Print-and-go: Best of budget Europe

Best bargains
In Vilnius, capital of unspoilt Lithuania, buy beautiful coloured-glass vases in modern styles at the factory outlet near the airport. Expect to pay around £10 for a vase that would pass outside the country for around £100. Handcrafted, soft as a baby's bottom, wooden bowls, gleaming amber and pure linen sheets are other great bargains - snap them up all over this untouristy city.

Free fun
In Amsterdam, pleasure capital of Holland, there's no charge for strolling the Spui Canal, lined with barges selling all manner of bulbs and plants. Quiet, clean trams and locals on bikes give the city's outdoor cafe-life a pleasant and peaceful air. People watch on Damsquare, near Central Station, watch artists perform on Leidscheplein and Rembrandsplein ('plein' means 'square') and make friends with trees in Vondelpark. Pick up a historic walking route at the local tourist board.

Best view
In Prague, cultural capital of the Czech Republic, climb Petrin Hill, the largest green space in the city. On its summit, you'll find the Petrin Observation Tower, a miniature replica of Paris's Eiffel Tower, which was built for the 1891 Prague Exhibition. From the tower at its top, see the city spanned out before you. Petrin Hill stands at 318m and there are another 299 steps to the top of the tower, if you can't face the hike, you can take the funicular for the cost of a normal tram ticket.

Cheap eats
In Paris, capital of gastronomic France choose good-value lunchtime menus (formulas) and avoid dining anywhere near the Champs-Elysees. Flunch outlets (all over Paris) offer nutritional but good value meals, as long as you don't mind the studenty vibe. But for good-value, authentic French cuisine served by white-aproned garcons, seek out Chartier at 7 Rue du Faubourg in Montmartre. This 'Belle Epoque' venue, glittering in mirror and gilt paint, serves a three-course meal with wine for around £10. They have been serving good food to poor folk of Paris since the days of Toulouse Lautrec.

Cheap travel
In Milan, fashion capital of the world, there is a recently-inaugurated night-time 'bus on request' network called Radiobus (tel: +39 02 48 03 48 03) which deposits you on the doorstep for a couple of euros, and runs from 10pm to 2am. But most of the time it's best to walk in this compact little city. Anyway, if you're not on foot, you may miss some of the best shops!

Splash out
In Budapest, the Hungarian spa capital, you can luxuriate in the mosaic-lined Gellert Thermal Baths, indulge in an invigorating massage and swim in the Art Nouveau pool. Glowing with health, feast on the 'Royal' menu at the Gerbeaud Restaurant while entertained by Hungarian folk tunes. Then take your place in an exclusive theatre box seat at the Opera House.

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