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Budget-friendly weekend breaks: Explore Europe for under £100

Writer's picture: Sam BurdenSam Burden


If you’re looking to escape for a quick weekend getaway but don’t want to spend a fortune, there are plenty of unique destinations across Europe where you can immerse yourself in culture, food, and adventure—all without breaking the bank. Here’s a curated list of five cities within a two-hour flight from London, perfect for travellers on a budget, with a breakdown of costs and activity ideas.


1. Porto, Portugal


Photo by Magda Ehlers
Photo by Magda Ehlers

Why Porto?Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, known for its beautiful riverside views, historic architecture, and vibrant food scene. It's a great destination for solo travellers looking to explore on a budget, with plenty of activities to enjoy.


Rough Day Breakdown:


  • Day 1:

    • Morning: Stroll through the Ribeira District with its colourful buildings and scenic river views (free).

    • Lunch: Vegetarian-friendly options at Lado B (8-10 EUR / £7-£9).

    • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Livraria Lello bookstore (5 EUR / £4.40).

    • Evening: Dinner at Café Santiago, where you can try the famous Francesinha (vegetarian version) for around 10 EUR (£9).


  • Day 2:

    • Morning: Walk through Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, a beautiful park with great views over Porto (free).

    • Lunch: Visit a local café like Nata Lisboa for traditional Portuguese custard tarts (around 5 EUR / £4).

    • Afternoon: Take a Port wine tour in one of the cellars (around 15 EUR / £13).

    • Evening: Explore the riverside for dinner at one of the low-key eateries with a local vibe.


Cost Breakdown:

  • Accommodation (budget): 40-60 EUR / £34-£52 for 2 nights.

  • Food: Approx. 20-30 EUR / £17-£26.

  • Activities: Approx. 20-30 EUR / £17-£26.

  • Flight: Round-trip flights can be as low as 35-50 GBP if booked early.

  • Total: Approx. 85-120 EUR / £74-£103 (excluding flights). Total with flights: 120-150 EUR / £103-£130.


2. Brussels, Belgium


Photo by Petar Starčević
Photo by Petar Starčević

Why Brussels?Brussels is a dynamic blend of history, art, and food. Known for its art museums, stunning squares, and affordable culinary delights, it’s a great city for solo travellers.


Rough Day Breakdown:


  • Day 1:

    • Morning: Visit Grand Place (free entry), one of Europe's most beautiful squares.

    • Lunch: Try Chez Léon for traditional vegetarian Belgian fare (around 10-15 EUR / £9-£13).

    • Afternoon: Explore the Magritte Museum (entry: 10 EUR / £8.80).

    • Evening: Grab a Belgian waffle at Maison Dandoy (5-7 EUR / £4-£6) and explore the city’s vibrant streets.


  • Day 2:


    • Morning: Wander through Parc du Cinquantenaire (free entry), a stunning park with grand archways and museums.

    • Lunch: Stop by Friterie Maison Antoine for a snack (5 EUR / £4.40).

    • Afternoon: Visit the Atomium for panoramic views of the city (16 EUR / £14).

    • Evening: End the day with a drink at Delirium Café, a famous beer bar (budget-friendly).


Cost Breakdown:


  • Accommodation (budget): 50-70 EUR / £44-£60 for 2 nights.

  • Food: Approx. 20-30 EUR / £17-£26.

  • Activities: Approx. 30-40 EUR / £26-£35.

  • Flight: Ryanair offers budget flights to Brussels for as low as 25-45 GBP if booked early.

  • Total: Approx. 100-140 EUR / £86-£121 (excluding flights). Total with flights: 125-170 EUR / £107-£145.


3. Trieste, Italy



Photo by Petar Starčević
Photo by Petar Starčević

Why Trieste?Trieste is a hidden gem on the Adriatic coast, known for its diverse cultural influences, stunning architecture, and a strong café culture. This charming city is ideal for those looking for a quieter, more authentic Italian experience.


Rough Day Breakdown:


  • Day 1:

    • Morning: Visit the Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of the largest seafront squares in Europe (free entry).

    • Lunch: Enjoy a vegetarian-friendly Italian meal at Trattoria Da Giovanni (around 12 EUR / £10).

    • Afternoon: Explore the Castello di Miramare (entry: 10 EUR / £8.80), a stunning castle overlooking the Adriatic.

    • Evening: Have dinner at Antico Caffè San Marco, a historic café where you can enjoy Italian pastries and coffee (around 8-12 EUR / £7-£10).


