With 2024 underway, it is time to plan your trips away. To help, here is our list of the top ten cheapest European city breaks in 2024.
Europe is a conglomeration of culture, history, architecture, and beauty, typified in its finest in her cities, from east to west and north to south. The continent is truly a hub of activity to be explored.
Understandably so, choosing which city to visit is no easy task. But despite the myriad of options, we have narrowed down the list, mixing affordability with history, culture, and experience. Below, we outlined the ten cheapest European city breaks in 2024.
10. Prague, Czech Republic – the most beautiful European city
Kicking off our list of the cheapest European city breaks in 2024 is Prague. The Czech capital is arguably one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring cities on the continent.
Weekend breaks can be found for under €250pp outside the peak season. Here, you can explore the café culture, homegrown beer, the Old Town Square, and its gothic architecture. Prague should definitely be on your Europe Bucket List.
9. Warsaw, Poland – walkable and affordable
The Polish capital, Warsaw, is often mentioned as an affordable city break. Indeed, the Post Office ranked Warsaw within the top ten most affordable only last year.
The local currency is zloty, with dinner often below €10 and a pint only €4. Warsaw is very walkable, so you can visit its top attractions on foot and free of cost.
8. Bucharest, Romania – one of the cheapest European city breaks
Eighth on our list of the cheapest European city breaks is Bucharest. Flights are not too costly, and rooms in the Romanian capital can be gained for only €41.
Local Romanian foods are cheap and tasty, keeping you fuelled. The city abounds with incredible nightclubs, bars, and orthodox churches, but you must visit the Palace of the Parliament, a nod to its communist past.
7. Sofia, Bulgaria – for cheap wine and beer
Back in 2022, Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, took the top spot on the Post Office’s Holiday Money Report of 2022, so it’s no surprise it finds a spot on our list of the cheapest European city breaks.
The city is overlooked by the Vitosha Mountains. Sofia is an incredible spot for cheap wine and beer and an unrivalled party atmosphere.
6. Porto, Portugal – an affordable coastal gem
The first of two Portuguese entries, it is thought that a daily budget of only £50 would be more than sufficient to make the most of this coastal gem.
Porto is dotted with colourful buildings juxtaposed beautifully with the Ribeira district and its historic charm. It has lots of things within walking distance, cheap public transport, and well-priced food and drinks.
5. Riga, Latvia – old town charm
Lativa wouldn’t be on many people’s European bucket lists, but Riga certainly earns its spot on our list of the cheapest European city breaks in 2024.
Dome Square is often enhanced by music, there are several art buildings in the city, a charming old town, where you can have beautiful samosas for lunch for only €2.
4. Vilnius, Lithuania – an unexpected European gem
Another unlikely addition, Vilnius should be high on any European bucket list. It has long been regarded as one of the cheapest European city breaks.
Things to do include the Paupys Market, Glass Quarter, and the Gediminas Tower, with its superb panoramic views of the city.
3. Athens, Greece – the philosophy of Europe
Athens is on anyone’s European bucket list due to its phenomenal history and attractions, but it helps to know it’s an afforded break, too.
Hotels in Athens have decent prices, perhaps the most costly part of a city break. The same goes for dining, and no more words need to be said about the city’s attractions.
2. Krakow, Poland – lots to see and do on a weekend
Poland’s second city, but perhaps its most known. Shuttle buses to Auschwitz are cheap, while there are astonishing attractions to visit in the town itself. These include the Wawel Royal Castle and St Mary’s Basilica.
It is a fantastic city to cram into a few days for an affordable price and also a perfect destination for December and Christmas.
1. Lisbon, Portugal – cheap amenities, rich attractions
Topping our list of the cheapest European city breaks in 2024 is Lisbon, the Portuguese capital – a city with many beautiful places to see the sunset.
The tram is extremely cheap, while a lot of the city attractions are walkable. Pints are cheap, at only a few pounds.
Budget airlines fly regularly here. Coffee is cheap to pick up on your travels, with plenty of sights, castles, city views, and affordable drinks to relax with by the river.
