The 10 Cheapest Winter City Breaks

To escape the chilly dull winter of Britain, many British families start searching for the cheapest winter city breaks to take a well-deserved holiday from work or school.

Winter travel doesn’t have to mean expensive flights or cramped, crowded tourist hotspots. In fact, it’s an ideal time to explore Europe without the crowds and discover hidden gems that are often overlooked.

We’ve researched flight routes and prices, meal costs, and attraction fees across a range of European cities. Here are ten of the cheapest, all easy to reach in the winter season.

For more cost saving guides, find out how we saved hundreds on airport parking. On winter travel, check out our list of the best European Christmas markets.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, is a common destination for business travel. Leisure visitors often overlook it despite its medieval streets and easy-going energy. The city’s absence from common travel guides makes it into a hidden gem, and a cheap winter city break bursting with value.

History buffs will enjoy the city’s museums, many of which explore Lithuania’s Soviet past, such as the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles or the National Museum of Lithuania. Each has its own insight into the nation’s resilience.

Where many cities are overrun by chain shops and franchises, many of Vilnius’ restaurants are local and family-run, even in the city centre. If you prefer not to eat out, you’ll find plenty of mini-marts and local stores where groceries are very cheap compared to the UK.

If you can, venture beyond the city. Trakai Island Castle is breathtakingly beautiful in person. Just be mindful that English is widely spoken in the city, but less so in rural areas. Having a contact or a guide with you is ideal in these scenarios.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, known as the ‘Gateway to the Emerald Isle’, is just a short flight from the UK. It’s small enough to navigate on foot, which makes for a relaxing visit with plenty of cultural spots to see.

Temple Bar is a lively and popular drinking area and it’s near the main thoroughfare of Dame Street. It’s often cited in guides, but the price of a meal and pint here is higher due to its popularity. To save money, it’s best to wander outside the Temple Bar area for food and drink.

Dublin’s most popular tourist attraction is the Guinness Storehouse on Market Street. Formerly a fermentation plant, the building has adapted to house several bars, cafes, and tour experiences. Visitors can learn to pour a pint of Guinness, and enjoy food, drinks and 360-views in the Gravity Bar.

Trinity College is a must-see for lovers of history and architecture. Its Victorian buildings and stone courtyards make it perfect for photos. While the library itself is reserved for students, simply walking the campus lets you appreciate its grandeur.

Athens, Greece

In Athens, ancient history and modern life stand side by side. Its compact city centre makes it easy to walk around. The pleasant weather and off-season deals make it a great choice for those looking to explore popular sites without crowds.

The Acropolis is an easier walk than it looks if you travel through Plaka. Though many guides state that early morning is the best time to go, the place is full of early birds and school trips at this time. We recommend visiting later in the afternoon, an hour or two before closing, for a calmer experience.

Spend an afternoon in the Ancient Agora for a glimpse of daily life during Athens’ Golden Age. Afterwards, take a short walk up to the Pnyx hill to explore the very birthplace of democracy, the original meeting space for the voting class.

If history isn’t your main focus, Athens still has a lot to offer in food, drink and atmosphere. Meals are reasonably cheap and portion sizes are huge. More often than not, a single plate of Souvlaki could easily feed two people.

Take an Uber to Mikrolimano for fresh seafood and waterfront views. Prices here are higher, but if you still want quality food and the backdrop of the sea, the Marina Zeas boasts lower prices.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a winter destination growing in popularity. Hungary’s capital is accessible by plenty of direct flights from the UK, and the cost of dining and groceries is relatively low compared to Western European cities. While it’s a wonderful place to explore on foot, a Budapest Card grants you unlimited use of public transport and discounted entry for 30+ attractions.

Another way to explore Budapest is along the Danube. Cruises are well-loved by tourists for their views of the Parliament building Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Afterwards, there are lots of thermal baths to escape the cold through. The Szechenyi Baths are immensely popular and often fully booked, but the Ottoman Rudas Baths are also stunning and not as busy.

Prague, Czechia

Prague is the capital of Czechia – more commonly known as the Czech Republic – with longstanding ties to Bohemian history and the Holy Roman Empire. It’s a beautiful city to explore, covered by many walking tours, with plenty of museums to duck into.

Prague Castle has been at the heart of the city since 880AD. It’s been the seat of Bohemian kings, bishops, and Holy Roman emperors, and the palace hallways, gardens and courtyards still remain. Views of the city are unbeatable up here.

Inside the complex, you’ll find St Vitus Cathedral. It’s a stunning building with its tall spires and intricate stonework, but it’s worthwhile to go inside to see the stained glass windows and the final resting place of Czech kings.

Fun fact: Bohemia is the birthplace of Pilsner, and drinks are very cheap here. Take things one step further by booking a beer spa. This unorthodox tradition sees people soaking in oak filled tubs filled with warm water and hops, while enjoying Czech beer and relaxing on a straw bed afterwards. One thing is certain, that it’s an interesting story to bring home!

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the Portuguese capital, strategically located near its western coast. It’s a common destination for tourists for its colourful streets, accessible tram lines, stylish neighbourhoods and views of the Tagus River. Despite its status as a Western European capital, a trip here can be very affordable. Flights are common and cheap, booked in advance. With just a little forward planning, you can enjoy Lisbon and still bring plenty of euros home with you.

Belém Tower dates back to the early 16th century as a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. This riverside fortress is ornate and striking, with carved ropes, crosses, and maritime motifs, to reflect the country’s seafaring history.

