Tirana named Europe’s cheapest city — lunch €8, beer €1.50, stay €30

As travel planners already shift focus to autumn breaks, a recent British analysis singled out the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. Among 51 popular cities surveyed, Tirana emerged as the most affordable: average daily costs in September come to about 60 euros per person.

That daily rate means a three‑day stay in the Albanian capital would cost roughly 180 euros — a fraction of the price of many Western European hubs. By comparison, a single day in Amsterdam is put at about 357 euros, making a three‑day trip there more expensive by as much as 1,070 euros.

Accommodation in Tirana during September averages around 30 euros per person. Typical local prices highlighted in the study include a serving of the traditional dish tave kosi for about 8 euros, the regional beer Bira Korça at just €1.50, and entrance fees to museums and sights averaging roughly 5 euros.

What to see and do

The city has grown into a popular short‑break destination in recent years, with bookings rising by more than 300%. Visitors can stroll around Skanderbeg Square, visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque and the National Historical Museum, browse the New Bazaar, or take the cable car up Dajti Mountain. Nearby day trips include Bovilla Lake and the historic town of Kruja.

Other inexpensive options on the list include Bucharest (about 67 euros per day) and Antalya (around 78 euros). Istanbul appears in the rankings at about 83 euros daily. Also among the top ten cheapest are Warsaw (≈80 euros), Muğla and Kraków (≈89 euros), Vilnius and Frankfurt (91 euros) and Lyon (92 euros).

The findings underline that a quality autumn break need not be costly: with careful destination choice, travellers can keep their budgets under control while still enjoying museums, local cuisine and a lively nightlife.

Photo: press material from the event