With budget-friendly options from flights to accommodation and dining, we've found the European cities worth adding to your list this autumn.
The autumn is the best season for a city break in Europe. The summer season is over, temperatures are more pleasant for walking, hotel prices are lower, and there are plenty of opportunities for cheaper flights from Athens.
The end of summer is the perfect excuse to plan a trip abroad. Short getaways always manage to lift our spirits, especially when we don't have to spend a fortune. There are cities in Europe ideal even for a three-day break, where you won't need to pay much for transport, sights, and food. Below we present 6 affordable European cities to visit this autumn, based on airfares, accommodation, and the cost of living there.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the best choices for an affordable autumn city break starting from Athens. Although the cost of living has risen in recent years, you can find particularly low fares depending on your booking date, good-value hotels, and food to match the budget you plan to spend.
Hungary's capital is a city made for a three-day escape. It's easy to see its sights even on foot and feel the city's pulse. Stroll along the banks of the Danube, walk across the Chain Bridge, visit the Central Market for shopping, admire the iconic Parliament, and explore Buda and its castle. Budapest is also famed for its nightlife with the popular Ruin bars that fill up every night . If you want to experience something different, devote a few hours to one of the city's famous thermal baths.
Bologna, Italy
Bologna proves that a trip to Italy doesn't have to be expensive. There are direct flights from Athens, and in the autumn months tickets are more affordable than in summer. Bologna stands out for its vibrant, youthful atmosphere, as it's a university town. For that reason, there are plenty of places with lower prices for food and drinks.
You can get to know the city center on foot and not spend a single euro on getting around. Its local markets, students, and culinary heritage make it stand out from other Italian cities. Two or three days are enough to discover its squares, the central Piazza Maggiore, see the Due Torri (the Asinelli and Garisenda towers), and its endless porticoes.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is one of the best choices for an autumn trip if your main criterion is overall low cost. In autumn there are dates when airfares are low, and accommodation isn't at high levels either. You can visit Bucharest even for a weekend.
The Old Town is perfect for strolls, with the cobbled streets of the lively Lipscani neighborhood made for exploration. The Palace of the Parliament impresses with its size, the Romanian Athenaeum stands out as a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. It's a city with a distinctive architectural identity, where the old meets the contemporary. In recent years it has gained a more vibrant gastronomic and cultural scene, and there are plenty of cafes and bars for every budget.
Nicosia, Cyprus
Nicosia is the alternative suggestion with great historical interest. Autumn is the best time to visit Cyprus, as the high summer temperatures subside. Cyprus's capital is just a few hours from Athens. To get there, you fly from Athens to Larnaca and continue by road for about 40 minutes to Nicosia. There are several airline options and costs vary depending on the day of the flight.
Nicosia is Europe's last divided capital and boasts a long history since antiquity. Today it's a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city, with modern facilities and many attractions. Discover the heart of the city within the walls built in the 16th century by the Venetians, where you'll find museums, Byzantine churches, medieval and neoclassical buildings, picturesque lanes with a romantic atmosphere from the past. In addition, it's worth tasting the local cuisine and enjoying your coffee at the city's old coffee houses.
Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw is a good choice for a more atmospheric autumn trip. From Athens there are direct flights, and prices can be particularly competitive if you book early and avoid high-demand days. It manages to remain quite affordable and offers options for budget accommodation, and it also has a very good public transport network.
Warsaw is a picturesque city you'll never tire of walking. It managed to rise from its ashes, as its historic center was almost entirely reconstructed after World War II. Today it manages to blend impressive historic architecture with modern neighborhoods. It's worth exploring the Old Town, going up the Palace of Culture and Science to admire the panoramic view, and taking a stroll through the impressive Lazienki Park.
Tirana, Albania
If you want something very close and affordable, Tirana is one of the most interesting options. The flight from Athens takes just one hour, and there are cheaper tickets compared to other cities. This up-and-coming Balkan capital is evolving rapidly and lends itself to a relaxed three-day escape.
In Tirana all the sights are within walking distance of each other, and the neighborhoods are ideal for strolling. Start at Skanderbeg Square, the city's central point of reference with major sights all around, get to know the youthful Blloku neighborhood with its modern cafes, take a walk in the impressive Grand Park of Tirana, and don't miss the history museums. Pazari i Ri stands out for its local products, as do the tavernas serving the country's traditional cuisine.
