Inflation effects us all, but travel remains a high priority for many searching for some respite from home stresses. Ahead of the summer holidays, the United Kingdom Post Office has released their annual City Costs Barometer, showcasing the best destinations to visit that won’t break the bank.
For the 17th year running, the barometer takes data from 37 different cities across Europe, analyzing prices to calculate the most affordable city break destinations. The survey calculates the average cost for a two-night weekend stay, taking into account prices for a visit to a top heritage tourist attraction, a museum, a sightseeing bus tour, and a public transport travel card valid for the duration of the stay. Food and drink costs included in the sums range from a regular cup of filter coffee to a three-course evening meal for two people, including house wine.
The data from this survey should prove helpful to those looking to book a cheap destination holiday this summer. The interest in city breaks has grown this year in the UK, with two in five Brits opting for a city break for their next holiday, but the appeal is universal. And, this data shows that prices are down in 60 percent of cities featured, thanks to significant accommodation price drops around the continent.
The winning city for 2024 is the Lithuanian capital. Vilnius previously held the crown of best value city in 2015, 2019, and 2020, but last year only just lost out on first place to Lisbon. Its fourth win is a result of low prices across the board—the cost of a weekend racks up to about $300, more than 10 percent lower than the runner-up city, and less than half the cost of 18 out of the 37 cities featured.
Vilnius has grown in popularity recently—we named it one of Europe’s most underrated cities to visit. There are plenty of hikes to take in the surrounding countryside, many of which offer epic vistas over the city (like Gediminas Hill), and don’t skip a visit to the Vilnius Cathedral or the secret St. James Church bell tower.
