These Are the 10 Most Affordable European Cities to Visit This Winter

You deserve that European winter escape—and it shouldn’t require going into debt to make it happen. Yet with prices climbing across many of the continent’s most popular destinations, a snowy getaway can start to feel out of reach. Luckily, a new study from Hoppa highlights the European cities where you can experience all the cold-weather charm without the wallet shock.

To pinpoint these budget-friendly spots, the team analyzed dozens of European destinations, scoring each on factors like average hotel prices and the cost of a pint—noting that in some cities, “a pint costs as little as 90p.” (For Americans, that’s roughly $1.20.) They also incorporated TripAdvisor reviews to capture real traveler experiences and perspective.

The results were released in November, and the winner was a historic marvel that’s surprisingly affordable: Prague, Czech Republic.

“Prague offers low-cost accommodation, food, drink, and transport options compared to other major European cities,” Hoppa wrote in the findings. “The city is known for its beautiful historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and the Old Town Square, which has a huge bustling plaza with street performers, vendors, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to visit this time of year, as the Christmas markets operate from November to January.” 

The second ranked city was Bansko, Bulgaria, located at the foot of the Pirin mountains. “Bansko is a gateway to numerous ski resorts and an alpine landscape that offers affordable accommodation, food, and drinks, especially compared to its neighboring resorts,” Hoppa added.

Rounding out the top three spots is another Bulgarian destination: Sofia. “The city, known for its beautiful architecture, also offers numerous free activities, such as walking tours that allow visitors to experience the city’s culture and history,” Hoppa’s findings concluded.

“It’s great to see destinations like Prague, Bansko, and Sofia being credited as some of the best budget winter breaks in Europe,” Chris Harrington, managing director at Hoppa, shared in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “These cities offer a variety of cultures, history, and landscapes, and while they may offer lower costs, you won’t have to compromise on experience. Lesser-known destinations also offer fewer crowds and an overall more relaxed experience for travelers.”

The full top 10 list is:

1. Prague, Czech Republic
2. Bansko, Bulgaria
3. Sofia, Bulgaria
4. Budapest, Hungary
5. Tallinn, Estonia
6. Kraków, Poland
7. Tirana, Albania
8. Belgrade, Serbia
9. Bratislava, Slovakia
10. Vilnius, Lithuania