November 25, 2022
The ultimate budget-friendly winter getaways
A winter break represents a unique type of holiday, one which allows travellers to experience all the benefits of a summer escape - and of course all of the delights that a country has to offer - in an entirely different season.
For some people, travelling throughout winter offers a calmer alternative, with fewer tourists and costs that are more budget-friendly. You may even find some rare holiday-themed events in your city of choice, such as markets, parades or festivals.
With so many amazing cities dotted around Europe, it can be tricky to narrow down the options and choose a budget-friendly winter getaway destination. But there's no need to stress, as the team at DiscoverCars.com have done the hard work for you, by ranking the top 10 getaway destinations this winter.
To do this, we analysed various factors, including the number of affordable restaurants, attractions, and the average cost to stay in each city for a week. We did this to find a city that offers a substantial amount of activities and is still affordable.
We ranked these cities last winter, but this year we are back with updated factors, more statistics and a change in the ranking order. After the ranking, we compared the difference in the results and how they've changed over the past 12 months.
For some people, travelling throughout winter offers a calmer alternative, with fewer tourists and costs that are more budget-friendly. You may even find some rare holiday-themed events in your city of choice, such as markets, parades or festivals.
With so many amazing cities dotted around Europe, it can be tricky to narrow down the options and choose a budget-friendly winter getaway destination. But there's no need to stress, as the team at DiscoverCars.com have done the hard work for you, by ranking the top 10 getaway destinations this winter.
To do this, we analysed various factors, including the number of affordable restaurants, attractions, and the average cost to stay in each city for a week. We did this to find a city that offers a substantial amount of activities and is still affordable.
We ranked these cities last winter, but this year we are back with updated factors, more statistics and a change in the ranking order. After the ranking, we compared the difference in the results and how they've changed over the past 12 months.
Methodology
We analysed several factors to narrow down the best European cities for a budget-friendly friendly winter getaway. We considered data before scoring each city out of 70. The factors considered were:
We looked at 10 European cities which are all renowned for being tourist hotspots in the winter months.
We collected the data on the premise that the reader would be going away for a week, and used the dates November 22 to November 28, 2022, for any data that required this field to be entered.
We used Google Flights to establish the average flight cost and recorded the top 10 round-trip prices from London Heathrow to the city's nearest airport.
We used TripAdvisor to source information on the number of hotels, activities, affordable restaurants and information regarding the biggest attraction in each city.
We ascertained the average cost of renting a car by using our internal data and recorded the average price for a car rental available in the city to create an overall average.
Lastly, we used Expedia to find out the average cost to stay at the location for a week and recorded the price of the top 10 recommended hotels in each city (not including advertisements) to create an average price.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants
- Average car rental cost for one week (£)
- Average overall cost of a one-week hotel stay (£)
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow) (£)
- Biggest attraction
- Cost of biggest attraction (£)
We looked at 10 European cities which are all renowned for being tourist hotspots in the winter months.
We collected the data on the premise that the reader would be going away for a week, and used the dates November 22 to November 28, 2022, for any data that required this field to be entered.
We used Google Flights to establish the average flight cost and recorded the top 10 round-trip prices from London Heathrow to the city's nearest airport.
We used TripAdvisor to source information on the number of hotels, activities, affordable restaurants and information regarding the biggest attraction in each city.
We ascertained the average cost of renting a car by using our internal data and recorded the average price for a car rental available in the city to create an overall average.
Lastly, we used Expedia to find out the average cost to stay at the location for a week and recorded the price of the top 10 recommended hotels in each city (not including advertisements) to create an average price.
Free to use when crediting DiscoverCars.com using a do-follow hyperlink.
Krakow, Poland
In first place, the Polish city of Krakow scored 37 out of 50 points. Krakow is a historic city and was even the capital of Poland until 1596. The city is home to attractions such as Wawel Cathedral and the retro Krakow Pinball Museum. Compared to the other cities in the ranking, Krakow has the cheapest car rental and hotel costs.
