As we enter the summer months and peak travel season, many travelers heading to Europe are finding themselves priced out.
Soaring demand from tourists around the world means that airfare and accommodation are higher than normal, with some studies indicating that prices have risen upwards of 30%.
While there are still some deals to be found on flights, as SuperboxTravel reported last month, many travelers are looking for destinations with affordable hotel options.
Conveniently, a recent study by the UK Post Office dug up prices for common travel costs in 35 popular cities across Europe, including accommodation, meals, and cultural attractions.
By traveling to cities with lower-priced accommodations, tourists will have more money in their pockets for activities, dining out, or extending their stay a few extra days.
The study is also helpful for travelers because it uncovered the European cities with the highest hotel rates.
Budget-conscious tourists might want to consider avoiding the more expensive destinations and instead visit a city that has lower hotel prices.
Hotel Prices Are Cheapest In These European Destinations
Budget-conscious travelers have plenty of options for affordable European destinations. The following cities offer travelers the cheapest options for accommodation this summer:
1. Lisbon, Portugal – $75 per night
Not only is Lisbon the cheapest option for accommodation, but the Portuguese capital also tops the list for overall best value destination.
Typical costs include $2.79 for a beer, $1.67 for a cup of coffee, and just $48 for a 3-course dinner and wine for 2 people.
2. Athens, Greece – $79 per night
In Athens, visitors can also expect affordable food prices. For instance, a 3-course dinner, including wine, for 2 people costs $50. And we all know Athens has some of the best food in Europe!
3. Vilnius, Lithuania – $79 per night
Vilnius is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. Not only are hotel prices among the lowest in Europe, but the city also ranks in the top 5 for cheapest food and most affordable cultural attractions. Admission to the city’s top museum is just $10.60, and a 48-hour transit card is less than $9.
4. Krakow, Poland – $80 per night
In the survey, Krakow ranked third when it comes to overall value. Visitors can purchase a cup of coffee for $3, a bottle of beer for $3.30, and utilize unlimited public transportation for 2 days for just $8.80.
Add to that the fact that admission to Krakow’s top museum is only $7, and you can see why this city in southern Poland is a great option for an affordable vacation.
5. Riga, Latvia – $91 per night
Riga is the city with the 5th best overall value. This summer tourists can expect to pay just $91 per night for a 3-star hotel room this summer.
Other metrics that make Riga an affordable option include the price of a cup of coffee, which typically costs just over $3, while a bottle of beer is more expensive at $5. Conveniently, Riga’s public transportation offers affordable 2-day passes at just $8.90.
European Cities With The Highest Accommodation Prices
According to the UK Post Office, prices at 27 of the 35 destinations included in the survey have risen more than 50%.
To determine the ranking, they found 10 of the lowest-priced 3-star accommodation in each city center for two weekend nights in June and averaged the costs. It was determined that these 5 cities have the most expensive options:
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands – $324 per night
- Venice, Italy – $300 per night
- Dublin, Ireland – $277 per night
- Florence, Italy – $248 per night
- Belfast, Northern Ireland – $242 per night
