18 of the cheapest nicest city breaks in Europe to add to your bucket list
City breaks can be one of the most effective ways to tap into a country’s culture. Whether it’s a whirlwind weekend or a fortnight of getting to know a new neighbourhood, city breaks offer a full-bodied, in-at-the-deep-end immersion that beach resorts and remote country hotels seldom can. But that cultural crash course can come with a price tag, and hidden ones at that; flights from London to Venice sell for less than £20, but it’s one of Europe’s most expensive cities for accommodation and food. So we’ve broken down some of the latest data and tapped into editor intel on cheap city breaks in Europe for 2024, from a coastal cosmopolis to a snow-capped ski city.
In 2024, the Post Office released new data ranking affordable city breaks in Europe. You'll find some of the cities from their study below – including Lisbon, Athens and Riga. The full list from the Post Office is as follows:
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Lille, France
- Krakow, Poland
- Athens, Greece
- Riga, Latvia
- Budapest, Hungary
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Warsaw, Poland
Below, we've also included some of our favourite affordable European city breaks that might be a little less known, such as Klagenfurt in Austria and Berat, Albania. Going off the beaten track is a wonderful way to make your money go further – while exploring a lesser-trammelled part of the continent.
What is the cheapest European city for a holiday?
In 2024, the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius won the title of the cheapest European city break thanks to its affordable food scene, cheap transport and bargain flights.
What is the most expensive city in Europe?
Post Office data released in 2024 ranked Amsterdam as the most expensive city break in Europe for another year running.
Note: you’ll notice some wonderful European cities missing from this list, namely Kyiv. It has been tragically affected by the war in Ukraine, and should be avoided until safe to visit – until then, find out how to help the people of Ukraine right now, and see how you can support through your travel choices.
18 cheap city breaks in Europe
Getty ImagesVilnius, Lithuania
The Lithuanian capital ranked in first place in this year's Post Office City Costs Barometer. The city has also come in the winning spot several times over the past decade (including in 2015, 2019 and 2020) but has narrowly missed out in recent years – last year Lisbon took the top spot. The city is slowly garnering reputation as an alternative European hotspot – we named it one of Europe’s most underrated cities to visit. Take a stroll up Gediminas Hill for views across the city and stop by some of the ancient ruins and churches (the Vilnius Cathedral is a favourite).
Getty ImagesTirana, Albania
Ten years ago, Albania was rarely on the radar of Brits craving a city break. That’s changing fast. Social media feeds showcasing the beauty of Albania’s coastal stretches have piqued interest in the destination, and, in turn, many travellers are dipping their toes into the country with a long weekend in the capital. Since emerging from a drowsy communist slumber in the 1990s, the city is alive with colour and curiosity. Learn about Albania’s fascinating past at the National History Museum before boutique-hopping and coffee-sipping in upmarket Blloku. Best of all, Tirana offers some of the cheapest rooms in Europe. Hotel Mondial is the perfect four-star spot after long days exploring the city with its rooftop pool.
Getty ImagesIstanbul, Turkey
Europe’s only bi-continental city is a feast for the senses. Gold glistens from shop windows in the Grand Bazaar, piles of saffron and heaps of cinnamon scent the Spice Bazaar, and stomachs rumble on tours of the ancient city’s tastiest, in-the-know spots. Religions and cultures clash at every corner – marvel at the Blue Mosque before a short walk to the gilded Hagia Sophia, originally a 6th-century church. The pound goes a long way here, so ensure there’s space in the suitcase to return with cupboard essentials and fashionable finds. Should you fall in love with the hand-woven carpets and art, shipping may be a necessary expense. The metropolis is home to plenty of opulent hotels, from the Mandarin Oriental to the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus; however, stay at The Bank Hotel Istanbul for a less costly trip. It’s a member of Design Hotels, so expect all the luxury trimmings and shoulder-season stays for well under £200 a night.
Getty ImagesKrakow, Poland
Poland’s second city is rich in culture, has a thriving hospitality scene, and is pleasingly easy on the pursestrings. In the lead-up to Christmas, historic squares house charming markets where traders sell punchy, steaming concoctions and festive trinkets. Over summer, the same corners of the city come alive as visitors drink and dine on the cobbles before itinerary ticking their way around with visits to the imposing St Mary’s Basilica and trips down the Vistula. There are cheap hotels aplenty here, but, for something more characterful, check into Stradom House, a 14th-century church and monastery converted into one of Poland’s smartest places to stay.
