Cheap City Breaks

For a cheap Portugal holiday, the obvious choice might be a Lisbon city break. Here, you can visit the Jerónimos Monastery and sample one of the original pastel de natas. But don’t overlook Porto, made famous by Port wine and its imposing Dom Luís I Bridge. Alternatively, explore 2000 years of history in Braga - the country’s oldest city. And if that wasn’t enough to choose from there’s also Sintra, home to three palaces and located on the edge of a national park.

While Italy isn’t generally seen as a cheap European city break destination, there are low cost getaways to be had. You can’t go wrong with Pisa - there’s more to the city than the famous leaning tower. Once you’re there, the Renaissance capital of Florence and the historic centre of Lucca are easy day trips by train. Many Brits miss out by overlooking the cultural melting pot of Bari (Puglia’s capital) as a holiday destination. And while a budget break to Switzerland would be extremely difficult, a stay in the fashion capital of Milan means you can sneak in a day trip to the Swiss lakeshore city of Lugano with its stunning mountain backdrop.

For a cheap Spain holiday you can’t go wrong with a Malaga city break. The birthplace of Picasso isn’t just the getaway to the Costa del Sol. It’s a city in its own right with an Alcazaba, cathedral, museums, art galleries and a vibrant culinary scene. The Basque city of Bilbao is becoming a favourite with art lovers, thanks to the Guggenheim Museum and its wallet-friendly tapas bars. And if Barcelona isn’t within your price range, consider the Catalan city of Girona with its medieval streets and picturesque river views.

Greece may not have many city break destinations. But its biggest two cities - Athens and Thessaloniki are very friendly on the wallet. The budget hotels in the capital may not offer views of the Ancient Greek landmarks, but they are often either within walking distance of them or just a short-hop on the Metro away. The options for cheap eats in both cities are numerous. Plus, there’s no charge to see Athens’ most famous residents - the wild tortoises that roam the city’s green spaces.

Eastern Europe has gained a reputation as a haven for budget-conscious travellers. Bratislava is often seen as a low-cost alternative to Vienna - and it’s just an hour away from the Austrian capital by bus. Even in this part of Europe choose your departure dates carefully to get the best bargains. December is no longer the low season in Prague and Budapest due to the popular Christmas Markets and winter fairytale themed Lumina Parks. However, if you consider the attractive Polish city of Wrocław or Lithuania's stunning capital Vilnius, you can get experience both, often for a lower price.

Travelling a bit further, can result in a cheaper holiday. Marrakech's bustling souks, vibrant medina and stunning palaces offer a sensory journey that won't strain your wallet. While Tunisia is now re-emerging as a budget-friendly tourist destination. The UNESCO listed Old Town of Sousse boasts a 9th century medina, a ribat and a mosque dating from 850AD. The Archaeological Museum claims to have the second largest collection of mosaics in the world. If you’re brave enough to use the public transport you’ll find the fares comparable to the cost of a banana in the UK.