European City Breaks Compared – From Bargain to Tourist Trap
Looking for an affordable weekend getaway or a spontaneous city break? Europe is packed with options, and thanks to its dense network of buses, trains, and flights, nearly every capital is just a few hours away. Whether you’re seeking cobbled streets, cultural landmarks, or scenic cafés, there’s something for every budget. We’re here to help you choose the perfect destination based not just on charm—but also on cost.
Note: The original data in this article was compiled in 2017. However, this updated version (as of May 2025) includes the latest available cost comparisons for 2024, excluding destinations currently unsafe due to ongoing conflicts, such as Ukraine and Russia.
Where Does Your Money Go the Furthest?
With a fixed budget of £360, we wanted to find out how many days you could spend in each European capital. By analyzing updated average daily travel costs—covering accommodation, transport, meals, drinks, and entry to major attractions—we identified which cities offer the best value for money.
According to the latest 2024 data, Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, has taken the top spot. Here, £360 stretches to nearly 8 days, making it the best value city break in Europe right now. Skopje offers a unique mix of brutalist architecture, ancient history, and quirky modern monuments.
Close behind is Bucharest, Romania's vibrant and underrated capital, followed by Sofia, Bulgaria, both offering up to 7 days of adventure for your budget. Eastern European destinations remain the most affordable, with excellent food, rich history, and fewer crowds compared to Western hotspots.
And Where Will You Spend the Most?
On the other end of the spectrum, copenhagen remains Europe’s most expensive capital for a city break. With a daily budget requirement of nearly £300, your £360 will barely get you through one full day. Other pricey cities include Reykjavík, Oslo, and Amsterdam, where high accommodation costs and dining prices eat through travel funds quickly.
That said, these cities still draw visitors thanks to their stunning urban design, unique cultural experiences, and one-of-a-kind attractions. Reykjavík, for example, offers direct access to natural wonders like the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights—if you’re willing to splurge.
London: Still Not the Most Expensive
London has a reputation for being expensive, but compared to other Western European capitals, it now lands in the middle tier. With an average daily cost of £160, a city break here will cost about twice as much as in Skopje but still less than a day in Paris or Amsterdam. Thanks to its many free museums and attractions—like the British Museum or the Tate Modern—London offers surprisingly good value for cultural travelers.
2024 Top 10 Best Value European City Breaks
Here’s a snapshot of the top 10 most affordable European capitals based on the average daily spend and days you could enjoy on a £360 budget:
| Rank | Capital City | Price per Day | Days with £360 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skopje (North Macedonia) | £46.80 | 7.7 |
| 2 | Bucharest (Romania) | £49.20 | 7.3 |
| 3 | Sofia (Bulgaria) | £52.00 | 6.9 |
| 4 | Podgorica (Montenegro) | £53.10 | 6.8 |
| 5 | Belgrade (Serbia) | £54.00 | 6.7 |
| 6 | Tirana (Albania) | £55.50 | 6.5 |
| 7 | Chișinău (Moldova) | £56.80 | 6.3 |
| 8 | Sarajevo (Bosnia & Herzegovina) | £58.30 | 6.2 |
| 9 | Ankara (Turkey) | £59.90 | 6.0 |
| 10 | Riga (Latvia) | £61.20 | 5.9 |
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Most Expensive Cities for a Short Break
| Rank | Capital City | Price per Day | Days with £360 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Copenhagen (Denmark) | £295.50 | 1.2 |
| 2 | Reykjavík (Iceland) | £287.10 | 1.3 |
| 3 | Bern (Switzerland) | £261.00 | 1.4 |
| 4 | Amsterdam (Netherlands) | £248.50 | 1.4 |
| 5 | Dublin (Ireland) | £233.60 | 1.5 |
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Summary
The 2024 data reconfirms that Eastern Europe is the go-to region for budget-conscious travelers looking for rich experiences without breaking the bank. However, if you're looking for luxury, modern comforts, and iconic architecture, Western and Nordic capitals remain worth visiting—just plan accordingly.
Whether you’re stretching every pound or planning a quick luxury escape, knowing where your money goes furthest is the key to a satisfying city break.
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