Porto Portugal's second city is a top pick for a wallet-friendly city break.
Medieval cobbled streets, history-filled museums, world-class food scenes… is there anything more enchanting than a city break?
Even better, many of Europe's most popular cities – and some even further afield – can be visited on the cheap.
From fairytale Krakow to culture-packed Istanbul, we’ve rounded up eight fantastic cities perfect for a budget trip, with wallet-winning deals to back them.
1. Krakow, Poland
Whether you visit for old town charm, fascinating historical sites or hip-and-happening nightlife, a city break to Krakow will fill your culture cravings.
Sightseeing takes in the medieval Rynek Główny market square, gothic St Florian’s Gate and the synagogues of the historic Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz. For a deeper historical dive, the sobering memorial and museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau are just an hour away.
When it comes to food, eat your way through pierogi dumplings and obwarzanek pretzels from bustling food vendors or take your pick of artisan cafés lining the streets of the old town. Come nightfall, go in search of an underground beer hall for revelry until dawn.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
A pint or two of Prague’s famously cheap beer is essential on a city break to the Czech capital. Get cosy in a cellar bar or head to the rooftop terrace of Hotel U Prince for views of the city’s iconic Church of Our Lady before Týn.
The city centre can easily be explored on foot – and with its pretty, cobbled streets, you’ll hardly notice the steps adding up. But if you’re short on time (or just want to rest your legs), Prague’s wallet-friendly e-bike and e-scooter services are fun ways to get around.
Prefer quieter days discovering the city’s sights? Visit the serene Old Jewish Cemetery or take a guided tour of the exquisite Klementinum library.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Combine a classic city break with a touch of luxury in Budapest. Hit up city sights such as the remarkable Parliament Building, the 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion fortress and the central market in the morning then melt away all your stresses at the thermal spas of Szechenyi Baths.
If you fancy sightseeing from a different angle, treat yourself to a boat cruise down the River Danube. Go in the evening to see the city’s lights at their most magical.
Into your food? Hungarian cuisine is a delight. Tuck into hearty portions of goulash and satisfy your sweet tooth with a traditional chimney cake. For evening tipples, opt for one of the city’s ruin bars.
4. Barcelona, Spain
With world-famous landmarks and excellent tapas bars, a city break to Barcelona hits the spot for sightseers and foodies alike.
The city centre is packed with incredible architecture to explore – think the stunning spires of the Sagrada Familia (scheduled to be completed in 2026) and the gothic church towers of Santa Maria del Mar – while along the coast, you can take your pick from waterfront restaurants and trendy bars.
There’s plenty for art lovers here too. Take some time to appreciate dazzling Gaudí designs at the fantastical Park Güell or visit one of the city’s thought-provoking art museums. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is a top pick.
5. Istanbul, Turkey
If you’re a serial city breaker, you’ll want to put Istanbul on your bucket list. This ever-evolving city is packed with museums, bazaars, Turkish baths and striking architecture around every corner – and for foodies, it’s a wonderful culinary journey.
Expect everything from flaky börek and loaded kebabs to bitesize dumplings and sweet künefe pastries, all a tantalising mix of Balkan, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The best bit? Eating out is wonderfully affordable, with a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant coming in at around £36.*
If you’d prefer a little more outdoor adventure, take a guided kayak tour along the Bosphorus Strait or book a cruise to the Princes's Islands.
6. Porto, Portugal
From the six iconic bridges that crisscross the River Douro right down to its azuelo-tiled townhouses, Portugal's second city has a lot to discover.
The historic Ribeira district is at the heart of the action. Tick off the towering hilltop cathedral and neoclassical Palácio da Bolsa before taking a stroll along the pretty waterfront promenade. Pause here to feast on classic dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod) and hearty francesinha sandwiches.
Cross the double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and you’ll have some of the world’s best port houses at your fingertips. Get acquainted with the renowned ruby liquor on a tasting tour.
7. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech has everything from fabulous food to luxury spas – plus has the bragging rights to some of the world’s most famous souks.
Spend your city break admiring the cacti-filled courtyards of Jardin Majorelle, haggling for textiles and perfume at Souk Semmarine, marvelling at the archaeological masterpiece of Koutoubia Mosque, and sipping mint tea in rooftop cafés.
When you need to refuel, delicious and filling food is never far away. Tuck into traditional lamb tagine, rich harira soup and steaming plates of couscous.
8. Berlin, Germany
Contemporary art galleries, sobering history, uber-cool nightlife… you probably won’t fit in all of Berlin’s best bits on a city break, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
Start with a history lesson and delve into Germany’s past with tours of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Holocaust Memorial. Then, get a crash course in ancient history and art at the five museums of Museum Island.
As for evening entertainment, take your pick of chic cocktail bars and laidback craft beer pubs – or dance the night away at one of the city’s techno clubs and underground raves.
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