Cheap City Breaks
Looking for a cheap city break? If you’re willing to consider different cities and departure dates, then the possibilities for your low cost holiday are endless. With some destinations it’s possible to fly out in the morning and fly home in the evening on a different day, maximising your time for sightseeing.
If you have your heart set on one of the pricier destinations, such as Rome, Paris or New York, then consider staying a bit further out from the centre. Hotels offering a view of the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum come at a premium. There’s usually a reliable Metro system that will take you between your hotel and the heart of the city for a low price. Also, consider different dates. Even changing your trip date by just one day might mean it doesn’t clash with a conference or sports event being hosted in the city, increasing the number of hotel options available.
To keep the transfer costs down you can even choose a destination where the airport is just a stone's throw from the centre. Pisa Airport is just 3km from the city centre, while Gibraltar Airport is even more central. If you’re travelling with just a backpack, you might even choose to walk from the airport to your hotel! In the bigger cities there’s often a choice of public transport options. So, you could choose a slower, cheaper bus over a faster, more expensive train. If your hotel isn’t served by public transport consider a shared transfer over a taxi.
Once you arrive you can keep the cost down by opting for street food and delicious bites from bakeries that you can then eat on-the-go. And if you’ve booked your hotel on a B&B basis, make breakfast the main meal of the day and opt for a light lunch. After all, breakfast buffets usually offer plenty of variety.
Looking for a cheap weekend city break? Keep a lookout for days when the normal admission charge is waived. Heritage Open Days run across many European cities, giving free access to selected buildings for one weekend in September - sometimes even buildings that aren’t normally open to the public. In Greece historical sites usually open for free on selected Public Holidays, although they are closed on others. While in Rome there’s no admission charge for the Colosseum on the first Sunday of the month and the Vatican museums issue complimentary tickets on the last Sunday of the month. Just arrive early to avoid the queues
Cheap City Breaks in Portugal
For a cheap Portugal holiday, the obvious choice might be a Lisbon city break. Here, you can visit the Jerónimos Monastery and sample one of the original pastel de natas. But don’t overlook Porto, made famous by Port wine and its imposing Dom Luís I Bridge. Alternatively, explore 2000 years of history in Braga - the country’s oldest city. And if that wasn’t enough to choose from there’s also Sintra, home to three palaces and located on the edge of a national park.
Luna Arcos Hotel Nature & Welness
Portugal, Braga
266 reviews
Hotel Monte Lírio
Portugal, Porto, Espinho
104 reviews
São Félix Hotel Hillside and Nature
Portugal, Porto
Holiday Inn Porto Gaia
Portugal, Porto, Vila Nova De Gaia
1051 reviews
Tryp Porto Expo Hotel
Portugal, Porto
459 reviews
Porto Palacio by The Editory
Portugal, Porto
1297 reviews
HF Fenix Porto
Portugal, Porto
1502 reviews
Exe Essenzia Porto
Portugal, Porto
31 reviews
Melia Braga
Portugal, Braga
1869 reviews
Yotel Porto
Portugal, Porto
273 reviews
TURIM Luxe Hotel
Portugal, Lisbon
812 reviews
HF Ipanema Park
Portugal, Porto
1673 reviews
Solverde Spa & Wellness Center
Portugal, Porto, Vila Nova De Gaia
664 reviews
Ribeira Collection Hotel by Piamonte Hotels
Portugal, Porto
241 reviews
Pestana Sintra Golf Resort & Spa
Portugal, Lisbon Coast, Sintra
1502 reviews
Cheap City Breaks in Italy
While Italy isn’t generally seen as a cheap European city break destination, there are low cost getaways to be had. You can’t go wrong with Pisa - there’s more to the city than the famous leaning tower. Once you’re there, the Renaissance capital of Florence and the historic centre of Lucca are easy day trips by train. Many Brits miss out by overlooking the cultural melting pot of Bari (Puglia’s capital) as a holiday destination. And while a budget break to Switzerland would be extremely difficult, a stay in the fashion capital of Milan means you can sneak in a day trip to the Swiss lakeshore city of Lugano with its stunning mountain backdrop.
