Europe really does have everything—from the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps and Iceland’s jaw-dropping waterfalls to golden beaches in Greece, Portugal and Spain. Whether you’re drawn to nature, history, food or culture, there’s a corner of Europe that feels tailor-made for you. And the best part? Even the smallest towns often surprise you with moments that stay long after the trip ends. But here’s the big question: can you still explore Europe without spending a fortune? As popular destinations grapple with overtourism, rising hotel rates and crowded streets, many once-affordable cities no longer feel like great value. The good news is that some of Europe’s best experiences are now found in places flying under the radar—where prices are lower, crowds are thinner and local life feels refreshingly real. Based on accommodation, food and overall costs, these are the cheapest—and most rewarding—city breaks in Europe for 2026, according to Time Out, ranked from best value to still a serious steal. 10. Argos, GreeceAverage one-bed Airbnb: €50Average pint: €4.50One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Argos offers a quieter, cheaper alternative to Greece’s tourist-heavy islands. Ancient theatres, archaeological sites and sun-soaked streets can be explored without crowds—or inflated prices. For travellers seeking authentic Greece on a budget, Argos is a rare find. 9. Kraków, PolandAverage one-bed Airbnb: €75Average pint: €3.00Kraków may no longer be Europe’s cheapest city, but it still offers excellent value. Medieval streets, historic squares and a strong festival culture make it feel lively year-round. Compared to Western European capitals, accommodation, food and nightlife remain comfortably affordable. 8. Kaunas, LithuaniaAverage one-bed Airbnb: €70Average pint: €3.50Kaunas is quietly becoming one of Europe’s coolest secondary cities. Highly walkable and rich in interwar architecture, it balances history with a thriving café and craft beer scene. For now, prices remain reasonable—and crowds remain thin—making it an excellent choice for travellers who prefer discovering places before they peak. 7. Sofia, BulgariaAverage one-bed Airbnb: €65Average pint: €2.20Sofia delivers outstanding value, especially in summer. The city layers Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and Soviet-era architecture into one compact capital. Free walking tours, food tastings and easy mountain access make it ideal for budget travellers who want culture, scenery and warm weather—without premium prices. 6. Belgrade, SerbiaAverage one-bed Airbnb: €50Average pint: €2.00Belgrade is loud, gritty and endlessly energetic—and still very affordable. Known for its legendary nightlife, riverside hangouts and emerging creative districts, the Serbian capital offers cheap accommodation and food without skimping on atmosphere. When you need a breather, green spaces and river islands provide a surprising sense of calm. 5. Zagreb, CroatiaAverage one-bed Airbnb: €65Average pint: €2.50Croatia’s capital flies under the radar, but that’s exactly why it’s such good value. Zagreb is compact, walkable and refreshingly relaxed compared to coastal hotspots. Cafés spill onto leafy streets, public transport is inexpensive, and many of the city’s highlights are within easy walking distance—making it perfect for a low-cost, low-effort city break. 4. Miskolc, HungaryAverage one-bed Airbnb: €55Average pint: €1.60Often overlooked in favour of Budapest, Miskolc offers remarkable value. This former industrial city has reinvented itself with lively bars, flea markets and easy access to nature. A short ride takes you to forest railways, lakeside retreats and national parks—making it one of the cheapest European city breaks for travellers who want both urban life and outdoor escapes. 3. Hull, United KingdomAverage one-bed Airbnb: €80Average pint: €5.60Among UK cities, Hull stands out for its affordability. Historic streets that survived WWII, a thriving LGBTQ+ scene and a growing food culture make it an appealing weekend escape. With accommodation prices far lower than London, Manchester or Bristol, Hull proves you can still do the UK on a budget—without sacrificing culture or character. 2. Tirana, AlbaniaAverage one-bed Airbnb: €52.50Average pint: €1.65While Albania’s beaches are stealing the spotlight, its capital remains one of Europe’s most affordable city breaks. Tirana blends communist-era landmarks with colourful street art, buzzing cafés and surprisingly polished nightlife. Museums housed in former bunkers cost very little to enter, and dining out—whether local fare or modern Albanian cuisine—rarely dents your wallet. 1. Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaAverage one-bed Airbnb: €40Average pint: €2.30Sarajevo is one of Europe’s last true bargain capitals. The city rewards slow wandering—its Ottoman-era streets, riverside walks and hillside viewpoints cost nothing to enjoy. Food is exceptionally good value, with flaky burek pastries and hearty local dishes available for just a few euros. Add free walking tours, lively cafés and a powerful cultural history, and Sarajevo feels like a destination that offers far more than it asks for.
