Cheapest City Breaks in Europe Revealed
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
The latest "City Costs Barometer" report published by Post Office Travel Money has revealed the European cities offering travelers the best value for money upon arrival.
What are the cheapest European city breaks for 2026?
Based on 12 itemized tourist expenses in the barometer, Sarajevo has secured the top spot for the first time as Europe’s best-value city break for 2026, with a total cost of €287.
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is joined in the top five by Bucharest, Tirana, Belgrade, and Trenčín.
📍Driven by low overall costs resulting from affordable accommodation, cheap public transport, and reasonably priced attractions, Sarajevo is described as the "perfect" option for travelers seeking "rich culture, history, and gastronomy without the hefty price tag."
📍For those looking for plenty of activities alongside affordable dining options, Romania's capital, Bucharest, stands out as the "city to book." Low accommodation, dining, and transport costs place the city "firmly among the cheapest city breaks this year."
📍In "up-and-coming" Albania, Tirana offers "everything you need" for a relaxed city break. According to the report, Serbia's capital, Belgrade, "delivers on all fronts without big-city prices," offering nightlife, dining, and riverside strolls.
📍Slovakia’s Trenčín presents a "quieter alternative" to major capitals, making it ideal for visitors seeking a "slower pace with plenty of walking, historical centers, and very low daily prices."
The 10 cheapest city breaks in Europe:
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: €287
Bucharest, Romania: €299
Tirana, Albania: €304.50
Belgrade, Serbia: €307
Trenčín, Slovakia: €315
Riga, Latvia: €322
Lille, France: €334
Vilnius, Lithuania: €334
Strasbourg, France: €369
Podgorica, Montenegro: €384.50
Conducting its most comprehensive comparison to date, the annual report examined 12 typical tourist expenses for two people across 50 cities. Aiming to reflect the true cost of a city getaway, the study factored in expenses such as a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer, a can of cola, and a three-course evening meal for two with a glass of wine.
Transport costs included round-trip airport transfers and a 48-hour public transport card. Additionally, admission prices for a sightseeing bus tour, a top heritage site, a major museum, and an art gallery were included. The final calculation factored in the cost of a two-night stay in a three-star hotel for two people.
Source: Euronews
