Looking for affordable European city breaks for your next short trip? The Post Office have released a new City Costs Barometer comparing the cheapest cities in Europe where the pound has the most value.
We’ve selected the 10 cheapest from their list of 50 and added in flight prices to give you a practical guide to overall costs.
So if you’re looking for a short city break with low costs, these 10 cheapest city breaks could be the inspiration you need for your next weekend away.
What is the Post Office City Costs Barometer?
The Post Office usually releases an annual Holiday Money Report comparing tourist costs around the world (see our summary for 2025). This year, however, they’ve released a City Costs Barometer, measuring and comparing the costs of the most affordable 50 cities in Europe.
The report covers spending costs outside of flights and accommodation. Using the cost of 11 everyday items you’d usually buy as a tourist, they’ve totted up the places your pound goes the furthest.
An addition to this year’s barometer is the cost of two nights’ three-star accommodation for two people over a weekend.
Here are the 11 items that are compared for each destination:
Cup of regular filter coffee (cafe/bar)
Bottle of local beer/lager – 330ml (cafe/bar)
Bottle/can of Coca-Cola/Pepsi – 330ml (cafe/bar)
Glass of wine – 175ml (cafe/bar)
Three-course evening meal for two (with bottle of wine)
Return airport bus or train transfer
48-hour travel card
Sightseeing city bus tour
Top tourist heritage attraction
Top museum
Top art gallery
We’re using the 2026 Post Office City Cost Costs Barometer for each destination in this article. Starting from number 10 on the list, you’ll find the cheapest cities in Europe in descending order (the cheapest is at the bottom).
We’ve included the Post Office cost of two nights’ stay in three-star accommodation for two people over a weekend. This cost will vary depending on the time of year, weekday versus weekend, and the type of accommodation you prefer (hotel, apartment, villa, resort).
For a more comprehensive guide to costs, we’ve added in flight prices and times from London based on research using Kayak. These are average costs throughout the year, so peak times will be more expensive, and off-peak will be cheaper. You may have to factor in luggage costs, depending on the airline.
Pro tip: shoulder season is usually the best time to visit for lower prices, quieter crowds, and moderate temperatures. Shoulder season is just before and just after peak; April to early June and late August to early October.
Top 10 cheapest city breaks in Europe for 2026
Let’s get down to the details and explore why each of these destinations deserves to be considered for your next city break in Europe. Our top 10 is the same as the Post Office list, which uses the 11 everyday items + accommodation costs for their overall ranking.
10. Podgorica, Montenegro
Best for: cultural sightseeing & small city vibes
11 essentials cost: £115.45
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £217
Overall cost: £332.45
Flight time & cost: 2.5–3 hours at £128
As European capitals go, Podgorica is fairly small and easily explored within a day. Much of its history has been lost due to WWII, and what stands today is a more modern version of the centuries-old capital.
Despite that, it still offers a mix of Ottoman-era history, nature, and modern vibes. Its attractions include peaceful lakes, parks and rivers, Eastern European-style bridges and clock towers, and a traditional Old Town.
If you’re staying longer than a weekend, there are day trips to nearby places like Niagara Waterfall (yes, really), and Biogradska Gora National Park. Go farther afield to experience the beautiful Montenegrin coast along the Adriatic sea, with destinations like Budva and Kotor.
Credit: Janusz Recław via Wikimedia
9. Strasbourg, France
Best for: culture lovers & wine drinkers
11 essentials cost: £148.13
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £171
Overall cost: £317.13
Flight time & cost: 1.5 hours at £167
Right at the border of France and Germany is Strasbourg, blending the two cultures in this capital of the Alsace region. It’s known for its markets and charming vibe, and its historic centre, Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Christkindelsmärik, the Strasbourg Christmas market, makes it a popular and magical destination for November and December, but there are cultural events all year round. In September, they host a Wine Harvest Festival, and Strasbourg Mon Amour in February, featuring special romance-themed concerts and dinners.
