Summer Breaks That Won’t Break The Bank

Revealing some of Europe’s cheapest cities to visit across summer and autumn.

Wroclaw, Poland

Average daily spend per visitor: £20

Situated on the Oder River and its four tributaries, Wroclaw is renowned for its bridges, with over 100 spanning the water. There were three times this number before World War II, although the city would now like to think its fame is now in other areas, such as its picturesque Market Square and traditional music venues.

Travel tip: Look out for the gnomes, a signal of protest against human rights censorship.

Timisoara, Romania

Average daily spend per visitor: £36

Timisoara, the 2021 European Capital City of Culture, is a small city with a big reputation. It’s compact, which means travelling around is easy for families, and at every turn there is history, culture and tourist appeal.

Known as Little Vienna and the City of Flowers, it has a charm and prettiness perhaps many wouldn’t associate with Romania, a large number of monuments and statues, and over 40 parks and green spaces.

Travel tip: The anti-communist revolution began here in 1989, which is clear to see from the modern architecture.

Cesky Krumlov

Average daily spend per visitor: £42

Perhaps the best thing about Cesky Krumlov is that it won’t swamp you with either its energy or size. It’s an incredibly pretty city, with an historic old town and some wonderful winding, cobbled streets.

The picturesque setting of a horseshoe bend river with a huge 'Disney style' castle is what Cesky Krumlov is famous for; while the social aspect is predictably strong, with taverns serving up traditional Czech pilsner.

Travel tip: Forget rail travel in this part of the Czech Republic, most people will get around by bus.

Varna, Bulgaria

Average daily spend per visitor: £45

Varna is a port city and seaside resort on Bulgaria's Black Sea. In the past, it was perhaps most renowned for its famous ‘Gold of Varna’, 6,000-year-old Thracian jewellery discovered in a necropolis, and displayed inside the Archaeological Museum. However, modern Varna features a bar-lined waterfront promenade, wonderful restaurants and beach vibes.

Travel tip: At an average beer price of £1.20/pint, remember to pack some paracetamol!

Maribor, Slovenia

Average daily spend per visitor: £55

Wine lovers should make Maribor a must-see destination. With over four centuries of expert wine making, the Slovenian city attracts people from all around with the promise of elegant grapes and wonderful aromas, all backed with cafes, restaurants and wonderful architecture, with mountain trails and ski slopes peeling off in the distance.

Travel tip: Rather than rely on supermarkets, you can pick up some locally produced wine directly from the wine producer or vineyard.