13 Cheapest Winter City Break Destinations in Europe (Winter 2024)

If you are wondering what is the cheapest place in Europe to travel to this year, this post is for you! This is a comprehensive list of the cheapest winter city break destinations in Europe! True and up to date for Winter 2024/25!

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This is a list of seriously cheap destinations for your next winter city break in Europe.

Tried and tested by me, one of the most frugal, long-term solo travellers out there! I can make €5  stretch much further than most, so when I say someplace is cheap, it is.

You will not find cities like Prague or Budapest on this list. I have been there and I don’t think those cities are affordable anymore. Many posts out there give you outdated and pre ‘European inflation and over-tourism’ data.

I will give you fresh and up-to-date ideas for the cheapest winter city break destinations in Europe.

What is the cheapest place in Europe to travel to in the winter?

The best and cheapest places in Europe for a winter city break are located in the Balkans, Caucasus and some of the Eastern and Baltic countries. The majority of the Western European destinations will be more on the expensive side, with a few exceptions which I will mention.  

Cities like Tirana, Sarajevo, Tbilisi, Sofia, and Krakow will be some of the cheapest winter destinations in Europe. 

But if you want to see the whole spread of the cheapest European cities to travel to, read on as I will list some cities in Western Europe that are equally affordable.

Is it Worth Going to Europe in The Winter?

Europe is magical in the winter. Especially during Christmas time. With plenty of wonderful Christmas markets, and winter ski destinations but also surprisingly warm and sunny places, Europe is absolutely worth visiting in the winter.

What’s more, many typically expensive European cities become much more affordable outside of the summer season. 

Is Europe Cheap to Travel to in The Winter?

Europe can be cheap to travel to in the winter if you choose the right destination. Most popular winter ski resorts and popular Christmas markets towns will be expensive in the winter. Also, some cities like Paris, London, Vienna, Amsterdam or Dublin will remain expensive no matter what time of the year it is.

But some European cities become much more affordable in the winter months while offering plenty of things to do and many free attractions.

There is also a large variety of the type of winter destinations you can indulge in in winter. Whether you are looking for an affordable snow and ski town, winter sun or affordable culture and sightseeing, you will find it all in Europe and often much cheaper in the winter.

I believe that if you want to, you can make everything affordable.

Yet there are some things that you just cannot change such as the accommodation or transportation prices. The cheapest hostel dorm bed I found in Barcelona in January is €20, while in Tirana you will pay half of it. And in Tbilisi even less!

Yet sometimes the price of the food, amount of free attractions and how walkable the city is will also add or detract from the overall count. 

But I will mention all that further below. 

In the description of each destination, I will include the average price of a hostel or average private room and estimated daily spend for a pretty budget-conscious traveller who also wants to enjoy the trip. I will mention some of the free attractions in each city as well.

So let’s go and have a cheap winter break in Europe this year!

Cheapest Winter City Break Destinations in Europe

Tirana, Albania

Tirana is one of the best and most affordable city break destinations in the Balkans and one of my favourite cities in Europe. It is just such a vibrant, colourful, interesting city to visit at any time of the year.

Albania is a very much up-and-coming destination and 2023 saw a massive increase in tourism. Yet Tirana still offers amazing value for money and plenty of great things to do that are either free or very affordable. 

For a capital city, Tirana is quite small and compact and very walkable and I only used busses on a couple of occasions during my 2-week stay.

Tirana is a truly fascinating city. It stole my heart with its crazy architectural mishmash, the colours, the greenery, the cafes, and the cool unpretentious vibe. 

Tirana is also one of the most affordable European capital cities. On all fronts – from the accommodation to the food and available attractions. Is it definitely one of the cheapest winter city break destinations in Europe.

Accommodation cost in Tirana in the winter:

You can find a great hostel in Tirana (Like Vanilla Sky Hostel) for as little as €12 or a more than decent private room for only €15.

Daily spend for a budget city break in Seville excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring – €10 per day if you walk around and mostly eat street food.

€15 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€15 to €20 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller in Tirana which would allow for some paid activities and a glass of wine every now and then.

Free things to do in Tirana:

• Skanderbeg Square
• Pazari i Ri, also known as New Bazaar 
• Grand Park of Tirana
• Pyramid of Tirana

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo offers an incredible blend of cultures, and it’s referred to as the Jerusalem of Europe. Sarajevo is also one of the most affordable yet culturally rich capitals in Europe. 

