Europe has been a top tourist destination for as long as people have been traveling. Some people choose to backpack their way through Europe and either camp or stay at a hostel and others choose to stay in boarding-houses or guest-houses. Tour packages are still another way to see Europe without breaking the bank and some people travel with a group because sharing hotels and tours is a good way to share the expense.

Whichever way you choose to travel matters less than what you choose to see and with Co-op Travel you book to visit Europe cheaply. There are many fabulous attractions in Europe that are free or low cost. That is not to say that you should skip seeing the Vatican if that has been a life-long dream of yours. See the Vatican and then see attractions that are free or low cost. The following are just a few note-worthy attractions to mention.

A wonderful place to visit to start your holiday is Budapest, Hungary because they have always been the most Westernized country in Eastern Europe, because a huge portion of the country (more than any other in Europe) speaks English and because they have lots of free or low cost attractions. Margaret Island is in the middle of Budapest, free to get to and includes medieval ruins, meandering pathways, a musical fountain and a zoo. History enthusiasts will appreciate the many museums (100 in Budapest alone) such as the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts with art from masters such as Raphael, Rembrandt and Goya. This one offers free tours on certain days.

Throw some coins into the Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous (if not THE most famous) fountain in the world. It stands over 85 feet high and over 65 feet wide and depicts Neptune riding a chariot pulled by seahorses. Legend says that if you throw 3 coins into the fountain you will return to Rome. The Pantheon was built in 126 AD as a temple to the Gods of Ancient Rome. The dome of the Pantheon was the world’s largest dome until 1436 and today it is free to visitors. For the people with the Vatican dream; the Vatican is free the last Sunday of every month.

Visit the Prado Museum, one of Spain’s most popular attractions, and see paintings by Goya, El Greco and Diego Velázquez as well as Greek sculptures – call ahead for free days and hours. Madrid’s Royal Palace is free on most days and visitors can see things like works by Caravaggio and Goya, the Royal Armoury, the Royal Pharmacy and the Sabatini Gardens.

There are many more attractions in Europe, which are free or low cost, so make sure you read up on the country you are going to before you go. Europe does not need to cost an arm and a leg as long as you know where to go.