Getty ImagesMostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cut off from the intricate rail network that has served much of Europe for over 25 years, Bosnia and Herzegovina retains a mystique that draws in-the-know travellers over the border from nearby Croatia in growing numbers. The country is home to one of the continent’s few remaining Indigenous Muslim populations and is a world away, architecturally and culturally, from neighbouring countries known for their beach resorts. Mostar’s highlights can be done in a day, but allow two or three, perhaps incorporating a day trip outside the enchanting city, to get under the skin of a destination so many travellers know such little about. Stay at Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija, set in a heritage-listed limestone house just steps away from the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge.
Getty ImagesLisbon, Portugal
It might be surprising, but according to a study that came out in 2024, Lisbon is the second cheapest city break in Europe right now. If you'd like to plan a trip, several budget airlines fly from London to Lisbon (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Tap Air Portugal), and while the pretty Portuguese capital is known for its award-winning restaurants, travellers can still dine out on a dime – a three-course meal averages around £39. On the move, you’ll get change from a two-euro coin when buying coffee or a mandatory pastel de nata from Pastéis de Belém. Beer here is the cheapest of any city that came out in the top 10 at around £2.26 (putting London’s £6 pints to shame) and a Viva Viagem card can save you up to half off tram journeys. For a place to stay, there are plenty of affordable hotels in Lisbon. We love Hotel 1908, where smart rooms in one of the city’s most iconic buildings can be booked from £104 per night. Or you can save further by opting for an Airbnb. Some of the city's top trending Airbnbs, like this pretty apartment with a private balcony in Lapa, can be taken over for around £50 per night.
Getty ImagesAthens, Greece
This year’s Post Office City Costs Barometer ranked Greece’s historical capital as the fifth cheapest city break in Europe. Hotels in Athens are particularly good value, with plenty of small, family-run and boutique bedrooms. According to the survey, two nights at a three-star hotel for two guests average £89 – but super-central One Three One is steps away from Monastiraki Flea Market and goes as low as £52 per night, while guests will find balcony views of the acropolis at Hotel Adonis, which has a rooftop terrace and costs as low as £83 for a double room (breakfast included).
Getty ImagesRiga, Latvia
According to the Post Office, Riga is one of the cheapest cities in Europe – it came out sixth in the 2024 rankings. Wind your way through the narrow alleyways of the charming Old Town, find €2 samsas for lunch at the central covered market located in converted Zeppelin hangars, watch free live music in Dome Square and see striking architecture such as the House of the Blackheads (€6 entry) and the medieval Swedish Gate. But one of the most underrated ways of seeing Riga is on the water – rent a paddleboard for just €15 on the banks of the Daugava River.
Getty ImagesZagreb, Croatia
Culture can be found on every corner of this city. Hop on a flight (a one-way ticket from London to Zagreb can get as low as £13) and spend your days strolling through the city’s (surprisingly pedestrian-friendly) streets, pop by open-air markets (Dolac Market has excellent local food) and sit down at outdoor cafés to watch the world go by.
Getty ImagesLille, France
This French city is accessible via Eurostar in just one and a half hours from London, and flights from London can be as cheap at £43. Once you’re there, knowing the under-the-radar places to book is key. Mama Shelter Lille is a colourful haven very close to both of the city’s main train stations with rooms from £79, and there are a host of locally revered restaurants nearby. Head to Rue des Bouchers for cute bistrot vibes – Chez Brigitte has a lunch menu offering three courses for €29, or visit some of the local markets for stalls and trucks selling mouthwatering dishes and local-inspired cuisine.
Getty ImagesBudapest, Hungary
Delve deeper beyond the typical tourist traps and you’ll find a host of tucked away spots that are surprisingly affordable. The city has an incredible architectural heritage, so walk through both sides of the city admiring buildings and you may stumble upon some globally revered masterpieces – according to co-founder and former editor-in-chief of WeLoveBudapest.com, Regina Papp. There are some amazing hotels in Budapest too, with plenty of affordable options.
