Top Eight Cheap European City Breaks For 2023

If there's one thing to provide a bit of light at the end of the dull winter tunnel, it has to be going on a city break in Europe and wandering round the exciting streets of a foreign metropolis.

We know budgets are tighter than ever at the moment, but if you have managed to save up a few pennies and are desperate to hop on a plane and visit one of the many beautiful European cities right on our doorstep, we can help you save a bit of money!

You can check out all TOTUM's student discount travel offers right here.

With the first hint of spring in the air - although it sounds like we could be in for some more cold weather - if you're dreaming of getting back to exploring the continent and all it has to offer, from the pure joy of enjoying gelato in the Mediterranean to strolling through the cobbled streets of historic gems, here are the places you should consider visiting this year.

Wherever you're thinking of heading off to, be sure to check out booking.com - there's currently savings of at least 15% with early 2023 deals, so don't miss out!

1. Brno, Czech Republic

Prague is often the star of the show when it comes to visiting the Czech Republic, but we'd highly recommend visiting the city of Brno which is sandwiched between Prague and Vienna.

If you thought Prague was a superb budget-friendly option for a city break, you'll love Brno. The second largest city in the country, Brno is even more cost-effective than Prague.

You won't be short of things to do here either - from Špilberk Castle to opera houses; communist concert halls to the abundance of functionalist architecture, there's plenty to see and experience.

2. Valencia, Spain

Cheaper and quieter than Spain's other big cities, Valencia is ideal for tourists on a budget and is just as beautiful as its more expensive counterparts.

If you wanted to extend your city break and travel around Spain, a new line from the high-speed, low-cost AVLO train service operates a Madrid-Valencia route with tickets starting from just €7.

You can explore Turia Gardens or immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city's flea markets. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, its stunning beaches are sure to draw you in.

As the birthplace of paella, it's an absolute must to enjoy the Spanish dish in the place where it originated (accompanied by some Sangria, of course).

Don't forget you can get 30% off things like airport parking, transfers and even airport hotel stays with Holiday Extras!

3. Bucharest, Romania

New research recently revealed that the Romanian capital of Bucharest is, in fact, Europe's cheapest city break!

With return flights from the UK often available for as little as £60 (before you start adding your baggage costs etc) and the city boasting an average daily rate of £58 for accommodation, those on a tight budget are in luck.

With fascinating architecture (it was once nicknamed 'Little Paris' for this reason) and a number of brilliant attractions, Bucharest is definitely one that should top your list.

Whether you decide on a peaceful trip to Herăstrau Park or a stroll through the stunning Calea Victoriei, you'll be glad you visited.

4. Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgaria's capital has become quite the hotspot for travellers on a budget. Not only is it easy to find ridiculously cheap flights to Sofia from the UK, it's also extremely cheap to travel around the city itself.

If you just so happen to fall in love with the city while visiting, it's worth noting that the cost of living is amongst the lowest in Europe - a potential move may be on the cards, or at the very least a nice hotel stay... Check out our offer for 10% off plus flexible cancellations with Hotels.com

5. Riga, Latvia

Backpackers love Riga and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why. Cheap food, cheap accommodation and cheap travel - what's not to love?

With its bustling nightlife and stunning scenery, budget-minded travellers will be thrilled to hear that it costs around just €30-€50 per day to visit Riga.

There's something for everyone, whether that's the Latvian Open-Air museum or a visit to vibrant Vecrīga.

Expedia have a 10% discount on hotel bookings at the moment - and they have a whole variety of hotels in Riga to choose from!

6. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is an incredibly affordable destination, offering everything from diverse architecture to national parks.

It has everything you want and need from a cheap city break: a vibrant nightlife, delicious food, historic landmarks and beautiful old town streets.

The cherry on top is that flights from London can cost as little as £27! We'll see you there.

7. Tbilisi, Georgia

For those who are keen to move even further off the beaten track - and don’t mind a longer travel time - thanks to its complex history, the Georgian capital of Tbilisi is an intriguing city to visit.

With cobbled streets set against art nouveau buildings, modernist Soviet structures and sixth-century Orthodox church towers, the city boasts a bohemian spirit where you’ll find it easy to pass the time in its plethora of hidden bars, restaurants and vintage-style cafés.

More recently, disused factories have been converted into boutique hotels which provide comfortable yet affordable accommodation options - and don’t miss a trip to the natural sulphur bathhouses from which the city is thought to have gotten its name, which roughly - and rather nicely - translates as ‘a warm place’.

Flight time from the UK is roughly 6-7 hours, usually with a change in Istanbul.

8. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Game of Thrones fans, take note, many of the stunning backdrops featured in the hit HBO series were filmed in this truly beautiful coastal city.

Sitting on the shore of the picture-perfect Adriatic sea, Croatia’s prettiest city is a Unesco-listed gem. With its fantastically preserved ancient walls, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is pretty much a trip back in time as you wind your way through cobbled streets surrounded by gothic and baroque architecture.

And with beautiful beaches and tons of day trips to the dozens of islands off Croatia’s coast including forest-covered Lokrum or car-free Kolocep, you’ll wish you’d booked for longer!

With accommodation prices ranging from about £40 a night for hostels to around £90 a night for a 3* hotel, there are plenty of options to ensure you don’t blow all your cash while you’re there! 

TOTUM members can save an extra £200 per booking with First Choice - and it just so happens they have some deals to Dubrovnik going at the moment...

And if we hadn't enticed you enough already, our exclusive discounts for TOTUM members can certainly help you on your way.

We've teamed up with a number of brands to bring you the best offers possible on everything from hotels to flights, including Booking.com where you can save an impressive 15% for a limited time only, or 10% off when booking hotels with Expedia.

You can view all our travel deals for 2023 here.

(All offers accurate at time of publication)

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