Top ten budget Christmas city breaks

The top ten best European cities for a budget-friendly Christmas getaway have been revealed, with Kraków in Poland taking the top spot.  

As Travel Tuesday approaches, travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have created the Budget Christmas City Break Index 2025 to help last-minute travellers snap up a festive getaway without breaking the bank.

The findings come as Tiger.co.uk’s survey reveals 91% of Brits are still unaware of the travel discounts available on Travel Tuesday, the lesser-known savings event that falls on the 2nd of December this year, the Tuesday after Black Friday. 

The Christmas City Break Index ranks some of the most festive cities in Europe, including Edinburgh, Budapest, Vienna and Copenhagen.

The index takes a look at the all-round festive experience, reviewing food and drink, accommodation and snowy conditions. Cities were ranked on average temperature and monthly snowfall in December, the cost of a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, the price of a beer, and hotel cost for one night.

Kraków in Poland ranked number one overall, and claimed the lead with the least expensive meal for two at 200.00 zł (£41.80). The city came second for average hotel price at £48 per night and third for the cheapest pint of beer at 16 zł (£3.40).

Kraków also ranked in the top five for high snowfall (51.5 mm) and wintery Christmas temperatures averaging at 0.2°C during December.

Budapest in Hungary came second overall, losing the number one spot due to its higher priced meal for two, averaging at £50.50, although the cost of a beer is £1.10, less than Kraków at 1,000.00 Ft (£2.30).

A night in a hotel in Budapest averaged a more affordable £44 – £4 cheaper than Kraków – making it the number one destination for low-cost accommodation. It also scored two points higher than Kraków for average monthly snowfall.

This makes Budapest an interesting runner-up, with an impressive festive atmosphere and great value for money.

Edinburgh in Scotland, ranked last overall due to higher costs and a less wintery Christmas climate.

The city came ninth for hotel prices, averaging £90 per night, eighth for a meal for two at £80, and seventh for the price of a beer at £6.

It also scored lowest for both snowfall and average temperature in December, making it less ideal for those looking for a crisp and snowy winter city break.

Vienna had the highest overall hotel cost, averaging £113 per night, but managed to climb back to seventh place overall thanks to lower beer prices at €5.50 (£4.90) and a wintery climate, with average temperatures of 1.1°C and 53 mm of snowfall.

For beer lovers, Prague topped the list, with prices at just 60 Kč (£2.20), while Denmark had the most expensive beer at 60 kr (£7.10). 

Denmark was also the priciest destination for a meal for two, costing 800 kr (£94.60), making it less than ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option.

For those looking for a snowy winter trip, Helsinki in Finland had the most snowfall (117.7 mm) and coldest temperatures (-2°C), making it ideal for a magical winter experience.

Travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, Ian Wilson, said: “As we get closer to Christmas, a lot of people want to make the most of the festivities, and taking a trip to nearby European cities can be a great way to enjoy the season.

“Travel Tuesday is ideal timing, just after pay day for most, perfect for those seeking a last-minute city break deal, which is why we’re sharing some of the best cities to consider for a budget-friendly Christmas break.

“Our research found that overall, Kraków was the most affordable option for accommodation, dining out and enjoying a pint, while also offering a moderately wintery climate. 

“Budapest wasn’t too far behind, and is still high on the list if you’re looking for a cost-effective getaway with friends or some last-minute Christmas shopping.

“Even if it’s just for a mini-break, those looking to take a last-minute trip this Christmas should consider protecting themselves with travel insurance – flight delays and cancellations are increasingly common, especially throughout the winter when weather conditions are harsh and pickpocketing is widespread throughout popular European cities.”

Tiger.co.uk can help holidaymakers hunt for savings on travel insurance, annual travel insurance, travel insurance for families and those who need travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.

Rank	Destination	Average monthly snowfall in December (mm)	Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (£)	Price of a beer (£)	Hotel cost for 1 night (£)	Average temperature in December	Total points
1	Kraków, Poland	51.5	41.8	3.4	48	0.2	40
2	Budapest, Hungary	53	50.5	2.3	44	1.8	38.5
3	Prague, Czech Republic	35.5	43.8	2.2	53	-0.3	38
4	Helsinki, Finland	117.7	79.5	6.6	54	-2	33
5	Berlin, Germany	38.8	55.2	4.3	57	1.3	30
6	Stockholm, Sweden	76.1	84.5	6.4	62	-1	28
7	Vienna, Austria	53	70.7	4.9	113	1.1	25.5
8	Brussels, Belgium	20	66.3	5.1	66	3.9	19
9	Copenhagen, Denmark	36.3	94.6	7.1	81	2.5	12
10	Edinburgh, Scotland	10	80	6	90	4.2	11

References:

All information and prices correct as of 14/11/2025:

Average monthly snowfall in December – https://weatherspark.com/ 
Price of a meal – https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/  
*Average price of a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant 
(Converted prices were rounded to one decimal place)

Price of a beer – https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/ (price of a 0.5L domestic draft beer)
**Converted prices were rounded to one decimal place 

Average temperature in December – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_average_temperature#Europe  

Hotel cost – booking.com
*Price for a one-night stay for two adults at the cheapest at least 3-star hotel, less than 2 miles from the centre, on 19th to 20th December

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.