From Tallinn's old town to every , we've put together a list of the best affordable destinations in Europe for 2024, complete with some money-saving tips and tricks for your stay.
We know that most of your pockets aren't running that deep at the moment, but travelling to most cities in Europe is still very much possible on a budget. If you're looking for an unforgettable trip that doesn't break the bank, read on...
1. Berlin
There’s no doubt about it, Berlin is one of the most exhilarating cities in Europe. The museums, the street art, the world famous sights and the food - all this before even mentioning its epic nightclubs.
By spring, Berlin will be starting to warm up for its usual scorching summers when local young people fill the beer gardens and venture a little out of the city for a lake swim, one of the near the German capital. The best way to see Berlin is on two feet or two wheels. Cycle from the mighty impressive Brandenburg Gate to the fascinating art on the East Side Gallery, or along the River Spree from Berlin’s Tiergarten stopping for a well-deserved caffeine fix at the countless cool cafés along the way.
Going 'out-out' in Berlin can be expensive of course, with entry fees to the best clubs ranging from 10-25€, but there are heaps of cheaper bars all across the city that offer live music and DJs into the wee hours of the morning. Check out Multilayerladen for a unique, industrial vibe or Belushi's in Mitte and Alexanderplatz for awesome cocktails and sport.
2. Edinburgh
This famous city may be small, but with attractions like the royal Palace of Holyrood House, a spooky underground town at The Real Mary King’s Close and a medieval castle smack bang in the midst of it all, you’ll never be stuck for things to do in Edinburgh.
Once you’ve ticked off the main events like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and a dram of whisky in a wee local pub followed a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the city centre, there’s still so much more to come. Don your hiking boots for a climb up Arthur’s Seat and get sweeping views of Holyrood Park and the whole city, or wander just five minutes from Edinburgh’s busy Old Town to explore the charming World Heritage Site of Dean Village. You cannot leave Scotland without a stack of haggis, neeps and tatties from one of the .
Edinburgh is stunningly beautiful as well as cheap, so whether you’re from the UK looking for a trip that’s closer to home, or coming from overseas for the Scottish experience, Auld Reekie will not disappoint.
3. Barcelona
Craving that feeling of being by the sea? Barcelona is one of the our favourite cities in Europe for soaking up some vitamin-D. With the city’s mix of astonishing culture and R&R, it’s got absolutely everything you could want from a sunny break: landmarks, beaches and alfresco dining to name just a few.
Wake up early to tour Antoni Gaudi’s world famous architectural masterpieces, not skipping the Sagrada Familia or Parc Guell, both of which you’ll want to pay the small fees for to explore properly. Spend the afternoon lazing on the beach with a cocktail, and head into the Gothic Quarter to fill up on the and cava in Barcelona in one of the many authentic local restaurants. Just before sunset, head up to the Carmel Bunkers with a beer or two for a stunning Catalonian sunset with a view of the whole city and Mediterranean sea.
4. Newquay
A Cornish road trip isn’t complete without a day of surfing in Newquay, our top spot in the South-West of England for a weekend away. Not only does Cornwall have arguably the best summers in the UK, but the towns each have their own unique personality with Newquay’s being a laid back, post-surf-pasty-on-the-beach kind of vibe.
Book onto a surf lesson and spend a couple of hours in the (admittedly chilly but refreshing) sea, learning the ropes from the pros at Escape Surf School, based right in the town centre. If a surf lesson doesn’t sound like your thing then don’t be put off - Newquay’s beaches are perfect for lying back and relaxing on the sand (watching others failing to surf with a smug grin on your face). Belushi’s nearby is without doubt the best spot to eat and drink cocktails with a great vibe and an awesome view overlooking Towan Bay, a beach right in the heart of town surrounded by popular cafes and a chilled out atmosphere. Fistral Beach is just a 10 minute walk away from the town centre, with Rick Stein’s fish and chips and the best pizza in Newquay right on the shore.
5. London
London is a bucket list city that guarantees an electric atmosphere all year round. There's so much to explore in the English capital, and each corner of the city feels like a completely different place. Whether you love the hustle and bustle of central London or prefer the slightly quieter, more local outskirts, London is the kind of city break you can tailor to make perfect for you.