Rental cars are priced at £180.29 for a week on average and a week-long stay will set you back by £652.40. Furthermore, the biggest attraction in the city is the Rynek Główny Square, which is free for tourists to access.
Rental cars are priced at £180.29 for a week on average and a week-long stay will set you back by £652.40. Furthermore, the biggest attraction in the city is the Rynek Główny Square, which is free for tourists to access.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 646
- Average cost of car rentals: £180.29
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £652.40
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £143
- Biggest attraction: Rynek Główny
- Cost of biggest attraction: £0.00
Berlin, Germany
Placing second in the ranking, the city of Berlin scored 36 out of 50 points. The German capital is home to numerous attractions, including the Dahlem Museum and the Museum of Arts and Crafts, which is perfect for those with a creative streak. Berlin is also home to sites such as the Berlin Television Tower (pictured) and the Brandenburg Gate.
Berlin offers visitors a choice of 3,363 attractions to indulge in and also has 1,517 affordable food establishments. Furthermore, the city's biggest attraction, the historic Reichstag Building, is free to visit.
Berlin offers visitors a choice of 3,363 attractions to indulge in and also has 1,517 affordable food establishments. Furthermore, the city's biggest attraction, the historic Reichstag Building, is free to visit.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 1,517
- Average cost of car rentals: £253.97
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £748.67
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £128.90
- Biggest attraction: Reichstag Building
- Cost of biggest attraction: £0.00
Brussels, Belgium
Next, in third place, the Belgian city of Brussels scored 32 out of 50 points. Brussels is a historic city and has been the capital of the European Union since 1993. Brussels is known for its delicious food, including its Belgian chocolate and waffles. The city is also home to the Grand Palace, which tourists can see for free.
Brussels offers travellers 737 hotels and 609 cheap restaurants to take advantage of. Additionally, there are 1,350 attractions available, including Train World and the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Ixelles.
Brussels offers travellers 737 hotels and 609 cheap restaurants to take advantage of. Additionally, there are 1,350 attractions available, including Train World and the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Ixelles.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 609
- Average cost of car rentals: £230.54
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £923.93
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £103.90
- Biggest attraction: Grand Palace
- Cost of biggest attraction: £0.00
Paris, France
Ranking in fourth place, the French capital of Paris scored 30 out of 50 points. The 'City of Love' is a renowned hotspot for couples and is great for a winter escape. Paris is home to a wealth of attractions - 8,193 to be exact - including picturesque buildings and structures such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and the Louvre.
Paris is home to 2,520 hotels and has 2,919 affordable restaurants available throughout the city. Additionally, the average cost of a week-long stay in the city is priced at £1,057.07. Admission to see the iconic Eiffel Tower will cost tourists £17.54.
Paris is home to 2,520 hotels and has 2,919 affordable restaurants available throughout the city. Additionally, the average cost of a week-long stay in the city is priced at £1,057.07. Admission to see the iconic Eiffel Tower will cost tourists £17.54.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 2,919
- Average cost of car rentals: £229.40
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £1,057.07
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £133.20
- Biggest attraction: Eiffel Tower
- Cost of biggest attraction: £17.54
Prague, Czech Republic
Rounding off the top five, the Czech capital of Prague ranked fifth, scoring 30 out of 50 points. Prague is home to various castles, including Prague Castle, which is the city's biggest attraction. Tourists can expect to pay £14.04 to visit the iconic building. The Czech city is also known for its impressive Baroque and Gothic architecture.
Prague is home to 4,098 attractions and offers a choice of 2,455 hotels for its visitors. Travelers can expect to pay £707.67 on average for a week-long stay in the city. The average cost of a car rental in Prague is priced at £280.53.
