Tirana, Albania, has been identified as the most affordable European city break destination, with average daily costs of just £51 per person, according to new research from travel agency Thomas Cook. The study found that 18 out of 51 popular European city destinations can be explored for less than £100 per day.
For a three-day weekend in Tirana, the estimated cost is £153. This contrasts sharply with a similar trip to Amsterdam, which would cost approximately £915, or £305 per person daily. Despite a recent surge in bookings, with increases over 300 percent, Tirana remains a relatively undiscovered destination for budget-conscious travelers.
Eating out in Tirana is particularly economical. The national dish, tave kosi, a baked rice and lamb dish, costs around £7, and a local Birra Korça beer is approximately £1.31. Paid attractions average under £4, and accommodation costs about £27.50 per person per night for early September stays.
Bucharest, Romania, ranked second with an average daily cost of £57. Known for its French-influenced architecture, the city offers a daily bus pass for around £1.32. Dinner averages £10, with lunches costing under £6.
Antalya, Turkey, secured the third spot with an average daily cost of £67. The city offers the lowest food prices in the study, with both fast-food lunches and dinners averaging £7. While paid attractions cost around £16.45, areas like the Old Town, Hadrian's Gate, and Kaleiçi can be explored for free.
Warsaw, Poland, followed in fourth place at £68 per day, with Istanbul, Turkey, at £71. Other affordable destinations include Mugla and Krakow in Turkey and Poland respectively, Vilnius in Lithuania, Frankfurt in Germany, and Lyon in France, all falling within a daily budget of £79.
Nicholas Smith, dynamic packages director at Thomas Cook, noted that these destinations offer significant value and unique experiences beyond more traditional tourist hubs. He also indicated that with growing tourism, these affordable locations are unlikely to remain undiscovered for long.