It’s becoming more popular to soak up the culture rather than the sun on your holiday. In 2014, a survey by ABTA revealed that city breaks had overtaken traditional beach holidays as the most popular type of break, with 42% of the population having taken a city break in the year to July 2014, be it in the UK or abroad. So, just where are the cheapest destinations in Europe?
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the most popular cities for a culture filled break. There’s plenty of things to see and do, without the need to put a hole in your pocket.
Flights
Providing you book in advance, a return flight to Budapest usually costs around £50-70. The flight time is just over two hours, making it ideal for a quick weekend break.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation anywhere you go will depend on your tastes. If you use your room as somewhere to sleep and you’re not bothered about it being fancy, you can get a really great deal. In Budapest, you can get a room in a hostel from £8 a night (based on booking for February) or stay at the Marriott for a more luxurious stay.
Compare accommodation by using Trivago.
Getting Around
In Budapest, there are four metro lines which will easily get you to anything that you wish to see. Depending on the length of your city break, you can purchase a block of 10 single tickets or a travel card. A single ticket costs 530 HUF or £1.23 in British Pounds. A block of 10 tickets will set you back just over £6.
Eating & Drinking
In Hungary, it is said that the traditional cuisine is ‘meat upon meat’. In Budapest, there are plenty of authentic cafés where you can find main courses from as little as £6.
There are also many bars and clubs, some of which are open until dawn. Expect to pay around £0.91 for a small glass of wine or £3.78 for a cocktail.
Things to See and Do
Budapest is a city famous for its architecture which draws comparisons with Paris, it’s steam baths and culture. Here are just some of the sights you can see:
- Royal Palace: The palace has been rebuilt at least half a dozen times, but today it houses two museums and a library. Entrance to the castle itself is free, but entrance fees to the museums apply.
- Széchenyi Baths: The steam filled baths are located near City Park and are open all year round- even when it’s snowing! A full day bath ticket with use of a cabin costs around £11, but it’s cheaper to visit in the morning or at night.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica: This beautiful cathedral was built over half a century ago. Take a trip to the top for amazing views of the city. You are expected to make a donation of Budapest currency 200 HUF, or 46p!
Lisbon, Portugal
Some people visit Portugal for it’s beautiful beaches and glorious weather, but it’s capital Lisbon is full of culture.
Flights
A round trip flight to Lisbon in May will cost around £80-150 if you book in advance.
Accommodation
There are several budget accommodation options in Lisbon. A serviced apartment will set you back around £15 a night, whereas a hostel will cost around £17. There are also hotels for those with more money to spend from around £40 a night.
Getting Around
Lisbon has an extensive public transport service, with both underground and overground tram services. Travelling by Metro is the fastest and most tourist friendly way to get around- a single ticket will cost 1.40 euro or £1.02 in British Pounds.
Eating and Drinking
Portugal is renowned for its seafood and tabernas. Tabernas will serve small tapas-like dishes. Eating your larger meal at lunchtime and having a smaller one at night will help to keep costs down.
Things to See and Do
- Torre de Belém- One of Portugal’s most famous monuments and a world heritage site. Combine your entrance fee with a trip to the Jeronimos Monastery and you can expect to pay 12 euros, or just over £8.
- MUDE- Housed in a former bank, this designer and fashion museum is a must see. Entrance is also free!
- Igreja da São Domingos- This church has previously been a victim of earthquakes and fires and is a preferred hangout of the African community.
Prague, Czech Republic
Popular with the stag parties, Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic.
Flights
Expect to pay anywhere from £50-115 for a return flight to Prague. British Airways are just one of the airlines who fly there.
Accommodation
A two star hotel in Prague can cost around £40 a night, whereas a hostel can cost around £15.
Getting Around
Prague is a compact city, so it’s best to travel around on foot or by public transport. Metro tickets can be purchased for Prague Currency 32 Czech Crowns, or 86p, with a 3 day pass costing just over £8.
Eating and Drinking
A classic Czech meal of meat and dumplings will cost you around £2-4, and a pint of beer will cost around 60p! It’s easy to see why Prague is popular with stag parties.
Things to See and Do
- Prague Castle- This enormous piece of architecture houses the Old Royal Palace, three churches and a monastery. There is no entrance fee to the grounds, but for the buildings you can expect to pay around 200 Czc, or £5.
- Old Town Square- A must see is the Medieval Astronomical Clock, where figures dance on the hour.
- Charles Bridge- This is the oldest bridge in Prague. Avoid the crowds by visiting in the early evening.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Fall in love with the Mediterranean lifestyle when you visit Dubrovnik.
Flights
A return flight to Dubrovnik Airport with the likes of Monarch will set you back around £160-180.
Accommodation
Hotels in Dubrovnik can range in price. An apartment will cost around £20 a night and a four star hotel will cost around £70.
Getting Around
The main type of public transport in Dubrovnik are the public buses. The buses stop with around 20 minute intervals all around the city. A ticket will cost 12 Croatian Kuna, or £1.16.
Eating and Drinking
Enjoy the likes of black squid risotto and oysters from 40 CK, or £4 and around £2 for a beer.
Things to See and Do
- ‘King’s Landing’- If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, you can now book a tour where you can see all of the locations they filmed at, plus your guide may even have been an extra on set! Prices vary.
- City Walls and Forts- No trip to Dubrovnik would be complete without a walk around the city walls. This will cost 100 Croatian Kuna, or just short of £10.
- Rector’s Palace- This beautiful Gothic building has been turned into a museum. Adult price for entrance is 80 CK, or £8.
Krakow, Poland
According to myths, Krakow was founded upon the defeat of a dragon.
Flights
Book a round trip flight to Krakow for £90-180 with Ryanair or Easyjet.
Accommodation
A hostel in Krakow will cost around £15 a night,whereas a 3/4 star hotel can cost £60-80 a night.
Getting Around
Krakow has an integrated bus and tram system, with night time options. A 20 minute journey will cost 2.80 Polish Zloty, or 48p!
Eating and Drinking
As with anywhere, eat like a local and you will save money. Main courses will cost £4-6, with beers costing around £1.50.
Things to See and Do
- Schindler’s Factory: Made famous by the film Schindler’s List, visit here for authentic Nazi artifacts. Individual visitors can see the museum free of charge.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau: The most notorious concentration camp of WW2, visit here for a truly heartbreaking insight into the war. It is free to enter the grounds, but you must pay if you wish to have a guide.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: An eerie world of pits and chambers. It costs around £13 for entry.
So, now you know where the cheapest places are to visit, get out there! Just remember to book your flights in advance, keep hotel expectations low and eat like a local!