Sarajevo is perfect to visit at any time of the year, including winter and makes for a fascinating city break. Famous for the Bascarsija historical bazaar, featuring narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and traditional craft workshops.

It is also known as a place where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place on the famous Latin Bridge which triggered the start of the 1st World War.

There are tonnes of things to do in Sarajevo yet it is still a very cheap European destination to visit. 

Accommodation cost in Sarajevo in the winter:

Sarajevo can be even cheaper than Tirana. It was in Sarajevo that I managed to find private accommodation for as little as €11 per night. But for the best deal, I recommend booking early. For the best value book a dorm in One Love hostel for just €10 per night!

Daily spend for a budget city break in Seville excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring – €10 per day or even less if you don’t want to pay for activities and eat just burek haha

€15 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€15 to €20 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Sarajevo:

• Bascarsija district, the old bazaar of Sarajevo
• Latin Bridge
• Yellow Fortress
• The Sebilj fountain

One of my favourite ways to discover a town on a budget is by joining a free walking tour whenever I first arrive. I can learn the history of the town, discover places that maybe I wouldn’t be able to find on my own and often meet other travellers in the process. If I have any burning questions about the location or safety – I always ask those questions to the tour guide. I highly recommend it!

Please note that those tours are free to join but given the tour often offers extreme value it is customary to leave a tip at the end of the tour. I always research what is the typical tip for a free walking tour in my current location. 

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade truly surprised me and from the moment I arrived I very much regretted that I only gave this city 3 days. It’s one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the Balkans and the whole of Europe. 

I visited Belgrade in the fall but it would be a wonderful city to visit during the winter too. The majority of the best things to do are evergreen and can be enjoyed no matter the weather or season. 

You will find Belgrade boasting an incredible atmosphere, stunning architecture and many wonderful cafes and restaurants as well as pretty awesome nightlife. In fact, Belgrade is called the nightlife capital of the Balkans.

With that being said, although Belgrade was more expensive than Sarajevo and Tirana, I found it still pretty affordable when it comes to eating out and attractions.

Although you might want to use public transport in Belgrade it is, wait for it, free for tourists as of 2023. That is because it is being restructured at the moment and there is no way a tourist can purchase a ticket. This will eventually change of course, so why not go to Belgrade now?

Accommodation cost in Belgrade in the winter:

Belgrade is not the cheapest when it comes to accommodation but you can find some great value there as well. I stayed at Hostel Fair and Square which offered pretty good value for money.

Daily spend for a budget city break in Belgrade excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring – €10 to €15 per day

€15 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€20 to €25 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Belgrade:

• Belgrade Fortress
• Knez Mihailova pedestrian street 
• Saint Sava Temple 
• Skadarlija bohemian district

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Krakow, Poland

Krakow is my favourite city in the whole world. Yes, I am biased. I am Polish and have been visiting Krakow since I was a child. But this city never grew old on me and it is ever developing, and changing while keeping its charm and magic. 

Krakow is one of the best cities in Europe to visit in the winter, especially around Christmas time. The Christmas market is located on the largest medieval square in Europe where you will be able to enjoy delicious Polish street food and mulled wine.

But you can also visit Krakow after Christmas, of course. Although pretty touristy and quite popular, Krakow is still one of the most affordable winter destinations in Europe. 

In Krakow, you will find a whole range of affordable accommodations and delicious local meals at one of the traditional Milk Bars. The city is also very walkable so you will not have to pay for public transport unless you want to. 

Accommodation cost in Krakow in the winter:

Although Krakow can be a bit more expensive than Balcan cities it is still way cheaper than cities like Prague or Budapest.  You can find an awesome hostel like Atlantis Hostel for €13 per night and a private double room for as little as €25. 

Daily spend for a budget city break in Krakow excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring – €10 per day will get you a sandwich for a breakfast and hearty meal in one of Krakow Milk Bars or other local eateries. 

€15 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€15 to €25 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Krakow :

• Medieval Stary Rynek (Old Square)
• Wawel Castle grounds
• Jewish District of Kazimierz
• Cobbled streets of Krakow’s Old Town
• Vistula River Bank And Boulevards

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko is definitely one of the most affordable European winter ski destinations. Located in Bulgaria, it offers a combination of beautiful ski slopes, a charming town, and reasonable prices compared to many other European ski resorts. 

It also has a lively apres-ski scene, and many of the entertainment options, such as bars and clubs, offer reasonable prices compared to more upscale ski resorts.

