'Most affordable' European capital for holidays named as hotel price for five nights is £118

Kosovo's Pristina was crowned the most affordable European capital for holidaymakers

GETTY
Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 17/09/2024

- 12:28

The European city is becoming increasingly attractive for travellers wanting to explore the Balkans

A new study has revealed the most affordable European capitals for holidaymakers in 2024, with Pristina, in Kosovo, emerging as the top budget-friendly destination.

Research conducted by Vatican Tours and Tickets calculated the total cost per person for a five-night, six-day holiday in various European capitals.


The ranking considered the average daily spending of tourists on food and local travel, hotel prices and transportation expenses.

Pristina topped the list as the most economical choice for travellers looking to explore Europe without breaking the bank, while Skopje secured the second spot on the list.

kosovo

Kosovo's Pristina was crowned the most affordable European capital for holidaymakers

GETTY

Data shows that the capital of Kosovo offers the lowest daily spending average of £25.24 (€29.97), with hotel prices averaging £118.78 (€141.03)

Data was sourced from Numbeo to determine daily expenses and Rome2Rio for travel costs. Hotel prices were based on Booking.com rates for two adults staying five nights in September.

According to the study, the five top most affordable European capitals for 2024 holidays are:

  • Pristina, Kosovo: £566.87 (€673.05)
  • Skopje, South Macedonia: £581.59 (€690.53)
  • Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: £658.52 (€781.87)
  • Chișinău, Moldova: £660.37 (€784.07)
  • Podgorica, Montenegro: £669.51 (€794.92)

As the most budget-friendly European capital for 2024, Pristina offers travellers a unique blend of affordability and cultural richness.

Visitors can enjoy a vibrant cafe culture and striking modernist architecture, including the iconic National Library and historic Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque.

Analysts at Vatican Tours and Tickets explained: "Pristina's accommodation and travel costs are among the lowest in Europe.

"The average hotel price for five nights is £118.78 (€141.03) per person, while travel costs remains under £151.64 (€180) each way.

"This makes Prisitina not only the most affordable European capital but also an increasingly attractive destination for travellers interested in exploring the Balkans."

It comes as research conducted in the UK found Leicestershire is the most affordable destination for a staycation.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

South Macedonia

The capital of South Macedonia is the second cheapest destination for holidaymakers

GETTY

The study, led by Outdoor Toys, found that a hotel costs around £80 per weekend night, far cheaper than Greater London, where a hotel costs £282 per night on average.

The experts commented: "Leicestershire tops the rankings as the most affordable staycation location this summer, with an average nightly hotel price of £80. "This county offers 390 family hotels as well as 1,073 family-friendly dining options.

"Adventurous families will have plenty to explore within the county, including 143 things to do with kids and three theme parks."

You may like