Cologne has been identified as the third most expensive European city for a weekend getaway, according to a recent study conducted by Stasher, a global luggage storage company. The comprehensive study, which analyzed data from Hotels.com, Kayak.co.uk, and Numbeo.com, determined the total costs for two people traveling in European cities with airports. The expenses calculated included flights, hotel stays, meals, and local transportation, totaling the minimum expected cost for a brief trip.
Krakow, Poland, emerged as the most costly destination, with a weekend trip averaging €617.79. This figure includes €217.30 for a budget-friendly round-trip flight from any UK airport and €118.54 for an average nightly hotel rate. Additionally, a mid-range meal for two is priced at €42.36, and a one-way local transport ticket costs €1.15. Visitors to Krakow can explore iconic sites like Rynek Glowny Central Square, St Mary’s Basilica, and the Bazylika i Klasztor Franciszkanow.
Bucharest, Romania, ranks second at approximately €655.17 for a weekend visit. This city offers the lowest hotel rate per night at €100.68 and the cheapest average meal at McDonald’s at €6.98. Tourist attractions include the Palatul Parlamentului, one of the largest government buildings globally, Stavropoleos Monastery, and the Ateneul Român.
Cologne, Germany, claims the third spot, with total expenses amounting to €1,260.97. The most significant cost in this German city is lodging, with a hotel room averaging €350.90 per night, and a mid-range dinner for two priced at £105.72, the highest on the list.
Warsaw, Poland, follows closely at €656.59, featuring vibrant sightseeing opportunities such as the Stare Miasto (Old Town), the Palace of Culture and Science, and the Chopin Monument. Accommodation costs average €121.35 per night, with round-trip flights from the UK costing about €245.10.
Riga, Latvia, takes fourth place with a trip costing €676.86, which includes €112.47 for nightly accommodation and €59.60 for a mid-range meal for two. Key attractions in Riga include the Old City, the House of the Black Heads, and the Town Hall Square.
Prague, Czech Republic, rounds out the top five, with a weekend trip priced at €716.76. The city, known for its scenic vistas and attractions like the Orloj Astronomical Clock and Prague Castle, offers the cheapest flight costs among the top ten at €197.48 and the lowest price for an inexpensive meal at €7.86.