Prague, in the Czech Republic, offers visitors European charm without the high prices. Forbes calls the city one of Eastern Europe's most cosmopolitan. This historic city of 1.23 million attracts visitors with sights like the Prague Castle, where the country's president lives, and the nearby St. Vitus Cathedral, a defining element of the city's skyline.
At the castle, visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard every hour and eat at the on-site restaurant surrounded by a garden. Tourists can also walk across the Charles Bridge, which leads to the Old Town Square. Historically, the square served as a market place but it now hosts restaurants, bars, cafes and artisans selling crafts. At night, the Czech listen to music, dance in discos, watch plays and attend concerts. See an opera at the National Theater, built in the 19th century.
With sprawling beaches and lush rain forests, visitors to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil can enjoy the country's scenic beauty and its affinity for celebration. They can visit the city's famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and sip a beer at an oceanfront restaurant. At Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, food stalls serve Brazilian cuisine and musicians play.
Each September, Brazil's Museum of Modern Art presents the free jazz festival. In March, the famous festival Carnival engulfs the city with street parties and dancing. Visitors during all seasons can take in a Brazilian ballet at Teatro Municipal and then dance the night away at one of the local dance halls. Brazil's night life never stops, according to the Travel Channel website.
Bangkok, Thailand, has long attracted travelers seeking a bustling, cheap city. As the nation's capital, Bangkok features modern amenities rooted in tradition. Temples dot the streets, where people pray and monks accept alms. Visitors can see the Grand Palace and pray to the Emerald Buddha. In Chinatown, they can see the world's largest solid gold Buddha at Wat Traimit and buy flowers, fruits and vegetables at Pak Klong Talat, which means "market by the mouth of the canal."
For a saucy time, the Red Light area has vendors selling gems, t-shirts and Thai silk set up at the Patpong Night Market. For the cheapest accommodations, book a guesthouse or upgrade and still score an inexpensive room by American standards.
