Krakow named cheapest city for a European break this spring

Krakow is the cheapest destination for a European short break, according to the 10th annual Post Office City Costs Barometer.

Stealing the title from Vilnius, Lithuania, the Polish city rose four places since last year to clinch the top spot, with a weekend away costing just £164.80 for two, not including flights.

The top 10 is dominated by Eastern Europe, with Athens, Lisbon and Lille the only inclusions from outside of the region. Moscow, in sixth place, is one of the highest climbers, rising from 16th place last year. A weekend break costs £199.64 in the Russian capital.

The Post Office assessed 36 cities across Europe for its survey, calculating the cost of 12 key expenditures including entry to a top museum and art gallery, a three-course evening meal and two nights accommodation in a three-star hotel.

Amsterdam was ranked the most expensive destination, followed by Oslo and Reykjavik.

The exchange rate is definitely a factor to consider before booking a break,” said Post Office Travel Money’s Andrew Brown. “Sterling has strengthened against several European currencies, which means even more expensive cities like Stockholm and Reykjavik are cheaper than a year ago.

“However, tourists looking for a bargain break should consider cities in Eastern Europe, especially those in Poland or the Baltic States.”

The Post Office found that Riga, the Latvian capital, offered the cheapest accommodation, with two nights costing just £62, while Athens, the Greek capital, boasts the cheapest meals for two with wine at just £37.11, followed by Warsaw (£42.50).

When it comes to culture, visits to a leading museum, gallery or heritage attraction costs the least in Vilnius, where travellers would pay just £4.53 for the three. Amsterdam had the dearest attractions, with the trio of tickets adding up to £46.61. Rome was the second most expensive, at £46.16.

Closer to home, prices in London, the 25th most expensive break according to the Post Office, had fallen by 5.8 per cent, but still added up to £351.

Anyone plotting a visit to Krakow can expect to find Rynek Glowny, Europe’s largest medieval city square, as well as Wawel Hill and the Royal Castle, where Poland’s most treasured work of art, Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine, is on display. The former-concentration camp of Auschwitz is not far from the city.

telegraph.co.uk/