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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Europe's 'best value city' is stag and hen do hotspot with £22 Ryanair flights
Europe's best value cities have been revealed for 2025 and there's one that you'll definitely want on your radar for a city break packed with culture, great food and bargain prices Brits looking for a bargain break are in luck, as Europe's best value city breaks for 2025 have just been revealed. Topping the list is stag do and hen do favourite Riga, which had the cheapest overall cost for food, accommodation and sightseeing at 12 attractions, with a weekend break coming in at £252.63 according to research from Post Office Travel Money. The Latvian capital beat out 38 cities, with prices down 15 per cent year on year. In fact that means you could snap up a two-night weekend break at 3* accommodation for £123, and enjoy a three-course evening meal for £65.95. Although the research doesn't take into account the cost of flights, there are ways to add in your travel without having to make a big dent in your budget - in fact, you can find direct flights from the UK with Ryanair from £21.99 each way (although take note that this won't include an extra cabin bag, you'll need to pay extra). Riga has already long been a firm favourite with Brits after a fun city break where you can get plenty of bang for your buck. Throw in the countless bars, restaurants and clubs that make up its brilliant nightlife, and it's not difficult to see why this is such a hit with stag and hen parties. For those who want a dose of culture, the city delivers. Spend your days sightseeing at landmarks such as the iconic House of the Blackheads, wander through St Peter's Church, and while away a few hours on the cobbled streets that make up the picture-perfect Old Town. According to the Post Office research, a sightseeing bus tour will set you back £21.90, or you can opt for a 48-hour travel card for £7.01 to use public transport and do your own exploring. Foodies won't be disappointed in the city either; Riga Central Market is full of local vendors serving up classic Latvian cuisine, not to mention it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site if you're looking to tick some off the bucket list. For those who want a tipple after a day of exploring, a bottle of beer comes in at an average of £3.50, while a 175ml glass of wine will set you back £4.38. Europe's top 10 best value cities Riga, Latvia Vilnius, Lithuania Warsaw, Poland Podgorica, Montenegro Lisbon, Portugal Lille, France Gdansk, Poland Krakow, Poland Porto, Portugal Zagreb, Croatia Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: "Although city break holidaymakers need to keep a watchful eye on exchange rates, the real challenge will be the cost of accommodation in the cities Britons are considering. Successive City Costs Barometers have found big swings in hotel costs depending on how many rooms are available in peak months. "This year is no different and rising – or falling – hotel prices can have a big impact on city break costs. For example, Vilnius lost its top spot in the latest chart because the cost of accommodation has risen by over nine per cent since last year, while it has fallen over 20 per cent in Riga in the same period. When the cost of two nights' accommodation is excluded, Vilnius remains cheaper for British visitors at around £111 compared with nearly £130 in Riga."
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
City break destination most expensive in western Europe - and it's not London
The total average price of accommodation and other typical tourist expenses is higher in the Scottish capital than other cities in the region, according to a new report Edinburgh has been named the priciest city break destination in western Europe, according to a recent report by Post Office Travel Money. The study revealed that the average cost of accommodation and typical tourist expenses is higher in the Scottish capital than other cities in the region. This includes a hefty £399 for a two-night stay in three-star city centre accommodation. The figure was calculated based on the average price of the 10 cheapest ensuite rooms available on for stays from June 6 to 8. Accommodation costs in Edinburgh skyrocket even further during the school summer holidays and the August festivals. Airbnb warned last November that Edinburgh's strict enforcement of new regulations on accommodation is "highly restrictive", causing rents and hotel prices in the city to "soar to record highs". A licensing scheme for short-term let accommodation was introduced across Scotland in October 2023 due to concerns about the impact on long-term rent prices. Other items that are more expensive in Edinburgh than most other tourist destinations include a 48-hour public transport pass (£22), entry to its top tourist heritage attraction, Edinburgh Castle (£19.50), and a cup of filter coffee in a cafe or bar (£3.50). Edinburgh has topped the list as the priciest western European city, beating others even with free entry to its "top museum" and "top art gallery" – the esteemed National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland. Shoppers found themselves coughing up an eye-watering £601.50 for a standard basket of goods in Edinburgh. This staggering sum is more than twice as much as one would shell out in Lisbon (£292.27), deemed the most affordable western European city analysed in the study. Significantly, the report didn't factor in the price of travel costs such as flight fares. The comprehensive survey examined prices spanning 38 cities all over Europe, discovering that eastern European destinations offer the best bang for your buck. Leading the way for value was Latvia's capital Riga, with a total spend of just £252.63, closely tailed by Lithuania's capital Vilnius at £254.32. On the flip side, Norway's Oslo was the heftiest hit to the wallet across the whole of Europe, setting you back £636.20. Focusing on the UK, Cardiff emerged