Europe's top 10 budget breaks named - with £44 rooms and pints from £2.20

The index assessed popular European destinations, looking at everything from overnight hotel rates and the cost of dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant to what you'd pay for a pint, according to travel insurance specialists at Tiger.co.uk.

Weather played a role too, with December snowfall levels and average temperatures factored in to determine which cities offer that proper wintery Christmas atmosphere.

Kraków claimed victory with the cheapest meal for two at just £41.80, while a night's stay averages £48 and a beer costs a mere £3.40.

The city also delivers on the festive weather front, with 51.5mm of December snowfall and temperatures hovering around a chilly 0.2°C.

Europe's top budget city breaks (total points)

1. Kraków, Poland (40)
   
2. Budapest, Hungary (38.5)
3. Prague, Czech Republic (38)
4. Helsinki, Finland (33)
5. Berlin, Germany (30)
6. Stockholm, Sweden (28)
7. Vienna, Austria (25.5)
8. Brussels, Belgium (19)
9. Copenhagen, Denmark (12)
10. Edinburgh, Scotland (11)

Budapest came in a close second, and it's actually the winner for budget accommodation at £44 per night - that's £4 less than Kraków.

The Hungarian capital also boasts even cheaper beer at £2.30 a pint, though dining out costs a bit more at £50.50 for two. Budapest edges ahead on snowfall, too, making it a great value for a properly wintery getaway.

Prague is the clear winner for beer lovers, with a pint costing just £2.20 - the cheapest across all 10 cities. Copenhagen, meanwhile, sits at the opposite end of the scale, with the most expensive beer at £7.10 and the priciest dining at £94.60 for two.

If snow is what you're after, Helsinki delivers with a whopping 117.7mm of December snowfall and temperatures dropping to -2°C. Vienna's hotels proved the costliest at £113 per night, though its colder climate helped it climb to seventh place overall.

The only UK entry - Edinburgh - finished bottom of the rankings, with hotel costs averaging £90, meals at £80 for two, and the mildest December weather at 4.2°C with minimal snowfall.

Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, Ian Wilson, said: "As we get closer to Christmas, a lot of people want to make the most of the festivities, and taking a trip to nearby European cities can be a great way to enjoy the season.

"Our research found that overall, Kraków was the most affordable option for accommodation, dining out and enjoying a pint, while also offering a moderately wintery climate.

"Budapest wasn't too far behind, and is still high on the list if you're looking for a cost-effective getaway with friends or some last-minute Christmas shopping.

"Even if it's just for a mini-break, those looking to take a last-minute trip this Christmas should consider protecting themselves with travel insurance - flight delays and cancellations are increasingly common, especially throughout the winter when weather conditions are harsh, and pickpocketing is widespread throughout popular European cities."