  • Day 2:

    • Morning: Take a stroll through Città Vecchia (Old Town), with its charming narrow streets and old-world atmosphere (free).

    • Lunch: Try some traditional seafood or vegetarian pasta at Ristorante Al Bagatto (around 10-15 EUR / £9-£13).

    • Afternoon: Visit the Teatro Romano (free), an ancient Roman theatre nestled in the heart of the city.

    • Evening: Explore Piazza della Borsa and end the day with a refreshing drink at Caffè Tommaseo (5-8 EUR / £4-£7).


Cost Breakdown:


  • Accommodation (budget): 45-65 EUR / £39-£56 for 2 nights.

  • Food: Approx. 20-30 EUR / £17-£26.

  • Activities: Approx. 20-30 EUR / £17-£26.

  • Flight: Budget flights to Trieste can be found for 30-45 GBP.

  • Total: Approx. 85-120 EUR / £74-£103 (excluding flights). Total with flights: 115-160 EUR / £99-£138.


4. Bratislava, Slovakia


Photo by Pixabay
Photo by Pixabay

Why Bratislava?An often overlooked gem, Bratislava offers a laid-back vibe with beautiful architecture, rich history, and a growing culinary scene. It's perfect for a budget-friendly city break.


Rough Day Breakdown:


  • Day 1:

    • Morning: Explore Bratislava Castle for stunning views of the city (entry: 10 EUR / £8.80).

    • Lunch: Head to Prasna Basta for a traditional Slovak vegetarian dish (around 10 EUR / £9).

    • Afternoon: Walk along the Danube River and visit St. Martin's Cathedral (free entry).

    • Evening: Try lokše, a local potato pancake, at a street food stall (5 EUR / £4.40).


  • Day 2:

    • Morning: Visit Michael's Gate (free entry), the only preserved gate from the medieval fortifications.

    • Lunch: Enjoy Slovak specialties at Slovenská Reštaurácia (10-15 EUR / £9-£13).

    • Afternoon: Take a tour of the Old Town (free to wander, some sites charge a small fee).

    • Evening: Enjoy a local beer at Bratislavský Meštiansky Pivovar, a popular pub in the heart of the city.


Cost Breakdown:

  • Accommodation (budget): 35-55 EUR / £30-£48 for 2 nights.

  • Food: Approx. 20-30 EUR / £17-£26.

  • Activities: Approx. 15-25 EUR / £13-£22.

  • Flight: Ryanair offers budget flights to Bratislava for around 25-40 GBP.

  • Total: Approx. 70-110 EUR / £60-£95 (excluding flights). Total with flights: 100-150 EUR / £86-£130.


5. Valencia, Spain



Photo by Joaquin Carfagna
Photo by Joaquin Carfagna

Why Valencia?Valencia is a beautiful coastal city with a rich mix of historical sites, modern architecture, and delicious food. It’s an ideal spot for a weekend full of culture and great vegetarian food.


Rough Day Breakdown:


  • Day 1:

    • Morning: Start with a visit to La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site (entry: 2 EUR / £1.70).

    • Lunch: Enjoy a paella (vegetarian version) at La Pepica (around 12-15 EUR / £10-£13).

    • Afternoon: Wander through the Turia Gardens, a former riverbed turned park (free).

    • Evening: Try some local horchata at Albufera (around 4 EUR / £3.50).


  • Day 2:

    • Morning: Visit the City of Arts and Sciences (free to admire from the outside, 8-15 EUR / £7-£13 for some attractions).

    • Lunch: Explore the food market at Mercado Central (5-10 EUR / £4-£9).

    • Afternoon: Relax at Malvarrosa Beach (free).

    • Evening: Enjoy tapas at El Carmen (around 10-15 EUR / £9-£13).


Cost Breakdown:

  • Accommodation (budget): 45-65 EUR / £39-£56 for 2 nights.

  • Food: Approx. 25-35 EUR / £22-£30.

  • Activities: Approx. 15-25 EUR / £13-£22.

  • Flight: Budget flights to Valencia can be found for as low as 30-50 GBP.

  • Total: Approx. 85-125 EUR / £74-£108 (excluding flights). Total with flights: 115-170 EUR / £99-£145.


All of these destinations offer a fantastic mix of affordability, culture, and enjoyment for solo travellers on a budget. Whether you're exploring the historical streets of Porto, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Trieste, or indulging in delicious food in Valencia, there’s plenty to discover without stretching your budget too far.


Happy travels!

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