As the summer heat fades and autumn approaches, many Europeans are still planning getaways. But with flight prices volatile and budgets tight, the question of where to get the most value for money has never been more relevant. A new analysis by Thomas Cook, the travel group, has crunched the numbers across more than 50 popular destinations to identify the city breaks that can be enjoyed for less than €100 a day.
The study looked at the average costs of a three-star hotel stay, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, a coffee, a daily bus pass, and tickets to paid attractions. The result is a list of 13 cities that offer a rich travel experience without breaking the bank.
Eastern Europe leads the way
Unsurprisingly, Eastern European cities dominate the ranking. Albania's capital, Tirana, takes the top spot with an estimated daily cost of just €59 per person. A night in a three-star hotel averages €32, a dinner at a modest restaurant costs around €8.50, and a local beer is a mere €1.50. The city's colourful Ottoman-era architecture and vibrant café culture make it an increasingly popular choice for budget-conscious travellers.
Bucharest, Romania, comes in second at €66 per day. The Romanian capital offers grand boulevards, Belle Époque buildings, and a lively nightlife scene. A meal out costs just over €12, and a daily bus pass is around €1.50, making it easy to explore the city's many parks and museums.
Two Turkish destinations made the top five. Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast, shares third place with Warsaw, Poland, at €78 per day. Istanbul, the country's largest city, is fifth at €82. Hotels in Istanbul are among the most affordable on the list, averaging €28 per person per night, while a simple meal costs between €8 and €9.
Other cities in the top ten include Muğla in Turkey and Krakow in Poland (both €87), Vilnius in Lithuania and Frankfurt in Germany (both €90). Lyon, France, follows at €91, with Tallinn, Estonia, at €93. Heraklion in Greece and Porto in Portugal round out the list at €99 and €100 respectively.
Why these cities are getting cheaper
Nicholas Smith, dynamic packages director at Thomas Cook, notes that these destinations have been consistently affordable and are gaining popularity. "Eastern European and Turkish city destinations consistently deliver affordability and with growing tourism numbers, they won't remain a secret for long," he said.
The trend reflects a broader shift in European travel patterns. As long-haul flights become more expensive due to rising jet fuel prices, travellers are looking closer to home. The appeal of these cities lies not only in their low costs but also in their rich history, culture, and cuisine.
For those planning an autumn break, the list offers a range of options. Whether you prefer the Mediterranean charm of Antalya, the historic streets of Krakow, or the Baltic elegance of Tallinn, there is a destination to suit every taste and budget.
As the travel industry adapts to new realities, these value-for-money destinations are likely to become even more popular. For now, they remain accessible to anyone willing to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