Cristina
Italy, Naples
1770 reviews
Villa Signorini Hotel
Italy, Naples, Ercolano
459 reviews
Cardano Hotel Malpensa
Italy, Milan, Malpensa Airport Hotels
913 reviews
Eco Hotel Milano & Bioriso Restaurant
Italy, Milan
1401 reviews
Tiempo Hotel
Italy, Naples
952 reviews
Palazzo Cappuccini Art Relais
Italy, Naples
Best Western Plus Hotel Le Favaglie
Italy, Milan
Best Western Air Hotel Linate
Italy, Milan, Aeroporto di Linate
Grand Hotel Europa
Italy, Naples
1680 reviews
Hotel Raffaello
Italy, Milan
593 reviews
Hotel Riva del Sole
Italy, Puglia, Bari
266 reviews
Beauty Farm Villa Luisa
Italy, Naples
592 reviews
NH Milano 2
Italy, Milan
993 reviews
Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast
Italy, Naples, Castellamare Di Stabia
2114 reviews
For You Hotel
Italy, Milan, Sesto San Giovanni
664 reviews
Cheap City Breaks in Spain
For a cheap Spain holiday you can’t go wrong with a Malaga city break. The birthplace of Picasso isn’t just the getaway to the Costa del Sol. It’s a city in its own right with an Alcazaba, cathedral, museums, art galleries and a vibrant culinary scene. The Basque city of Bilbao is becoming a favourite with art lovers, thanks to the Guggenheim Museum and its wallet-friendly tapas bars. And if Barcelona isn’t within your price range, consider the Catalan city of Girona with its medieval streets and picturesque river views.
Hotel Los Jazmines
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
543 reviews
B&B HOTEL Girona 3
Spain, Costa Brava, Girona
471 reviews
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
Spain, Bilbao
285 reviews
Hilton Garden Inn Málaga
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
976 reviews
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
Spain, Bilbao
214 reviews
New Hotel Colon
Spain, Barcelona, Mataro
162 reviews
Catalonia Sagrada Familia
Spain, Barcelona
1909 reviews
Ciutat Vella
Spain, Barcelona, Las Ramblas
632 reviews
Ilunion Auditori
Spain, Barcelona
1505 reviews
Vincci Bit Hotel
Spain, Barcelona
1770 reviews
Ilunion Les Corts Spa
Spain, Barcelona
1779 reviews
Sol Guadalmar
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
2095 reviews
TWO Hotel Barcelona by Axel Adults Only
Spain, Barcelona
1402 reviews
Vincci Maritimo
Spain, Barcelona
1497 reviews
Andante
Spain, Barcelona
2628 reviews
Cheap City Breaks in Greece
Greece may not have many city break destinations. But its biggest two cities - Athens and Thessaloniki are very friendly on the wallet. The budget hotels in the capital may not offer views of the Ancient Greek landmarks, but they are often either within walking distance of them or just a short-hop on the Metro away. The options for cheap eats in both cities are numerous. Plus, there’s no charge to see Athens’ most famous residents - the wild tortoises that roam the city’s green spaces.
Chic Hotel
Greece, Athens
372 reviews
Dinostratus Hous
Greece, Athens
12 reviews
Golden Coast Hotel
Greece, Athens, Athens coast
1968 reviews
Marathon Beach Resort
Greece, Athens, Athens coast
497 reviews
Dorian Inn, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
Greece, Athens
1238 reviews
Wyndham Athens Residence
Greece, Athens
16 reviews
Vincci EverEden
Greece, Athens, Athens coast
174 reviews
Piraeus Theoxenia
Greece, Athens, Piraeus
603 reviews
Trendy By Athens Prime Hotels
Greece, Athens
Athens One Smart Hotel
Greece, Athens
78 reviews
Wyndham Grand Athens
Greece, Athens
1413 reviews
Ibis Styles Athens Routes
Greece, Athens
143 reviews
Brown Acropol, a member of Brown Hotels
Greece, Athens
381 reviews
Hermes Hotel
Greece, Athens
1902 reviews
Ramada Attica Riviera
Greece, Athens, Athens coast
81 reviews
Cheap City Breaks in Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe has gained a reputation as a haven for budget-conscious travellers. Bratislava is often seen as a low-cost alternative to Vienna - and it’s just an hour away from the Austrian capital by bus. Even in this part of Europe choose your departure dates carefully to get the best bargains. December is no longer the low season in Prague and Budapest due to the popular Christmas Markets and winter fairytale themed Lumina Parks. However, if you consider the attractive Polish city of Wrocław or Lithuania's stunning capital Vilnius, you can get experience both, often for a lower price.
