Top 10 Cheap City Breaks in Europe

1. Krakow, Poland

A fab destination for good value accommodation and culture, Krakow is hard to beat for a cheap city break!

The mass of street food stalls and local food markets mean you can grab lunch on the go for the equivalent of a couple of pounds, while beer is famously cheap and plentiful.

Top attractions like St Mary’s Basilica, Wawel Castle and many of the speciality museums are also inexpensive to visit. Sounds like a win to us.

2. Riga, Latvia

Hot on Krakow’s heels for low-priced accommodation and sightseeing attractions, Riga is an Eastern European hotspot not to be missed.

Packed with things to do, it’s a great city break destination for culture-cravers, particularly if you're big into museums and guided tours. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the churches and colourful buildings are what Instagram was made for!

For a cheap day out, head to the city’s lush parks for a picnic in the sunshine.

3. Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal is always a solid shout for a cheap gateway with affordable deals to be snapped up both in the city and at the beach. When it comes to cheap eats, Lisbon takes the crown!

Do a bit of research and seek out local places to eat and you’ll get used to feeling pleasantly surprised every time the bill lands on your table.

Wine and local beer, such as Sagres, are very cheap (think £2.50 a pint), and delicious too.

4. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana’s fairytale old town is just as charming as its budget-friendly prices! City breaks here are best spent admiring the stunning landmarks, including free-to-visit Ljubljana Castle Courtyard and the famous Dragon Bridge.

The city’s compact size means it's super easy to explore on foot or you can hop on an e-bike for a cheap alternative.

Even better? Local food markets offer on-the-go snacks for a steal, while Ljubljana’s lip-smacking cuisine is great-value, too.

5. Budapest, Hungary

With heaps of deals on accommodation, inexpensive meals out and sightseeing costs, Budapest is one of those cities that make budget travel feel so easy.

Many of the main attractions are free, food comes in large portions for low prices, and you can even enjoy a day in the city’s iconic spas for around £20. (Sign us up!)

Come nighttime, a bar crawl between Budapest’s ruin pubs only costs as much as your chosen tipple – pick a local beer (look out for Dreher or Soproni) and it’ll set you back about £2 a pint.

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Despite being one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations, Prague remains surprisingly cheap – great news for anyone looking to while away a few days in the city’s captivating old town!

Many of its attractions – from the epic twin-spired Týn Church to the statue-lined Charles Bridge – are free to visit, and the local food is filling and reasonably priced.

The fact it's small enough that you can walk everywhere is a bonus, too.

7. Vilnius, Lithuania

Home to beautiful baroque architecture, scrumptious food and incredibly affordable prices, Vilnius is quickly making its way onto the tourist radar as a must-visit European capital.

Hotels and public transport are well priced and you’ll find many attractions here are free. Take a free walking tour to be guided around the old Jewish Quarter, Vilnius Cathedral Square and Uzupis – a tiny, self-proclaimed republic with its own constitution, president and currency!

8. Barcelona, Spain

It’s no secret that Spain is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, and Barcelona knows how to keep the city break budget in check.

The coastal city is a top pick for reasonably priced food and cultural attractions which can be enjoyed for free – including the famous city-centre boulevard, La Rambla.

Make lunch your main meal of the day, keeping an eye out for lunchtime set menus that are much cheaper than dinner. Expect to pay between £10 and £15 for a large meal with a glass of wine or beer included, too.

9. Tallinn, Estonia

Giving Riga and Vilnius a run for their money, Tallinn joins the line up of Eastern European cities offering plenty to see for budget-friendly prices.

The wonderfully picturesque medieval town hall square is the heart of the action, bustling with cafes, shops and surrounded by some of the city’s most impressive gothic architecture.

Foodies will be in their element too – enjoy sampling the part-Scandi, part-Central European influenced cuisine, without a hefty price tag. Wander away from the centre of the old town to find cute side-street restaurants offering the best prices.

10. Porto, Portugal

Rounding up the list, Portugal’s second largest city makes the cut for its cheap city centre accommodation and affordable food.

A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant comes in at £41 and you can enjoy a glass of the city’s famed port for less than a couple of pounds.

Whether you spend your city break exploring historic plazas, picnicking in green parks or making the most of Porto’s sandy beaches, there’s something to keep everyone happy!

Please note food and drink prices in this story are indicative only. Prices taken from cost of living data website, Numbeo, on 4 March 2025.