as the 17th most costly with expenditure of £374.90, whilst London placed 26th with a total cost of £523.40 and Edinburgh trailed behind at 36th. Laura Plunkett, the head of Post Office Travel Money, advised: "Although city break holidaymakers need to keep a watchful eye on exchange rates, the real challenge will be the cost of accommodation in the cities Britons are considering." Highlighting the unpredictable nature of lodging expenses, she noted how prices tend to see "big swings in hotel costs depending on how many rooms are available in peak months". She continued, saying: "Vilnius lost its top spot in the latest chart because the cost of accommodation has risen by over 9% since last year, while it has fallen over 20% in Riga in the same period." A representative for VisitScotland, the Scottish Government's tourism body, emphasised that Edinburgh boasts "a variety of experiences and accommodation options to suit a range of budgets". The spokesperson pointed out that VisitScotland is actively persuading the tourism sector to "consider the importance of providing great quality services and hospitality that offer value for money". Additionally, she mentioned: "We are currently creating an accommodation monitor using data from tourism and events industry sources. This will help clarify performance and price competitiveness in the accommodation sector going forward." Lowest-priced cities 1. Riga £252.63 2. Vilnius £254.32 3. Warsaw £277.39 4. Podgorica £281.70 5. Lisbon £292.27 6. Lille £293.26 7. Gdansk £297.08 8. Krakow £300.24 9. Porto £304.66 10. Zagreb £310.56 Most expensive cities 1. Oslo £636.20 2. Copenhagen £628.64 3. Edinburgh £601.50 4. Venice £591.12 5. Berlin £587.65 6. Amsterdam £582.79 7. Geneva £570.04 8. Dublin £568.34 Article continues below 9. Barcelona £561.90 10. Florence £561.86
Daily Record
17-05-2025
- Daily Record
Edinburgh is most expensive city break destination in western Europe
Deep pockets are required for the Scottish capital. Edinburgh has been ranked the most expensive major city break destination in western Europe, according to a new report. Analysis by Post Office Travel Money found the total average price of accommodation and other typical tourist expenses is higher in the Scottish capital than other cities in the region. This included £399 for two nights staying in three-star city centre accommodation. The figure was based on the average price of the 10 cheapest ensuite rooms for stays from June 6 to 8, available on booking website Accommodation in Edinburgh is even more expensive during the school summer holidays and the August festivals. Short-term let booking company Airbnb warned in November last year that Edinburgh's enforcement of new regulations on the accommodation is 'highly restrictive' and means rents and hotel prices in the city have 'soared to record highs'. A licensing scheme for short-term let accommodation came into force across Scotland in October 2023 amid concerns about the impact of the accommodation on long-term rent prices. Other items that are more expensive in Edinburgh than most other tourist destinations are a 48-hour public transport pass (£22), entry to its 'top tourist heritage attraction' – Edinburgh Castle (£19.50) – and a cup of filter coffee in a cafe or bar (£3.50). Edinburgh was ranked the most expensive western European city despite admission to its 'top museum' and 'top art gallery' – the National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland respectively – being free. The overall price in Edinburgh was found to cost £601.50. That is more than double the cost in Lisbon (£292.27), the cheapest western European city analysed. Travel costs to reach destinations such as flight tickets were not taken into account. The report looked at prices in 38 cities across the whole of the continent, and found eastern European cities have the best value. Latvia's Riga was ranked number one with a total cost of £252.63, followed by Lithuania's Vilnius (£254.32). The most expensive was Norway's Oslo (£636.20). In the UK, Cardiff (£374.90) was ranked 17th, while London (£523.40) was 26th and Edinburgh was 36th. Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: 'Although city break holidaymakers need to keep a watchful eye on exchange rates, the real challenge will be the cost of accommodation in the cities Britons are considering.' She said price analysis often finds 'big swings in hotel costs depending on how many rooms are available in peak months'. She added: 'Vilnius lost its top spot in the latest chart because the cost of accommodation has risen by over 9% since last year, while it has fallen over 20% in Riga in the same period.' A spokesperson for Scottish Government tourism organisation VisitScotland insisted Edinburgh has 'a variety of experiences and accommodation options to suit a range of budgets'. She said VisitScotland is encouraging the tourism industry to 'consider the importance of providing great quality services and hospitality that offer value for money'. She added: 'We are currently creating an accommodation monitor using data from tourism and events industry sources. 'This will help clarify performance and price competitiveness in the accommodation sector going forward.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The National
17-05-2025
- The National
Scottish city most expensive city break in western Europe
