The Best Value European Cities for Post-Pandemic Travel

If it’s true that post-pandemic holiday costs have skyrocketed, it’s also true that some cities in Europe continue to offer excellent value for money, combined with history, culture, and entertainment.

Vilnius: The Best Value Destination

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has once again claimed the top spot as the city with the best value for money.
Its costs are over 10% lower than Lisbon, the second-place city.
Despite a 26% increase in the average cost of three-star accommodations, prices in the Portuguese capital remain good for meals, drinks, and other tourist products.
The French city of Lille has risen seven places to third, helped by a 30% drop in accommodation costs.

The City Costs Barometer

The latest report by the British Post Office analyzes prices for short stays in 37 European cities, both overall and for specific expenses such as accommodation, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
The study, named “City Costs Barometer,” aims to identify which European cities offer the best value for money or, conversely, are more expensive.
The 2024 edition looked at the prices of 12 tourist products and services in 37 European cities.

Top 10 Best Value European Cities

• Vilnius, Lithuania: €279.08
• Lisbon, Portugal: €311.22
• Lille, France: €328.38
• Cracow, Poland: €329.07
• Athens, Greece: €341.49
• Riga, Latvia: €350.70
• Budapest, Hungary: €366.82
• Bratislava, Slovakia: €372.37
• Prague, Czech Republic: €375.75
• Warsaw, Poland: €376.91

Most Expensive European Cities for a Holiday

Amsterdam tops the list as the most expensive destination, despite an 8.3% price decrease.
Belfast ranks as the most expensive among the British capitals, followed by Edinburgh.
Venice is the fifth most expensive city in Europe for a holiday.

Top 10 Most Expensive European Cities

• Amsterdam, Netherlands: €790.29
• Belfast, Northern Ireland: €742.61
• Edinburgh, Scotland: €710.77
• Helsinki, Finland: €692.52
• Venice, Italy: €687.13
• Dublin, Ireland: €683.95
• Copenhagen, Denmark: €679.73
• Oslo, Norway: €666.22
• Geneva, Switzerland: €657.26
• Vienna, Austria: €649.57

Why Visit Vilnius?

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.
The city boasts architectural wonders like Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas’ Tower, and the Church of St.
Anne.
Its diverse architectural styles range from medieval remnants to modernist buildings, reflecting its history as a crossroads of cultures and religions.

The city is home to numerous museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of Lithuania, the MO Museum, and the Contemporary Art Center, as well as various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Travelers on a budget can enjoy a variety of affordable meals in Vilnius.
The city is famous for its “canteens,” cheerful and budget-friendly restaurants serving Soviet-era food.
At Zilvinas Restoranas, you can savor a tasty bowl of cold beet soup or hangover soup for less than 3 euros.
Don’t miss trying Kugelis, a dish made of grated potatoes, bacon, and onions baked in the oven, or Cepelinai, the beloved national dish of potato dumplings with meat.