Quotezone reveals best city breaks across Europe

Warsaw in Poland ranked first in the ‘2024 European Budget Vacation Index’ among the best capital cities across Europe for budget-friendly vacations, according to a report.

Travel insurance experts at Quotezone analysed 12 most visited capital cities across Europe, including Paris, Berlin, Madrid and Rome, to compile the list of the most affordable city breaks across the continent.

The cities were ranked based on several factors which budget vacationers should look out for, including tourist tax, hotel costs, the price of a meal and beer, public transport ticket costs, and the distance from the airport.

Warsaw, Poland has been named the best city break for budget-friendly vacations in Europe, with no tourist tax in place.

Zagreb, Croatia is ranked as the second most affordable city break, with the cheapest beer prices and accommodation.

The city declared the most expensive location in Europe for budget breaks this summer is Paris, France – which has some of the highest prices for hotel stays and for a beer, despite reasonably cheap public transport tickets.

Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands charges visitors the most tourist tax in Europe, has the most expensive hotel costs a night, and is over 16 km away from the airport. It ranks as the second most expensive destination.

Lisbon, Portugal is the capital city situated closest to the airport at 13.12 km away – a large difference from Rome, Italy, which is 37 km away.

The Portuguese capital ranks as the fourth best city break for budget vacations, with inexpensive meals and beer costs, and cheap public transport.

Yet the Italian capital ranks in ninth position, due to the expensive tourist taxes and meal costs.

London is the third least affordable city for summer vacations despite not charging tourists any overnight taxes. The British capital has high hotel prices, and the most expensive cost for a beer.

Berlin, Germany has the highest price for a one-day public transport ticket, compared to Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul ranks as the third best capital city for vacationing this summer, with the cheapest meal prices in the index, despite being 34.74 km away from the airport.

Madrid, Spain charges no tourist tax to visitors and offers inexpensive meals, and is the fifth most affordable city.

Athens, Greece and Vienna, Austria, are destinations that rank sixth and seventh, respectively.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “This summer many travellers will be opting for a city break that doesn’t break the bank. A recent Quotezone survey found 35% of people end up spending more than they want to on vacation.

“Our team looked at the 12 most visited cities across Europe, ranking them for distance from the city center to the airport, tourist tax and key prices such as meals, beers and public transport tickets. 

“It’s vitally important that travellers look at all of the vacation costs before going away. There could be some expensive surprises they didn’t expect to pay for – such as tourist tax.

“Overall, our European Budget Vacation Index found Warsaw, Poland to be the best capital city for an affordable summer city break - with cheap hotels, meals and transport costs.

“Paris, France has been named the most expensive capital city, as it has an expensive tourist tax in place, and high prices for meals, beer and hotels.

“It’s sensible for vacationers to help protect themselves financially with travel insurance, even if it’s just for a mini-break, flight delays and cancellations are increasingly common and pickpocketing is a concern amongst these popular city destinations.” – TradeArabia News Service