Best European Cities to Visit on a Budget

How much would you pay for a weekend getaway to Europe?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to hand over a ton of cash to get an incredible experience. According to CNN, the UK's Post Office published its annual City Costs Barometer, which analyzes what tourists are paying (in British pounds) to enjoy a wide variety of amenities offered in European cities.

The Barometer ranks the most cost-effective (read: budget friendly) cities in Europe, finding the most affordable places for tourists to go if they’re looking for a fun, European weekend getaway without having to pay inflated prices for everyday travel needs.

The least expensive city to top the list is Vilnius, capital of Lithuania. The medieval town is the country’s largest city and an incredible place for sightseers, known for its baroque architecture in its Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a bucket list destination for any history buff, since its history goes all the way back to the Stone Age.

According to the UK’s Post Office’s findings, total costs for staying in Vilnius, including the tiniest cup of coffee and a two-night stay at a three star hotel costs a grand total of $194.15 USD. Close behind Vilnius are the cities of Belgrade, Serbia ($199.71 USD) and Warsaw, Poland ($211.28 USD).

Below is a list of the top 10 cheapest European cities, according to the UK Post Office’s research. A full list can be found on the UK Post Office website. When you’re budgeting for your next vacation, remember that you might be able to take that European trip after all.

  1. Vilnius, Lithuania

  2. Belgrade, Serbia

  3. Warsaw, Poland

  4. Istanbul, Turkey

  5. Bucharest, Romania

  6. Porto, Portugal

  7. Riga, Latvia

  8. Bratislava, Slovakia

  9. Moscow, Russia

  10. Prague, Czech Republic

If you’re looking to save even more on a European vacation, be sure to check out great deals from budget airlines that fly to the continent. And make sure you’re looking at the cheapest months for certain destinations to maximize your savings.