4 Expensive European City Breaks That You Can Afford

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The Most Expensive Cities in the World!

A recent report by ECA International named the Top 50 Most Expensive Cities Worldwide, with just under half of the locations found in Europe. But high prices and rising costs needn’t mean leaving these amazing European cities off your travel itinerary.There are plenty of ways to explore these locations on a budget, and a great place to start is finding the best exchange rates online.

Here, we take a look at how you can visit these costly hotspots on a shoestring budget.

Paris

Make savings on a break to the French capital by carefully selecting when to go. While Paris in the summer can make for a wonderful holiday, the best time to go for the frugal traveler is between November and April. Not only will you save money by going during the ‘off-season,’ you’ll have the chance to experience a romantic Parisian spring, or the magic of Christmas during winter.

Cut back on costs by spending your time at free attractions such as the Pompidou Centre, Notre Dame Cathedral and Parc des Buttes.

Oslo

With a spot of lunch costing just under £30 ($48 USD), Oslo is a regular on ‘world’s most expensive cities’ lists. But don’t be disheartened by these astronomical prices; it is possible to explore and enjoy Oslo on a tight budget.

Make your first big saving by camping in the forest in the north of town, for free, and instead of spending bags of cash on dining out, take a trip to a supermarket and head out for a picnic at one of Oslo’s many parks, such as Frogner and Vigeland.

Copenhagen

Falling from 8 to 12 in ECA International’s list, cosmopolitan Copenhagen is a beautiful but pricey city.

Budget accommodation is hard to come by, so reserving a room early is recommended. The DanHostel Copenhagen City is a ‘design’ hostel located in the heart of Copenhagen, offering beds from just £15 ($24 USD) a night.

For cheap eats, the city streets have plenty of fast food options in the shape of hotdog stands, but for a healthier option make your way to Det sunde køkken for salads and chicken at €2-4, the equivalent of around £6.

Stockholm

Stockholm is the most expensive city in Sweden and the 17th most expensive in the world. However, with some careful planning and research, it is possible to make the most of the Swedish capital while still being kind to your pocket.

Hotels can be pricey but hostels are much more reasonable, as is eating and drinking at the hip Sodermalm area. There are also plenty of free sights in the city, including the National Museum, and two popular beaches.