Under $100: Valletta, Malta

Spending a day in the capital city of Malta is not a challenge for the budget-conscious as food, activities and sights are quite inexpensive compared with other European capitals. Valletta combines just the right mix of cosmopolitan culture and a historic shipping village, making for an intriguing day along the Mediterranean Sea.

Kick off the day with an energy boost at Piadina Caffe, an unassuming sidewalk café with wooden foldable chairs and a special €4 ($4.77) deal that includes a croissant, espresso or cappuccino and an orange juice.

Catch an early-morning ferry ride to visit Valletta’s Three Cities. A return ticket costs only €2.80 ($3.34) and includes a drop-off in Cospicua where you can explore this town as well as Birgu and Senglea by foot or bus.

Stop into Dimitri Café for a quick local lunch of freshly caught fish and potatoes with a side of Maltese red wine.

In the afternoon, spend time roaming the streets of the Old Town to marvel in the historic architecture and Roman influence. Enjoy sweeping views of the city, the port and the sea from the Upper Barrakka Gardens where you can enjoy a twilight tea at the small snack kiosk before the sun sets.

Round out the day with a burger or traditional Maltese pie at Café Jubilee, a quaint restaurant with a wood interior that looks like it popped up out of the early 20th century and where the majority of the dishes are less than €10 ($11.93).