Analysis by Post Office Travel Money found the total average price of accommodation and other typical tourist expenses is higher in the Scottish capital than other cities in the region. This included £399 for two nights in three-star city centre accommodation. The figure was based on the average price of the 10 cheapest ensuite rooms for stays from June 6 to 8 available on booking website READ MORE: When was the last hosepipe ban in Scotland and will we see one this year? Accommodation in Edinburgh is even more expensive during the school summer holidays and the August festivals. Short-term let booking company Airbnb warned in November last year that Edinburgh's enforcement of new regulations on the accommodation is 'highly restrictive' and means rents and hotel prices in the city have 'soared to record highs'. A licensing scheme for short-term let accommodation came into force across Scotland in October 2023 amid concerns about the impact of the accommodation on long-term rent prices. Other items that are more expensive in Edinburgh than most other tourist destinations are a 48-hour public transport pass (£22), entry to its 'top tourist heritage attraction' – Edinburgh Castle (£19.50) – and a cup of filter coffee in a cafe or bar (£3.50). Edinburgh was ranked the most expensive western European city despite admission to its 'top museum' and 'top art gallery' – the National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland respectively – being free. The overall basket of goods in Edinburgh was found to cost £601.50. That is more than double the cost in Lisbon (£292.27), the cheapest western European city analysed. Travel costs to reach destinations such as flight tickets were not taken into account. The report looked at prices in 38 cities across the whole of the continent, and found eastern European cities have the best value. Latvia's Riga was ranked number one with a total cost of £252.63, followed by Lithuania's Vilnius (£254.32). The most expensive was Norway's Oslo (£636.20). In the UK, Cardiff (£374.90) was ranked 17th, while London (£523.40) was 26th and Edinburgh was 36th. Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: 'Although city break holidaymakers need to keep a watchful eye on exchange rates, the real challenge will be the cost of accommodation in the cities Britons are considering.' She said price analysis often finds 'big swings in hotel costs depending on how many rooms are available in peak months'. READ MORE: Scottish beer garden with 'breath-taking' views named among best in UK She added: 'Vilnius lost its top spot in the latest chart because the cost of accommodation has risen by over 9% since last year, while it has fallen over 20% in Riga in the same period.' A spokesperson for Scottish Government tourism organisation VisitScotland insisted Edinburgh has 'a variety of experiences and accommodation options to suit a range of budgets'. She said VisitScotland is encouraging the tourism industry to 'consider the importance of providing great quality services and hospitality that offer value for money'. She added: 'We are currently creating an accommodation monitor using data from tourism and events industry sources. 'This will help clarify performance and price competitiveness in the accommodation sector going forward.'
STV News
17-05-2025
- STV News
Edinburgh is most expensive city break destination in western Europe
Edinburgh is the most expensive major city break destination in western Europe, according to a new report. Analysis by Post Office Travel Money found the total average price of accommodation and other typical tourist expenses is higher in the Scottish capital than other cities in the region. This included £399 for two nights in three-star city centre accommodation. The figure was based on the average price of the ten cheapest ensuite rooms for stays from June 6 to 8 available on booking website Accommodation in Edinburgh is even more expensive during the school summer holidays and the August festivals. Short-term let booking company Airbnb warned in November last year that Edinburgh's enforcement of new regulations on the accommodation is 'highly restrictive' and means rents and hotel prices in the city have 'soared to record highs'. A licensing scheme for short-term let accommodation came into force across Scotland in October 2023 amid concerns about the impact of the accommodation on long-term rent prices. Other items that are more expensive in Edinburgh than most other tourist destinations are a 48-hour public transport pass (£22), entry to its 'top tourist heritage attraction' – Edinburgh Castle (£19.50) – and a cup of filter coffee in a cafe or bar (£3.50). Edinburgh was ranked the most expensive western European city despite admission to its 'top museum' and 'top art gallery' – the National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland respectively – being free. The overall basket of goods in Edinburgh was found to cost £601.50. That is more than double the cost in Lisbon (£292.27), the cheapest western European city analysed. Travel costs to reach destinations such as flight tickets were not taken into account. The report looked at prices in 38 cities across the whole of the continent, and found eastern European cities have the best value. Latvia's Riga was ranked number one with a total cost of £252.63, followed by Lithuania's Vilnius (£254.32). The most expensive was Norway's Oslo (£636.20). In the UK, Cardiff (£374.90) was ranked 17th, while London (£523.40) was 26th and Edinburgh was 36th. Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: 'Although city break holidaymakers need to keep a watchful eye on exchange rates, the real challenge will be the cost of accommodation in the cities Britons are considering.' She said price analysis often finds 'big swings in hotel costs depending on how many rooms are available in peak months'. She added: 'Vilnius lost its top spot in the latest chart because the cost of accommodation has risen by over 9% since last year, while it has fallen over 20% in Riga in the same period.' A spokesperson for Scottish Government tourism organisation VisitScotland insisted Edinburgh has 'a variety of experiences and accommodation options to suit a range of budgets'. She said VisitScotland is encouraging the tourism industry to 'consider the importance of providing great quality services and hospitality that offer value for money'. She added: 'We are currently creating an accommodation monitor using data from tourism and events industry sources. 'This will help clarify performance and price competitiveness in the accommodation sector going forward.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
