Kraków, Poland's second city, has been named the cheapest destination for a short-haul city break in Eastern Europe, according to new research by Post Office Travel Money. The 2018 City Costs Barometer compared prices for 12 typical tourist items, including meals, accommodation, and transport, finding Kraków the most affordable at £164.80 total.
The city, known for its medieval castle and 13th-century market square, rose four places to top the list. Flights to Kraków can be as low as £12.99 one-way with budget airlines like Ryanair. Vilnius in Lithuania and Riga in Latvia took second and third places, respectively.
Warsaw, Poland's capital, ranked fourth, with a meal for two costing £42.50 and two nights' accommodation for two adults at £94. Budapest, Hungary, came fifth at £184 for all 12 items. However, Tallinn, Estonia's capital celebrating its centenary, saw prices rise 20% for the second year, making it 53% more expensive than Vilnius.
Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money noted that sterling's strength against several European currencies has made even traditionally expensive cities like Stockholm and Reykjavik cheaper than a year ago. He advised tourists seeking bargains to consider Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and the Baltic states.
