A European city break doesn’t have to be expensive. With budget airlines, affordable accommodation and smart planning, it’s still very possible to enjoy a memorable short trip for under €500, including flights, accommodation, food and local transport.
This guide focuses on realistic budgets, not extreme backpacking or unrealistic prices. These are destinations where €500 genuinely works for a 2–3 night city break in 2026.
All prices are estimates per person, based on two people sharing accommodation. Costs may vary depending on travel dates and departure airport.
1. Kraków, Poland
Kraków remains one of the best-value city breaks in Europe. The historic old town, lively nightlife and very affordable food make it ideal for a short getaway.
- Flights: €40–€90 return
- Accommodation (2–3 nights): €120–€180
- Food & transport: €60–€100
- Total budget: €220–€350
Why it works: Walkable city, free sights, low daily costs.
Best months: March–May, October.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest combines grand architecture with some of the cheapest food and nightlife in a European capital.
- Flights: €30–€70 return
- Accommodation: €120–€200
- Food & transport: €80–€120
- Total budget: €230–€400
Why it works: Affordable public transport, iconic thermal baths, great value meals.
Best months: March–May, September–October.
3. Sofia, Bulgaria
One of Europe’s most underrated capitals and still extremely affordable compared to Western Europe.
- Flights: €50–€100 return
- Accommodation: €120–€180
- Food & transport: €80–€140
- Total budget: €250–€420
Why it works: Cheap accommodation, historic sights, free walking tours.
Best months: April–June, September.
4. Riga, Latvia
Riga offers beautiful architecture, a compact old town and prices that are still reasonable for Northern Europe.
- Flights: €60–€120 return
- Accommodation: €150–€220
- Food & transport: €90–€110
- Total budget: €300–€450
Why it works: Easy to explore on foot, good mid-range hotels, relaxed atmosphere.
Best months: May–September.
5. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sarajevo is one of the most culturally rich and affordable cities in Europe, especially outside peak summer.
- Flights: €30–€70 return
- Accommodation: €120–€180
- Food & transport: €80–€130
- Total budget: €250–€380
Why it works: Very low food costs, compact city, deep history.
Best months: April–June, September.
6. Athens, Greece
Athens is more expensive than Eastern Europe, but still achievable under €500 with good timing.
- Flights: €80–€140 return
- Accommodation: €150–€250
- Food & transport: €120–€150
- Total budget: €350–€500
Why it works: Walkable centre, affordable street food, strong off-season deals.
Best months: March–May, October.
Tips to Keep Costs Down
- Travel shoulder season (April–June / September–October) for lower flight + hotel rates
- Use budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet) with price alerts
- Choose hostels or budget hotels with breakfast included
- Walk or use public transport, saves a lot on short trips
- Eat where locals eat, not tourist streets
FAQs: European City Breaks Under €500
Can you really do a European city break under €500?
Yes, as long as you keep the trip short (2–3 nights), choose budget-friendly cities, and avoid peak travel periods. Cities in Eastern and parts of Southern Europe still offer low daily costs for accommodation, food, and transport, making a total budget under €500 realistic.
Does the €500 budget include flights?
Yes. All budgets in this guide include return flights per person, based on typical prices from major European airports. Costs assume flexible travel dates and budget airlines, which are common for short city breaks.
Are these prices per person or per trip?
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing accommodation. Flights, food, attractions, and local transport are calculated per traveler. If you’re traveling solo, accommodation costs may be slightly higher.
What is the cheapest European city for a weekend break?
Cities like Kraków, Sofia, Budapest, and Sarajevo are consistently among the cheapest in Europe. They combine low flight prices with very affordable food and accommodation, even in 2026.
Is €500 enough for food, transport, and attractions?
In most of the cities listed, yes. Daily meals, public transport, and many attractions are inexpensive, and several major sights are free. Eastern Europe in particular offers excellent value without sacrificing quality or experiences.
Affordable Europe Is Still Possible in 2026
With smart planning and flexibility on dates and airports, you can enjoy memorable European city breaks for under €500 in 2026, exploring history, culture, food and local life without overspending. Cities in Eastern Europe continue to offer the best value, while Western favourites can still fit your budget with good deals.
If you’re comparing travel costs, you might also like our guide to the 10 Cheapest 7-Day European Cruises in 2026.
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