Your gateway to affordable travel
Your gateway to affordable travel
Dreaming of a quick escape without draining your savings? We’ve curated seven wallet‑friendly European city breaks that pair easy flights from London with surprisingly low costs once you land. Below you’ll find average nightly accommodation and pint prices, flight times from London’s airports, and insider tips so you can enjoy a memorable getaway on a budget.
Albania’s lively capital offers excellent value. Average Airbnb stays in Tirana cost about €46 per night and a pint is roughly €3.45. Explore the modern history at Bunk’Art 1 – a Cold War bunker turned museum – or stroll vibrant Skanderbeg Square. The flight time from London is only around 2 hours 51 minutes, making it ideal for a long weekend.
Sofia combines Roman ruins with a youthful energy. Expect Airbnb rentals around €55 per night and enjoy pints from €1.63. Free walking and food tours introduce the city’s highlights, while Vitosha Mountain offers hiking just outside the centre. Flights from London take about 3 hours 2 minutes.
Croatia’s capital is a charming mix of cobbled streets, museums and nightlife. An average Airbnb costs roughly €61 and a pint is around €2.13, and the compact centre means you can walk everywhere. Flights from London take about 2 hours 11 minutes.
Riga’s art nouveau architecture and lively bar scene make it a surprising bargain. Average Airbnbs cost €59 per night with pints at roughly €3.29. Popular attractions include St Peter’s Church and free walking tours of the Old Town. Flights from London are around 2 hours 36 minutes.
Sarajevo’s mix of Ottoman and Austro‑Hungarian architecture, affordable street food and warm hospitality makes it a standout. Expect Airbnb costs around €35 and drinks for about €2. A pint of local beer often costs even less, and burek pastries are both tasty and inexpensive. London flights take roughly 2 hours 31 minutes.
Often called “Little Paris,” Bucharest offers grand boulevards, energetic nightlife and hearty cuisine at great value. Average Airbnb stays cost around €53 and pints are about €1.73. Don’t miss the ornate Caru’ cu Bere restaurant for traditional fare or the 1980s Palace of the Parliament. Flights from London take about 3 hours 7 minutes.
Krakow remains one of Europe’s most affordable cultural capitals. Average Airbnbs cost around €69 and pints about €2.51. Beyond its medieval core, the city hosts vibrant festivals such as the Summer Jazz Festival and the International Soup Festival. Flights from London take roughly 2 hours 17 minutes.
With competitive flight times and low everyday costs, these seven cities offer exceptional value for UK travellers. When searching for flights, try flexible dates and nearby airports to uncover the best deals. For more inspiration, explore our in‑depth route guides like London to Paris, London to Lisbon and flight booking tips. Happy travels!