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Dublin Live
09-07-2025
- Dublin Live
10 cheapest Europe city breaks with 3 course meal with wine for €27
The summer holiday season is well underway, and for Irish holidaymakers grappling with the cost of living crisis, a sunny city break might seem like a distant dream. However, if you've been typing 'cheap European breaks' into Google or browsing Skyscanner during your lunch hour, a new report could help you make a more budget-friendly travel decision. The 2025 Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer has been released. The annual survey compares the cost of short breaks in 38 popular European destinations and it's packed with positive news for those seeking a bargain. The detailed report ranks cities based on the average cost of 12 tourist essentials - such as hotel stays, meals, drinks, transport and cultural attractions - for two people over a weekend. While prices in some cities, including Dublin, have skyrocketed, others are emerging as surprisingly affordable treasures. Dublin ranks as the 7th most expensive city on the list, with a weekend for two totalling £568.34 (€658.98). This is largely due to exorbitant accommodation costs - a two-night stay in a 3-star hotel averages at £411 (476). That's nearly four times more than what you'd pay in the cheapest city on the list, reports the Irish Mirror. This year's top spot for affordability goes to Riga in Latvia, where a full weekend for two will only cost you a mere £252.63 (€292) - less than half the price of an equivalent trip to Dublin. This includes two nights' hotel stay, local travel, a sightseeing bus tour and even a three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine for just £65.95 (€76.47), which works out at about €38 per person. Other cities making the cut for Europe's most affordable city breaks include Vilnius in Lithuania, Warsaw in Poland and Podgorica in Montenegro. Completing the top five is Lisbon in Portugal, where you'll find exceptional value when dining out. A three-course meal with wine for two people comes in at £46.68 (€54) - that's just €27 each. Lisbon also offers significant savings on beverages. A 330ml bottle of beer is priced at just £1.93 (€2.24) - considerably cheaper than the £5.26 (€6.10) you'd pay in Dublin. Coffee aficionados will also appreciate the price difference. A cup in Lisbon costs just £1.23 (€1.43), compared to £3.28 (€3.80) in the Irish capital. Top 10 cheapest city breaks in 2025 According to the report, here are the top 10 cities offering the best bang for your buck this year: Riga, Latvia - £252.63 Vilnius, Lithuania - £254.32 Warsaw, Poland - £277.39 Podgorica, Montenegro - £281.70 Lisbon, Portugal - £292.27 Lille, France - £293.26 Gdansk, Poland - £297.09 Krakow, Poland - £300.24 Porto, Portugal - £304.66 Zagreb, Croatia - £310.56 The report also delved into the 10 cities which are the priciest to visit. Top 10 most expensive city breaks in 2025 On the flip side, these locations have been ranked as the most expensive city breaks this year - with Dublin featuring on the list: Oslo, Norway - £636.20 Copenhagen, Denmark - £628.64 Edinburgh, Scotland - £601.50 Venice, Italy - £591.12 Amsterdam, Netherlands - £582.79 Geneva, Switzerland - £570.04 Dublin, Ireland - £568.34 Barcelona, Spain - £561.90 Florence, Italy - £561.86 Nice, France - £540.09 For a comprehensive breakdown of costs such as coffee, beer, soft drinks, airport transfers, and activities in each city, click HERE. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Europe's cheapest city breaks where a 3 course meal with wine costs just €27
Summer holiday season is in full swing and for Irish travellers feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis, the idea of a sunny city break may seem out of reach. But if you've found yourself Googling 'cheap European breaks' or searching Skyscanner on your lunch break, a new report might just help you make a budget-friendly travel choice. The 2025 Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer, an annual survey that compares the cost of short breaks across 38 popular European destinations, is out - and it's brimming with good news for bargain hunters. The comprehensive report ranks cities based on the average cost of 12 tourist essentials - including hotel stays, meals, drinks, transport and cultural attractions - for two people over a weekend. And while prices in some cities - including Dublin - have soared, others are emerging as surprisingly affordable gems. Dublin is the 7th most expensive city on the list, with a weekend for two clocking in at £568.34 (€658.98). That's driven largely by sky-high accommodation costs - a two-night stay in a 3-star hotel averages £411 (476). That's nearly four times more than what you'd pay in the cheapest city on the list. This year's winner is Riga in Latvia, where a full weekend for two people will set you back just £252.63 (€292) - less than half the price of the same trip to Dublin. That includes two nights' hotel accommodation, local travel, a sightseeing bus tour and even a three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine for just £65.95 (€76.47), that about €38 per person. Also on the list of Europe's cheapest city breaks are Vilnius in Lithuania, Warsaw in Poland and Podgorica in Montenegro. Lisbon in Portugal rounds off the top five and it's here you'll find exceptionally great value dining out. Three courses with wine for two people costs £46.68 (€54) - that's just €27 each. Lisbon also offers great savings on drinks. A 330ml bottle of beer costs just £1.93 (€2.24) - significantly cheaper than £5.26 (€6.10) in Dublin. Coffee lovers will notice the difference too. A cup in Lisbon is just £1.23 (€1.43), compared to £3.28 (€3.80) in the Irish capital. According to the report, here are the top 10 cities offering the best value for money this year: Vilnius, Lithuania - £254.32 Warsaw, Poland - £277.39 Podgorica, Montenegro - £281.70 Lisbon, Portugal - £292.27 Lille, France - £293.26 Gdansk, Poland - £297.09 Krakow, Poland - £300.24 Porto, Portugal - £304.66 Zagreb, Croatia - £310.56 The report also looked into the 10 cities which cost the most to visit. On the other end of the scale, these destinations ranked as the priciest city breaks this year - with Dublin among them: See a detailed breakdown of how much things like coffee, beer, soft drinks, airport transfers, and activities cost in each city HERE.
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
New huge airport terminal to open in Europe's best value country as part of £210million renovation
A MAJOR airport is getting a huge new terminal as part of a multi-million pound expansion across the country. Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) will be designing Vilnius' 6 Vilnius Airport in Lithuania is getting a new terminal designed by a famous architect Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects 6 Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) will be designing Vilnius' new arrivals terminal with designs directly influenced by Lithuanian culture Credit: Vilnius Airport 6 References to Lithuanian cultural heritage in the airport include geometric elements in the style of the traditional art forms Credit: Vilnius Airport References to Lithuanian cultural heritage in the airport include geometric elements in the style of the traditional art forms like 'sodai straw gardens'. The Lithuanian art form involves making hanging ornaments from stalks. ZHA said: "Evoking the experience of being immersed within traditional sodai, the terminal's pleated roof finished in timber from local forests defines the interiors and reflects the art form's delicate, interconnected geometries." The timber roof will also feature geometric skylights. Read more on airports Works on the Once finished, the new terminal will allow the airport - which is currently at full capacity - to serve up to 10.6 million passengers each year. The new terminal is part of the Vilnius Airport is currently the largest airport in Lithuania and by 2052, around 17 million passengers are expected to use the airports in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga, each year. Most read in News Travel Further development plans for Vilnius Airport include The airport also recently opened a new departure terminal in February increasing passenger throughput from 1,200 to 2,400 passengers per hour. The new £7billion mega terminal opening at Changi Airport The terminal has two floors, including a check-in area with a s Lithuania's Minister of Transport and Communications, Eugenijus Sabutis said: "The arrivals terminal of future capacity and vision. "As the gateway to "The very high quality of ideas in the design competition proposed the most modern, convenient solutions that can adapt to the airport's future requirements." ZHA also won the contest to revamp the Lithuanian capital's main train station - which is just three kilometres from the airport. 6 ZHA also won the contest to revamp the Lithuanian capital's main train station - which is just three kilometres from the airport Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects 6 'Sodai straw gardens' is the Lithuanian art form, which involves making hanging ornaments from stalks Credit: Alamy Plans for the station which first opened in 1861, include a bridge-concourse above the tracks with footbridges and bike lanes, additional seating and trees and a new bus depot and car parking. In 2024, Vilnius was crowned as the cheapest-value city in Europe by the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer. The survey compared 12 typical holiday items including a range of drinks, an evening meal for two with wine , a two-night stay at a three-star hotel, sightseeing experiences and transport. In total, Vilnius came in at £237 - which was over 10 per cent cheaper than the runner up, Lisbon. Lithuania was also recently named as one of Lonely Planet's A regional Plus, a 6 The airport also recently opened a new departure terminal in February increasing passenger throughput from 1,200 to 2,400 passengers per hour Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
