A new report by Post Office Travel Money shows which are the cheapest, but also the most expensive European cities for a city break in 2026. The study analyzed 50 destinations and compared the costs for accommodation, meals, transport, drinks and the main tourist attractions.
The rankings were based on the average spend for a two-night weekend in a three-star hotel, plus restaurant meals, local transport, airport transfers and access to major cultural attractions, according to the Daily Mail.
In the top of the most accessible destinations is Sarajevo, considered one of the European cities on the rise in tourism, and Bucharest takes the second place.
1. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo has been named the cheapest European city for a city break in 2026, according to the Post Office Travel Money report. The average cost for a weekend comes to around £248 and includes accommodation, meals, transport and the main tourist attractions.
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is gaining more and more ground in the preferences of tourists thanks to its low prices and relaxed atmosphere. Two nights’ accommodation costs, on average, around £157, and many of the day-to-day expenses are considerably lower than in other European cities.
Here, a coffee costs around 1.7 pounds, a beer around 2.5 pounds, and a 48-hour public transport pass is just over 5 pounds. In addition, many museums and galleries can be visited for free.
In recent years, Sarajevo has become one of Europe’s tourist surprises. The city attracts with low prices, an old center with Ottoman influences and a less hectic atmosphere than in other European capitals.
2. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest ranked second in the list of the most accessible European destinations for a city break. With an average cost of around 258 pounds for a weekend, Romania’s capital continues to be one of the most affordable weekend destinations in Europe.
The report shows that low-cost flights to Bucharest remain among the cheapest in Europe, and prices in restaurants and bars are far below those in major European capitals.
Among the attractions mentioned here is Therme Bucharest, one of the largest spa and wellness centers in Europe.
3. Tirana, Albania
Tirana completes the podium of the cheapest European destinations for a city break, with an average cost of around £263 for a weekend.
The city attracts with Skanderbeg Square, museums that tell the story of the communist period and the Great Mosque of Tirana, one of the largest in the Balkans.
And the prices remain among the lowest in Europe. For example, a coffee costs just over two pounds, a glass of wine about 3.8 pounds, and a three-course dinner for two people comes to about 64 pounds.
4. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade ranks fourth in the cheapest city breaks in Europe, with an average cost of around £265 for a weekend. Two nights’ accommodation comes, on average, to around 144 pounds.
The capital of Serbia has become increasingly popular in recent years, mainly due to its nightlife and lower prices than in many other European cities. The city is also known for the massive buildings built during the communist era, which give Belgrade’s neighborhoods a distinct look.
Tourists frequently choose Belgrade for its Danube riverside walks, local markets and museums dedicated to Nikola Tesla and the history of science.
5. Trenčín, Slovakia
Trenčín is one of the surprises of the ranking and one of the least known destinations included in the list.
The city has average costs of around £272 for a city break and is heavily promoted this year as it will be European Capital of Culture in 2026.
Coffee and beer are among the cheapest on the list, and restaurants have prices well below the European average.
6. Riga, Latvia
The capital of Latvia is in sixth place, with an average cost of around £278.
Riga is one of the most popular destinations in the Baltic area and attracts with its Art Nouveau architecture, old center and cheap hotels.
Two nights’ accommodation costs around 140 pounds, one of the lowest prices in the ranking.
7. Lille, France
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Lille comes seventh in the ranking, with an average cost of around £289 for a city break. The city is one of the most accessible options for tourists who prefer to travel by train.
The average cost for a weekend is estimated at around £289.
The city is popular for its cobbled streets, cafes and proximity to London and Paris. In addition, the prices of wine and museum admissions remain relatively low compared to other cities in France.
8. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius ranks eighth and continues to be one of the most accessible European capitals.
The average cost of a city break is around £289 and many tourist attractions have free entry.
Vilnius is increasingly chosen as a tourist destination by those who want to avoid the crowds and high prices of the big European capitals.
9. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is considered one of the most suitable cities in Western Europe for an affordable city break.
A weekend here costs around £319.
The city is famous for, among other things, the French and German influences, the traditional houses and the area “Petite France”, one of the most photographed in Europe.
10. Podgorica, Montenegro
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The capital of Montenegro concludes the list of the cheapest European destinations, with an average cost of around 332 pounds.
Podgorica attracts with its modern bridges, cafe prices and proximity to the mountains and the coast.
In recent years, Montenegro has become one of the most popular Balkan destinations for tourists looking for more affordable holidays.
The most expensive cities in Europe
At the opposite pole, Oslo is the most expensive European city for a city break in 2026. A weekend in the Norwegian capital costs around £734 on average.
In the next places are Copenhagen and Edinburgh. In fact, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dublin and Venice also appear in the top of the most expensive destinations analyzed.
Top 10 most expensive European cities
1. Oslo, Norway
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
4. Geneva, Switzerland
5. Barcelona, Spain
6. Dublin, Ireland
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
8. Cork, Ireland
9. Venice, Italy
10. Madrid, Spain
Laura Plunkett, from Post Office Travel Money, says holidaymakers should compare costs carefully before booking their holidays.
“There are still many European cities where tourists can get very good value for money. At this time, it’s worth checking carefully where you can stretch your budget better“, she told the Daily Mail.
