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.
Mercure Braga Centro Hotel
Portugal, Braga
625 reviews
Tryp Porto Expo Hotel
Portugal, Porto
459 reviews
Porto Palacio by The Editory
Portugal, Porto
1297 reviews
Yotel Porto
Portugal, Porto
273 reviews
HF Fenix Porto
Portugal, Porto
1502 reviews
Melia Braga
Portugal, Braga
1869 reviews
HF Ipanema Park
Portugal, Porto
1673 reviews
Solverde Spa & Wellness Center
Portugal, Porto, Vila Nova De Gaia
664 reviews
Holiday Inn Express Porto City Center
Portugal, Porto
119 reviews
MS Aparthotel
Portugal, Lisbon
703 reviews
Exe Almada Porto
Portugal, Porto
281 reviews
Catalonia Porto
Portugal, Porto
342 reviews
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lisbon
Portugal, Lisbon
2691 reviews
Neya Lisboa Hotel
Portugal, Lisbon
1795 reviews
Pestana Lisboa Vintage City Centre Suites Hotel
Portugal, Lisbon
104 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.
D120
Italy, Milan, Malpensa Airport Hotels
1081 reviews
Eco Hotel Milano & Bioriso Restaurant
Italy, Milan
1401 reviews
Hotel Riva del Sole
Italy, Puglia, Bari
266 reviews
NH Milano 2
Italy, Milan
993 reviews
Ibis Milano Fiera
Italy, Milan
616 reviews
Grand Hotel Europa
Italy, Naples
1680 reviews
Montespina Park Hotel
Italy, Naples
834 reviews
Hotel Metropole
Italy, Sorrento
614 reviews
Best Western Plus Hotel Le Favaglie
Italy, Milan
Best Western Hotel La Solara
Italy, Sorrento
2617 reviews
Art Hotel Gran Paradiso
Italy, Sorrento
1474 reviews
Comfort Hotel Gardenia Sorrento Coast
Italy, Sorrento
1007 reviews
Caravel
Italy, Sorrento, Sant Agnello
1775 reviews
Best Western Jfk Hotel
Italy, Naples
1074 reviews
Ibis Styles Napoli Garibaldi
Italy, Naples
1356 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
Melia Girona Hotel
Spain, Costa Brava, Girona
1199 reviews
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
Spain, Bilbao
285 reviews
B&B HOTEL Malaga Centro
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
29 reviews
Hilton Garden Inn Málaga
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
976 reviews
Zenit Malaga
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
603 reviews
Castilla Guerrero
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
349 reviews
Atarazanas Malaga Boutique Hotel
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
1647 reviews
Ikonik Lex
Spain, Barcelona, L Hospitalet de Llobregat
381 reviews
Catalonia Castellnou
Spain, Barcelona
582 reviews
Eurostars Astoria
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
716 reviews
Sercotel Porta Barcelona
Spain, Barcelona, Cornella de Llobregat
686 reviews
Carlemany
Spain, Costa Brava, Girona
809 reviews
Malaga Alameda Centro Affiliated by Meliá
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
1296 reviews
Catalonia Albeniz
Spain, Barcelona
851 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.
Golden Star City Resort
Greece, Thessaloniki, Perea
591 reviews
Royal Hotel Thessaloniki
Greece, Thessaloniki, Perea
516 reviews
Golden City
Greece, Athens
384 reviews
Trendy By Athens Prime Hotels
Greece, Athens
Golden Coast Hotel
Greece, Athens, Athens coast
1968 reviews
Athenian Montaza Hotel
Greece, Athens
Wyndham Athens Residence
Greece, Athens
16 reviews
Athens One Smart Hotel
Greece, Athens
78 reviews
Dorian Inn, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
Greece, Athens
1238 reviews
Ibis Styles Athens Routes
Greece, Athens
143 reviews
Mitsis N''U Piraeus Port
Greece, Athens, Piraeus
Airotel Stratos Vassilikos
Greece, Athens
903 reviews
Novotel Athenes
Greece, Athens
3012 reviews
Melia Athens
Greece, Athens
2884 reviews
The Editor Hotel
Greece, Athens
70 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.
Boutique Hotel's Wroclaw
Poland, Wroclaw
152 reviews
Xerion Hotel
Poland, Krakow
60 reviews
Antique Apartments Old Town
Poland, Krakow
86 reviews
Hotel Number One by Grano
Poland, Gdansk
1217 reviews
Aparthotel Grodzka 21
Poland, Krakow
193 reviews
Leone Aparthotel
Poland, Krakow
809 reviews
Spatz Aparthotel
Poland, Krakow
1322 reviews
Aparthotel Oberza
Poland, Krakow
262 reviews
Petrus
Poland, Krakow
380 reviews
Moderno
Poland, Poznan
Metropolo By Golden Tulip
Poland, Krakow
163 reviews
Plaza Boutique Hotel
Poland, Krakow
321 reviews
ibis Poznan Centrum
Poland, Poznan
79 reviews
Kazimierz II
Poland, Krakow
493 reviews
Yarden Aparthotel by Artery Hotels
Poland, Krakow
1201 reviews
Ariston & Ariston Patio Hotel
Czech Republic, Prague
783 reviews
Belvedere
Czech Republic, Prague
990 reviews
Red & Blue Design
Czech Republic, Prague
2180 reviews
Soho Boutique Hotel
Hungary, Budapest
1902 reviews
Aida
Czech Republic, Prague
556 reviews
Assenzio Prague
Czech Republic, Prague
745 reviews
Dunetton Hotel Klaipeda
Lithuania, Klaipeda
Grata by Centrum Hotels
Lithuania, Vilnius
730 reviews
Corner Hotel
Lithuania, Vilnius
664 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
Royal Mirage Agadir
Morocco, Agadir
2288 reviews
Tildi Hotel & Spa Agadir
Morocco, Agadir
1368 reviews
Atlantic Hotel Agadir
Morocco, Agadir
404 reviews
Aferni
Morocco, Agadir
106 reviews
Riad Ailen
Morocco, Marrakech
238 reviews
Hotel Prestige Agadir Boutique & Spa
Morocco, Agadir
Riad Aladdin
Morocco, Marrakech
233 reviews
Riad Africa
Morocco, Marrakech
714 reviews
Riad Shaden
Morocco, Marrakech
385 reviews
Allegro Agadir
Morocco, Agadir
3576 reviews
Dunes d'Or Ocean Club
Morocco, Agadir
2094 reviews
Dellarosa
Morocco, Marrakech
1586 reviews
Maison Daouia
Morocco, Marrakech, Kasbah
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