For an uplifting escape in the depths of winter, Lisbon is a savvy destination choice. January in the Portuguese capital sees pleasant weather and mild temperatures (around 15C) and is well outside its peak tourist season. The average price per night of four-star accommodation during the last week of January 2015 was 79 Euros (£60), which, says booking.com, is 43% cheaper than in June, when the city saw its most expensive week at 139 Euros (£106). Add to this the fact that at this time of year this beautiful city’s many attractions, galleries and museums are all relatively empty and you've got yourself a bargain.
- Tuscany’s infinitely charming capital offers some of its most affordable rates in February, despite the fact that the city is no less glorious than in high season (perhaps more so without Italy’s almost oppressive summer heat). The first week of February last year saw an average per night price of 108 Euros (£82) which is an impressive 55% less than the peak rate of 241 Euros (£184) in June. Known for its exquisite architecture and as the centre of the Renaissance, Florence is home to some of the world’s greatest works of art, and the city is delightfully peaceful come February - so you won’t have to deal with hours of queues to enter the Uffizi gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.
- In recent years, savvy travellers have caught on to Krakow’s multifaceted appeal as a sophisticated city break destination - so it’s important to know when to go to get the best value for money and avoid the tourist droves. Early spring is ideal if you can handle a bit of a nip in the air: the first week of March 2015 was only 336 PLN (77 EUR, £59) per night on average, 35% cheaper than the peak week of 513 PLN (118 EUR, £90) in September. As Easter 2016 falls during the last week of March, a visit earlier in the month is advisable, to revel in the build up to this big Polish festival as well as getting the most bang for your buck.
- Copenhagen may not spring to mind as a bargain hunter’s ideal destination: its reputation as a chic but expensive city is well-earned. While you might have to splash out a little bit for a trip here, according to Booking.com's pricing data, certain weeks of the year offer more in terms of value for money. The average cost per night for four-star accommodation starts to rise in May, and doesn't fall again until the end of October. So if you want to avoid the freezing Danish winter, April is perfect - it's on the verge of peak season, with beginnings of spring weather but fewer tourists filling the stunning medieval streets. The first week of April was only 1067 DKK (143 EUR, £109) in 2015, 38% less than the most expensive week of the year.
- OK, so London is never going to be cheap - but there are certain periods that see sky-high accommodation rates ease off significantly. The week before the May bank holiday will always mean a price hike but the following week tends to be less expensive. The second week of May 2015 cost on average £150 per night (208 EUR), which was 25% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year. And springtime in London is a real treat, as the city comes to life with sunshine and the beginning of the city’s outdoor events season.
- Unlike London, the average price of four-star accommodation in Istanbul is pretty reasonable throughout the year. But as a city of extremes weather-wise, timing is key. To avoid the stifling mid-summer or bitterly cold mid-winter, a visit in June would be ideal. The average price per night during the last week of June in 2015 was only 85 Euros (£65) - 37% cheaper than the city’s most expensive week. And at this time of year, the temperature is perfect for enjoying an evening meal al fresco or people watching while sipping a Turkish coffee at a pavement café.
- St Petersburg is in full swing come summer, a buzzing cultural hub with numerous festivals and outdoor attractions. Even if you don’t catch the tail end of the White Nights (the phenomenon whereby the city remains naturally light until around midnight and which usually lasts until early July), the days are still wonderfully long and warm. And annual events such as the White Nights Festival continue well into July, offering a series of classical ballet, opera and music performances of an astounding standard. In 2015, the average price per night for four-star accommodation for the first week of July was 8685 RUB (115 EUR, £88), 32% cheaper than the most expensive week all year.
Berlin was surprisingly cheap throughout August 2015, despite the German capital being absolute bliss in summer. The weather is usually warm and sunny and the city is buzzing with open-air cultural festivals, riverside bars and a rich culinary scene, including street food. Berlin’s revered nightlife is world-class whenever you choose to go, but August is perfect for lazing around in the city’s selection of serene parks – the Tiergarten also hosts a lovely flea market on a regular basis. For an affordable jaunt to this fine city, the last three weeks of August were only 100 Euros (£76) on average per night, a grand 43% cheaper than the most expensive week of the year.
Rome, like London, is rarely ‘cheap’. Not surprising given its status as one of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic metropolises. But a good time to go to get more bang for your buck is September. Avoid August’s searing heat and Ferragosto (the traditional holiday which technically runs from August 15th until September and means many stores and restaurants are closed), and opt for the late summer temperatures and relaxed atmosphere of the following month. It’s also perfect for saving money and getting the most out of the city, as the first week of September 2015 saw the average price of a four star hotel per night (121 Euros, £93) in Rome drop 29% from a peak in June.
- Edinburgh is packed and incredibly pricey during August for the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as during Christmas and New Year for Hogmanay. But don’t be disheartened. The Scottish capital is magical in every season, particularly autumn, when accommodation rates happen to be at one of their lowest points. Climb Arthur’s Seat to see views of the city bathed in golden autumnal sunshine or wander the historic streets before warming up in a cosy Scottish pub. According to booking.com, the fluctuation in average accommodation prices in Edinburgh was one of the highest in Europe, with a 50% difference between highest and lowest – in the middle two weeks of October, the average price was £107 (148 EUR) compared with £215 (298 EUR) in August.
- Barcelona in November sees pleasant weather and equally pleasant prices. The last week of November was only 99 Euros (£76) on average per night for four-star accommodation, whereas the same star rating would set you back 240 Euros during the city's most expensive week, a difference of 59. Offering azure skies and a relaxed pace of life, this gem of a city will offer welcome respite from the harsher winter of its northern European neighbours. It’s much quieter than in the height of summer, so you can take in the many galleries and museums in peace.
Frankfurt is wonderfully festive come December, with an enchantingly picture-perfect Christmas market scene. The huge Christmas tree centerpiece and architecture surrounding the main square create a fairy-tale setting for visitors to enjoy some traditional gluhwein and roasted chestnuts while being serenaded with seasonal music. During December 2014, Frankfurt’s four star accommodation also happened to offer some of the best year-round rates. 103 Euros (£79) was the average price per night for the first two weeks of December - 56% cheaper than the city’s peak price.