TUI launches holidays to two of Europe's cheapest cities – with beers for 84p and the continent's tallest building
TWO of Europe's cheapest cities can now be booked as a TUI city break holiday. Latvia's Riga and Warsaw in Poland both have packages available to book now - here's what you need to know about them both. 5 TUI has launched holidays to two of Europe's cheapest cities Credit: Getty Images - Getty 5 The cities are Riga in Latvia and Warsaw in Poland Credit: Getty Riga, Latvia And in the recent years the city has become increasingly popular, with tourists admiring its Such attractions include the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Latvian National Museum of Art and the vibrant Riga Central Market. Riga was also recently named Europe's best value city for a short break. Read more on city breaks According to the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer, which features 38 cities, a weekend away the Latvian capital costs just £253, for two people. On average, a cup of coffee in Riga costs £2.80 and beer costs £3.50, although you can buy beer for as little as €1 (84p) from supermarkets. The city is also known for having beautiful buildings, a pretty cobbled Old Town and a number of spires across its skyline. Prices start from £174 per person for flights and hotel for a three-night break. Most read in News Travel Excursions on offer include a scavenger hunt through Riga's old town with your phone starting from £25 per person and an art and culture You would star at the four-star Rixwell Elefant Hotel, which is conveniently located between Riga International Airport and the city centre, Old Town. Top 5 cheapest European city breaks The hotel is both bright and modern and is also within walking distance of shops. For fans of waterparks, it is 10km from Livu Aqua Park. TUI offers a two-night stay at the Rixwell Elefant Hotel flying from London Stansted on 16th September for £160 per person. Alternatively, travellers could stay at the A1 Hotel, which occupies the top floors of an historical building in the heart of Riga. The old town is a 15-minute walk from the property and guests can also find several museums near to the hotel. A two-night stay at the A1 Hotel Riga flying from 5 Prices start from £174 per person for flights and hotel for a three-night break in Riga Credit: Getty Warsaw, Poland The second destination with new TUI holidays is Warsaw. The city is home to Varso Tower which is Europe's tallest building with a brand-new observation deck opening this summer . There is also Praga - Warsaw's old industrial quarter. For those who want to experience something a little different, they can head to the Neon Museum. Beer is also cheap in the city, with the lowest pint sitting around £2.40. In Warsaw you could enjoy excursions such as a Polish dumpling cooking class with drinks from £45 per person or a private walking tour to the main sites from £142 per person. Travellers will stay at the four-star Polonia Palace Hotel at the heart of the city of Warsaw, opposite the Palace of Culture and Science and only two kilometres away from the Old Town. 5 A two-night stay in Warsaw costs from £254 per person Credit: Alamy A two-night stay at the Polonia Palace Hotel flying from Liverpool John Lennon Airport on September 22, costs from £254 per person. Alternatively, travellers could stay at the MDM Hotel City Centre in the historic Constitution Square, which is also within walking distance of the National Museum and the Palace of Culture and Science. A two-night stay at the MDM Hotel City Centre flying from London Luton Airport on 20th September costs from £224 per person. Chris Logan, commercial director of TUI UK & I said: "Riga and Warsaw are perfect additions to our expanding portfolio, offering distinctive blend of history , cuisine and arts. "Both cities have been climbing travellers' wish lists, with each offering unique attractions for foodies, culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike." These are Plus, how to take kids on cheap UK city breaks for only £40 a night for the family. 5 The packages are available to book online now Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
