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.
São Félix Hotel Hillside and Nature
Portugal, Porto
Luna Arcos Hotel Nature & Welness
Portugal, Braga
266 reviews
Hotel Monte Lírio
Portugal, Porto, Espinho
104 reviews
Mercure Lisboa Hotel
Portugal, Lisbon
1734 reviews
Yotel Porto
Portugal, Porto
273 reviews
MS Aparthotel
Portugal, Lisbon
703 reviews
Smy Lisboa
Portugal, Lisbon
268 reviews
Pousada Palácio de Queluz - Historic Hotel
Portugal, Lisbon Coast, Sintra
530 reviews
Hotel da Musica
Portugal, Porto
1026 reviews
Holiday Inn Express Porto City Center
Portugal, Porto
119 reviews
Pestana Sintra Golf Resort & Spa
Portugal, Lisbon Coast, Sintra
1502 reviews
Evolution Lisboa Hotel
Portugal, Lisbon
1108 reviews
Neya Lisboa Hotel
Portugal, Lisbon
1795 reviews
Holiday Inn Express Lisbon - Plaza Saldanha
Portugal, Lisbon
113 reviews
Olissippo Saldanha
Portugal, Lisbon
844 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.
Mo.Om Hotel
Italy, Milan, Malpensa Airport Hotels
951 reviews
Buono BB
Italy, Naples
16 reviews
ibis Styles Milano Agrate Brianza
Italy, Milan
1235 reviews
AS Hotel Sempione Fiera
Italy, Milan
Eco Hotel Milano & Bioriso Restaurant
Italy, Milan
1401 reviews
D120
Italy, Milan, Malpensa Airport Hotels
1081 reviews
Ibis Milano Fiera
Italy, Milan
616 reviews
Klima Hotel Milano Fiere
Italy, Milan
2264 reviews
Maison du La Metro
Italy, Naples
88 reviews
Idea Hotel Milano Malpensa Airport
Italy, Milan, Malpensa Airport Hotels
Hotel Nuvo
Italy, Naples
1487 reviews
Palazzo Cappuccini Art Relais
Italy, Naples
Royal Garden Hotel
Italy, Milan
796 reviews
B&B Hotel Milano - Sesto
Italy, Milan, Sesto San Giovanni
879 reviews
Cardano Hotel Malpensa
Italy, Milan, Malpensa Airport Hotels
913 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.
New Hotel Colon
Spain, Barcelona, Mataro
162 reviews
Melia Girona Hotel
Spain, Costa Brava, Girona
1199 reviews
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
Spain, Bilbao
285 reviews
Hotel Los Jazmines
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
543 reviews
Don Curro
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
1567 reviews
Atenea Port Barcelona Mataro
Spain, Barcelona, Mataro
743 reviews
Soho Boutique Museo
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
27 reviews
Casual del Mar Málaga
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
426 reviews
Hilton Garden Inn Málaga
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
976 reviews
Ciutat de Girona
Spain, Costa Brava, Girona
952 reviews
Sercotel Porta Barcelona
Spain, Barcelona, Cornella de Llobregat
686 reviews
Ikonik Lex
Spain, Barcelona, L Hospitalet de Llobregat
381 reviews
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
Spain, Bilbao
214 reviews
Zenit Malaga
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
603 reviews
Soho Boutique Urban
Spain, Costa del Sol, Malaga
51 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.
Gallery Suites & Residences
Greece, Athens, Piraeus
31 reviews
Athenian Montaza Hotel
Greece, Athens
Dinostratus Hous
Greece, Athens
12 reviews
Areos Hotel
Greece, Athens, Athens coast
Golden City
Greece, Athens
384 reviews
Marathon Beach Resort
Greece, Athens, Athens coast
497 reviews
Emmantina Hotel
Greece, Athens, Glyfada
394 reviews
Delphi Art Hotel
Greece, Athens
448 reviews
Ibis Styles Athens Routes
Greece, Athens
143 reviews
Piraeus Theoxenia
Greece, Athens, Piraeus
603 reviews
Dorian Inn, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
Greece, Athens
1238 reviews
Mitsis N''U Piraeus Port
Greece, Athens, Piraeus
Plaka Hotel
Greece, Athens
4180 reviews
Trendy By Athens Prime Hotels
Greece, Athens
Golden Coast Hotel
Greece, Athens, Athens coast
1968 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
Aparthotel Globus Kraków
Poland, Krakow
370 reviews
Metropolo By Golden Tulip
Poland, Krakow
163 reviews
Armon Residence
Poland, Krakow
73 reviews
Xerion Hotel
Poland, Krakow
60 reviews
Maly Kraków Aparthotel
Poland, Krakow
584 reviews
Kazimierz II
Poland, Krakow
493 reviews
Aparthotel Oberza
Poland, Krakow
262 reviews
Yarden Aparthotel by Artery Hotels
Poland, Krakow
1201 reviews
Moderno
Poland, Poznan
Campanile Kraków South
Poland, Krakow
1 reviews
Hotel Altus Poznan Old Town
Poland, Poznan
112 reviews
Rajska Residence
Poland, Krakow
Spatz Aparthotel
Poland, Krakow
1322 reviews
Leone Aparthotel
Poland, Krakow
809 reviews
Post 120 Suites
Czech Republic, Prague
Central Hotel 21
Hungary, Budapest
733 reviews
Hotel Trevi
Czech Republic, Prague
357 reviews
Cloister Inn
Czech Republic, Prague, Stare Mesto
2531 reviews
Dean's Home Budapest
Hungary, Budapest
62 reviews
Anyday Apartments
Czech Republic, Prague, Nove Mesto
578 reviews
Grata by Centrum Hotels
Lithuania, Vilnius
730 reviews
Corner Hotel
Lithuania, Vilnius
664 reviews
Ratonda Centrum Hotels
Lithuania, Vilnius
570 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.
Hotel Le Caspien
Morocco, Marrakech
886 reviews
Rofaida Apart Hotel
Morocco, Agadir
38 reviews
Riad Barroko
Morocco, Marrakech
125 reviews
Atlantic Hotel Agadir
Morocco, Agadir
404 reviews
Riad Shaden
Morocco, Marrakech
385 reviews
Riad Aladdin
Morocco, Marrakech
233 reviews
Royal Mirage Hotel Agadir
Morocco, Agadir
2288 reviews
Riad Africa
Morocco, Marrakech
714 reviews
Riad La Maison des Oliviers
Morocco, Marrakech
789 reviews
Labranda Rose
Morocco, Marrakech
1880 reviews
Maison Daouia
Morocco, Marrakech, Kasbah
Petit Karmela
Morocco, Marrakech
80 reviews
Dunes d'Or Ocean Club
Morocco, Agadir
2094 reviews
Diwane Marrakech
Morocco, Marrakech, Gueliz
1484 reviews
Dellarosa
Morocco, Marrakech
1586 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