Going on holiday, kicking back and discovering new places is something most of us look forward to every year.
But nowadays it’s not always cheap to travel – whether it’s the transport, accommodation or day-to-day costs.
Let’s take a look at some of the cheapest city breaks so you can enjoy your holiday without breaking the bank.
Cheap UK staycation trips
Who doesn’t love a staycation? Here are some of the best UK trips that are easy on the purse strings.
Bristol
With a lively city centre and a gorgeous harbourside, Bristol is the perfect spot for a short urban break.
You can hit the shops at Cabot Circus, check out some of the museums or just take a stroll along the river – there's something for every mood.
Bristol’s also got a huge range of restaurants where you can try just about any cuisine. So if you’re a foodie, Bristol might be the choice for you.
It’s got great transport links, so you can get there by train quite easily. There are also plenty of cheaper transport options like National Express buses.
There are lots of cheaper hotel options in Bristol, including Premier Inn and Future Inn. You can also go down the Airbnb route to find more unique options for a lower price.
Cornwall
If the beach is your happy place, Cornwall should be on your list.
Nestled in the southwest of England, Cornwall is known for its stunning coastal views and beaches, pretty villages and cosy pubs.
The great thing about Cornwall is that it’s full of small, independent bed and breakfasts that don’t charge too much for a stay.
You can find great accommodation with the amenities you need and a good location without forking out too much money.
Belfast
If food and drink are your passion, Belfast’s a great pick for a city break. With some incredible restaurants as well as quirky pubs and bars – plus a rich history to absorb too – Belfast has a lively feel you’ll love.
If you’re not already in Ireland, you’ll need to get a plane or ferry over from the mainland UK.
But you can find some cheap fares from airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair that’ll get you over to Belfast in an hour or so.
Like a lot of bigger UK cities, Belfast has plenty of cheaper hotel options. Whether that’s with chains like Premier Inn or smaller, independent options that you can find on Booking.com or Airbnb.
Glasgow
Scotland has no shortage of fantastic travel spots, including one of its cultural hubs, Glasgow.
If it’s an urban sightseeing trip you’re looking for, Glasgow might be for you.
You can check out the museums or art galleries, meander through the botanic gardens, hop on a sightseeing bus or even go on a ghost tour!
Like Belfast, you can hop on a plane up to Glasgow from a lot of UK airports. This includes Bristol, Heathrow and Birmingham. Try airlines like EasyJet and Loganair for cheaper fares.
Cheap Europe trips
If you want to go a little further out, you can still opt for cheaper holiday locations while having a great trip.
Budapest
Hungary’s capital might not always be the sunniest spot for a holiday, but certainly makes up for it with everything else it has on offer.
Trailing along the Danube river, Hungary is full of historical landmarks, lovely restaurants and even spas.
Hungary is a little further away than most of the other destinations listed here, but it’s still only about a two-and-a-half-hour flight from London.
You can find some great accommodation in Hungary for a lower price, whether that’s a hotel, Airbnb or even a hostel.
Amsterdam
Beautiful views, lots of nightlife, rich history and chic restaurants. What’s not to like about Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has become a popular destination over the past decade, with its closeness to the UK making it a convenient holiday spot.
It’s got something for everyone, whether that’s strolling through the old town or kicking back at the bar.
You can get to Amsterdam by hopping on the Eurostar if you want to avoid flying. But you can also get a flight over from lots of different airports in the UK.
Barcelona
Barcelona combines the warmth and sun of a Spanish holiday with the hustle and bustle of a city break.
This city is bursting with history, culture and excitement. You can visit world-renowned sites like La Sagrada Familia, relax with some delicious food or explore spots like the Gothic quarter. There’s something for everyone!
Because of its popularity, a lot of different airlines and travel providers offer trips to Barcelona. It’s worth doing a little online research to find the more affordable fares and rates.
Check sites like Booking.com to find cheaper accommodation or give Airbnb a try to see if you can grab an even better deal.
Krakow
You might not think of Poland straight away when planning your next holiday, but its bustling city of Krakow can make for an unforgettable trip.
It’s not just the medieval history spots that Krakow has on offer (though there are plenty of them).
There’s plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from, as well as other cultural spots like art galleries and salt mines.
What’s great about Krakow is that it’s a super affordable city break spot, whether that’s for accommodation, food or activities.
You can hop on a direct flight to Krakow from various airports in the UK, like Bristol, Manchester and Gatwick.
More affordable airlines like EasyJet often fly from these airports to Krakow too.
Mallorca
Spain has quite a few southern spots that you can enjoy without breaking the bank, including Mallorca.
Of course, one of Mallorca’s top attractions is its gorgeous beaches – but it doesn’t stop there.
Mallorca’s been a popular holiday spot for years, and this means there’s lots of affordable package holidays offered by travel providers.
Companies like TUI and Jet2 offer some fab package holidays for Mallorca, combining travel and accommodation into one for a lower price.
Lisbon
For a sunnier trip that doesn’t cost too much, you might want to think about Portugal’s capital city.
On the coast of Portugal, Lisbon has sunny beaches along with the rich culture of one of Europe’s oldest cities.
Whether it’s relaxation, nature, food or adventure you’re after, Lisbon’s got you covered.
It’s cheap to stay in and get around the city, with the city being on the more affordable end of things.
You can grab a cheap flight from UK airports, especially with budget airlines.
Do I need travel insurance on a city break?
Even if you're travelling in the UK, it’s always worth thinking about travel insurance.
This doesn't just cover you for things like lost baggage but also helps with unexpected cancellations or theft of personal belongings.
Head to our travel insurance page to learn more. Don’t forget, limits and exclusions always apply.
Jetting off soon? Check out our last-minute travel insurance guide to see if you can get cover.
