In 2025, savvy travellers are always on the lookout for budget-friendly destinations, and Europe is packed with fantastic options. But where to start? The Post Office Travel Money's annual City Costs Barometer report has revealed exactly where your euro will go further, with a list of the 10 cheapest European cities to visit this year.
The barometer created a total cost for a short break to each city by comparing based on two nights staying in 3-star accommodation for two people, and including common tourist costs such as the price of a meal out, drinks, city transport and attractions for two.
Read on to discover the best spots for your next European adventure that won't break the bank – and the most expensive cities that made the list...
A new entry this year at number 10, beautiful but remarkably affordable Zagreb boasts a colourful, historic centre and a phenomenal culinary scene. Head to Katarinin Trg (Catherine’s Square) for one of the best views in town across red-tiled roofs towards the cathedral.
The total cost of a city break to Zagreb, according to the barometer, is £311. Culture vultures will delight in the cheap museums and galleries, with average prices ranging from £3.50 ($4.60) to £6 ($8). Meals are affordable too – according to the report, the average cost of a three-course meal for two with house wine is a pretty reasonable £83 ($111).
The first of two Portuguese entries on the list, Porto – priced at £305 by the barometer for a short break – combines beautiful historic architecture with sublime food and wine.
For a budget destination, the average cost of entry to a top museum is fairly pricey at £21($28), while art gallery entry is a more pocket-friendly £7 ($9.20). Foodies will be pleased to learn a three-course meal for two comes in at a very affordable £56 ($72). According to the report, prices in Porto have actually come down by almost 16% since last year.
The first of three Polish entries on this year's list, Kraków is a city that feels straight out of a medieval fairytale, thanks to its timeless charm and deep historical roots.
Visitors can delve into Kraków's cultural scene without fear of overspending – according to the Post Office report, tickets to the city's top museum and art gallery are under £8 ($10), while the total cost of a short break is £300.
Having been almost completely destroyed during World War II, a rebuilt Gdańsk has become a popular, affordable destination for visitors to Poland. With top museums, art galleries and heritage attractions all costing less than £7 ($9.28) each, immersing yourself in history and culture won’t break the bank. At less than £4 ($5.25), the beer is very affordable too. The city is a new entry on the list for 2025, with the total cost of a short break £297.
Tourists make a beeline for Długi Targ, the restored market place with its pastel-coloured gabled buildings. The strikingly modern and deeply moving World War II museum, which opened in 2016, has also become a must-visit.
Near the border of Belgium, Lille blends French and Flemish influences seamlessly. Serving as an ideal gateway to northern France, Lille offers a taste of Franco-opulence without the hefty price tag.
The cost of a short break to Lille is £293 ($390), while a 48-hour travel pass in Lille costs as little as £7.40 ($9.80) and a cup of coffee costs just over £2.80 ($3.73). Many of the city's top tourist sites offer free admission, while renting a bike allows visitors to experience the cobbled medieval streets on wheels.
Despite its growing popularity fuelled by its vibrant atmosphere and lively nightlife, Lisbon remains affordable for visitors, with a short break here costing £292. Coffee-lovers can get their caffeine fix for around £1.20 ($1.60), while enjoying a glass of wine in the evening will set you back less than £2 ($2.60). The city was also the cheapest on the list for an evening meal, costing £47.
For a quintessential Lisbon experience, set aside £3 ($4) to ride its iconic trams weaving through the city centre. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the historic Sao Jorge Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River, providing a glimpse into Lisbon's rich history as well as its scenery.
Another new entry to the top 10 this year, Montenegro’s capital city Podgorica may be modest in size but it still boasts some fine galleries and historic mosques, all of which are totally free to enter. You can immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region, before wandering through its beautiful parks. A vibrant café scene adds to its appeal too.
The total cost of a short break here is £282 ($375), according to the report. It priced a two-night hotel stay at £159 ($212), while a three-course meal costs around £66 ($86) for two.
With everything getting more expensive these days it’s wonderful to see a place that has actually gotten cheaper. Ranked 10th cheapest in 2024, Warsaw has shot up to third place this year, with the total cost of a short break at £277, according to the report.
Boasting a blend of diverse architecture, from meticulously reconstructed historic buildings to contemporary skyscrapers, it's a fantastic place to explore, and with a 48-hour travel card only costing around £3 ($4), you can do so exceedingly cheaply. The city was named the second cheapest on the list for accommodation costs, with a two-night hotel stay costing £131 ($174).
Last year's winner may have come down by one place this year, but Vilnius still offers affordability and cultural richness. The cost of a city break is £254 according to the report, though accommodation costs have increased since last year, with a two-night hotel stay costing £143.
Explore its cobbled streets with a budget-friendly coffee in hand (for just £1.86/$2.44) and immerse yourself in its medieval charm. Vilnius showcases stunning Baroque architecture, free-to-enter castles and cathedrals and a UNESCO-listed historic centre. A three-course meal for two here comes in at an affordable £64 ($85), according to the report.
According to the report, the cheapest city to visit in Europe this year is Latvia’s capital, Riga, which is priced at £253 for a short break, making it the ultimate destination for a weekend of budget-friendly Baltic culture and history.
