The cities delivering luxury on a budget: Find picturesque streets and meals for less than £1

Sarra Gray
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:00:07 +0000

British holidaymakers don't need to choose between saving money and five-star service this summer, as experts name the top places for luxury on a budget.

Whether you want to explore Spanish cities or immerse yourself in the culture of Argentina, there are plenty of holiday options that won't break the bank.

European destinations dominated the list, but there are also some great long-haul options for an indulgent budget break, according to experts at Sweepstakes Table.

They suggested travelling to parts of Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Poland, Turkey, Vietnam and Argentina.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Budapest, Hungary

The experts said: "Few cities in Europe make such a dramatic first impression. Straddling the Danube between rolling hills and a sweeping flat plain, Budapest has the kind of grand architecture, including ornate parliament buildings, baroque bathhouses, and castle-topped cliffsides, that looks like it should cost a small fortune to visit. It doesn't.

"Hungary operates on the forint rather than the euro, which works in visitors' favour. Budget travellers can get by on roughly £40 a day, covering accommodation, food, transport, and a dip in one of the city's famous thermal baths. Local restaurants offer two-course lunch menus for around £7 to £9, and the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter cost nothing to wander into."

Lisbon, Portugal

They said: "Lisbon has the look of a city that should be draining your account. Pastel-coloured buildings spill down steep hillsides toward the Tagus estuary, vintage trams rattle through cobbled streets, and fresh seafood is on every menu. Yet compared to most Western European capitals, it is remarkably affordable.

"Budget travellers typically spend around £21 to £66 per day, which covers a decent room, meals, and plenty of exploring. A glass of local wine in a neighbourhood restaurant rarely costs more than £1.75, the city's famous hilltop viewpoints are free, and the scenic Sintra day trip is just 40 minutes away by train."

LATEST TRAVEL

Top holiday package deals - from weekend city breaks to once-in-a-lifetime trips

An iconic UK market named among the best foodie destinations in the world - top 20

The cheapest summer family holiday destination from every region of the UK

Kraków, Poland

"Kraków's medieval market square, Rynek Główny, is one of the largest in Europe, ringed by Gothic churches and Renaissance townhouses. It looks like a city preserved at great expense.

"Daily budgets average between £21 and £34, covering accommodation, hearty meals of pierogi and żurek, and entry to the city's finest museums. The Wawel Castle complex charges just a few euros for most sections, and a pint of local beer in the old town typically costs less than £2.50."

Hanoi, Vietnam

The experts said: "Hanoi is a city of contrasts: French colonial architecture alongside ancient pagodas, motorbike traffic weaving past still lakes, and street vendors selling phở from steaming pots on the pavement. It is also one of the most affordable cities in Southeast Asia.

"Guesthouse rooms in the Old Quarter start at around £10 to £15 per night. A bowl of phở from a street stall costs well under £1, and a full sit-down meal with drinks rarely exceeds £5 per person. The city's temples and colonial-era streets are largely free to explore on foot, making Hanoi exceptionally valuable for the quality of experience on offer."

Istanbul, Turkey

"Istanbul's skyline bristles with minarets, the Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of colour and commerce, and the Bosphorus divides Europe from Asia in spectacular fashion. It is also significantly cheaper than most cities of comparable grandeur.

"The weakened Turkish lira means visiting Istanbul goes a long way for those spending in pounds or euros. Street food is superb and costs very little, the Hagia Sophia is free to enter, and the ferry across the Bosphorus, one of the great travel experiences anywhere, costs less than 50p. Istanbul is consistently ranked among the cheapest major cities to visit in Europe."

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The experts said: "Buenos Aires earns its reputation as the Paris of South America. Wide tree-lined boulevards, neoclassical buildings, world-class steak restaurants, and a serious café culture all contribute to a city with unmistakable European flair, at a fraction of the price. Budget travellers in Buenos Aires spend an average of around £20 per day, while those after a little more comfort can still get by on under £190.

"The Argentine peso offers strong purchasing power for those arriving with pounds or euros, meaning a steak dinner with Malbec at a well-regarded parrilla can cost a fraction of the equivalent meal in London. Neighbourhood walks through Palermo and San Telmo, and the city's many free parks and museums, round out a city break that looks expensive but is anything but."

Seville, Spain

"The Alcázar palace, the towering Giralda bell tower, and the flamenco bars of the Triana district; Seville has the visual grandeur of a city that demands a premium. Don’t be fooled. Seville is one of the more reasonably priced cities in Spain, built on a tapas culture where bar snacks often come free or very cheaply alongside a drink.

"Lunch menus offering two or three courses with wine rarely exceed £10 to £14, and the city is compact enough to explore almost entirely on foot. For the sheer quality of what's on offer, Seville is outstanding value."