The Voice News : With travel prices rising across the globe, finding a budget-friendly getaway is more valuable than ever. Luckily, Post Office Travel Money has just revealed its latest City Costs Barometer, highlighting Europe’s most affordable cities for a weekend break — and topping the list is the underrated gem: Riga, Latvia.
Their rankings are based on the cost of 12 typical travel expenses — including accommodation, meals, transport, and attractions — in 38 destinations. For UK travellers, a weekend in Riga comes in at just £252.63, covering two nights in a three-star hotel, dinner for two with wine, airport transfers, a 48-hour travel card, sightseeing tours, and visits to major heritage sites.
So, what makes Riga special? This Baltic capital is packed with culture and charm. From the stunning Latvian National Opera and Ballet, set in a grand neoclassical building, to the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed Old Town, there’s no shortage of beauty or history. For foodies, Rozengrals offers an authentic medieval dining experience, while Black Magic Bar serves up unique cocktails with a twist. End the night at Skyline Bar to enjoy sweeping city views.
Riga isn’t alone in offering great value. Eastern Europe dominates the top 10, with Vilnius and Warsaw close behind.
Top 10 Best-Value City Breaks in Europe (2025):
- Riga, Latvia
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Warsaw, Poland
- Podgorica, Montenegro
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Lille, France
- Gdansk, Poland
- Krakow, Poland
- Porto, Portugal
- Zagreb, Croatia
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out the best city breaks in Europe for 2025 or explore new routes like the summer sleeper train from Rome to the French coast.
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