Armon Residence
Poland, Krakow
73 reviews
Aparthotel Grodzka 21
Poland, Krakow
193 reviews
Aparthotel Globus Kraków
Poland, Krakow
370 reviews
ibis Poznan Centrum
Poland, Poznan
79 reviews
Aparthotel Oberza
Poland, Krakow
262 reviews
Boutique Hotel's Wroclaw
Poland, Wroclaw
152 reviews
Antique Apartments Old Town
Poland, Krakow
86 reviews
Ibis Centrum
Poland, Krakow
948 reviews
Ascot Premium
Poland, Krakow
1049 reviews
Zulian Hotel
Poland, Krakow
238 reviews
Campanile Krakow Old Town
Poland, Krakow
874 reviews
ibis Krakow Stare Miasto
Poland, Krakow
1439 reviews
Hotel Altus Poznan Old Town
Poland, Poznan
112 reviews
Maximum
Poland, Krakow
31 reviews
Novotel Gdansk Centrum
Poland, Gdansk
1146 reviews
Dean's Home Budapest
Hungary, Budapest
62 reviews
Lord Apartments
Hungary, Budapest
542 reviews
Post 120 Suites
Czech Republic, Prague
Medos Hotel
Hungary, Budapest
921 reviews
Exe Budapest Center
Hungary, Budapest
2853 reviews
Ariston & Ariston Patio Hotel
Czech Republic, Prague
783 reviews
Cheap City Breaks in North Africa
Travelling a bit further, can result in a cheaper holiday. Marrakech's bustling souks, vibrant medina and stunning palaces offer a sensory journey that won't strain your wallet. While Tunisia is now re-emerging as a budget-friendly tourist destination. The UNESCO listed Old Town of Sousse boasts a 9th century medina, a ribat and a mosque dating from 850AD. The Archaeological Museum claims to have the second largest collection of mosaics in the world. If you’re brave enough to use the public transport you’ll find the fares comparable to the cost of a banana in the UK.
Rofaida Apart Hotel
Morocco, Agadir
38 reviews
Aferni
Morocco, Agadir
106 reviews
Golden Beach Aparthotel
Morocco, Agadir
258 reviews
Royal Mirage Agadir
Morocco, Agadir
2288 reviews
Hotel Argana
Morocco, Agadir
2971 reviews
Atlantic Hotel Agadir
Morocco, Agadir
404 reviews
Dunes d'Or Ocean Club
Morocco, Agadir
2094 reviews
Riad Aladdin
Morocco, Marrakech
233 reviews
Dellarosa
Morocco, Marrakech
1586 reviews
Riad Africa
Morocco, Marrakech
714 reviews
Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay
Morocco, Agadir
1588 reviews
Radisson Blu Resort Taghazout Bay Surf Village
Morocco, Agadir
1626 reviews
Allegro Agadir
Morocco, Agadir
3576 reviews
Amadil Ocean Club
Morocco, Agadir
2581 reviews
Petit Karmela
Morocco, Marrakech
80 reviews
See also
- Amsterdam city breaks
- Berlin city breaks
- Bruges city breaks
- Brussels city breaks
- Copenhagen city breaks
- Dublin city breaks
- Dubrovnik city breaks
- Gibraltar city breaks
- Istanbul city breaks
- Krakow city breaks
- London city breaks
- Madrid city breaks
- Nice city breaks
- Palma city breaks
- Reykjavik city breaks
- Stockholm city breaks
- Tokyo city breaks
- Venice city breaks