City breaks can be one of the most effective ways to tap into a country’s culture. Whether it’s a whirlwind weekend or a fortnight of getting to know a new neighbourhood, city breaks offer a full-bodied, in-at-the-deep-end immersion that beach resorts and remote country hotels seldom can. But that cultural crash course can come with a price tag, and hidden ones at that; flights from London to Venice sell for as low as £11, but it’s one of Europe’s most expensive cities for accommodation and food. So we’ve broken down some of the latest data on cheap city breaks in Europe for 2023, from a coastal cosmopolis to a snow-capped ski city.
In 2023, the Post Office released new data ranking affordable city breaks in Europe. You'll find some of the cities from their study below – including Lisbon, Athens and Riga. The full list from the Post Office is as follows:
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Krakow, Poland
- Athens, Greece
- Riga, Latvia
- Porto, Portugal
- Zagreb, Croatia
- Budapest, Hungary
- Warsaw, Poland
- Lille, France
Below, we've also included some of our favourite affordable European city breaks that might be a little less known, such as Klagenfurt in Austria and Berat, Albania. Going off the beaten track is a wonderful way to make your money go further – while exploring a lesser-tramelled part of Europe.
What is the cheapest European city for a holiday?
For 2023, the Portuguese capital of Lisbon is officially the cheapest European city break thanks to its affordable food scene, cheap transport and bargain flights. Plus, Lisbon has, on average, the cheapest beer – all the more reason to visit.
What is the most expensive city in Europe?
Post Office data ranks Amsterdam as the most expensive city break in Europe for 2023.
Note: you’ll notice some wonderful European cities missing from this list, namely Kyiv. It has been tragically affected by the war in Ukraine, and should be avoided until safe to visit– until then, find out how to help the people of Ukraine right now, and see how you can support through your travel choices.
13 cheap city breaks in Europe
Hello! I'm no stranger to the world of travel and city exploration. In fact, I've dived deep into the intricacies of city breaks, considering everything from cultural immersion to budget considerations. Now, let's dissect the key concepts in the article you've shared.
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City Breaks and Cultural Immersion: City breaks are hailed as effective ways to tap into a country's culture. The article emphasizes the immersive experience they offer, making them superior to beach resorts or remote country hotels. This is due to the full-bodied, in-at-the-deep-end nature of city breaks, providing a cultural crash course.
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Cost Considerations: The article highlights the potential downside of city breaks—the hidden costs. While flights might be affordable, accommodation and food expenses can significantly impact the overall budget. The example of London to Venice flights at £11 versus the high costs of accommodation and food in Venice illustrates this point.
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Post Office Data on Cheap City Breaks: The Post Office released data ranking affordable city breaks in Europe for 2023. The list includes cities like Lisbon, Athens, and Riga. Lisbon, in particular, is crowned as the cheapest European city break for 2023 due to its affordable food, cheap transport, and bargain flights. The full list from the Post Office is provided in the article.
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Lesser-Known Affordable City Breaks: The article goes beyond the Post Office data and introduces some lesser-known, yet budget-friendly, European city breaks. Examples include Klagenfurt in Austria and Berat in Albania. Going off the beaten track is highlighted as a strategy to make your money go further while exploring less-traveled parts of Europe.
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Cheapest European City for a Holiday: Lisbon, Portugal, is declared the cheapest European city for a holiday in 2023. Factors contributing to this title include its affordable food scene, cheap transport, and budget-friendly flights. The mention of Lisbon having, on average, the cheapest beer adds an extra incentive for visitors.
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Most Expensive City in Europe: According to the Post Office data, Amsterdam takes the title of the most expensive city break in Europe for 2023. While the article doesn't delve into specific cost breakdowns, it signals that Amsterdam comes with a higher price tag compared to other European cities.
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Note on Kyiv and Support for Ukraine: The article takes a compassionate turn by addressing the tragic situation in Kyiv due to the war in Ukraine. It advises against visiting Kyiv until it is safe to do so and encourages readers to explore ways to help the people of Ukraine, both immediately and through travel choices.
That's a comprehensive breakdown of the key concepts in the article. If you have any specific questions or want more details on a particular aspect, feel free to ask!
