A short getaway can often be expensive, but some European cities remain surprisingly budget-friendly. A new ranking shows where culture, food, and lodging are still relatively inexpensive.
Anyone who travels to a foreign city to experience the culture, enjoy the food, and go shopping quickly realizes that a city trip can often be expensive; the costs of lodging, flights, and entertainment have risen sharply in recent times. However, if you're planning a short city trip, you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune. The British magazine Time Out has published a ranking of European cities for 2026 that combine relatively affordable living costs with cultural diversity.
The focus is on places that are mostly off the beaten path but offer a good balance between cost and experience. Factors taken into account included, among other things, prices for lodging, food, and typical activities. Nevertheless, this classification is not set in stone; the departure location, travel time, and individual preferences significantly affect the actual costs.
Tirana tops the rankings. Shaped by its communist past, it is a fascinating travel destination. Bunk'Art 1, a former nuclear bunker from the Cold War era, is now used as a museum; admission costs about 9 euros. In addition to the efforts to come to terms with the city’s history, the cityscape has visibly changed in recent years: facades have been redesigned with street art and now contribute to a much more colorful, open atmosphere. Accommodations and dining remain relatively affordable. A beer costs an average of 1.65 euros here, and a night's stay costs around 52.50 euros.
Sarajevo comes in second place. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered a place where history and everyday life are closely intertwined. The city is especially easy to explore on foot, without necessarily spending a lot of money. Free city tours are also available; it is customary to tip the guides. Sarajevo also remains affordable: A beer costs an average of about 2.30 euros, and a vacation rental costs about 40 euros per night.
Hull, in northeastern England, took third place. The city is less well-known internationally, but is considered an affordable travel destination by British standards. Although prices for lodging and dining are higher than those in the top two cities, Hull remains affordable by national standards. Visitors can expect to see a historic old town as well as numerous traces of the city’s industrial and port heritage. The average cost of a night's stay here is 80 euros, and a pint of beer costs 5.60 euros.
1. Tirana, Albania
2. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Hull, UK
4. Miskolc, Hungary
5. Zagreb, Croatia
6. Belgrade, Serbia
7. Sofia, Bulgaria
8. Kaunas, Lithuania
9. Kraków, Poland
10. Argos, Greece