Getty ImagesKlagenfurt, Austria
When return flights from the UK to Klagenfurt are cheaper than a one-way train ticket from London to Birmingham, it seems rude not to (and as far as I’m aware, Birmingham doesn’t benefit from an Alpine backdrop and Mediterranean climate). Klagenfurt is one of Austria’s most affordable cities to visit (main courses are around €6; the farmers’ market on Benediktinerplatz is a great place for local bargains), and its spectacular setting on the eastern bank of Lake Wörthersee makes it one of the most scenic, too. June is the cheapest time to go, before the summer crowds and wild swimmers descend on the waterfront.
AlamyKaunas, Lithuania
Vilnius has long been topping lists of the cheapest places to go on holiday, but Kaunas to the west is even less expensive, and earlier this year was named as one of 2022’s European Capitals of Culture for its music, art and theatre. Its yearly CityTelling Festival hosts a wide variety of performances and exhibitions that place the city’s Jewish heritage centre stage, and access to most events is free, while four-star hotel rooms are as little as €60 a night. For the best views of the Baltic city, a funicular up Aleksoto Hill will cost just a couple of euros. The best bargain in town? Spurginė’s €0.75 spurgos (or doughnuts).
Getty ImagesBerat, Albania
Like Puglia’s trulli or Chefchaouen’s all-blue buildings, Berat’s unforgettable white Ottoman houses are totally unique in their collective existence and visual impact. The simple, traditional rooms inside also provide a super-affordable way to stay here, as many are guest-houses or independently-run hotels, such as Hotel Vila Aleksandar or Hotel Mangelemi, both around £35 per night. Head up the steep cobblestoned streets to see the 13th Century Berat Castle (entry is free) and take in the ‘town of a thousand windows’ from the top.
Getty ImagesBrașov, Transylvania, Romania
A cheaper alternative to Bucharest (which is still, by European standards, incredibly good value), Brașov is surrounded by the scenic Carpathian Mountains. A cable car up to the top of Mount Tampa costs just 20 lei (£3.55) for aerial views of the brick-red rooftops, whilst local tour operator Walkabout provide a free walking tour every morning at 10.30am, setting off from the fountain in Piata Sfatului. Pick up local delicacy kürtőskalács (a spit-roasted, sugar-covered ‘chimney cake’) to maintain your energy levels from the stall nearby.
Getty ImagesSofia, Bulgaria
Not only did Bulgaria take the lead (side by side with Turkey) as cheapest all-round destination in Europe in the Post Office’s Holiday Money Report 2022, but the country is also home to some of the world’s cheapest ski resorts. Sofia, the capital, is just over 10km away from the Vitosha Mountains which provide impressive winter conditions for snow bunnies and cost a fraction of the price of resorts in France or Italy. Wine and Bulgarian beers are notoriously cheap, and downtown Sofia is known for its high-energy party atmosphere. Entry to clubs is seldom more than €10, with live DJ sets and late-night events at Maze or Culture Beat (which also has a great summer terrace for cocktails).
AlamyIzmir, Turkey
Despite the British pound tanking in recent weeks, it has remained strong against the Turkish lira (at time of writing, £1 would buy you ₺21), so travellers to Turkey can get great value for money. On Turkey’s Aegean coast, Izmir has resisted the price hikes of Istanbul and tourist traps of Ankara whilst preserving its 8,500-year-old Kemeraltı bazaar and ancient Roman agora. The historic sites and architectural relics coexist with cosmopolitan culture and traditional cuisine – try pide on the pier or baked potatoes with a choice of toppings at Atıştır Café. An hour out of town is Ephesus, an ancient city built by the Greeks and well worth a detour.
Getty ImagesTbilisi, Georgia
Whilst the transcontinental city of Tbilisi is the most expensive place to live in Georgia, by European standards it’s exceptionally affordable for holidaymakers. A cascade of new hotels have opened in the last few years, such as the lovely Guest House Lile with double rooms from £21 per night (if you book through booking.com, you can even get a free transfer from the airport). Foodies should book a table at Barbarestan, a family-run restaurant with authentic recipes and local ingredients, where you can eat for around £40 each – not bad for somewhere given a nod by the crew behind the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.