Featured Image Credit: Emad aljumah/Getty Images
Topics: Drinks
Faima Bakar
If you're looking for your next European getaway, then forget the busy streets of Paris or the overpriced towns of Switzerland, or the locals washing you down with water pistols in Barcelona - yep, it happens...
Europe might be full of art, culture and history but let's face it, some of the best sightseeing spots around the continent are not only heaving with people, but are also super expensive.
But there are destinations which have plenty to offer; natural wonders, sunshine, hospitable locals, and without the price tag to go with it, we just have to be willing to explore beyond the usual suspects.
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Have you considered the path less trodden, to perhaps a city you don't really know how to pronounce? Enter Tbilisi, in Georgia. Not only is it unlikely to be heaving with tourists, this capital city is also very affordable.
In fact, according to research conducted by luggage storage firm Bounce, Tbilisi is actually Europe's most affordable destination.
Their study looked at the average costs for accommodation, meals, drinks, and transport, plus the number of free attractions in 70 of Europe's top cities to crown the most budget-friendly.
What's more is that not only is it pretty cheap to stay in Tbilisi, with a weekend hotel stay costing £136, you can get a local pint of beer for just £1.64 (London could never).
And you'll, of course, want a taste of Georgian's culinary offerings, and thankfully food is just as affordable. You could opt for a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant which will only set you back £33 (that's only £16.5 if you're going splitsies).
At a more budget friendly eatery, you can get a lunchtime meal for two for for the same price – that's £8.25 each.
So what should you be ordering at these affordable restaurants? Well when in Tbilisi, you have to try khinkali, dumplings which are a staple in the capital, and there are many variations. The most common filling is a mix of pork and beef with spices and broth, but you can also find them with cheese, potatoes, or mushrooms. Similar to a soup dumpling, you bite it a bit and slurp the broth before eating the whole thing.
Perhaps the most famous dish is khachapuri. There are two types of this cheese-filled bread; Megruli Khachapuri has cheese both inside and on top while Adjarian Khachapuri, a boat-shaped pastry filled with cheese, butter, and a cracked egg.
In between those delectable meals, you'll probably want to get around and see the city, which won't break the bank as you can get around on public transport for as little as 27p. If you prefer to use a taxi, you'll pay around the same price as a pint for a 1km journey.
You'll probably want to walk around to burn the calories and make space for more khachapuri, sightseeing in between meals.
Tbilisi really is a budget-friendly destination, also boasting a number of free attractions, including the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Bridge of Peace.