10 most affordable city breaks in Europe

Sometimes, the most unforgettable moments come wrapped in surprisingly accessible packages. Experience more for less with the most affordable city breaks in Europe, according to the City Costs Barometer from the Post Office. 

These cities are a cheaper alternative to the bigger tourist traps, but still offer an incredible trip.

Whether you’re after compelling history and culture or you’re more interested in a fantastic foodie scene and lively nightlife, I’ve got you covered with my top picks.

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1. Vilnius in Lithuania

Best for: History lovers

The compact, landlocked Baltic city has tons of sombre history and irresistible splendour. Medieval ruins, quirky shops, storied churches, and Baroque-style houses dot the cityscape.

I totally geeked out when I toured Lukiškės Prison – part guided attraction, part cultural hub. It’s where Stranger Things shot its Russian prison scenes in Season 4. 

Further north is Fabijoniškės, the featured ghost town in HBO’s Chernobyl. 

The city’s most breathtaking vistas are from the Hill of Three Crosses, a short hike from Kalnai Park. 

Panoramic views of the UNESCO-protected Old Town, thick trees, and terracotta roofs stretch out as far as the eye can see. 

Next to the bohemian enclave of Užupis is Paupys Market. The modern food hall, festooned with cascading plants, has over a dozen cafes and a light-filled atrium for dining.

With everything covered, it’s at least a £236.51 weekend break.

2. Lisbon in Portugal

Best for: Sunshine

Tram 28, Lisbon’s iconic yellow symbol, is your ticket to the full city experience. Early birds beat the queues and catch the best seats.

Get a Lisbon Card to benefit from discounted travel, as well as free admission to top museums and attractions.

The cobbled streets of Alfama are just one of the many sites for “free” walking tours (while they are free, I always recommend tipping what you can).

Here, houses patched in colourful azulejo tiles tumble down the hillside. 

Portuguese tascas, scattered around the city, serve authentic eats on a dime.

Don’t forget to sample the famed pastel de nata and wash it down with a local craft beer. Both are crazy cheap, and so you might end up ordering more than you planned! 

Lisbon’s sunshine is almost constant, so pack light, summer outfits.

3. Lille in France

Best for: Art lovers

Skip the crowds and sky-high prices of Paris. If it’s the French escape you’re after, Lille is just as charming. This fabulous city is fast becoming the budget traveller’s best-kept secret.

Art lovers will love Palais des Beaux-Arts; the next best thing to the Louvre is only €7 to get in. Keep an eye out for Lille’s festivals – one I stumbled upon offered days of free fun.

From London, the Eurostar gets you to Lille’s heart in under 90 minutes for at least £39.

I can’t recommend Mama Lille Shelter enough. This modern barn on stilts is a short walk from everything, and their Sunday brunch is phenomenal. Make sure to arrive with an appetite!

4. Krakow in Poland

Best for: Urban charm

Krakow is so dreamy that it’s hard to imagine its dark history. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a solemn reminder of this. Otherwise, the city dazzles!

With the glowing Sukkiniece (Cloth Hall) in the background, the Main Market Square is prettiest at night.

Even more gorgeous is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a beautifully lit labyrinth of underground chambers carved from salt rock.

The well-connected Krakow airport always has frequent budget flights from major European cities. Or, you can take a train to enjoy the scenic Polish countryside.

The best time to visit is early November since the crowds haven’t descended yet.

5. Athens in Greece

Best for: Ancient history

Anyone who thinks Athens, with its marble temples, is a pricey tourist trap couldn’t be more wrong.

The Greek city consistently ranks among the cheapest European destinations for a city break.

I’ve never spent more than €20 on a dinner with house wine, and fantastic Airbnbs in the trendy Monastiraki area are available for €50.

A two-night stay at a three-star hotel is about €104. For €7, you can catch a movie at the open-air Cine Paris cinema, next to the warmly illuminated Acropolis.

And the beaches are free; a sunbed or umbrella is an optional cost.

6. Riga in Latvia

Best for: Nightlife

Surrounded by Art Noveau and Gothic architecture, Riga just keeps getting better the more I see it.

The House of Black Heads is a magnificent backdrop for a photo, with admission at just €7. Pay an extra euro or two for coffee, sparkling wine, or blackcurrant balsam.

The Pullman Riga Old Town offers five-star bliss for a steal, starting at just €90. For something much cheaper, Hotel Saida has decent rooms for as low as €36.

Right on the banks of the Daugava River are five Zeppelin hangars repurposed into one expansive Central Market.

After exploring the day’s bounty, warm up with a hearty bowl of pelmeni or varenyky dumplings.

And if you’re into partying, you’ll be pleased to know that Riga has a lively (and wonderfully affordable) nightlife.

7. Budapest in Hungary

Best for: Thermal baths

The stunning Budapest skyline cradled by the majestic Danube River never ceases to amaze me. And it doesn’t hurt that the city is so easy on the wallet.

The city centre is pocket-sized; you can walk from one iconic landmark to the next. Affordable hotels that put you in the thick of action are aplenty in the inner districts.

Better deals await if you venture further into the student districts like Ferencváros and Józsefváros.

A Budapest card comes with free public transport and entrance to many attractions, as well as discounts on shops and restaurants. 

If you’re planning to visit Budapest for an affordable European city break, check out my guides before you go:

• 10 gorgeous boutique hotels in Budapest
• 15 top tips for visiting Budapest
• 15 Michelin star restaurants in Budapest
• 15 best things to do in Budapest in December
• 15 amazing day trips from Budapest

8. Bratislava in Slovakia

Best for: Small city charm

Bratislava’s unpolished beauty has more soul and character than many over-hyped European cities.

For instance, the Devin Castle is a rugged fortress perched on a bluff overlooking the Danube River.

DREAM Hostel or Patio Hostel have beds for under €30 a night, and even five-star hotels like the Radisson Blu Carlton can be surprisingly affordable.

Between the friendly locals and quaint neighbourhoods, this sleepy Slovakian capital might just be the city break you’re looking for.

9. Prague in Czechia

Best for: Architecture

Prague is exquisite, and that’s a word I don’t throw around lightly. Chateaus and castles are in endless supply in this enchanting capital.

Art is pretty much part of the city’s DNA. You won’t get far without running into a theatre, gallery, concert hall, or street performer. 

While many attractions have an entry fee, you can snap all the photos you want from the outside.

Public displays of creativity, like David Černý’s not-so-subtle installations around town and the ever-changing Lennon Wall, also won’t cost a penny.

Read my guide to choosing between Prague or Budapest.

10. Warsaw in Poland

Best for: A green city

Here’s another city worth getting lost in. Once razed to the ground during World War II, Warsaw has risen from the ashes to become an inviting destination for weary travellers.

It feels less overrun by tourists than other European capitals and won’t blow your budget.

The reconstructed Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Key spots include the Barbican, Royal Castle, and the Sigismund’s Column.

The Royal Baths is a picturesque wooded patch within the city and even more magical in autumn colours.

Do you have any favourite affordable city breaks in Europe? Let me know in the comments below! For more inspiration, check out my European travel bucket list.