Planning a last-minute European getaway doesn't have to break the bank. A fresh analysis by virtual card provider Getsby, using data from the travel cost site Budget Your Trip, has identified the continent's most affordable cities for a two-night break. The study compared typical daily expenses for accommodation, meals, and local transport for two travellers on a mid-range budget, excluding flights due to their variability.
The results are a clear victory for Poland, which claims six of the top ten spots, including the entire top five. The country's cities offer remarkable value without compromising on culture or charm.
Poland's winning formula
Wroclaw, often called the City of Bridges, tops the list. A weekend for two here costs an average of €163, or about €41 per person per day. Visitors typically spend €18.75 on food and just €5.85 on local transport. The city's attractions include the Rynek, one of Europe's largest medieval market squares, and the Centennial Hall, a UNESCO-listed architectural gem.
In second place is Poznań, where a weekend for two averages €168.50. Daily costs are around €42 per person, with food at €18.75 and accommodation at €34. The city's Old Market Square, with its colourful town hall and famous mechanical goats, is a must-see, as is Cathedral Island, considered the birthplace of the Polish state.
Katowice takes third, with a weekend for two costing about €239 (€60 per person per day). Food runs to €32.75 daily, and hotels average €37.50. The Silesian Museum, built on a former coal mine, offers a unique blend of art and history with panoramic views from its observation tower.
Gdańsk follows in fourth place, with a two-day trip for two at around €275.25. Daily food costs average €35, and hotels €54. The Long Market and the historic waterfront around the Gdańsk Crane are highlights, reflecting the city's maritime heritage.
Kraków rounds out the top five, costing about €295 for two people for a weekend. Hotels account for roughly €83 of the total, while local transport is a bargain at just €7. Visitors can explore the atmospheric Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, browse the historic Sukiennice Cloth Hall, and hear the hourly trumpet call from St Mary's Basilica.
Beyond Poland: other affordable options
If you've already explored Poland, other European cities offer excellent value. Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, ranks sixth, with a weekend costing around €77.25 per person per day. Zagreb, Croatia, follows at €95 per day, and Sweden's Malmö at €105. Budapest, Hungary, comes in at €111, and Warsaw, Poland's capital, closes the top ten at €112 per person per day.
These findings align with broader trends. Poland's economy has been growing steadily, and its cities offer a rich cultural experience at prices that are hard to match elsewhere in the EU. As Poland's economic rise continues, its cities are likely to remain attractive for budget-conscious travellers.
The pricey end of the spectrum
At the opposite end, Zurich, Switzerland, is the least affordable destination, with a weekend for two costing a hefty €1,325 (about €331 per person per day). Food alone averages €112 a day, and hotels €359. Switzerland dominates the expensive end, with Bern and Basel taking second and third places, costing €1,240 and €1,189 respectively for a weekend for two.
For those seeking a bargain, the message is clear: head east. Poland's cities offer a compelling mix of history, architecture, and nightlife at a fraction of the cost of Western European capitals. And with other value destinations across the continent, there are plenty of options for a memorable weekend without the premium price tag.
