With Christmas fast approaching and summer now a distant memory, many people in the UK like to book a European city break at this time of the year.
The perfect way to relax while also exploring a new destination, city breaks differ in price but can be good value for money if you go to the right place. Luckily for us, a recent study has revealed the most budget-friendly European capitals for travellers in 2024, and they’re not where you’d expect! Forget the likes of Spain, Albania, Hungary and Greece if you’re looking for a bargain.
The research, carried out by Vatican Tours and Tickets, analysed the total travel cost per person for a five-night, six-day holiday in various European capitals. This included average daily spending on food and local travel, hotel prices, and transportation expenses.
Data was gathered from Numbeo for daily expenses and Rome2Rio for inbound and outbound travel costs. The average price of journeys between other European capitals was used to determine inbound air travel costs if the city is the destination and outbound travel costs if the city is the origin.
Booking.com provided the average hotel prices for two adults staying five nights in September. These figures were combined to give an estimate of total spending per person over the course of the trip.
With help from the Express, let’s take a look at some of the most budget-friendly destinations this autumn.
10. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is the tenth most budget-friendly destination according to the study, with a vacation cost of €888.21 per person for a six-day stay. Daily expenses in the city average €53.20, totalling €319.20 for the entire trip.
Accommodation is relatively affordable at €267.97 for five nights, while average travel costs are moderate, with inbound flights costing around €150.78 and outbound flights at €150.26.
Magdalena Petrusic, travel expert from Vatican Tours and Tickets, commented on the findings: “This study points to how affordable European travel can open doors to some of the continent’s most culturally rich and historically significant capitals.
“Pristina and Skopje, for example, are not just low-cost options—they are gateways to understanding the diverse cultures of the Balkans. These cities offer travellers access to authentic experiences, from exploring centuries-old architecture to local traditions, all at a fraction of the cost of more popular destinations.”
9. Warsaw and Sofia
Warsaw, Poland, at €867.38, and Sofia, Bulgaria at €868.57, come in at eighth and ninth, respectively. Both capitals are known for their rich history and vibrant cultural scenes. Though they are more costly compared to the top-ranked cities, they still provide excellent value for those looking to explore Eastern Europe without excessive spending.
7. Belgrade, and Budapest
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, ranks sixth with a total vacation cost of €835.68, followed by Budapest, Hungary, (pictured) at €863.39 in seventh. These capitals, while slightly more expensive than the top five, still offer budget-friendly options for travellers, with their own unique cultural and historical attractions.
5. Podgorica, Montenegro
Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, ranks fifth on the list with a total vacation cost of €794.92 per person for a six-day trip. The city’s daily spending rate averages €41.30, amounting to €247.80 over the entire stay.
Accommodation in Podgorica is reasonably priced, with an average cost of €149.95 for five nights. Travel costs are also moderate, with inbound flights averaging €198 and outbound flights at €199.17. Together, these factors make Podgorica an attractive option for those wanting to explore Montenegro.
4. Chisinau, Moldova
Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, places fourth with a total vacation cost of €784.07 per person. The city’s daily spending rate is €36.56, allowing travellers to explore its green parks, Soviet-era architecture, and burgeoning wine culture.
Average travel prices are also affordable, with inbound flights costing around €208.41 and outbound at €193.59.
Accommodation in Chisinau remains affordable, with an average hotel price of €162.71 per person for five nights. Travel costs are also reasonable, making Chisinau a great option for those looking to discover one of Europe’s lesser-known capitals without overspending.
3. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranks third, with a total vacation cost of €781.87 per person. With daily expenses averaging €33.63, Sarajevo offers a unique blend of cultures and history.
Hotel prices in Sarajevo are moderately priced, with an average cost of €182.77 per person for five nights. Combined with reasonable travel costs of around €198, Sarajevo offers a rich cultural experience at an affordable price.
2. Skopje, North Macedonia
Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, ranks second on the list with a total cost of €690.53 per person for a six-day vacation. The city offers a mix of ancient history and modern urban life, with daily spending averaging €32.35.
Hotel prices in Skopje are highly affordable, with an average cost of €123.19 per person for five nights. Combined with average travel costs of around €186, Skopje is a cost-effective destination for travellers eager to experience the history and culture of Southeastern Europe without exceeding their budget.
1. Pristina, Kosovo
Ranked as the cheapest European capital for a vacation, Pristina offers travellers an affordable gateway to Kosovo’s unique culture and history. The total vacation cost per person in Pristina is just €673.05.
With a daily spending average of €29.97, visitors can explore the city’s modernist architecture, including the iconic National Library and the historic Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, lively cafe culture, and vibrant street art scene.
Pristina’s accommodation and travel costs are among the lowest in Europe. The average hotel price for five nights is €141.03 per person, while travel costs remain under €180 each way. This makes Pristina not only the most affordable European capital but also an increasingly attractive destination for travellers interested in exploring the Balkans.
