Budget Europe
With flights averaging £50 return to the following destinations (see www.whichbudget.com for listings), there’s never been an easier time to enjoy Europe. Katie Wood reports.
So you’ve got some free time on your hands, and you’re keen to get out of the country on a low-cost break. The dilemma is, with so many destinations available, where to go? The key to a successful break is choosing the right city for the type of holiday you want.
Below are some of the best-value city breaks within easy reach of the UK, each offering something different depending on the kind of escape you are after.
Krakow, Poland: One of Europe’s most affordable cultural destinations, Krakow combines a beautifully preserved medieval old town with a buzzing cafe scene and remarkably low prices. A long weekend here costs a fraction of what you would pay in Western European capitals, leaving plenty in the budget for excellent restaurants and day trips to nearby Wieliczka salt mine or Auschwitz.
Riga, Latvia: The Baltic capital offers grand art nouveau architecture, a compact cobbled old town and a lively nightlife, all at prices that make it ideal for a value-conscious break. Riga’s central market and riverside setting reward those who like to wander, and flights are frequently among the cheapest on the budget routes.
Porto, Portugal: For sunshine and seafood without the price tag, Porto is hard to beat. The riverside Ribeira district, the port wine lodges across the Douro and the city’s tiled churches make for a relaxed, atmospheric break. Good-value guesthouses and inexpensive local dining stretch the budget further still.
Budapest, Hungary: Straddling the Danube, Budapest pairs imperial grandeur with famously cheap thermal baths, ruin bars and hearty cuisine. It remains one of the best places in Europe to enjoy a touch of luxury, such as a soak in the Szechenyi baths, for very little money.
When booking, travel light to avoid baggage charges, be flexible with travel dates, and check whether the airport is genuinely close to the city you want to visit. With a little planning, a memorable European break need cost no more than a weekend at home.
