5 Cheapest Cities for a City Break in Europe in 2025

Let’s be honest, we all need a getaway sometimes. But with prices rising across the continent, finding an affordable trip can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The good news is that you don’t have to drain your savings to enjoy a culture-rich weekend away.

Recent data from the Post Office City Costs Barometer has revealed the best value destinations for travelers this year. They compared the cost of 12 typical tourist items including two nights in a 3-star hotel, dinner for two, drinks and transport to identify where your money goes the furthest. If you are planning your next city break in Europe, here are the top 5 cheapest cities you need to know about.

Riga is Europe’s cheapest city break where charm, culture and good vibes come without the big price tag.

1. Riga, Latvia

Taking the top spot as the absolute best value destination this year is the Latvian capital. With a total barometer cost of just £253, Riga is a stunner that often flies under the radar but is finally getting the recognition it deserves. The city is famous for its incredible Art Nouveau architecture and a pedestrian-only Old Town that looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale.

The real win here is accommodation. You can find excellent hotels for a fraction of the price you would pay in Western capitals. While you are there, make sure to visit the Central Market housed in old Zeppelin hangars to grab some cheap local snacks. It is the perfect place for a budget-friendly escape that feels luxurious.

• Discover more in our full City Guide Riga

2. Vilnius, Lithuania

Hot on the heels of its Baltic neighbour is Vilnius, missing the top spot by just a single pound. With a total cost of £254, this city is relaxed, green and incredibly welcoming. It offers a completely different vibe to Riga with its Baroque architecture and artistic soul.

One of the coolest things about Vilnius is Užupis, a self-declared "republic" of artists within the city that has its own constitution. It is free to walk around and soak up the bohemian atmosphere. Food and drink are very reasonably priced here too so you can enjoy a night out without worrying about the bill.

3. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw has seen a massive drop in prices recently which makes it a fantastic option for a city break in Europe right now. Coming in at £277, the Polish capital is a fascinating mix of history and modern energy. You have the beautifully reconstructed Old Town on one side and gleaming skyscrapers on the other.

If you want to eat well for less, look out for "milk bars" (bary mleczne). These are traditional cafeteria-style eateries where you can get hearty, homemade Polish dumplings and soups for just a few euros. It is a big city experience with a small town price tag.

• Read our tips in the City Guide Warsaw

4. Podgorica, Montenegro

A new entry to the top value list is Podgorica with a total cost of £282. While many tourists flock to the coast, the capital city offers a quiet and authentic slice of Montenegrin life at unbeatable prices. It might not have the fame of Paris or Rome but that is exactly why it is so affordable.

Coffee culture is huge here and you can sit in a sunny cafe for hours for next to nothing. It is also a great base if you want to take day trips to see the country’s dramatic mountains or Lake Skadar. If you prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations then this is the one for you.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

You might be surprised to see a major Western European capital on this list but Lisbon continues to offer incredible value at £292. It ranks as the cheapest city in Western Europe and is particularly famous for its low dining costs. In fact, it had the cheapest meals of all the cities in the study.

You can enjoy a three-course dinner with wine for under £50 which is unheard of in many other parts of the continent. Combine that with the golden sunshine, iconic yellow trams and delicious pastel de nata and you have a winner. It is arguably the best all-rounder for weather, food and price.

• See the best spots in our City Guide Lisbon

How does this compare to the most expensive cities?

The difference in price between the cheapest and most expensive destinations in Europe is staggering. While a weekend in Riga will cost you around £253, the same trip to the most expensive cities on the continent could cost you more than double.

According to the same report, Oslo tops the charts as the priciest city break with a total cost of roughly £636. It is followed closely by Copenhagen at £629 and Edinburgh at £602. Even traditional favourites like Venice (£591) and Amsterdam (£583) are significantly harder on your wallet.

To put that into perspective, you could essentially book two full weekend trips to Vilnius or Warsaw for the price of a single getaway to Scandinavia. If you are looking to stretch your budget further this year, heading East (or to Lisbon) is clearly the smartest move you can make.

Why you should book now

Europe is often seen as a playground for the wealthy but these cities smash that stereotype. They offer more than just low prices because they deliver authentic experiences that haven't been polished away by mass tourism. The real luxury here isn't just the savings but the chance to explore somewhere new before the crowds catch on. So pack your bags and book that flight because your next great adventure is cheaper than you think.