A European city break that won't break the bank is becoming increasingly difficult to find, as new figures reveal Barcelona has shot up the rankings to become the most expensive destination for UK holidaymakers. According to the Post Office's 2026 City Cost Barometer, a two-night stay in the Spanish city now costs an eye-watering average of £457, topping a list of 50 European cities.
When factoring in other typical expenses such as a small beer (£3.70), a cup of coffee (£2.55), a 48-hour travel card (£10) and admission to top attractions, Barcelona's overall average cost soars to £641.03 - only surpassed by Edinburgh (£668.10), Copenhagen (£670.65) and Norway (£733.99). The data also shows that many 'cheap and cheerful' destinations have seen price hikes, with Lisbon experiencing a 22 per cent rise to £358.
For those seeking better value, Sarajevo in Bosnia & Herzegovina has emerged as the cheapest city break option for 2026, with an average total cost of just £248.29 - less than half the price of Barcelona. A two-night stay in Sarajevo averages a mere £157 for accommodation, while a beer costs around £2.50 and a sightseeing bus tour is priced at approximately £2.46.
The city also boasts pleasant weather, with temperatures remaining warm until late September, averaging 18°C. Moreover, direct flights from London make it an attractive option for UK travellers. An added bonus for visitors to Sarajevo is that Bosnia & Herzegovina is not part of the Schengen zone, meaning they will avoid the new Entry-Exit System (EES) checks currently being implemented across most EU Schengen countries.
Other affordable destinations identified in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe include Bucharest, Tirana, and Belgrade, all offering weekend trips for less than £266. Interestingly, some cities have seen a fall in price compared to last year's data, including Florence, Nice, Rome, Salzburg, Stockholm, and Venice.