The cost of ski passes in Bansko is often more affordable compared to ski resorts in Western Europe. You will find various options for lift passes, including multi-day passes and season passes.

While offering great skiing opportunities, Bansko has retained its local Bulgarian charm. In fact, it is also one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in Europe. Sort of, Chiang Mai or Eastern Europe.

Bansko is also one of the best hiking destinations in Bulgaria and there are many trails that can be enjoyed in the winter too.

Accommodation cost in Bansko in the winter:

Bansko is one of the most expensive winter destinations on this list mostly as it is actually a winter ski resort. But in comparison to some other famous ski towns in Western Europe, the accommodation cost is very reasonable. You will be looking at around €25 per night for a private room in Bansko.

Daily spend for a budget city break in Bansko excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring – €10 to €15 per day 

€15 to €20 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€20 to €25 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Bansko (apart from skiing):

• Bansko Old Town 
• Hiking or snowshoe hiking!
• Bansko Street Art
• Pirin Street
• Holy Trinity Church

Zakopane, Poland

Here is another Polish winter destination I couldn’t recommend highly enough. If you are looking for a true winter wonderland town in Europe, surrounded by snowy peaks and offering some of the best hikes in Europe without paying a fortune, Zakopane should be on your list.

Zakopane is a beautiful city located in the Polish Tatry mountains offering plenty of great things to do as well as pretty great value for money.

Avoid visiting during Christmas and New Year’s as it is extremely popular among Polish tourists and prices get spiked during this time. Other than that Zakopane is a very affordable winter destination in Europe. 

Accommodation cost in Zakopane in the winter:

Zakopane is still more affordable than Bansko when it comes to accommodation mostly as it offers some great hostels like Good Bye Lenin where you can get a dorm for as little as €16 or a private room at Willa Danuśka for €20. Not bad for a ski resort in Europe!

Daily spend for a budget city break in Zakopane excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring –  €15 per day 

€15 to €20 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€20 to €25 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Zakopane (apart from skiing):

• Krupowki Street
• Hiking!
• Morskie Oko Hike!

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul isn’t the first city that comes to mind when you think of budget-friendly European destinations. Unfortunately for the locals, this has now changed.

Turkey is going through some really tough times at the moment. As if the economic problems weren’t enough, recent natural disasters in the form of earthquakes have made things even worse.

And no, the message here isn’t to take advantage of this and roam Turkey for cheap. But for countries that benefit from tourism, it can be mutually beneficial. For the wallets of travellers and for the local economy.

Things get even more affordable in the winter so Istanbul might be just one of the best winter city break destinations in Europe.

Although technically only part of Istanbul is actually in Europe. Which makes it even more exciting!

Outside of the summer season, Istanbul is a fantastic city break destination. With fewer crowds and colder weather and plenty of restaurants and hotels offering lower prices, Istanbul is the ideal place for a winter trip.

To top it up, transportation within Istanbul is incredibly affordable. The extensive public transportation network includes trams, buses, and ferries that connect various parts of the city at reasonable prices.

A single fare can be as low as 0.40€. 

Accommodation costs in Istanbul in the winter:

The cheapest well-rated hostel (only above 8 on booking.com) I found in January is €10 per night. And the rest of them don’t go much higher than that!

For a budget traveller who prefers to stay in a private room, there are plenty of great rooms for around €20 per night like this in Baran Home Aparts .

Finally, there are plenty of fantastic hotels and boutique hotels in Istanbul that won’t break the bank like the excellent Union Hotel Port or The Story Hotel Pera.

Daily spend for a budget city break in Istanbul excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring –  10€ to €15 per day (10€  if you just eat street food and kebabs 😉

€15 to €20 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€20 to €25 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Istanbul:

• Hagia Sophia 
• Blue Mosque
• Grand Bazaar (free if you don’t buy anything haha)
• Suleymaniye Mosque

Athens, Greece

I am in Athens right now as I write this post. It’s December 2023 and I can confirm that Athens in winter is not only beautiful and sunny, but also excellent value for money. I have just finished my super delicious souvlaki dinner, which cost me €3.2.

Athens is a spectacular place to be in during European winter. It is one of the more popular city break destinations yet it is still pretty affordable. I would say a dinner out in Athens is only a little bit more expensive than in Tirana. 

Athens boasts incredible history and some of the most spectacular sights. Athens, the cradle of European civilization, is an ideal destination for a city break. If you plan well, you can even visit many of the famous sights for free, as admission to the Acropolis and many of Athens’ museums is free on the first Sunday of every month during the winter season.

