Must-visit list
Low budget, high enjoyment. Here’s where to spend your next long weekend away…
FOR AN IMMERSIVE HISTORY LESSON…
Athens, Greece
Athens has officially been ranked the cheapest city break location in Europe, thanks to Post Office Travel Money analysis published in September 2022. According to the research, the average bill for two nights in hotel accommodation for a couple, plus meals, attraction tickets and local transport came to £207 for two. And there’s plenty to see: number one is the Acropolis, which features a range of ancient ruins including the Parthenon temple. And just think about the food!
FOR AMAZING SCENERY…
Innsbruck, Austria
Okay, views here are immense – ie, juststepped-out-of-a-painting *stunning*. Austrian cities such as Vienna and Salzburg can be expensive, making the western city of Innsbruck a cheaper alternative. Situated on the River Inn as it meets the Wipp Valley, the city’s surrounded by mountains, with classic colourful architecture lined up along the edge of the water. Visit the old town for some history or take a cable car ride for breathtaking views. The Sound Of Music soundtrack = optional.
FOR A FOODIE TRIP…
Bologna, Italy
This is Italy’s major student city, meaning you’re likely to find much cheaper food, drink and accommodation than in Rome, Milan or Florence. Home to the oldest university in the Western world, the city is packed with students (and student bars), so there’s a huge nightlife scene to explore. Plus, it’s Italy after all, so food is the priority. You’re guaranteed to eat well wherever you go, with traditional restaurants down every alleyway, including the highly rated Osteria dell’Orsa. Bologna’s signature dish? Ragu Bolognese, obviously, but you’ll also want to get some classic tortellini, too.
FOR NIGHTLIFE…
Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria usually attracts visitors to its beaches or ski slopes, but the capital city makes a unique budget break. There’s all the food, drink and culture you could ask for: museums and galleries, clubs and authentic restaurants. The city is just 10km away from the Vitosha Mountains, where you’ll find cheaper skiing options than in the Alps. As for nightlife, there’s a whole party scene to explore – including the Yalta Club, which books house and EDM DJs from all over the world.
IF YOU LOVE BARCELONA...
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
You’ll find all the good stuff of Barcelona here at a fraction of the price. There are beaches and historical architecture, the oldest and most picturesque is the town of Vegueta – which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The