Riga offers affordable attractions, museums and galleries, with tickets priced between £4-£7 ($5-$9.20) each. It also ranked as the cheapest city on the list for accommodation, with a two-night stay at a 3-star hotel only costing £123 ($162).
This year, seven of the 10 cheapest countries on the Post Office's City Costs Barometer are in Eastern Europe, making it a great region to consider for a cheap break.
Now we move on to the 10 most expensive European city breaks, according to the Post Office report. First up is Nice, which was named the tenth most expensive European city break, with a short break costing £540 ($718).
With a two-night hotel stay costing around £355 ($470) and a meal for two starting at around £112 ($148), it’s certainly not the cheapest of holiday spots. However, its mix of year-round sunshine and old-school opulence make it worth splashing out for. And, of course, sunbathing on the beach won’t cost you anything.
Visitors flock to Florence for its enticing mixture of cultural and culinary offerings – but it comes at a price, with a short break here costing £562 ($746), according to the report.
A two-night hotel stay will set a couple back around £362 ($479), while the city’s world-famous art galleries, such as the Uffizi, cost an average of £21.90 ($29) to visit.
Meanwhile, a three-course meal for two costs in the region of £78 ($102), while a fabulous Italian coffee is more affordable at around £2.60 ($3.44).
Barcelona is hugely popular, with visitors drawn to Antoni Gaudí’s fabulous architectural designs, notably the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, but its expensive accommodation has seen it creep into this year’s top 10. A two-night stay for a couple costs a fairly hefty £381($504), while the total cost of a short break is £562 ($746).
Thankfully, beer, wine and the delicious food on offer here are more reasonably priced. A three-course meal for two costs around £66 ($87). Foodies shouldn’t miss La Boqueria. It can feel very touristy, but the market’s multiple stalls are overflowing with tempting local produce, from Iberian ham to golden Catalan-made olive oils.
A visit to one of Dublin's many ivy-covered pubs can come with a hefty price tag – a bottle of beer will set you back around over £5 ($7), while a three-course meal for two averages at £87 ($114). Then there's accommodation. According to the Post Office report, a two-night stay for two in a 3-star hotel will leave you around £411 ($543) poorer. The total cost of a short break to Dublin comes in at £568 ($754).
Despite the costs, Dublin has much to offer, and the city's blend of historic charm and contemporary vibrancy ensures an unforgettable visit. Explore iconic sights like Trinity College and the Book of Kells, stroll through the picturesque St. Stephen's Green, and soak in the lively music scene in the Temple Bar district.
Geneva rises from ninth place last year to be named the sixth most expensive European city this year, with a short break here costing £571 ($757). It offers an enticing blend of cosmopolitan buildings and stunning natural panoramas – but at a cost. A three-course meal will set you back a hefty £157 ($206), while a two-night stay for two comes in at around £302 ($398).
However, there are still budget-friendly attractions – Lake Geneva, one of Europe's largest natural lakes, is free to visit and offers breathtaking views that are not to be missed.
The allure of Amsterdam's winding canals and iconic cityscape draws thousands of tourists daily. However, exploring this popular city comes with significant costs, with a city break here costing £583 ($774). Meanwhile, it costs around £21 ($28) for museum admissions, £26 ($34) for bus tours and accommodation prices cost an average of £372 ($491) for a two-night stay.
Despite the expenses, Amsterdam's unique charm, renowned museums and the opportunity to enjoy traditional Dutch cuisine in cosy canal-side cafés make it well worth a visit.
A city of enchanting canals and otherworldly architecture, Venice stands as the Mediterranean epicentre for romantic (yet pricey) getaways. A short break here costs £591 ($785). A 48-hour travel card alone costs £31 ($41), while the city’s museums cost £26 ($34) on average.
However, Venice’s allure goes beyond its price tag. It can be a joy to simply wander through the iconic Piazza San Marco, marvel at the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, and get lost in the maze of charming alleyways and hidden squares.
Home to literary history, theatrical excellence and atmospheric streets filled with the distant hum of bagpipes, Edinburgh is the third most expensive city on the Post Office City Costs Barometer list, and that's before prices skyrocket during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (held each August).
A short break here costs £602 ($799). Dining out for a three-course meal for two can cost upwards of £116 ($154), while visiting top heritage attractions like Edinburgh Castle can require paying £20 ($26) to explore.
At £629 (£835) for a short break, Copenhagen rises to second spot this year. A two-night stay for two people in 3-star accommodation will set you back £360 ($475), but it's a price many will argue is worth it for a chance to see the stunning canals and architecture.
Eating out is also pricey, with an average cost of a meal for two with wine coming in at over £150 ($198). However, it is possible to save costs in other areas, namely by exploring the city's free attractions, such as the famous Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen.
Oslo claims the title of the most expensive European city to visit in 2025, according to the Post Office report, with a city break here costing £636 ($846).
Museum tickets at around £15 ($20) aren't the most expensive in Europe, but it's evenings out that really ramp up the cost of a stay here. A glass of house wine will set you back almost £10 ($13), while a three-course meal for two will cost over £170 ($225) – making it the most expensive city for eating out. Despite the costs, Oslo's blend of natural beauty and modern sophistication means it remains a popular tourist destination.
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