Athens also offers some of the mildest winter weather in Europe. I am seriously thinking of crowning Athens a queen of European winter city break destinations. And not at all because I have just moved in here 🙂

Accommodation costs in Athens in the winter:

Accommodation prices in Athens go well down in the winter. A dorm bed in this hostel will cost you €20 in the summer and only €10 in the winter.

is on the more pricy side but the cost of moving around and the cost of food makes up for it. So it all balances well.

The private room in the centre of Athens will cost you around €30. Be sure to read my guide to the best and worst places to stay in Athens before booking!

Daily spend for a budget city break in Athens excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring –  10€ to €15 per day (10€  if you just eat street food and kebabs 😉

€15 to €20 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€20 to €25 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Athens :

• Beautiful Plaka neighbourhood
• National Garden
• Filopappou Hill
• Anafiotika 

Palermo, Italy

I found Sicily to be not only my favourite region of Italy but also the most affordable. 

When I first visited Italy I was prepared for high prices some cities and regions proved to be on the pricier side. However, I found Sicily to be surprisingly affordable especially if you choose the right destination.

Palermo definitely is not the cheapest European city break destination but compared to other Italian or Western European cities it punches in a lot of value. Palermo is certainly not the cheapest European city break destination, but compared to other Italian or Western European cities, it is very affordable. A visit to this stunning, historic city, which offers great food and warm weather even in winter, can cost you from as little as €30 per day.

During my stay in Sicily, I feasted on incredibly delicious arancini and pasta for dinner. If that’s not an incredible way to save money, I don’t know what is. Plus, Palermo is very walkable and you don’t have to spend money on transport.

Palermo is the capital of Sicily and a good starting point for discovering nearby gems such as Cefalu or Mount Etna. In Palermo itself there is plenty to experience, e.g. local markets, nearby beaches and historical sights such as the Norman Palace, Palermo Cathedral and the Capuchin Catacombs.

Accommodation costs in Palermo in the winter:

Unfortunately, in Palermo accommodation isn’t as affordable as in other European cities I have mentioned in the post. Even a bed in a dorm will cost you between 20€ and 28€.

But if you are happy to spend around €30 you will be able to enjoy a pretty comfortable private room in the centre of Palermo with breakfast included like at Al Politeama House.

Daily spend for a budget city break in Palermo excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring –  10€ to €15 per day

€15 to €20 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€20 to €25 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Palermo:

• Palermo street markets
• Palermo Cathedral
• Explore Palermo’s architecture
• Quattro Canti
• Piazza Pretoria

Lagos, Portugal

If you’re looking for affordable winter sun in Europe, look no further than Lagos. Even if you can’t swim in the sea and the weather may not be as glorious as in the warmer months, Lagos is still a great affordable coastal town in Portugal in winter.

This summer favourite Portuguese beach town becomes much more affordable in winter and many hostels and budget hotels are open all year round!

If you’re wondering what to do in the beach town in winter, don’t worry! The natural beauty of Lagos, including the stunning cliffs, rock formations and beaches, is not limited to the summer, and the windier weather can make the spectacular views even more dramatic. This part of Portugal is also great for hiking! There are also several places around Lagos that you can visit on a day trip, such as Faro or Portimão.

When it comes to the cost you can find accommodation in Lagos for as little as €14 for a dorm bed. Food in Portugal, like in many Mediterranean countries is delicious and pretty affordable. 

Accommodation costs in Lagos in the winter:

Expect to pay between €15 and €20 for a hostel dorm bed in Lagos during the winter season. If you prefer a private room, depending on the location you will pay between 30 and  €40 for some of the cheapest options.

Daily spend for a budget city break in Palermo excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring –  15€ to 

€15 to €25 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€30 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Palermo:

• Lagos’  Old Town
• Hiking
• Beach!
• Ponta da Piedade

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is one of the most unique and affordable winter city break destinations in Europe. 

Georgia is a fascinating country of only  4 million inhabitants and heaps of beauty. Tbilisi as its capital is a great representation of what this country has to offer. Culture, dramatic and rich history, delicious food and breathtaking tapestry of natural landscapes. 

To top it up, you will not only find a plethora of cosy bars, cafes and restaurants but also natural hot springs which make Tbilisi an ideal winter break destination. 