Prague is home to 4,098 attractions and offers a choice of 2,455 hotels for its visitors. Travelers can expect to pay £707.67 on average for a week-long stay in the city. The average cost of a car rental in Prague is priced at £280.53.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 1,189
- Average cost of car rentals: £280.53
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £707.67
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £141.20
- Biggest attraction: Prague Castle
- Cost of biggest attraction: £14.04
Budapest, Hungary
In sixth place, the Hungarian capital of Budapest scored 30 out of 50 points. Budapest is known for its rich culture and vibrant nightlife. The city is home to some breathtaking buildings, such as the grand Hungarian Parliament Building, which costs £16.74 to experience.
Budapest offers 1,973 hotels and 812 affordable restaurants, giving tourists plenty of hospitality options. Additionally, the average cost of a flight from Heathrow to Budapest Airport is £153.40 and the average cost of a car rental is £238.22.
Budapest offers 1,973 hotels and 812 affordable restaurants, giving tourists plenty of hospitality options. Additionally, the average cost of a flight from Heathrow to Budapest Airport is £153.40 and the average cost of a car rental is £238.22.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 812
- Average cost of car rentals: £238.22
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £669.93
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £153.40
- Biggest attraction: Hungarian Parliament Building
- Cost of biggest attraction: £16.74
Tallinn, Estonia
Placing seventh in the ranking, the Estonian city of Tallinn scored 30 out of 50 points. Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and is known for being one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. The city is home to 798 attractions in total, including the Teletorn TV Tower, which is the tallest building in Estonia, standing at 314 metres.
Tallinn is also home to 402 hotels and tourists can choose from 215 affordable food establishments when in the city. The biggest attraction in Tallinn, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, is free to visit.
Tallinn is also home to 402 hotels and tourists can choose from 215 affordable food establishments when in the city. The biggest attraction in Tallinn, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, is free to visit.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 215
- Average cost of car rentals: £185.80
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £660.60
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £183.10
- Biggest attraction: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Cost of biggest attraction: £0.00
Copenhagen, Denmark
Ranking in eighth place, the Danish capital of Copenhagen scored 28 out of 50 points. Copenhagen offers tourists a choice of 1,308 attractions, including the popular Tivoli Gardens, as well as boasting amazing Scandi retail brands and a booming foodie scene.
Copenhagen has 281 hotels on offer and the cost of a week-long stay is £1,039.53 on average, which is the second highest in this ranking. However, tourists can rest assured knowing there are 358 affordable restaurants available in the city.
Copenhagen has 281 hotels on offer and the cost of a week-long stay is £1,039.53 on average, which is the second highest in this ranking. However, tourists can rest assured knowing there are 358 affordable restaurants available in the city.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 358
- Average cost of car rentals: £206.34
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £1,039.53
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £120
- Biggest attraction: Tivoli Gardens
- Cost of biggest attraction: £17.24
Vienna, Austria
In ninth place, the Austrian city of Vienna scored 24 out of 50 points. Vienna is known for its classical music, coffee houses and unique architecture. The city is home to 2,052 attractions, including the popular Schonbrunn Palace. Tourists can expect to pay £39.49 on average to experience this attraction.
Vienna is also home to 1,152 hotels and 686 affordable restaurants. The average cost of a flight from Heathrow is £129.80 and the average cost of renting a car in the city is £279.40.
Vienna is also home to 1,152 hotels and 686 affordable restaurants. The average cost of a flight from Heathrow is £129.80 and the average cost of renting a car in the city is £279.40.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 686
- Average cost of car rentals: £279.40
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £921.40
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £129.80
- Biggest attraction: Schonbrunn Palace
- Cost of biggest attraction: £39.49
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rounding off the top ten, the Dutch city of Amsterdam scored 22 out of 50 points. Amsterdam is a tourist hotspot throughout the year and the city is known for its cyclists, picturesque canals and rich history. There are 3,101 attractions available, including Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, where entry is priced at £48.78 on average.
Amsterdam has 1,272 hotels dotted throughout the city so tourists are bound to find a suitable place to unwind. However, the average cost of a week-long stay is priced at £1,128.53, the most expensive across the 10 cities reviewed here.