You could be spotting street art in Shoreditch on one day, playing mini golf with cocktails in central the next, followed by a day at Kew Gardens and a walk along the river. The diversity of this city is unlike any other in Europe and with the massive list of and incredible it’s unbelievably easy to plan a trip to London on a budget.
6. Tallinn
A city in North-East Europe that isn't on everyone's radar, the capital of Estonia is an amazing, affordable place to visit this year. The walled Old Town is like something out of a fairytale, with cheap cafés, shops and restaurants in abundance.
Full of history and artistry, the city's main square with it's 13th century Gothic Town Hall is well worth a visit, and walking up to the city's many viewpoints offers vistas over beautiful green and terracotta rooftops. Tallinn is another destination that is fantastic to visit all year round, but we would recommend travelling in the Autumn for beautiful scenery, or in Winter for world-famous Christmas markets.
7. Bath
Whether you’re coming from overseas or heading there for a staycation, Bath makes the perfect weekend getaway. The quintessentially English World Heritage listed city is the perfect place to relax in amongst a bit of sightseeing and lots of delicious west country food. Bath is most famous for being home to the incredibly well preserved Roman Baths which are well over 2,000 years old and still flowing, but there are plenty more attractions for history and architectural design lovers to sink their teeth into: The Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey and the charming Pulteney Bridge to name a few. Plus, most of the best .
Then it’s not a trip to Bath without a Bath bun, and Sally Lunn’s tea house is the place for it. Tuck yourself into one of its cosy corners and order the original Bath bun with a pot of tea, or head to the Regency Tea Room for a Jane Austen afternoon tea experience in an old Georgian townhouse. Looking for more of a countryside break? Wake up and venture out on a long walk along the Bath Skyline for sweeping views down into the city of Bath before a hearty meal in a local pub.
8. Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital city is bursting with reasons for you to visit. Not only is Copenhagen one of the most exciting cities in Europe for young travellers, but, like most places on the continent, it’s way easier to stick to a tight budget than most people give it credit for.
Check out the to discover some of the absolute highlights of Copenhagen that won’t even cost you a penny. Exploring the city on two wheels is easily the best way to get around, cycling between the crazy contrast of Copenhagen’s different neighbourhoods. The brightly coloured buildings of Nyhavn are a must-see, as are the free views from Christiansborg Palace Tower, the quirky atmosphere in Norrebro and Freetown Christiania, an independent community in the heart of a big city. Copenhagen’s friendly people and unique attractions will have you wishing your trip never has to end.
9. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most loved cities of Europe and for good reason. It's easy to miss the Dutch Colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere from a previous trip - one visit never seems long enough.
Get on your hired bike and feel the wind in your hair as you explore every last bit of the Dutch capital from its world class museums and galleries, to its man made beaches and canalside bars, snapping your camera at all the as you go. The open air pubs and bars in Amsterdam are some of Europe’s best, along with the later nightlife. Soothe you hangover by lazing with the locals in Vondelpark, or instead hang off the edge of a 100m high building at the A’Dam Lookout Over the Edge Swing across the river in Amsterdam Noord. Whether you’re there for the chilled vibes or the one-of-a-kind attractions, no one leaves Amsterdam in a hurry - and there's plenty to do and see for those on a tighter budget.
10. Paris
Known for its iconic landmarks, sweet pastries and dreamy café culture, Paris is the perfect city to visit for your first trip of the year. Many people are under the false impression that a trip to the French capital will cost a small fortune, but sticking to a budget is way easier than most people believe, especially with this huge list of .
There’s no better feeling than sitting amongst local Parisians and drinking countless cups of café au lait by the River Seine. However while you’re not sitting down and enjoying the people watching, your itinerary will be packed with world-renowned landmarks to tick off. Marvelling at Le Louvre before getting a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, watching the sunset from the highest point in the city at the Sacre Coeur and drinking wine on the Champ de Mars in front of the spectacular Eiffel Tower at night - Paris is simply idyllic. To help save your euros, dine on market stall crepes and falafels in the Le Marais (one of our top areas in Paris for younger travellers) and avoid tourist traps like the top of the Eiffel Tower when the views from the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe are miles better and totally free. The feeling you get when exploring Paris is incomparable to anywhere else in the world.