The cheapest five-star European city break is…

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Average price for a five-star city break: £308pp

Our number one spot for city luxury on a budget is Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, where the price of a five-star city break averaged just £308pp – that’s less than a third of the price of a five-star city break to Paris which came in at £967pp.

You’ll come home with a camera roll full of pictures on a break in “The City of Seven Hills”, thanks to Lisbon’s many viewpoints looking down over the city’s terracotta rooftops, cheery yellow historic trams and pretty cobbled streets. By day, explore its hilltop castle and the historic Alfama district, and at night hang out in a traditional fado house or a chic rooftop cocktail bar.

Food-wise, trying a pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) is a must, but there’s much more to discover, too, whether you fancy fresh seafood or steak.

2. Krakow, Poland

Average price for a five-star city break: £321pp

The eastern European city of Krakow is always a good option for luxury for less and it takes our number two spot with five-star city breaks averaging £321pp.

While not as cheap as it once was, Krakow is affordable while you’re there, too, and according to cost-of-living site, Numbeo, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages 40 zł (£8) while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs an average of 200zł (£40.50).

Food aside, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Poland’s good looking second city, from taking in the atmosphere in Europe's largest medieval square, Rynek Główny, and visiting impressive Wawel Castle to exploring Kazimierz, the city's Jewish Quarter.

3. Berlin, Germany

Average price for a five-star city break: £357pp

Germany’s capital, Berlin, combines fascinating history with a hip counter-culture. The city’s free walking tours offer a great way to learn about its past, while by night it’s fun to bar-hop in districts such as trendy Prenzlauer Berg or alternative Kreuzberg.

Don’t miss the views from the top of the Reichstag Building, the seat of German Parliament, where there’s a restaurant as well as a viewpoint. If culture is your priority, plan a day on Museum Island where there’s five museums or go to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum to learn more about the Berlin Wall years.

And while you can’t visit the city without trying its inexpensive signature dish, currywurst (pork sausage, cut into slices, covered in a mixture of curry powder and ketchup and served with fries), Berlin’s innovative restaurants offer up everything from Michelin-starred meals to laid-back brunches.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Average price for a five-star city break: £375pp

Prague lures holidaymakers in with its bargain prices and then makes them fall deeply in love with its beauty.

A good place to start your very own love story is the Old Town, or Stare Mesto, where you can explore the maze of picturesque cobbled lanes. Make sure you head to Old Town Square as it’s home to the famous Astronomical Clock.

You can look over the Old Town and the river from above from Letná Park, where you can capture particularly good photographs at sunset. The park also has a popular beer garden, where you can relax with a drink without breaking the bank. According to Numbeo, the average price of a domestic beer is just 60Kč (£2.12) in Prague. For tips on keeping your costs down in Prague, read our article How to do Prague on a budget.

5. Budapest, Hungary

Average price for a five-star city break: £430pp

Budapest is always a solid bet for a bargain city break, so it’s no surprise to see it taking our fifth spot for a cheap five-star escape.

Famed for its spas and thermal baths, the Hungarian capital has become a top value city break for Brits looking to pamper themselves for less. Popular outdoor pools the Szechenyi Baths or the quieter Turkish Rudas Baths are ideal places to unwind.

Besides wallowing in relaxing waters, you might also want to check out Budapest’s quirky “ruin pub” bar scene, stunning palaces and the sombre House of Terror museum. Oh, and did we mention that a domestic beer is just 1,120Ft (£2.50) on average, according to Numbeo. Cheers!

6. Venice, Italy

Average price for a five-star city break: £500

There’s nowhere else in the world quite like the magical Lagoon City of Venice. You’ll want to capture shots of stripey-shirted gondoliers and show-stopping sights such as the Rialto Bridge and the Byzantine domes of Saint Mark's. Generally considered to be a pricey destination, it’s a surprise entry in our cheap five-star city breaks list.

As well as the big-hitters in Venice, allow time to escape the crowds and get lost in its narrow, winding backstreets. And, as you wander, fill up on cicchetti (a Venetian version of tapas) which are a good option to keep your food costs down.

To stand the best chance of bagging a bargain break to Venice, avoid visiting in the peak summer months when high temperatures and crowds can make the city hard work, or when the late January/early February Carnevale is taking place. And, if you’re flexible on timings, mid-week is generally quieter and cheaper.

7. Barcelona, Spain

Average price of a five-star city break: £539pp

Barcelona is a crowd pleaser with attractions for every taste. Flit from culture in its museums and galleries to one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world, Camp Nou. Or spend the morning strolling around the handsome medieval quarter with its gothic cathedral before lounging for an afternoon on the beach - Platja del Bogatell is a popular stretch of sand.

No trip to Barcelona would be complete without admiring works by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudí. While you can pay to go into his buildings, a walk up the Passeig de Gràcia will take you past the façades of both the colourfully tiled, dragon shaped Casa Batlló and the maritime-themed apartment block La Pedrera.

Food and drink wise, head to one of the city’s traditional tapas bars away from the tourist streets to eat well on a budget. And, while local beer isn’t quite as cheap as in other cities on our list, at an average price of €4 (£3.45) for a pint according to Numbeo, is a steal compared to big cities in the UK.

The cheapest five-star European city break destinations

Please note: Our research analysed clicks on TravelSupermarket from 1 July 2025 to 28 February 2026 for five-star, two- and three-night city break holidays departing between 1 March and 31 December 2026. Only destinations with sufficient search volume were included.