Praça do Comércio is a grand waterfront square, also called the “Commerce Square”, and a popular draw for tourists. It was once the site of the royal palace before it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Today, it’s a popular meeting place with arcades housing cafés, restaurants and shops.

Sitting atop one of Lisbon’s highest hills, St. George’s Castle is an ideal place to walk around. The complex features winding ramparts through the ruins and lush gardens. It’s a great vantage point, with views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and the river.

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is an affordable city to visit, easily accessed via UK major airports. Flights to the Polish capital are cheap and frequent, and meals are both generously portioned and cheap. Bakeries, and street food are even cheaper options. It’s easy to explore Warsaw’s lively city life without overspending.

In the Old Town & Market Square, you can soak up the colourful architecture and watch street performers. If you take a wander down its cobblestone lanes, you’ll discover lots of small artisan shops and cafés tucked between restored townhouses.

A visit to the Royal Castle will introduce you to the lives of Polish monarchs and the city’s royal past. For a quieter afternoon of history, visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum. It hosts several immersive exhibitions and personal stories to help visitors understand the struggle and courage of Polish citizens during the 1944 uprising. You’ll come away with a powerful insight into the city’s history and spirit.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is the second-largest Portuguese city, and the second to make our list. Flights can be very reasonable, and mid-range dining for a family of four won’t break the bank. Porto’s chic culture and riverside views are easy and inexpensive to enjoy.

Porto’s historic churches and museums charge a modest fee between €5 to €15 to enter, which is great value. However, one of the great things about Porto is that many attractions are free.

The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-deck iron bridge across the Duoro River, known for its breathtaking views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia (a nearby city). This is particularly beautiful in the evening, when the lights begin to turn on over the water.

From there, a five minute walk brings you to Porto Cathedral. This Romanesque building stands on a hill in the Batalha district, and despite its impressive appearance, it was once a key defensive structure. Entry to see its striking interior is free, but access to the cloister costs a token fee of just €3.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is one of the cheapest winter city breaks. UK travellers are increasingly turning to Bulgaria for Mediterranean climates without the premiums of Spanish, Italy and certain Greek Islands. Most of Sofia’s attractions, from museums to historic sites, have entry fees of just €5 to €10.

Sofia is home to one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world; the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It’s considered an architectural marvel with its golden domes and intricate mosaics, and a symbol of Bulgaria’s independence and national pride.

You’ll likely spend a lot of time along the Vitosha Boulevard. This is a huge pedestrian thoroughfare which runs through the heart of Sofia, packed with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Vitosha Boulevard is a key hub for social life, where locals and tourists mingle and enjoy street performances.

For a picturesque day trip, take a bus or tram ride out of the city to Boyana Church, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its 13th-century frescoes of medieval Bulgarian art and religious life. It’s a peaceful escape from the city, packed with cultural insight and natural beauty.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Like Sofia, Bratislava is off the beaten track, and deeply underrated. It’s ideal for budget travellers who want their fair share of history and culture without breaking the bank. Entry fees to attractions are remarkably reasonable, and food in the local restaurants is fairly priced.

Bratislava Castle stands on a hill above the Danube. Up here you’ll find sweeping views of the city and the river. Inside is a mix of exhibitions detailing centuries of Slovak history. The Old Town is a pretty and peaceful place to relax after this. It’s lined by historic buildings, with lots of charming, narrow side streets to wander around. In the Main Square, you’ll find the Old Town Hall and Roland Fountain, along with plenty of cafés and benches where you can pause and take in the atmosphere.

St. Martin’s Cathedral is a Gothic structure famous for its tall spire and as the coronation church of Hungarian kings. The Romanesque interior is beautiful, and free to visit as it’s a place of worship.

Flights to Bratislava are available directly from MAN and London. If you’re unable to fly direct, you can fly to Vienna and transfer, as the Austrian capital is just 25 miles away. A train ride between the two cities lasts around an hour.

FAQs: Cheapest Winter City Breaks

What are the cheapest winter city breaks in Europe?

Some of the most affordable options include Vilnius, Warsaw, Sofia, and Bratislava. Their location outside of Western Europe affords reasonably priced meals and low-cost attractions, perfect for a winter getaway.

How can I find the cheapest flights for a winter city break?

Being flexible with travel dates is key. Booking mid-week flights, using flight comparison websites, and setting fare alerts can help you secure the lowest prices for winter city breaks.

How much should I budget for meals on a winter city break?

On average, a meal for four in mid-range restaurants ranges from €40 to €150 depending on the city. Casual cafés, street food, or local bakeries can be much cheaper.

Are attractions expensive in winter city destinations?

Most major attractions in Europe have entry fees between €5 and €25. Visiting in the off-season sometimes means discounted tickets, and many historic areas and parks are free to explore.

Is it safe to travel to cheaper winter destinations?

Yes, most budget-friendly European cities are very safe for tourists. Usual travel precautions apply. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas, and avoid poorly lit streets at night.

What are some tips for saving money on a winter city break?

Consider staying in hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb apartments. Eat like a local, use public transport instead of taxis, and look for city passes or attraction bundles to save on sightseeing.

Can winter city breaks be enjoyable despite cold weather?

Absolutely! Cities like Vilnius, Budapest, and Sofia offer cozy cafés and warm indoor attractions. Layered clothing, waterproof shoes, and a sense of adventure make winter travel both affordable and fun.

Main image: Dan Novac – Unsplash