European Budget Breaks
Lille
Located near the Belgian border, Lille’s identity is shaped by both French and Flemish influences, which you can see its buildings and also in the food and drink. While it was once known as an industrial hub, and some may say it has retained some of that grittiness, Lille has reinvented itself in recent times. Two universities in Lille have generated a thriving student population and together with a strong art scene, the city has a very bohemian vibe.
Average prices
Accommodation
Budget Hotel = €50 - €75 per night
Mid-Range Hotel = €110 - €130 per night
Food and Drink
Coffee = €3.50
Beer = €6.00
Bottle of Wine = €7.50
Meal at inexpensive restaurant = €16.00
3-Course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (without drinks) = €65.00
Travel
One-way ticket on local public transport = €2.00
Read more about visiting Lille
Prague
Prague is a city which has gained a reputation over the years as a party city, popular with stag groups due to its affordability and abundance of cheap Czech beer.
Here are four reasons why Prague is more affordable for tourists than many other European cities.
The official currency of Prague is the Czech Krona (CZK) and euros are not accepted. I’ve noted prices in euros for comparison purposes only.
Accommodation options
Prague has everything from budget hostels to mid-range hotels at reasonable prices compared to cities like Paris or London. Even centrally located places can be relatively affordable if booked in advance.
Average price of budget hotel CZK 1,045 - 1,940 = €45 - €80 per night
average price of mid-range accommodation CZK 1,940 - 3,400 = €80 - €140 per night
Affordable food and beer
Traditional Czech meals (like goulash or svíčková) are filling and inexpensive.
Beer is famously cheap—sometimes cheaper than bottled water—thanks to the country’s strong brewing culture.
Average prices
Coffee CZK 80.00 = €3.50
Beer CZK 70.00 = €3.00
Bottle of Wine CZK 140 = €6.00
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant CZK 250 = €10.00
3-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks) CZK 1,100 = €45.00
Cheap and efficient public transport
Prague’s trams, metro, and buses are reliable and easy to navigate.
One way ticket on local public transport CZK 39.00 = €1.60
Many free or low-cost attractions
You can enjoy a lot without spending much:
Walking across Charles Bridge
Exploring Old Town Square
Visiting churches and historic streets
Read here for more information about Prague.
Lisbon
Lisbon is widely regarded as one of the most affordable cities in Western Europe for tourists and a great choice for a budget break.
Average prices
Accommodation
Budget hotel = €50- €100 per night
Average price of mid-range accommodation = €195 per night
Food and Drink
Coffee = €2.80
Beer = €3.00
Bottle of wine = €5.00
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant = €15.00
3-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks) = €55.00
Travel
One way ticket on local public transport = €2.00
Read here for more information about Lisbon.
Bratislava
Vienna and Bratislava are 90 minutes apart, connected by a ferry trip down the Danube.
Of the two capital cities Bratislava is the more affordable option and there is enough to see on a two day visit.
Average prices
Accommodation
Budget hotel = €75 - €100 per night
Mid-range hotel = €100 - €140 per night
Food and Drink
Coffee = €3.00
Beer = €3.00
Bottle of wine = €6.00
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant = €10.00
3-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (excluding drinks) = €60.00
Travel
One way ticket on local public transport = €1.20
Read more about Bratislava here.