neo-Renaissance architecture. Explore Buda Castle on Buda Hill, offering breathtaking city views and showcasing Hungary’s royal past. Take a scenic cruise on the Danube River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building illuminated at night. Enjoy a rooftop bar with panoramic cityscapes and sip on a refreshing Hungarian cocktail.
- Summer Weather: Budapest boasts warm and sunny summers with average highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). Rainfall is moderate, averaging around 7 rainy days per month.
- Special Summer Activities: Experience the lively atmosphere of the Budapest Summer Festival, featuring music, dance, and theater performances throughout the city. Take a guided walking tour through Buda Castle and learn about Hungarian history and culture. Explore the Hungarian Parliament Building, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Enjoy a delicious Hungarian goulash at a traditional restaurant with outdoor seating.
5. Marrakesh, Morocco:
Marrakesh, Morocco, offers a unique cultural experience that will transport you to another world. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a vibrant marketplace filled with food stalls, snake charmers, fortune tellers, and musicians. Visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s landmark with its towering minaret. Be amazed by the intricate tilework and architecture of the Bahia Palace, a former royal residence. Shop for traditional crafts in the labyrinthine souks, bargaining for treasures like Berber carpets and leather goods. Take a day trip to the majestic Atlas Mountains for a taste of nature, with opportunities for hiking, Berber village visits, and breathtaking scenery.
- Summer Weather: Marrakesh experiences hot and dry summers with average highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). Rain is very rare during the summer months.
- Special Summer Activities: Witness the vibrant energy of the Marrakech Fantasia, a traditional equestrian show with horsemanship, acrobatics, and music. Explore the Majorelle Garden, a peaceful oasis featuring lush greenery, colorful flowers, and Berber art. Take a hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains for a truly unforgettable experience. Sample Moroccan cuisine at a rooftop restaurant with stunning city views.
6. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia:
Ubud, Bali, is a haven for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and those seeking a spiritual retreat. Hike through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery of emerald green rice paddies sculpted into the hillsides. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a mystical place where playful monkeys roam freely amidst ancient temples. Learn about traditional Balinese dance and music at a cultural performance. Take a yoga or meditation class and find inner peace in Ubud’s serene atmosphere. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Seminyak, known for its upscale resorts, white sand, and world-class surfing.
- Summer Weather: Ubud experiences warm and humid summers with average highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, with occasional afternoon showers.
- Special Summer Activities: Attend the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, a prestigious literary event attracting renowned authors and book lovers. Visit the Ubud Palace, the former royal residence, and admire its traditional Balinese architecture. Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare delicious Balinese dishes. Explore the Tegallalang Rice Terraces at sunrise to witness the breathtaking scenery bathed in golden light.
7. Ljubljana, Slovenia:
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, offers a picturesque Old Town, a vibrant riverside setting, and easy access to the Julian Alps and Lake Bled. Explore Ljubljana Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a hill offering panoramic city views. Take a scenic boat cruise on the Ljubljanica River, a lively hub with cafes, restaurants, and colorful bridges. Visit the Central Market, a bustling marketplace showcasing fresh produce, local crafts, and Slovenian delicacies.
- Summer Weather: Ljubljana boasts pleasant summers with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). Rainfall is moderate, averaging around 8 rainy days per month.
- Special Summer Activities: Attend the Ljubljana Festival, a renowned performing arts festival featuring music, theater, and dance performances throughout the city. Explore the vibrant open-air cafes lining the Ljubljanica River and soak up the lively atmosphere. Take a day trip to the breathtaking Lake Bled, a glacial lake with a picturesque island church. Hike or bike in the scenic Julian Alps for stunning mountain views and fresh air.
8. Chiang Mai, Thailand:
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, offers a rich Buddhist culture, beautiful temples, delicious street food, and affordable prices. Visit the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary dedicated to rescued elephants, and learn about elephant conservation. Explore the vibrant Sunday Walking Street Night Market, a shopper’s paradise with an endless array of local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food. Hike up Doi Suthep Mountain to Wat Phra Doi Suthep, a stunning Buddhist temple with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Learn about traditional Thai massage techniques and pamper yourself with a relaxing spa treatment.
- Summer Weather: Chiang Mai experiences hot and humid summers with average highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent during the summer months.
- Special Summer Activities: Attend the Loi Krathong festival, a beautiful ceremony where people release decorated floats adorned with candles and flowers onto rivers. Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare authentic Thai dishes. Explore the ruins of Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, and delve into Thailand’s rich history. Go white water rafting on the Mae Taeng River for an exciting adventure.
9. Hanoi, Vietnam:
Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Explore the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses and hidden gems. Rent a bicycle and explore the city at your own pace. Relax by the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form where puppets perform on water.
- Summer Weather: Hanoi experiences hot and humid summers with average highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent during the summer months.
- Special Summer Activities: Attend the Thang Long Water Puppet Festival, a vibrant celebration featuring traditional water puppet performances and cultural events. Explore the Temple of Literature, a Confucian temple and university complex dating back to the 11th century. Sample delicious Vietnamese street food from street vendors, offering a variety of flavors and dishes to tempt your taste buds. Take a day trip to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with towering limestone formations jutting out of emerald waters.
10. Hoi An, Vietnam:
Hoi An, Vietnam, is a charming town known for its beautiful old town with colorful architecture, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning beaches nearby. Explore the Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved wooden houses, tailor shops where you can get custom-made clothes at affordable prices, and art galleries showcasing local crafts. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of the town’s historical trade with Japan, featuring intricate architecture and vibrant red paint. Spend a day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Cua Dai, known for its soft sand, clear waters, and delicious seafood restaurants. In the evenings, the town comes alive with the Hoi An Lantern Festival, a magical experience where the town is illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.
- Summer Weather: Hoi An experiences hot and humid summers with average highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 27°C (81°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent during the summer months.
- Special Summer Activities: Attend the Hoi An Lantern Festival, held on the 14th day of each lunar month, and witness the town illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns. Take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River and admire the scenic countryside. Learn about the art of silk lantern making at a traditional workshop. Enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant lining the Thu Bon River, savoring fresh seafood dishes and soaking up the riverside vibes.
That is the list of Top 10 Budget Summer Holiday Destinations 2024. Ready to go?
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Which 10 cities are the cheapest holiday destinations for summer 2024? Get ready for sunshine, adventure, and affordability with these 10 exciting summer destinations!…