How much does a city break in Europe really cost?

A city break seems simple at first glance: two nights, a low-cost flight, decent accommodation and a few good meals in the city. But, in reality, the final price is always a little higher than the one in the colorful banners. Between luggage, local taxes, transportation and daily meals, the differences between destinations can be huge. So we took a realistic x-ray of the costs – no marketing, no exaggeration.

Flight – between €20 and €150

The ticket price depends more on the time of booking than on the destination. Low-cost flights can start from €25–€30 each way if bought 4–6 weeks in advance, but during peak periods (December, Easter, summer) the same route can reach €120–€150.

Simple but effective tips:

• Avoid Friday departures and Sunday returns.
• Check alternative airports (Beauvais, Bergamo, Charleroi).
• Fly with a small backpack: extra cabin baggage often doubles the ticket price.

Accommodation – 40% of the total budget

In the big capitals (Paris, Rome, Amsterdam), decent accommodation starts from 80–100€/night for a double room, while in cities like Lisbon, Budapest or Prague you can find good options for 50–70€/night. Modern hostels or private apartments remain the most affordable option for those traveling on their own.

If you want a simple rule: accommodation almost always amounts to 40% of the total cost of the trip.

Food and experiences – the real hidden cost

A simple breakfast and two normal meals a day come to an average of €30–€40. Add a drink, a coffee, a local dessert and before you know it, you're up to 50–60€/day just on food. Instead, you can easily save if you alternate restaurants with local markets, street food or self-services.

Experiences — from museum entrances to local tours — add between €20 and €50 per day, depending on the city. Some places, like Lisbon or Athens, offer many free attractions, while others (Paris, Amsterdam) charge for almost every destination.

Local transport – between €5 and €15/day

Public transport is predictable, but varies a lot: in Berlin, a one-day ticket costs €8.8, in Rome €7, and in Prague only €5. In some cities, you can walk without problems, easily saving part of the budget.

If you choose taxis or ride-sharing (Bolt, Uber), add €10–20/day, especially on weekends or late hours.

Realistic total

A no-frills 3-day city break in Europe costs between €300 and €500 per person, depending on the season and city. In the south of Europe it is more accessible, in the north it is more expensive, but the general average remains the same: €100–160/day for a balanced experience.

Approximate estimate (per person, 3 days):

Conclusion

A city break is not a huge investment, but not a "€29 getaway" either. With a realistic budget and careful planning, you can explore any European capital without surprises. The secret is simple: don't be attracted only by the price of the flight. The real experience begins only after you land.