There are plenty of ways to save money on cheap city breaks in Europe, as we all know. Book your accommodation and flights well in advance, travel out of the peak seasons at unsociable times and do plenty of research as to where to find the cheap eats and drinks.

But having said all of that it can still be heard to travel Europe on a budget, especially if you are visiting the most popualr destinations like Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Barcelona. But the travel experts at Time Out have scoured the continent to come up with the cities with the fewest crowds, cheaper flight options and most budget-friendly accommodation to turn a Spring city break in 2026 from a pipe dream to an affordable must-do.

So, where is the most budget-friendly place for a city break in 2026?

According to their research, with pints for a mere €2.30 (that’s just £1.97) and a one-night stay in an Airbnb of around €40 (only £34), it’s Sarajevo.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina capital, which is backdropped by the lush Dinaric Alps and divided by the Miljacka River, is their top recommendation for a budget-friendly city break.

Sarajevo offers a unique blend of rich Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history, incredible affordability, delicious food, stunning mountain scenery, and the resilient, welcoming spirit of its people, making it a deeply memorable and rewarding European city break.

While its poignant recent history (the 1990s siege) adds depth, the city shines with vibrant street life, religious diversity (the “Jerusalem of Europe”), and a compact, walkable Old Town (Baščaršija)

Explore the “Meeting of Cultures” where East meets West, see historic sites like the Latin Bridge, and learn about the city’s past at impactful museums like the War Childhood Museum and Tunnel of Hope.

The historic Baščaršija district is perfect for wandering, with its copper-smiths, mosques, churches, and coffee shops.

Time Out recommends you head to the covered food market Gradska tržnica Markale and fill your boots with burek (a flaky, savoury traditional pastry) before stopping for a couple of those beers or glasses of wine (both from as little as €2). Oh, and Caffe Divan is a brilliant spot for proper Bosnian coffee.

Not only are prices low for dining, drinking and exploring, but unlike a lot of destinations, there’s generally very little pressure to spend – we’d advise you to luxuriate in exploring the pretty streets and get involved in a free walking tour that’ll take you past sights like the Latin Bridge.

Time Out’s guides editor Ella Doyle recommends visiting the city in August, ‘when the city is at its sunny best – but by far the biggest reason is Sarajevo Film Festival, one of the greatest of its kind in southeastern Europe.’

According to the magazine, after Sarajevo, Tirana in Albania comes in second as the most affordable European city break option, followed by our very own Hull. Next up is Miskolc in Hungary with Zagreb in Croatia making up the top five.

Budget airlines flying from the UK to Sarajevo (SJJ) include Ryanair and Wizz Air, and sometimes Pegasus from Luton or Stansted, with flights from £26 return.