Best budget European city breaks for your 2023 bucket list

If the typically temperamental British weather is getting you down, now is the perfect time to remind yourself that three May bank holiday weekends are on their way. For travel lovers, that’s nine days-worth of possible sightseeing, eating, drinking and adventuring.

With 44 countries to choose, our European neighbours offer endless city break possibilities, from classic capitals to smaller, lesser-known destinations. And, in amongst them, there are plenty of affordable options where accommodation, transport and activities don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

As Britain tightens its collective belt amid a spike in living costs, many travellers are looking to save on their next trip. Tourists after a quick escape from everyday life without breaking the bank can look across the Channel for inspiration, with a two or three night urban escape.

Here’s our pick of budget-friendly, bucket-list city break destinations in Europe to consider visiting in 2023.

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Izmir, Turkey

Turkey’s third largest city, Izmir, is a Mediterranean port on the west coast of Anatolia boasting beaches, markets and ancient ruins – including the Unesco World Heritage site of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Yet the lesser-known cousin of Istanbul has escaped tourist trap prices to remain affordable. It’s formed of quaint fishing villages, one of which, Birgi, was named in the world’s best villages list by The United Nations World Tourism Organisation in 2022.

Where to stay

The central Helen Inn Hotel is in a great location for access to the city centre, Izmir clock tower and Ataturk Museum, as well as including free Wi-Fi and clean, modern interiors.