Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePost Office Travel Money's "City Costs Barometer" for 2026 identified five emerging Eastern European cities as the most affordable for short breaks, after surveying a record 50 destinations. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was ranked the cheapest at £248 for a weekend, while Bucharest, Tirana, Belgrade, and Trenĉin, also sit in the top five.In western Europe, Lille (£289) and Strasbourg (£319) were highlighted as best value, both accessible by Eurostar and train.The report noted a significant price increase, with the cost of tourist items rising by over 20 per cent in seven cities compared to 2025.Among UK capitals, Cardiff (£378) offered the best value, while Edinburgh (£668) was among Europe's most expensive.In fullRevealed: The cheapest city breaks in Europe, according to researchThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Europe’s cheapest city breaks listed as tourist expenses rise
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePost Office Travel Money's "City Costs Barometer" for 2026 identified five emerging Eastern European cities as the most affordable for short breaks, after surveying a record 50 destinations. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was ranked the cheapest at £248 for a weekend, while Bucharest, Tirana, Belgrade, and Trenĉin, also sit in the top five.In western Europe, Lille (£289) and Strasbourg (£319) were highlighted as best value, both accessible by Eurostar and train.The report noted a significant price increase, with the cost of tourist items rising by over 20 per cent in seven cities compared to 2025.Among UK capitals, Cardiff (£378) offered the best value, while Edinburgh (£668) was among Europe's most expensive.In fullRevealed: The cheapest city breaks in Europe, according to researchThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
