Published 3rd Sep. 2024
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High-quality holidays don’t have to come with a high-end price tag. Luxury can be found in a range of affordable city breaks across Europe – think a cheerfully cheap combination of flights, accommodation and cuisine in often overlooked spots. Despite being on the road less travelled, the likes of Kotor and Krakow should be no less sought after. With medieval monuments, breathtaking beaches and succulent seafood, read on to discover what makes our favourite affordable city breaks so enticing.
Just as Albania has recently been thrown into the world’s tourism spotlight, so has its capital: all hail trendy Tirana. Sitting pretty in the middle of the country, this budget-friendly capital benefits from being a stone’s throw from natural wonders like Bovilla Lake, a brilliant blue reservoir providing Tirana with its drinking water. Back in the city, a hearty Mediterranean dinner with drinks will set you back no more than 1,700 lek (around £15), depending on your appetite, and its historical museums are often free to enter. All that’s left to do is brush up on your Albanian and join the wallet-friendly fun.
Montenegro is another country riding the wave of affordable city breaks, and Kotor is a shining gem on its low-cost crown. Perched in the Bay of Kotor, the old town’s famous ramparts, red roofs and secluded beaches are lapped by the warm Adriatic waters (and are just as sunny in the cheaper shoulder seasons). Craving culture? Visit the fortress of San Giovanni, a medieval monument whose sweeping vistas are worth the 1,300-step climb. Reward empty stomachs with Kotor’s stunning seafood specialities, rich in flavour but low in price, allowing you to dine in style without breaking the bank.
As one of the cheapest countries in Europe, Poland knows a thing or two about affordable city breaks. With its monument-studded Old Town and proximity to Auschwitz, Krakow provides an educational glance into Poland’s past – without the price tag. Generally, hotel prices in Krakow tend to be around half the cost (and equally as stunning) as those in London and Paris. The walkable city is also sprinkled with markets selling local fruits, meats, cheeses and baked goods, so you can taste authentic flavours at affordable prices.
Perched where the East meets the West, Istanbul is defined by the collision of colourful cultures from both sides. Opulent Ottoman sites such as the Blue Mosque may dazzle with their expensive taste, but their entrance is completely free. What’s more, feasting your way through famous Turkish cuisine is as kind on the bank as it is on the belly, with kebabs setting you back around 150 Turkish lira (roughly £3.50). Sign us up.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Gabrielle Chavant.
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