Europe is a continent of diverse and captivating destinations, but also of high prices and expensive flights. However, for budget-conscious travellers, there are still plenty of options to enjoy a city break without breaking the bank. Here are the top 6 cheapest city break options in Europe for 2024, based on the cost of accommodation, transport, food, and attractions.
Sofia, Bulgaria
1. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia, the capital and the largest city of Bulgaria, is a hidden gem in the Balkans, and one of the cheapest and most underrated cities in Europe. Sofia offers a mix of history, culture, and nature, with a rich architectural heritage that spans from Roman ruins to Soviet monuments. You can explore the city’s landmarks, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the St. George Rotunda, and the National Palace of Culture, or enjoy the green spaces, such as the Borisova Gradina Park, the Vitosha Mountain, and the Boyana Waterfall. Sofia also has a vibrant and diverse food scene, with restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Bulgarian dishes, such as shopska salad, banitsa, and kavarma, as well as international cuisines, such as Turkish, Greek, and Italian. You can also sample the local wine, beer, and rakia, a strong fruit brandy. Sofia is easy to reach by plane, bus, or train, and has a reliable and cheap public transport system. You can also find affordable and comfortable accommodation options, from hostels to hotels, in the city centre or near the airport.
Krakow, Poland
2. Krakow, Poland
Krakow, the former capital and the second-largest city of Poland is a stunning and charming destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences. Krakow is known for its medieval and Renaissance architecture, its rich cultural and artistic heritage, and its poignant Jewish and World War II history. You can visit the city’s attractions, such as the Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral, the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall, and the St. Mary’s Basilica, or explore the Kazimierz District, the former Jewish quarter and the most lively and trendy neighbourhood in the city. You can also take a day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, or the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features underground chambers, sculptures, and chapels made of salt. Krakow also has a delicious and diverse food scene, with restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Polish dishes, such as pierogi, bigos, and zurek, as well as international cuisines, such as Italian, Mexican, and Asian. You can also enjoy the local vodka, beer, and mead, a honey-based alcoholic drink. Krakow is easy to reach by plane, bus, or train, and has a cheap and efficient public transport system. You can also find cheap and cosy accommodation options, from hostels to hotels, in the old town or near the train station.
Lisbon, Portugal
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital and the largest city of Portugal, is a captivating and cosmopolitan destination that offers a contrast of old and new, traditional and modern, hilly and coastal. Lisbon is famous for its colourful and tiled buildings, its historic and cultural landmarks, and its scenic and sunny views. You can visit the city’s attractions, such as the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, the São Jorge Castle, and the Santa Justa Lift, or enjoy the atmosphere and the culture of the neighbourhoods, such as the Alfama, the oldest and the most authentic district, the Baixa, the downtown and the shopping area, and the Bairro Alto, the nightlife and the entertainment hub. You can also take a day trip to the Sintra, a fairy-tale town that features palaces, castles, and gardens, or the Cascais, a seaside resort that offers beaches, water sports, and golf courses.
Lisbon also has a delicious and diverse food scene, with restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Portuguese dishes, such as pastéis de nata, bacalhau, and sardines, as well as international cuisines, such as Brazilian, Indian, and Moroccan. You can also taste the local wine, beer, and ginjinha, a cherry liqueur. Lisbon is easy to reach by plane, bus, or train, and has a cheap and convenient public transport system. You can also find cheap and charming accommodation options, from hostels to hotels, in the city centre or near the airport.
Budapest, Hungary
4. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the capital and the largest city of Hungary, is a stunning and sophisticated destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences. Budapest is known for its beautiful and diverse architecture, its rich cultural and artistic heritage, and its relaxing and rejuvenating thermal baths. You can visit the city’s attractions, such as the Buda Castle, the Parliament, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Chain Bridge, or enjoy the view and the culture of the Danube River, which divides the city into two parts: Buda and Pest. You can also indulge in the city’s thermal baths, such as the Széchenyi, the Gellért, and the Rudas, which offer pools, saunas, massages, and treatments.
Budapest also has a delicious and diverse food scene, with restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Hungarian dishes, such as goulash, paprikash, and lángos, as well as international cuisines, such as Italian, Turkish, and Vietnamese. You can also try the local wine, beer, and pálinka, a fruit brandy. Budapest is easy to reach by plane, bus, or train, and has a cheap and efficient public transport system. You can also find cheap and elegant accommodation options, from hostels to hotels, in the city centre or near the river.
Prague, Czech Republic
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital and the largest city of the Czech Republic is a stunning and enchanting destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences. Prague is known for its medieval and Gothic architecture, its rich cultural and musical heritage, and its romantic and magical atmosphere. You can visit the city’s attractions, such as the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock, or enjoy the view and the culture of the Vltava River, which flows through the city and offers boat tours, cruises, and water sports. You can also experience the city’s musical scene, which features classical concerts, opera performances, jazz clubs, and rock festivals.
Prague also has a delicious and diverse food scene, with restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Czech dishes, such as roast pork, dumplings, and trdelník, as well as international cuisines, such as Italian, Indian, and Thai. You can also sample the local beer, wine, and Becherovka, a herbal liqueur. Prague is easy to reach by plane, bus, or train, and has a cheap and convenient public transport system. You can also find cheap and cosy accommodation options, from hostels to hotels, in the old town or near the castle.
Riga, Latvia
6. Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital and the largest city of Latvia, is a fascinating and dynamic destination that offers a contrast of old and new, historic and modern, Baltic and Nordic. Riga offers a mix of history, culture, and nature, with a rich architectural heritage that spans from medieval to art nouveau, and a green and scenic setting that features parks, gardens, and forests. You can visit the city’s landmarks, such as the Riga Cathedral, the House of the Blackheads, the Freedom Monument, and the Riga Central Market, or enjoy the atmosphere and the culture of the neighbourhoods, such as the Old Town, the Art Nouveau District, and the Moscow Suburb. You can also take a day trip to the Jurmala, a seaside resort that offers beaches, spas, and amusement parks, or the Sigulda, a town that offers castles, caves, and adventure sports.
Riga also has a delicious and diverse food scene, with restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Latvian dishes, such as rye bread, smoked fish, and grey peas, as well as international cuisines, such as Russian, German, and Georgian. You can also taste the local beer, wine, and Riga Black Balsam, a herbal liqueur. Riga is easy to reach by plane, bus, or train, and has a cheap and reliable public transport system. You can also find cheap and stylish accommodation options, from hostels to hotels, in the city centre or near the airport.
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