New research from travel agency Thomas Cook indicates that 18 of Europe's 51 popular city-break destinations can be explored for under £100 per person per day. Albania's capital, Tirana, emerged as the most affordable, with an average daily cost of £51 in September.
A three-day weekend trip to Tirana could cost around £153, in contrast to an estimated £915 for a similar trip to Amsterdam. Despite a significant increase in tourism bookings to Albania in recent years, Tirana remains a less-traveled destination for budget-conscious travelers.
Paid attractions in Tirana average under £4, and dining costs are also reasonable. A serving of the national dish, tave kosi, costs approximately £7, with a local beer priced at about £1.31. Accommodation averages around £27.50 per person per night for early September stays.
Bucharest, Romania, ranked second with an average daily cost of £57 per person. Known for its French-influenced architecture, the city offers a £1.32 daily bus pass. Average dinner costs are around £10, with lunch options under £6.
Antalya, Turkey, placed third with an average daily cost of £67 per person. It features the lowest dining costs in the study, with both fast-food lunches and dinners averaging £7. While paid attractions cost about £16.45, free attractions like the Old Town, Hadrian's Gate, and Kaleiçi offer cultural immersion.
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 costing between £70 and £80 per day.
Nicholas Smith, director of dynamic packages at Thomas Cook, noted that British holidaymakers can find significant value in European city breaks beyond traditional tourist hubs like Paris, London, and Rome. He added that Eastern European and Turkish cities consistently offer affordability and are gaining popularity.