And then there’s tipping culture. In much of Europe, small tips of 5 to 10 percent are appreciated but not expected, compared with a standard 20 percent minimum in US restaurants.
Priceoftravel.com recently analyzed over 50 European cities to create “The 3-Star Traveler Index.” The index is based on two people sharing hotel rooms and taxis, and includes the price of an inexpensive but well-reviewed 3-star hotel in a central location and two taxi rides, three meals, one museum or other popular attraction, and three alcoholic beverages per day.
On the lower end of the index, Sofia, Bulgaria; Bucharest, Romania; Belgrade, Serbia; and Budapest, Hungary, range from about $60 to $69 per person, per day. In the middle- to high-end, you’ll find Madrid, Munich, Vienna, Hamburg, Milan, Oslo, and Helsinki, ranging from about $135 to $150 per day. Switzerland tops the list with Interlaken and Zürich around $265 to $280 per person, per day.