City breaks are one of the most effective ways to experience a country’s culture. Whether it’s a whirlwind weekend or two weeks to get to know a new region, a city break offers a rich and deep immersion rarely found in beach resorts or remote country hotels. But that cultural crash course can come with a hefty price tag, and it also comes with a hidden price. Flights from London to Venice sell for less than £20, but London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe for accommodation and food. That’s why we analyzed some of the latest data and leveraged our editors’ insights into cheap city travel in Europe in 2024, from coastal cosmopolitan cities to snow-capped ski cities.
In 2023, the Post Office has released new data ranking the most affordable city trips in Europe. Here are some of the cities from their research, including Lisbon, Athens, and Riga. Here is the complete list from the post office:
Lisbon, Portugal Lithuania Vilnius, Poland Krakow Athens, Greece Riga, Latvia Porto, Portugal Zagreb, Croatia Budapest, Hungary Warsaw, Poland Lille, France
Below we’ve also included some of our favorite affordable European city getaways that may be lesser known, such as Klagenfurt in Austria and Berat in Albania. Going off the beaten path is a great way to make some extra money while exploring the less traveled parts of the continent.
Which European city is the cheapest to vacation in?
In 2023, Portugal’s capital Lisbon won the title of Europe’s cheapest city holiday thanks to affordable gastronomy, cheap transport and cheap flights. Plus, Lisbon has the cheapest beer on average, so that’s even more of a reason to visit.
Which city is the most expensive in Europe?
Post Office data published in 2023 ranked Amsterdam as the most expensive city holiday in Europe.
Note: You’ll notice that this list doesn’t include some great European cities, namely Kiev. It has been tragically affected by the war in Ukraine and should be avoided until it is safe to visit. Until then, find out how you can help the people of Ukraine now and think about how you can help through your travel choices.
