Britons' top 5 city breaks named as cheap alternatives outshine traditional favourites

Eastern Europe dominates the top of the rankings overall, with Romania and Hungary following Poland as UK travellers increasingly favour affordable, lesser-known European cities over traditional hotspots.

This is according to Wizz Air, who found a growing appetite for walkable historic centres, lively nightlife and lower everyday costs – all within short flight times from the UK.

Poland’s appeal lies in the variety on offer. Cities such as Gdańsk, Warsaw and Kraków combine grand architecture and rich history with strong value for money.

In Kraków, the average cost of a pint is around £3.73, compared with £6.50 in London, while flight times of roughly two hours make Poland an easy option for couples, friends and families alike.

Romania takes second place, with cities such as Bucharest and Sibiu proving popular for their compact old towns and affordable dining. Nearby Brașov also draws visitors keen to explore Transylvania, with trips to the nearby Bran Castle adding to its appeal.

Hungary ranks third, led by Budapest, where thermal baths, ruin bars and Danube cruises continue to draw British holidaymakers.

Top five city break destinations for UK travellers

1. Poland
2. Romania
3. Hungary
4. Albania
5. Italy

Albania has climbed to fourth place, emerging as a budget-friendly favourite in 2025. The capital Tirana offers café-lined streets, striking architecture and good-value dining, while the Albanian Riviera is increasingly on the radar for those looking to extend a city break into a coastal escape.

Italy rounds out the top five and is rising in popularity in early 2026, as Britons look to escape winter weather without committing to long-haul travel.

Cities such as Rome and Milan offer average maximum temperatures of around 16°C in March, making them attractive early-season options.

Managing director at Wizz Air UK, Yvonne Moynihan, said: “Everyone loves a holiday hack, and at Wizz Air we’re always happy to share our top tips for finding great-value getaways.

"City breaks have become an essential part of the British travel calendar, and we’re seeing a clear trend in where travellers are choosing to go. Poland’s continued popularity shows that UK holidaymakers are prioritising destinations that offer culture, character and excellent value for money.

“Eastern Europe continues to outperform traditional city break favourites, with customers seeking vibrant, lesser-known destinations that deliver incredible experiences at an affordable price. At the same time, we’re seeing seasonal trends emerge, with Italy climbing the rankings as travellers look for winter sun without committing to long-haul travel."