Way better than Paris: The 10 cheapest European cities have officially been revealed, all under £300
Just in time for next week's bank holiday
This sunny weather has got us thinking about one thing, and one thing only - when's our next holiday? However, while we may aim to be international jet-setters booking luxury trips aboard, our bank account says no. Thankfully Europe is packed with picturesque, historic and seriously fun cities that you can spend an entire weekend in for around £300.
Yep, you read that right. The Post Office has just released their annual list of the cheapest European cities to spend a weekend in and 10 of them all clock in at £300 or just over. They used data from the price of a two night stay in three-star accommodation, a three-course meal for two with a bottle of house wine, cup of coffee, a bottle of beer and Coca Cola, glass of wine, return airport transfers, 48-hour travel card, sightseeing bus tour, top heritage attraction, top museum and top art gallery to work out the total cost of your weekend away.
And so without flights you're looking at some very affordable weekends away. Where should you head to first? Well these are officially the top 10 cheapest European cities for a weekend break this summer. Bon Voyage!
10. Zagreb, Croatia
Total cost of weekend: £310.56
While we often think of Croatia as an ideal beach holiday thanks to Dubrovnik and the various islands, but it's also ideal for a long weekend. The capital city of Croatia is full of historic buildings to explore including the cathedral, and the Lotrščak Tower. There's also the world's shortest cable car to travel on and the Maksimir park to stroll around on a warm sunny afternoon.
9. Porto, Portugal
Total cost of weekend: £304.66
The ultimate foodie trip away, Porto is designed to spend your weekend ambling around the streets, heading to different bars and trying local restaurants. And even if you're not the biggest footie fan, it's well worth going to a watch a match in the stadium.
8. Krakow, Poland
Total cost of weekend: £300.24
The first of three Polish cities on this list and the most expensive by a small margin. There's plenty to keep you occupied during a weekend here and in all honesty, you'll probably need to come back for another trip. But if you only plan on going once make sure to squeeze in some time at the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter. You'll also want to see St Mary’s Basilica and the Royal Wawel Castle.
7. Gdansk, Poland
Total cost of weekend: £297.08
Ok it appears we've all been sleeping on Gdansk, as this Polish city is seriously stunning. The Old Town is a Unesco World Heritage site, and as it's located right on the Baltic Sea you can also incorporate some coastal walks into your weekend away.
6. Lille, France
Total cost of weekend: £293.26
Lille is the ideal city to do if you're short on time. It's probably the quickest of all of these on the list, as you can travel to it on the Eurostar in an hour and a half. It also makes for a perfect winter trip thanks it's legendary Christmas market that runs from the end of November to the end of December.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Total cost of weekend: £292.27
Given it's recent boom in popularity (our TikToks are full of Lisbon recs) we're very pleasantly surprised to see Lisbon on this list. The Portuguese city is one of our favourites to visit for a weekend, with plenty of architecture, shopping and incredible restaurants to keep us occupied. Make sure to stop at LX Factory and explore the many pop-ups, as well as the flea market Feira da Ladra which is on every Saturday. Want more Lisbon inspo? Read our full guide here.
4. Podgorica, Montenegro
Total cost of weekend: £281.70
Montenegro has long been on our hit list of places to explore, and it appears we'll be starting with a trip to Podgorica. While there make sure to kick start the weekend off with a coffee and a stroll in Njegošev Park, before exploring the city's many monasteries and churches, and end the day by heading to Independence Square which is bustling with cafes and bars.
3. Warsaw, Poland
Total cost of weekend: £277.39
The third Polish city on the list and the cheapest of them all. Spend a weekend in Warsaw and make sure to see the Old Town, the many museums and historical buildings, and of course sample some traditional Polish food.
2. Vilnius, Lithuania
Total cost of weekend: £254.32
The capital city of Lithuania is filled with historical sights and breathtaking views you won't want to miss such as the Hill of Three Crosses, the Gediminas Tower and Vilnius Cathedral. Try to pack in a walking tour if you can and also incorporate a stroll along the river to truly unwind.
1. Riga, Latvia
Total cost of weekend: £252.63
Drum roll please...the cheapest city for a European weekend away is Riga in Latvia. Costing you just over £250 for the whole weekend, there's a lot of history and culture to soak up. Make sure to include a visit to the Old Town in your weekend and some of the city's best museums. The sun also sets very late here in the summer (we're talking 10pm late) so make sure to grab a good spot for drinks outside in the sun.
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
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