City breaks remain a popular travel choice in summer 2026, but even a short weekend getaway can come with a hefty price tag. A recent study reveals where urban escapes are surprisingly affordable – and where they are anything but.
City breaks in Europe’s major destinations continue to attract travellers in summer 2026, whether for a long weekend or as a stopover during a longer journey. However, these trips often come at a considerable cost. Those looking to keep an eye on their budget can turn to the latest City Costs Barometer published by the UK’s Post Office.
True to its reputation for meticulous record-keeping, the organisation compiled and compared the costs of city breaks across Europe. The study examined 50 European cities based on typical travel expenses, including accommodation, dining, transport, attractions and admission fees.
The results reveal a clear trend: cities in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe continue to offer the best value for money. Eight of the ten most affordable destinations are located in this region.
Leading the ranking is Sarajevo, which claims the title of Europe’s cheapest city-break destination for the first time. According to the study, a weekend stay for two people in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina costs an average of just €287, including accommodation, meals and activities.
Sarajevo is followed by Bucharest, Tirana, Belgrade and Trenčín. These cities stand out thanks to low accommodation costs, affordable restaurants and reasonably priced local transport.
At the same time, they are increasingly emerging as attractive alternatives to Europe’s traditional city-break hotspots, not least because of improved accessibility and expanding tourism infrastructure.
Western Europe also features in the ranking. Lille and Strasbourg both make the top ten, proving surprisingly affordable despite being located in generally more expensive regions. Both cities benefit from moderate hotel prices and excellent transport connections, particularly by rail.
At the opposite end of the ranking, Scandinavian cities dominate. Oslo is considered Europe’s most expensive city-break destination, followed by Copenhagen and Edinburgh.
A weekend getaway in these cities can cost nearly three times as much as a comparable stay in Sarajevo. Accommodation prices are the primary factor driving up overall travel costs and have a significant impact on the total budget.
At the same time, the analysis highlights an important advantage of more affordable destinations: travellers often have considerably more room in their budget for dining experiences and local activities.