Browse Gothic cathedrals, wander along the Petite-France district to admire churches, alleyways, and timber-framed buildings, and stop by a cosy tavern for an Alsatian beer.
8. Vilnius, Lithuania
Best for: culture & artsy vibes
11 essentials cost: £127.39
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £162
Overall cost: £289.39
Flight time & cost: 2.75 hours at £110
One of two Baltic capitals in the top 10 European city breaks, Vilnius is a beautiful and very walkable city with Baroque and Gothic architecture, an artsy vibe, and lively nightlife.
Wander down cobblestone streets, visit the many churches and cathedrals, and learn about the historic city centre. Head up to Gediminas Hill via the funicular for a visit to the historic tower and a panoramic view of the city.
Within the city is the Užupis district, a bohemian republic boasting murals, sculptures, independent coffee shops, and art studios. The UNESCO city is full of arts and culture, and during the summer months, the city is brimming with it; open-air concerts, free gallery days, theatre, and performing arts.
“I visited Vilnius in the summer of 2024 and it was very affordable and easy to explore solo. As it’s further north in Europe, the weather was perfect for walking around. It’s easy to fill a day just wandering around, stopping at bakeries, admiring murals, and taking photos of the beautiful buildings. The Republic of Užupis was a particular favourite, a cosy little Bohemian corner where I spent a whole afternoon.”
7. Lille, France
Best for: foodies, shoppers & bar hoppers
11 essentials cost: £149.33
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £140
Overall cost: £289.33
Flight time & cost: 1.5 hours at £70
From London, Lille is a short, 90-minute Eurostar away, making it easier than flying (there are no direct flights from the UK). Situated at the France-Belgium border, there’s a great fusion of both cuisines, with pastries, cakes, chocolates, and waffles as well as gourmet street food that blend the two cultures.
Lille is also a popular destination for shopping, with a wide array of chic boutiques, independent stores, and flea markets for finding unique garments and gifts. As a university city, there’s plenty of nightlife for a younger crowd, with clubs, bars, cocktail lounges, and live music venues.
Indulge in cultural sightseeing, from the Neoclassic and Gothic Revival architecture to the Palais des Beaux-Arts featuring art from the last seven centuries. The history of Lille itself dates back to the Middle Ages, and its central Grand Place and Vieille Bourse hold hundreds of years of history.
6. Riga, Latvia
Best for: architecture adorers & market shoppers
11 essentials cost: £138.19
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £140
Overall cost: £278.19
Flight time & cost: 2.5 hours at £137
Another Baltic capital in at number 6, Riga is best known for its striking architecture, particularly its Art Nouveau district featuring colourful buildings with distinct faces and heads adornments.
Riga is a great place to visit in the summertime to enjoy the city’s parks with ornate bridges, statues, opera houses, and canals. There’s also a chance to enjoy a beach day at nearby Jūrmala, reachable by bus.
Explore Central Market, the huge indoor/outdoor market housed inside old Zeppelin hangars where you’ll find local Latvian food at more than 3,000 stands.
“Riga is a very lively city and I found so many things to do. I loved exploring the Art Nouveau district and I also took a boat trip along the City Canal, winding through parks, then out onto the Daugava River with a view of the city skyline.
My favourite tip for cheap eats is to visit the city’s lidos, which are like cafeterias where you add items to your tray and pay at the end. You can sample all sorts of local food for a low price and it’s a nice casual vibe when you want something quick.”
5. Trenčín, Slovakia
Best for: laidback vibe, cafes & charm
11 essentials cost: £95.64
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £176
Overall cost: £271.64
Flight time & cost: 2.5 hours at £100 to Bratislava
The small city of Trenčín has no airport, so you’ll need to fly to Bratislava then take the train. Named as one of the European Capitals for Culture in 2026, this quaint city offers a laidback atmosphere with all of the charm of Eastern Europe. Think cobbled streets, market squares, cute cafes, colourful buildings, and a hill-top castle.
