Cheap winter city breaks in Europe

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge over the Danube river

If you're looking for a cheap city break in Europe, winter is the ideal time to travel when you can beat the crowds, indulge in a luxury low-cost hotel stay and enjoy the romance and beauty of the snowy season abroad.

A winter mini-break is not only an excellent way to beat the winter blues, but offers wonderful opportunities for holidaymakers to explore the museums without the queues, shop in the winter sales, and enjoy the relatively tourist-free atmosphere.

Whether you fancy a holiday somewhere warm and sunny, or would like to embrace the winter in a snow-coated place, we've rounded up the most affordable cities in Europe to visit in winter.

Lisbon, Palma and Budapest are fantastic destinations for a winter holiday. Shop for souvenirs in the Portuguese capital, soak up the cafe culture on the Balearic Isle and warm up in the hot thermal waters of Europe's cheapest city.

If you're looking for underrated cities that boast history, culture and plenty of things to do for free, look no further than elusive Italian city Genoa, Greece's buzzing second city Thessaloniki and traditionally Nordic Tampere in Finland.

Discover more of our favourite destinations for a bargain city break this winter...