10 Affordable Cities in Europe for a Weekend Getaway

Would you like to explore Europe, discover new cities, enjoy local food, and visit fascinating landmarks without spending too much? Many European destinations offer rich cultural experiences, historic attractions, and delicious cuisine at relatively affordable prices.

According to the City Costs Barometer 2026 by Post Office Travel Money, Sarajevo, Bucharest, Tirana, and Belgrade are among the most affordable European cities for a short break. The study compares tourist costs across 50 European cities.

Here are 10 destinations worth considering for your next weekend getaway.

1. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo is a city where Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture meet, creating a distinctive atmosphere shaped by history, culture, and gastronomy.

Start your visit in Baščaršija, the historic bazaar known for its traditional shops, narrow streets, and the famous Sebilj fountain. Visit the City Hall, one of Sarajevo’s most recognizable landmarks, and walk across the Latin Bridge, a site closely associated with European history.

Make time to enjoy traditional Bosnian coffee and local specialties such as ćevapi and burek.

Sarajevo ranked first among the most affordable cities in the 2026 comparison, with a reported tourist basket cost of £248 for two people.

Ideal for: History, culture, traditional food, and weekend breaks.

2. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, combines grand boulevards, historic buildings, museums, parks, and a lively nightlife scene.

One of its most famous landmarks is the Palace of Parliament, an enormous building that dominates part of the city. Explore the historic Lipscani district, where you will find restaurants, cafés, and buildings reflecting different architectural periods.

Bucharest also offers green spaces, museums, and opportunities to discover Romanian cuisine. For a short visit, combine the main attractions with a relaxed walk through the city center.

In the 2026 comparison, Bucharest ranked second, with a tourist basket cost of £258 for two people.

Ideal for: Architecture, museums, food, and nightlife.

3. Tirana, Albania

Tirana is a lively capital that combines historic landmarks with modern cafés, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Begin at Skanderbeg Square, the central meeting point of the city. Nearby, you can visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower. For insight into Albania’s recent history, consider visiting Bunk’Art 2, a museum housed in a former bunker.

Tirana is also a great place to discover Albanian cuisine, from traditional dishes to contemporary interpretations of local food.

According to the 2026 comparison, Tirana ranked third, with a tourist basket cost of £263 for two people.

Ideal for: Urban exploration, culture, and local cuisine.

4. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is known for its history, lively atmosphere, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

Visit Belgrade Fortress, located where the Sava and Danube rivers meet. Continue along Knez Mihailova Street, one of the city’s main pedestrian areas, filled with shops, cafés, and historic buildings.

For a more traditional atmosphere, explore Skadarlija, a historic district known for its restaurants and bohemian character. If you have extra time, visit one of the city’s museums or enjoy a walk along the rivers.

Belgrade ranked fourth in the 2026 comparison, with a tourist basket cost of £265 for two people.

Ideal for: History, restaurants, nightlife, and trips with friends.

5. Trenčín, Slovakia

Trenčín is a smaller European city with a historic center and an impressive castle overlooking the surrounding area.

Trenčín Castle is the city’s main attraction and offers views of the town and nearby countryside. In the center, you can explore public squares, stop at local cafés, and experience everyday life in a Slovak city.

Compared with larger tourist destinations, Trenčín offers a quieter experience for travelers interested in history, architecture, and relaxed walks.

In the 2026 comparison, Trenčín ranked fifth, with a tourist basket cost of £272 for two people.

Ideal for: Castles, history, and a peaceful city break.

6. Riga, Latvia

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is known for its historic center, Art Nouveau architecture, and cultural attractions.

Explore the Old Town and visit the House of the Blackheads and Riga Cathedral. The historic streets, squares, and distinctive buildings make the city especially enjoyable to discover on foot.

Riga also has museums, restaurants, cafés, and local markets, offering plenty of options for a short stay.

Riga ranked sixth in the 2026 comparison, with a tourist basket cost of £278 for two people.

Ideal for: Architecture, culture, museums, and discovering the Baltic region.

7. Lille, France

Located in northern France, Lille is known for its architecture, cultural life, and cuisine influenced by both French and Flemish traditions.

Visit the Grand Place and explore the Old Stock Exchange. In the historic center, you will find narrow streets, traditional restaurants, cafés, and distinctive historic façades.

Lille is an appealing alternative for travelers who want to discover France beyond its most famous tourist destinations.

In the 2026 comparison, Lille ranked seventh, with a tourist basket cost of £289 for two people.

Ideal for: French cuisine, architecture, and cultural walks.

8. Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, attracts visitors with its historic center, Baroque architecture, and welcoming atmosphere.

Among the main attractions are Cathedral Square and Gediminas Tower, which offers views across the city. The Old Town features churches, historic buildings, small shops, and cafés.

You can also visit Užupis, a neighborhood known for its artistic atmosphere and distinctive cultural identity.

Vilnius ranked eighth in the 2026 comparison, with a tourist basket cost of £289 for two people.

Ideal for: Architecture, art, and historic streets.

9. Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg lies in the Alsace region, close to the German border. The city is famous for its canals, historic architecture, and cuisine influenced by both French and German traditions.

Explore La Petite France, a picturesque district with canals, bridges, and traditional half-timbered houses. Another major attraction is Strasbourg Cathedral, known for its impressive Gothic architecture.

Local restaurants offer Alsatian specialties that reflect the region’s distinctive culinary heritage.

Strasbourg ranked ninth in the 2026 comparison, with a tourist basket cost of £319 for two people.

Ideal for: Romantic getaways, architecture, canals, and regional cuisine.

10. Podgorica, Montenegro

Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, can be a convenient starting point for discovering the country.

In the city, you can see the Millennium Bridge, walk along the Morača and Ribnica rivers, and explore parts of the historic center. Podgorica can also serve as a base for day trips to other destinations in Montenegro.

Although it is often overshadowed by the country’s coastal towns, the capital offers a different perspective on Montenegrin life and culture.

Podgorica ranked tenth in the 2026 comparison, with a tourist basket cost of £332 for two people.

Ideal for: Short city breaks, local food, and exploring Montenegro.

How to Plan Your Weekend Travel Budget

The cost of a trip depends on more than the prices you encounter at your destination. Before booking, consider the following expenses:

• Transportation: Flights, bus tickets, fuel, and road tolls.
• Accommodation: Hotels, apartments, or private rentals.
• Food and drinks: Restaurants, cafés, and local specialties.
• Local transportation: Public transport, taxis, or rental cars.
• Attractions and activities: Museum tickets, guided tours, and other experiences.
• Additional expenses: Travel insurance, parking, and unexpected costs.

Keep in mind that the amounts in the City Costs Barometer 2026 refer to a comparative tourist basket for two people, not the complete cost of traveling from Macedonia. Transportation and accommodation should be calculated separately based on your travel dates and preferences.

Which City Should You Choose?

If you prefer a destination relatively close to Macedonia, consider Sarajevo, Tirana, Belgrade, or Podgorica. These cities offer a combination of history, culture, and local gastronomy.

If you want to explore the Baltic region, Riga and Vilnius are interesting options. For French culture and regional cuisine, consider Lille or Strasbourg.

Before making a reservation, compare transportation and accommodation prices for your chosen dates. A city that appears more expensive in a tourist-cost comparison may still be cheaper for your trip if you find a good flight or accommodation deal.

With careful planning, you can discover a new city, enjoy local specialties, and create memorable experiences without exceeding your budget.