Trenčín is a very walkable city and easily accessible to and from other popular destinations like Brno, Vienna, and Bratislava. It features some of the cheapest prices for food and drink on the list, with the lowest for a three-course meal.
Credit: Abphoto via Wikimedia
4. Belgrade, Serbia
Best for: eating & drinking
11 essentials cost: £121.13
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £144
Overall cost: £265.13
Flight time & cost: 3 hours at £138
Belgrade sits along the Danube River and combines European and Turkish influences in its culture and food. As of 2025, public transport is completely free, making it easy to explore different parts of the city beyond its centre.
Attraction highlights include the Belgrade Fortress, Nikola Tesla Museum, and Church of Saint Sava with its intricate gold mosaics. Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the city’s big café culture as well as its strong dining scene. Belgrade’s nightlife scene is particularly attractive, with its splavovi – floating nightclubs – lining the river.
“The free public transport made it really easy to get around when I visited. I enjoyed plenty of great food at low prices, and sampled many different cakes and pastries from bakeries around the city. We also had the best vegan meal we’ve ever had, which was a big surprise! A downside for me is how prolific smoking is, which is allowed inside many establishments, too.”
Tirana, Albania
Best for: foodies, art lovers & explorers
11 essentials cost: £134.85
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £128
Overall cost: £262.85
Flight time & cost: 3 hours at £89
Tirana is one of those up-and-coming places in Europe, with a surprising amount to offer visitors. There’s a real mix of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Balkan culture, which can be seen in its architecture that creates a colourful tapestry of the city. There are both churches and mosques to visit and you’ll find huge murals and art installations dotted around the city.
Start at Skanderbeg Square and climb up the Clock Tower or the Pyramid of Tirana for panoramic views of the city and its mountainous backdrop. Sample local foods at the New Bazaar and don’t forget to try the local (very strong) spirit rakia.
“We ate some fantastic meals at really low prices in Tirana, and sampled some of their local rakia as well. There is so much street art across the city – murals, graffiti, even a painted army tank – as well as some really interesting architecture. We also took a cable car ride up to the nearby mountains for a great view of the city.”
Bucharest, Romania
Best for: eating, drinking & clubbing
11 essentials cost: £110.07
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £148
Overall cost: £258.07
Flight time & cost: 3.25 hours at £102
The second cheapest city in Europe on the list is another Eastern European city with an up-and-coming reputation. Its bustling nightlife and array of cafes and bars make it a great destination for a younger crowd, but there are also plenty of museums to explore and communist history to uncover in the Romanian capital.
Bucharest is home to a huge collection of museums, detailing its dark and complicated history, as well as a National Opera, Athenaeum, and Palace of Parliament. Make sure you stop inside the stunningly gorgeous Cărturești Carusel bookshop. There are a plethora of day trips to take from Bucharest, most notably to Dracula’s Castle in Brasov.
“I splashed out on a full day at Therme București, Europe’s biggest spa, for my husband’s birthday, at a fraction of the cost it would be back home. We had the highest access ticket to all the pools, salt baths, and jacuzzis. We had drinks at the pool bar, stopped in the restaurant for some lunch, did some facial treatments, and went into the different saunas and steam rooms. It was less than £100 for both of us.”
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Best for: history lovers, cafe hangers & bar hoppers
11 essentials cost: £91.29
2 nights’ 3* accommodation for 2: £157
Overall cost: £248.29
Flight time & cost: 2.5 hours at £173
It seems like the Balkans is the place to go for cheap European city breaks, as Sarajevo is the fourth Balkan capital on the list. The number one spot offers old-world charm, hearty food, buzzing nightlife, and lots of history and culture.
Surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, the city is unusual in its having a mosque, Catholic church, Orthodox church, and synagogue all within one neighbourhood. There’s lots of war-torn history to uncover via walking tours, as well as the abandoned 1984 Olympic Bobsled, and Yellow Fortress for views of the city.
The Old Town itself offers plenty to explore with cute cobbled streets and craft stores, a church and a mosque. Stick around for night time to enjoy the cafes, clubs, and hookah bars that come alive, particularly Baghdad Cafe and Zlatna Ribica.
Top tips for good travel deals
Now that we’ve gone over the 10 cheapest city breaks in Europe, let’s make sure you’re being money-savvy in all aspects of your trip. Here are our favourite ways to get the best deals and make your money go further.
Set up flight alerts
Use Google Flights to plug in your dates and destinations, then set up an alert for price drops. Add in your filters and view the price history to see what’s low, typical, or high for your route.
Book early
You’ll usually get the best prices for flights and hotels when you book in advance. This also gives you a greater variety of options, which is better for families with children.
…or go last minute!
Love living on the edge? Some of the best deals you can find are last minute, but it means being flexible. You’ll have less choice and less wiggle room, but if you love a spontaneous trip, it’s a great way to bag big discounts.
🕵 Search incognito
Cookies track your internet activity, so operators and travel companies can see when you’re looking for a particular route. Use incognito mode and you won’t see price increases when you search multiple times.
Take advantage of loyalty schemes
Hotel sites with loyalty programmes can offer exclusive rates and perks for members. Some will also allow you to earn and spend points for money off future bookings. Check which membership offers you the best rates as well as perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, and airport transfers.
Book with a credit card
Credit cards offer greater protection if something goes wrong with part of your trip or you need a refund. Many credit cards also allow you to earn Air Miles or Avios points and may come with perks like travel insurance and lounge access when you book part of your trip on the card.
Browse Black Friday deals
Black Friday is the last Friday in November, offering big discounts across the travel industry. Some sales start early and stretch until Cyber Monday (or further), so start looking early. It’s a great opportunity to book cheap European city breaks for Christmas markets or for the following summer.
Set a daily budget
Now that you have some tangible data for each destination, create a realistic daily budget for your holiday based on the Post Office report. Allow yourself a little wiggle room and make sure you include fun activities and cultural attractions.
Compare travel insurance
We have our very own travel insurance comparison tool so you can find the policy that works for you. Not only can you compare policies and prices, but we’ll give you cashback on top. It works just like commission and you earn it from us when you click through to the travel insurance provider and purchase.
Buy cheaper items before you go
Sunscreen is known to be significantly cheaper in the UK than most of Europe, but there are a few other items you should buy before you leave. Non-branded painkillers, contact lens solution, period products, adapters, and insect repellent are all usually cheaper bought from UK supermarkets or Boots. If you’re travelling with hand luggage, travel-sized toiletries and refill containers are also cheaper back home.
Travel light
We’ve included average flight prices, but some of these won’t include checked luggage, especially if they’re budget airlines. Try to stick to cabin baggage to avoid hefty fees, which will also save you time at the airport.
Get the best travel money rates
Using an ATM overseas can result in added fees or bad exchange rates, so if you need cash, organise it before you leave. Compare currency exchange bureaus or get a travel money card that you load up like a debit card to spend overseas at the best rate.
Get cashback
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Earn money on every part of your holiday, like toiletries from Boots, travel money cards from Travelex, accommodation bookings with Hotels.com, and flights from Jet2Holidays.
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Pounds, passports & perfect city breaks
With so many affordable destinations just a short flight or train journey away, European city breaks can be a great way to explore somewhere new without overspending.
Finding a place with low day-to-day spending means you can indulge a little more and still stick to your budget.
We’ll keep this article updated with each new City Costs Barometer from the Post Office, so make sure to check back for the most recent prices.
Are you looking for a cheap European getaway this year? Which of these destinations would you like to know more about? Have you been to any on the list? Let us know in the comments below.