The Most Affordable City Breaks in Europe

If you’re keen to start planning your 2025 travel, city breaks offer the perfect blend of excitement, culture and relaxation. Yet, these short trips can end up being costly—with flights, hotels, and food prices continually fluctuating, so finding an affordable destination can feel like a challenge. 

We’ve put together a definitive guide to the most affordable cities for your next European escape. Through extensive research, we’ve analysed essential factors like flight prices, accommodation rates, and dining costs to pinpoint the cities that offer an unforgettable experience while being easy on your bank account.

Whether you're a solo traveller, a couple, or planning a group adventure, these are the top affordable destinations that don’t compromise on charm or quality. 

Taking the spot as the most affordable European city break is Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, with an affordability score of 9.5. Brimming with historical landmarks from the Ottoman, Greek and Roman empires, Sofia’s eclectic architecture lends itself to exploring.  Home to the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Central Mineral Baths, and the National Palace of Culture, there’s a plethora of activities to do in the Bulgarian capital. And for an average activity price of £5, it would be rude not to visit!

Heading to the west of the continent, Lisbon comes in second place when it comes to affordability, scoring  8.7. Known for its colourful buildings and quaint trams, Lisbon is quickly becoming one of the most popular city breaks amongst Brits. Boasting a daily dining cost of £25, the city is perfect for exploring Portugal's culinary offerings. From bakeries packed with Patel del Natas to waterfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood, whatever you’re craving, your taste buds will be satisfied.

Bucharest rounds off our top three most affordable breaks with an affordability score of 8.5. Whether you want to live like a local, wandering the cobbled streets of Lipscani, or immerse yourself in Romanian art and history in one of Bucharest's 60 museums, the laid-back vibe of the Romanian capital has something for everyone.

By analysing historical flight price data from airports nationwide, we’ve also been able to identify the most budget-friendly destinations for travellers tailored to where they’re flying from.

With an average outbound fare of just £50.92, Warsaw is the most budget-friendly option for those looking for trips out of London airports. The flight prices are their lowest in January, making it the perfect opportunity to experience Warsaw’s winter charm, from its inviting cafes and museums to its lively cultural scene amidst the seasonal chill.

Those based in the Northwest of England are in for a treat, as Sofia is the most affordable destination from Manchester airport. Not only did the Bulgarian capital top our overall most affordable list, but an outbound flight will only cost you, on average, £80.56. If you travel in November, you might even catch the first snowfall on Mount Vitosha.

Swapping tartan for cămașă, Bucharest is the most affordable break if you’re flying from Scotland’s capital. Our research shows that flights from Edinburgh reach their lowest prices in November, with an average outbound fare of £78.28 – perfect timing to enjoy the start of Bucharest's festive Christmas markets in Constitution Square.

With so many airports across the capital, flight options can be overwhelming, and prices can vary. To help you find the best deals, we’ve analysed the average flight costs across London’s major airports to identify the cheapest outbound cities.

If you're looking for budget-friendly flights, Prague stands out as the most affordable destination from London this January. With fares as low as £49.40, you can jet off to the Czech capital without breaking the bank. January is an ideal time to explore Prague's historic Old Town, unwind in its cosy pubs, and enjoy the charm of the city with fewer crowds and lower overall costs.

At just over £50, you can escape the big smoke for Warsaw or Lisbon in January. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Warsaw’s rich history or want a milder winter for your getaway in Lisbon, both destinations have affordable flights from London.

Turin and Naples offer fantastic travel options for those on a slightly more flexible budget, with outbound flights costing £57 and £58.58, respectively. In Turin, you can explore elegant piazzas, indulge in rich Italian chocolate and coffee, and admire the breathtaking Alpine backdrop. Meanwhile, Naples offers a taste of Southern Italy, with its historic streets and proximity to the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii.

Feeling inspired to explore more of Europe this year?  Whether touring Amsterdam by bike, strolling through Berlin’s parks or hunting down the best waffles in Brussels, there’s an endless array of experiences waiting to be discovered.

• To uncover the most affordable European cities to travel to, we analysed a range of travel costs across popular holiday destinations.
   

• Focusing on major UK airports (London Airports, Manchester Airport, and Edinburgh Airport), we examined historical flight price data to determine the average monthly costs and identify the cheapest month to fly to each location. Additionally, we sampled hotel listings in each city to calculate the median daily accommodation cost. Through desk research, we estimated daily expenses for dining, activities, and transportation.
   

• These costs were then weighted to rank destinations – 40% for flights, 30% for accommodation and 10% each for dining, activities and transport – with the most affordable receiving the highest scores.