The city is rich in iconic landmarks such as the Narikala Fortress, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Tbilisi or the Kura River and the historical Tbilisi’s Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets lead to hidden courtyards and traditional balconied houses. Tbilisi is a foodies paradise with cuisine offering unique flavour profiles.

Tbilisi is also one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe and while it is steadily gaining popularity maybe this year is the time to visit before its affordability charm!

Accommodation costs in Tbilisi in the winter:

Tbilisi offers incredible value for money when it comes to accommodation. You can get a bed in a highly-rated hostel for as little as €4! The super cosy Friends Hostel charges €6 per night in February!

The incredible Elia Boutique Hostel charges €11 per night and a private room and a whole apartment in the town centre will be just €16. It doesn’t get cheaper than this!

Daily spend for a budget city break in Tbilisi excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring –  10€ to €15

€15 to €20 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€25 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Tbilisi:

• The Old Town of Tbilisi
• Narikala Fortress
• Tbilisi Christmas Markets
• Dezerter Bazaar 

Seville, Spain

I love Andalucia. I was lucky to have lived in Andalusia for 3 years and I can confirm it is one of the best places to be in Europe during winter months. And Seville is no differnt.

Although a bit more expensive than other towns on this list, being the capital of Andalucia, it can be surprisingly cheap for the array of attractions and delicious food it offers.

Like with many other cities, you can make it as cheap or as expensive as you want. And it does get not only cheaper but kind of nicer in winter.

Seville is amazing for an affordable winter city break in Europe. The weather is mild, there are tonnes of amazing attractions in Seville and the tapas scene makes eating out very affordable.  

I have visited Seville both in the summer and in the winter, and maybe I actually prefer it in the colder months. The prices of accommodation will be lower, there will be fewer tourists around in general and you will be much warmer than in some other places around Europe.

What makes Seville an outstanding value for money is how walkable the town is (you don’t need to pay for transportation), how affordable the food can be, and how many awesome free things to do there is in Seville.

Among the free things to do in Seville are visiting the stunning Plaza de España or wandering through the historic neighbourhoods of Barrio Santa Cruz and Triana. The tapas culture in Spain is incredible so you will be able to eat out pretty cheap yet spectacularly. 

Accommodation cost in Seville in the winter:

Hostels get much cheaper in Seville in the winter and you can get a dorm bed in the best-rated hostels in Seville for as little as €16. The private rooms in the centre will start from €30 per night. 

Daily spend for a budget city break in Seville excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring –  €15

€15 to €25 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€30 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Seville:

• Plaza de España 
• Triana Neighborhood
• Cathedral of Seville and Giralda Tower
• Maria Luisa Park
• Barrio Santa Cruz

Skopje, North Macedonia

Skopje is one of the most interesting cities I have ever visited. Interesting in a very strange way which causes a bit of controversy. While some travellers dismiss it as kitschy and tacky, some really enjoy the unusual architectural landscape of this North Macedonian capital.

I really like Skopje! It is weird and beautiful at the same time. Small enough so it can be discovered on foot but large enough to give you enough to see and do for a few days! 

And the controversy?

Dubbed the ‘city of statues,’ Skopje embarked on the “Skopje 2014” project four decades after a devastating earthquake in 1963. The controversial project aimed to give the city a more monumental appearance, adding statues and structures reflecting historical and cultural figures. 

I found the statues bizarre, slightly overwhelming and kind of amusing. I even wondered how would the city look without them, and came to the conclusion that modern Skopje is now defined by this architectural phenomenon.

But Skopje boasts many more attractions while being a very affordable European capital.

The Old Bazaar is a vibrant and historic market area with narrow streets, Ottoman architecture, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The medieval fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the Vardar River. 

Skopje’s charm peaks in spring or fall, but even in the winter, covered in snow, the city holds a unique charm, making it one of the most interesting and cheapest winter destinations in Europe.

Accommodation cost in Skopje in the winter:

You can find hostels as cheap as €8 in Skopje but I recommend staying at Hi Skopje which is still pretty affordable! Pravate rooms are cheap in Skopje starting from around €23 per night.

Daily spend for a budget city break in Skopje excluding accommodation:

On a shoestring –  €18

€18 to €25 – a pretty comfortable but budget stay. 

€30 – A mid-range budget for an average traveller

Free things to do in Skopje:

Sorry folks! It was supposed to be a short guide and look what I’ve done! But I wanted to be sure I give you all the useful information so you can easily choose which one if those seriously cheap European destinations is best for you!

Let me know which one you choose! I love them all!

Until then, happy winter travels!

Pati x

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