Looking for a cheap city break in Europe? Discover the top 10 budget-friendly European cities to visit in 2026, with low travel costs, affordable food, and great cultural experiences

Against the backdrop of an unstable global economy and rising airfares and accommodation prices, more and more travelers are choosing short city trips. A city break is an opportunity to change the scenery, see a new city and recharge without spending a lot of money.

That is why the British publication The Independent published a rating of the most affordable European cities for a short break in 2026. The selection took into account data from the Numbeo cost of living index, as well as Skyscanner's recommendations for the cheapest months for flights. Below are 10 destinations that combine low prices and vivid impressions.

Traveling around Europe by car? Don't forget about the electronic vignette - a digital document confirming payment for using toll roads and motorways in Europe. It completely replaces paper stickers on the windshield: all data about the car is stored in the official database, and the check is carried out automatically by vehicle number.

Apply online to avoid fines and unnecessary stops when traveling between European cities!

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

- Cheapest month to fly: December

- What attracts you: Coffee, history, mountains and low prices

Sarajevo is consistently on the list of the cheapest cities in Europe. In winter, flight prices are especially attractive here, and daily expenses remain minimal.

The city is famous for its Bosnian coffee, brewed in a cezve, as well as traditional dishes - čevapi, stewed lonac and pastries from local bakeries. The center of city life is the historic bazaar of Baščaršija.

Sarajevo also offers a rich cultural program: the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque from the Ottoman period, the Tunnel of Salvation Museum, the Museum of War Childhood and panoramic views from the Yellow Fortress or the cable car.

Sofia, Bulgaria

- Cheapest month: January

- What attracts: History, nature, low housing prices

The Bulgarian capital is often underestimated, although it is ideal for a budget holiday. Sofia is compact, easy to walk and surprises with a combination of Roman ruins, Ottoman heritage and socialist architecture.

Among the main attractions are the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Boyana Church (UNESCO), as well as free gastronomic tours with tastings of Bulgarian dishes. An added bonus is the proximity of the Vitosha Mountains and cheap ski resorts nearby.

Braga, Portugal

- Cheapest month: December

- What attracts: Architecture, authenticity, calm atmosphere

Braga is often called the “Portuguese Rome” due to its large number of temples and shrines. Despite over 2,000 years of history, the city has a youthful atmosphere thanks to its universities and active cultural life.

Here you should see the cathedral, the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and pay attention to the houses decorated with traditional azulejo tiles. Tourists are attracted by low prices and the absence of massive crowds, unlike Lisbon or Porto.

Bucharest, Romania

- Cheapest month: January

- What attracts: thermal baths, nightlife, low costs

Bucharest is a find for those who want to combine a city break and a spa vacation. Therme Bucharest thermal complex offers mineral pools and saunas at prices unattainable for most European resorts.

In addition to relaxation, the city is known for its active nightlife, affordable bars and free walking tours of the historic center. Among the must-sees are Revolution Square and the Romanian Athenaeum.

Krakow, Poland

- Cheapest month: December

- What makes it so special: History, culture, affordable housing

Krakow is one of the most beautiful historic cities in Central Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to medieval fortifications, Wawel Castle, and Europe’s largest market square.

The city is ideal for walking, and many museums have free admission days. For those interested in 20th-century history, the Nowa Huta district is worth a visit.

Tirana, Albania

- Cheapest month: December

- What attracts: Food, modern atmosphere, low prices

The Albanian capital is gradually becoming a new hit for budget travel. Bright facades, modern architecture and traces of the communist past create a unique urban landscape.

Tirana is famous for cheap street food, Bunk’Art museums in former bunkers and the Block district, which has become a center of nightlife and gastronomy.

Seville, Spain

- Cheapest months: December, January, March

- What attracts: Climate, cuisine, architecture

Seville is the warmest city in continental Europe, ideal for a winter or off-season city break. In winter, comfortable temperatures and significantly lower prices.

Plaza de España, Maria Luisa Park, Triana Market and tapas culture make the city a real gastronomic and cultural discovery.

Budapest, Hungary

- Cheapest month: December

- What attracts: baths, architecture, greenery

Budapest is known for its thermal baths, historical buildings and numerous free locations for walks. In addition to the popular Szechenyi Baths, there are cheaper alternatives available for budget tourists.

The city offers magnificent panoramas from Gellért Hill, parks, Margaret Island and a rich cultural life.

Catania, Italy (Sicily)

- Cheapest month: January

- What attracts: Italy without overpayments, volcano, cuisine

Catania is one of the cheapest Italian destinations. The city is located near the Etna volcano and is famous for its markets with fresh seafood and Sicilian cuisine.

Baroque architecture, an ancient amphitheater and the possibility of excursions to Etna make the city interesting even for experienced travelers.

Thessaloniki, Greece

- Cheapest month: December

- What attracts: culture, sea, affordable prices

The second largest Greek metropolis remains in the shadow of the islands, but this is what makes it affordable. Thessaloniki is a student city with an active nightlife and low prices.

Here you can combine a city break with a beach holiday, visit Byzantine UNESCO monuments and stroll along the Aegean Sea promenade.

A city break in 2026 remains one of the most profitable formats of travel in Europe, even against the backdrop of rising prices. By choosing less popular but culturally rich cities, tourists can get vivid impressions without significant costs, and competent planning - from choosing the season to preparing documents for a road trip - will help make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible.

An electronic vignette is a must-have for a budget city break.

If you plan to rent a car or travel by your own car, an electronic vignette will help save time and money. The purchase takes a few minutes, does not require printing or physical stickers, and is valid immediately after activation. This is a convenient solution for tourists traveling in Europe in 2026.

Buy a vignette on the Visit World portal and set off on a fabulous journey!

Reminder! UNESCO has officially recognized Italian cuisine as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. We tell you why this decision is historic, what preceded the recognition and how it will affect world gastronomy.

Photo – Shutterstock

---