The Cheapest European Cities for a City Break

A city break does not have to mean Amsterdam, Paris, or Barcelona — all excellent cities, but priced at Western European rates. A short-haul flight to Central or Eastern Europe opens up destinations where your money goes significantly further without any sacrifice in quality of experience.

How we measure cheapness

The total cost of a city break has two components: getting there (flights) and being there (accommodation, food, transport, activities). A city in Poland might require a slightly more expensive flight than a city in Spain, but day-to-day costs can be 40–60 % lower — making the total trip cheaper.

The cities below are consistently competitive on both dimensions.

Krakow, Poland

The most popular budget city break destination in Central Europe for UK travellers, and deservedly so. Well-connected from multiple UK airports (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air). The historic old town and Wawel Castle are free to walk around. A three-course dinner with drinks at a good restaurant costs €15–20 per person. Accommodation from €20/night at well-reviewed boutique hotels, lower at hostels.

Riga, Latvia

The Latvian capital has a stunning Art Nouveau old town and a lively food and drink scene at prices well below the EU average. Direct flights from London and Edinburgh. Beer at a local bar costs €2–3. A good restaurant meal is €8–12 per person. Less visited than Krakow, which means fewer crowds.

Porto, Portugal

Technically a Western European city but substantially cheaper than Lisbon, Madrid, or Barcelona for day-to-day spending. Direct flights from multiple UK airports on Ryanair, easyJet, and TAP. A glass of port in a riverside cave costs €3–4. The city is hilly, beautiful, and one of the most rewarding short-break destinations on the continent.

Vilnius, Lithuania

One of the most underrated capitals in Europe. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flights from London and Manchester (Ryanair, Wizz Air) are regularly cheap. Food prices are among the lowest in the EU. Recommended for travellers who want to feel like they have discovered something most tourists have not yet found.

Wroclaw, Poland

Poland's fourth-largest city is compact, pretty, and extremely well priced. Less famous than Krakow, which means cheaper accommodation and fewer tourist-facing pricing. The central market square (Rynek) is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe. Ryanair and Wizz Air fly direct from several UK airports.

Tallinn, Estonia

The most medieval-looking capital in Europe, with a well-preserved old town ringed by city walls. Direct flights from London (Ryanair). Slightly more expensive than Riga or Vilnius but still significantly below Western European averages. Best visited in spring or early autumn when the cruise ship crowds thin out.

Sofia, Bulgaria

The cheapest capital city in the EU for day-to-day spending. Direct flights from London and Manchester (Ryanair, Wizz Air). A full restaurant dinner costs €8–12 per person. The city has improved dramatically as a visitor destination over the past decade and has an underrated food and coffee scene.

Belgrade, Serbia

Not in the EU (Serbia is a candidate country), which means prices are lower still. Direct flights from London (Wizz Air, Air Serbia). Belgrade has a renowned nightlife scene, excellent food, and a compelling post-Soviet architectural heritage. A meal and drinks at a good restaurant: €10–15 per person.

Planning your trip

For all of these destinations, flights are cheapest 4–8 weeks ahead, on midweek departures, from secondary London airports. FairFares monitors prices for all of these routes and sends alerts when fares drop significantly below their historical median — which is the right trigger to book.