If your budget has taken a bit of a bash, you might be tempted to put your travel bug on a strict diet!
But, if you choose your destination carefully, there are plenty of places where your money will go further. Here are some European destinations worth considering for a cheap city break. Enjoy!
Krakow, Poland
A city that’s thought to have the most pubs per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world. The nightlife is raved about with plenty of live music venues, clubs and… vodka. Also a lot of nice architecture.
Berlin, Germany
Said to be the most exciting cultural destination in Europe. One of the easiest to get around on a budget with stunning architecture, edgy galleries and waterways available to enjoy for free.
Prague, Czech Republic
One of the most budget friendly, historic and romantic cities you can visit. You’ll be wooed by fairy-tale castles and wide rivers to cruise along. They even have a date in the calendar called Love Day (May 1) if a proposal is on the cards. (Just saying.)
Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s capital city boasts cheap beer, great vibes and some great beaches (who knew?). If skiing is your thing, Bansko and Borovets provide a bargain for beginners, but the slopes might not be high enough for those more advanced on the piste.
Algarve, Portugal
If a place is popular with backpackers then you know prices are cheap, especially accommodation. The long coastline makes it a great destination for water sports on a budget such as kite-sailing, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Budapest, Hungary
Built on natural thermal springs, Budapest offers great value spa-breaks. It’s an easy city to navigate and there are plenty of breathtaking sights to take in. Cocktails are cheap too!
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Budget airlines, year-round high temperatures, plenty of all-inclusive deals – Tenerife is the place to go for the best value guaranteed dose of sun. The overdeveloped southern coast offers the most activity but there’s an incredible volcanic landscape to explore too.
Riga, Latvia
Lively bars and cheap beer on the one hand, opera houses and concert halls on the other means Latvia appeals to all tastes. The capital of Latvia is particularly beautiful with spires, steeples and some of the most stunning art-nouveau architecture in the world.
Transylvania, Romania
If you’re not a lounge lizard and would rather be on the go all the time, Transylvania is becoming the most popular place for multi-activity pursuits such as hiking, rock climbing, river-rafting and horse riding in the Alps.
Athens, Greece
With everything you could ever need and more, Athens boasts incredible history and ancient architecture, modern shops and authentic restaurants…and when you need to escape the hustle and bustle, it’s just a short tram ride away to the beach!
Kyiv, Ukraine
The cheapest beer in the world apparently, but predominantly German-style pale lager. You might want to pay a visit to the famous 300-year-old Lvivske Brewery and Museum to check out how it’s made, before you know back a few though.
We’ve updated our list to reflect the ongoing war in Ukraine, however, we didn’t want to remove this destination completely as it’s a beautiful country with friendly people and stunning architecture, so keep this bonus 11th destination in mind for when it’s safe to visit again.
You see – no need for that travel bug to starve to death!
