Svishtov, Bulgaria

Capital City

At just 17,355 residents, Svishtov is a sleepy Bulgarian town with a port on the Danube River. The main industries are imports, exports, electronics, and wheat - hardly the bustling metropolis some may envision. And while the university provides an academic draw, the city's bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the destruction wrought by retreating Russian forces during past wars. Winters are long, lasting from December to March, with the summer heat providing little respite. Overall, Svishtov seems best suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial lifestyle on a budget, rather than the excitement of a cosmopolitan hub.