Amsterdam has 1,272 hotels dotted throughout the city so tourists are bound to find a suitable place to unwind. However, the average cost of a week-long stay is priced at £1,128.53, the most expensive across the 10 cities reviewed here.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 748
- Average cost of car rentals: £289.77
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £1,128.53
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £98.10
- Biggest attraction: Rijksmuseum
- Cost of biggest attraction: £48.78
Comparison
Now that we've reviewed the best winter getaway destinations for 2022, let's take a look at how the ranking has changed in the past 12 months.
Comparing the two tables, it was intriguing to see Krakow maintain its top spot as the best budget-friendly destination in Europe.
The Polish city proved the cheapest location on the list for a week-long stay (£652.40) and rental vehicles (£180.29) making the city a perfect budget-friendly winter destination. Their biggest attraction, Rynek Glowny, is also free to visit.
Berlin saw the biggest improvement in the past year, with the German capital climbing from 6th in 2021 to 2nd this time round.
Berlin was one of three cities that saw a decrease in the cost of car rentals (by £6.27); the city is also one of four cities that doesn't charge for its biggest attraction.
It was no surprise to see Amsterdam drop down in the ranking with the average cost of a week-long stay increasing by £597.86, making it the most expensive city to stay in on this list.
Amsterdam's rapid increase in costs has seen the destination fall from 7th in 2021's ranking to last place this time around.
Additionally, Vienna recorded an increase of 48 affordable restaurants whilst Copenhagen recorded a decrease of a whopping 118 cheap eateries.
Despite Copenhagen ranking 8th, the city was the only destination that saw a decrease in the average flight cost from Heathrow of £68.50. On the other hand, Budapest was the city with the highest rise in flight costs with an increase of £26.90.
Overall, we hope that our collated ranking of the best budget-friendly winter getaways has helped you choose the perfect destination. With each city providing the foundations for an eventful escape, you can be sure of a fun trip away wherever you choose.
If you're looking to rent a car for your next road trip, please consider choosing us, as we are a leader in online car rental reservations. We compare car rental deals from multiple companies, saving you precious time so that you can choose the best deal for your individual family's needs.
We also operate in more than 145 countries and 10,000 locations, so we're sure to have the car rental deal for you - no matter where your next road trip happens to be.
Sources
TripAdvisor
Expedia
https://www.discovercars.com/
https://www.google.com/travel/flights
The Polish city proved the cheapest location on the list for a week-long stay (£652.40) and rental vehicles (£180.29) making the city a perfect budget-friendly winter destination. Their biggest attraction, Rynek Glowny, is also free to visit.
Berlin saw the biggest improvement in the past year, with the German capital climbing from 6th in 2021 to 2nd this time round.
Berlin was one of three cities that saw a decrease in the cost of car rentals (by £6.27); the city is also one of four cities that doesn't charge for its biggest attraction.
It was no surprise to see Amsterdam drop down in the ranking with the average cost of a week-long stay increasing by £597.86, making it the most expensive city to stay in on this list.
Amsterdam's rapid increase in costs has seen the destination fall from 7th in 2021's ranking to last place this time around.
Additionally, Vienna recorded an increase of 48 affordable restaurants whilst Copenhagen recorded a decrease of a whopping 118 cheap eateries.
Despite Copenhagen ranking 8th, the city was the only destination that saw a decrease in the average flight cost from Heathrow of £68.50. On the other hand, Budapest was the city with the highest rise in flight costs with an increase of £26.90.
Overall, we hope that our collated ranking of the best budget-friendly winter getaways has helped you choose the perfect destination. With each city providing the foundations for an eventful escape, you can be sure of a fun trip away wherever you choose.
If you're looking to rent a car for your next road trip, please consider choosing us, as we are a leader in online car rental reservations. We compare car rental deals from multiple companies, saving you precious time so that you can choose the best deal for your individual family's needs.
We also operate in more than 145 countries and 10,000 locations, so we're sure to have the car rental deal for you - no matter where your next road trip happens to be.
Sources
TripAdvisor
Expedia
https://www.discovercars.com/
https://www.google.com/travel/flights
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.