TUI launches holidays to two of Europe's cheapest cities – with beers for 84p and the continent's tallest building
Plus, how to take kids on cheap UK city breaks for only £40 a night for the family CITY BREAK TUI launches holidays to two of Europe's cheapest cities – with beers for 84p and the continent's tallest building Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TWO of Europe's cheapest cities can now be booked as a TUI city break holiday. Latvia's Riga and Warsaw in Poland both have packages available to book now - here's what you need to know about them both. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 TUI has launched holidays to two of Europe's cheapest cities Credit: Getty Images - Getty 5 The cities are Riga in Latvia and Warsaw in Poland Credit: Getty Riga, Latvia Riga is only a short flight from the UK - taking under three hours. And in the recent years the city has become increasingly popular, with tourists admiring its historical charm and modern attractions. Such attractions include the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Latvian National Museum of Art and the vibrant Riga Central Market. Riga was also recently named Europe's best value city for a short break. According to the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer, which features 38 cities, a weekend away the Latvian capital costs just £253, for two people. On average, a cup of coffee in Riga costs £2.80 and beer costs £3.50, although you can buy beer for as little as €1 (84p) from supermarkets. The city is also known for having beautiful buildings, a pretty cobbled Old Town and a number of spires across its skyline. Prices start from £174 per person for flights and hotel for a three-night break. Excursions on offer include a scavenger hunt through Riga's old town with your phone starting from £25 per person and an art and culture walking tour of Riga with a local starting from £57 per person. You would star at the four-star Rixwell Elefant Hotel, which is conveniently located between Riga International Airport and the city centre, Old Town. Top 5 cheapest European city breaks The hotel is both bright and modern and is also within walking distance of shops. For fans of waterparks, it is 10km from Livu Aqua Park. TUI offers a two-night stay at the Rixwell Elefant Hotel flying from London Stansted on 16th September for £160 per person. Alternatively, travellers could stay at the A1 Hotel, which occupies the top floors of an historical building in the heart of Riga. The old town is a 15-minute walk from the property and guests can also find several museums near to the hotel. A two-night stay at the A1 Hotel Riga flying from London Stansted on 16th September costs from £167 per person. 5 Prices start from £174 per person for flights and hotel for a three-night break in Riga Credit: Getty Warsaw, Poland The second destination with new TUI holidays is Warsaw. The city is home to Varso Tower which is Europe's tallest building with a brand-new observation deck opening this summer. There is also Praga - Warsaw's old industrial quarter. For those who want to experience something a little different, they can head to the Neon Museum. Beer is also cheap in the city, with the lowest pint sitting around £2.40. In Warsaw you could enjoy excursions such as a Polish dumpling cooking class with drinks from £45 per person or a private walking tour to the main sites from £142 per person. Travellers will stay at the four-star Polonia Palace Hotel at the heart of the city of Warsaw, opposite the Palace of Culture and Science and only two kilometres away from the Old Town. 5 A two-night stay in Warsaw costs from £254 per person Credit: Alamy A two-night stay at the Polonia Palace Hotel flying from Liverpool John Lennon Airport on September 22, costs from £254 per person. Alternatively, travellers could stay at the MDM Hotel City Centre in the historic Constitution Square, which is also within walking distance of the National Museum and the Palace of Culture and Science. A two-night stay at the MDM Hotel City Centre flying from London Luton Airport on 20th September costs from £224 per person. Chris Logan, commercial director of TUI UK & I said: "Riga and Warsaw are perfect additions to our expanding portfolio, offering distinctive blend of history, cuisine and arts. "Both cities have been climbing travellers' wish lists, with each offering unique attractions for foodies, culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike." These are Europe's 10 cheapest city breaks for this year. Plus, how to take kids on cheap UK city breaks for only £40 a night for the family.
