Sitting in the courtyard of a hospoda (pub) in Prague's New Town last March, I (travel writer Amelia Neath) was left feeling a little smug when the price on the card reader for my Pilsner Urquell beer showed up as £2.60. Although this was slightly less volume than a pint, I've been charged almost three times the amount for a beer in central London, so I was more than content with the price offered in the Czech capital. Keen to book another affordable trip in 2026, this week I have been researching the prices of everyday items on a European cost of living index to decipher my next city break (as long as I manage to avoid the tourist traps).
Aside from glasses of foamy Pilsner, Prague proved to be an inexpensive trip all around. A basic ticket for one of the city's top attractions, Prague Castle, costs around half the amount it does to visit the Tower of London. However, my research has shown me that cities like Braga, Sofia or Catania could be the next destination I find the cheapest flights for.
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Prague is ideal for a budget city break (Getty/iStock) |
Looking outside Europe, global travel editor Annabel Grossman told me she swapped the big hitter US cities for the more affordable Montgomery in Alabama. "There are plenty of great dining options – I even managed to find a vegan southern food joint with plant-based 'chicken' wings and mac and cheese," she said. "It's a particularly poignant time to visit as this month the city marks 70 years since Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus, marking the start of the Montgomery Bus Boycott." The city has recently opened Equal Justice Initiative sites, including the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park and Legacy Museum, which Annabel says "are places I feel every traveller should visit, especially during the current political climate". Meanwhile, assistant travel editor Hayley Spencer says one of her favourite cities to visit is Athens, which can be done on a budget if you avoid upscale hotels and restaurants. She told me: "There are brilliant boutique stays which are surprisingly affordable, such as the historic Monsieur Didot, housed in a neoclassical building in Kolonaki, and basic options from as little as £20 a night. It's a city with London levels of cool where your money will go twice as far in many places. "There's a burgeoning natural wine scene, and even a funky glass at a stylish al fresco bar can cost less than £5. Heteroclito is my favourite," Hayley added. "It's a really walkable city and if you don't want to foot entry fees to the main sites and museums, you can peek at plenty of antiquities at the free National Gardens, or pass by pretty Byzantine churches while wandering around Plaka." Throughout the past year, more of our writers have been exploring some of the world's most fascinating cities that have culture, cuisine and beautiful architecture in abundance. Below, Independent Travel's editors have pulled together some of their favourites. |
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| The Bulgarian capital has broad avenues and grand buildings, relics of the communist era and exquisite places of worship – plus flights, food and hotels at extremely low prices. And just southwest of the centre, you can ski on 2,300m Mount Vitosha. |
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| Only one country in the world offers free public transport: Luxembourg. Fares for trains, buses, trams and funicular railways were abolished in 2020. Once you reach the Grand Duchy, you can explore the modest nation to your heart's content. |
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| Make next year extra special with a luxurious river cruise. Save on romantic Rhine cruises, wine-themed Danube voyages, birdwatching along the Rhone and more. Various 2026 dates and durations available. Learn more. |
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| Fancy a break? Take advantage of the Village Hotels saver rate and enjoy up to 25% off your stay when you book 90 days in advance. Choose from top locations including Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool and more. Learn more. |
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| | Jet off on a break for less with these great deals from lastminute.com. Choose from vibrant destinations including Paris, Barcelona, Marrakech and beyond. Various dates and departures available. Learn more. |
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| Best women's hiking boots, tried and tested in rugged Cornwall |
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| From penny-saving in Prague to affordable Athens, a trip to these cities won't break the bank. |
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| Just 1 hour 22 minutes by train from London St Pancras, Lille is an easy weekend getaway with plenty of cultural goings and an exciting food scene. |
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Stroll the city's pedestrian-friendly boulevards and the narrow streets that spider out in Old Lille, and stop for a long lunch in Place aux Oignons (named for the delicious smell from it's estaminets – cafés, bars or bistros typical to Northern France) |
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| Our round-up of the best affordable hotels in the Scottish city – most of which are in the city centre. |
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| | Writer Robin McKelvie argues that your money will go further in this Canadian city than it would south of the border. |
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Our Pick: Today's Top Deals |
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| Uncover 400 incredible facts from the world's most secret and mysterious locations with the best-selling Forbidden Places – only £10 at Amazon. |
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| Give the gift of cosy socks for any adventure and get 15% off at Peper Harow with code SAVE15. |
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