With the rising popularity of European budget airlines, short international weekend getaways have become more accessible than ever. If you’re looking for budget-friendly escapes, here are a few unique city breaks to consider for your next adventure.
Glasgow, Scotland
Scotland’s biggest city has many interesting cultural attractions such as The University of Glasgow, The Glasgow Botanic Garden, and a wide variety of captivating museums and art galleries. One great thing about these activities is that most of them are relatively affordable, if not free!
Glasgow is also home to many bars and clubs, two local favourites being Wunderbar and the up-and-coming LGBTQ+ nightclub known as The Polo Lounge.
If you have extra space in your luggage, a shopping spree on Argyle Street is a must-do. One-way flights from Dublin start at just €16.67. For accommodation in the city centre, you’d be looking at €16-30 per night in a hostel, or €50+ for a private room.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Only an hour from the famous Lake Bled, Ljubljana is a charming city by day, offering vibrant nightlife and a lively pub crawl scene after dark. The highlights of this mesmerising city include enchanting castles, breathtaking bridges and stunning cathedrals. The average price for a morning coffee is around €2, and a pint of beer at around €3-€4.
Although flight prices from Ireland are quite costly, Ljubljana serves as the perfect stop during an interrailing trip. Party hostels include a bed for approximately for the low price of €20 per night, or €50 for a night in a cosy private room in a local B&B.
Bratislava, Slovakia
This hidden gem located in western Slovakia hosts an array of amusing sights to see, such as the Bratislava castle along with many historically rich structures
along the Danube river. And for party animals, this city has a bustling nightlife – A pint averages just €2!
Bratislava is an ideal destination for students travelling on a budget, with affordable prices on goods and accommodations starting at just €16 for a hostel bunk or €30 for a private room. One-way flights from Dublin are around €60, but the city can also easily be included as a stop on an interrailing trip.
A fantastic addition to your Bratislava bucket list is a day trip to the iconic Austrian capital, Vienna. The train ride takes just an hour, and a return ticket costs €11, which includes fares within Vienna.
Porto, Portugal
Portugal includes many student friendly destinations such as Lisbon, Faro, and the legendary party holiday spot of Albufeira. But sometimes overlooked by students is the breathtaking Northern Portuguese city of Porto. This picturesque weekend getaway includes many eye-catching buildings and bridges to view.
Porto is also renowned for its world famous wine, making it the perfect place for wine enthusiasts to have fun over an exciting city break.
One-way flights from Dublin start at €50 one way and a private room at €60 per night. Cheap food and drinks combined with the beautiful sights make Porto a lovely destination for students looking to go on an uncostly holiday.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Looking to explore a coastal town rich in history while living out your Game of Thrones dreams? Well Dubrovnik is the perfect destination for a budget-friendly trip. This highly sought-after summer destination served as the primary filming location for the capital city of Westeros in Game of Thrones.
For sun-holiday lovers, Dubrovnik offers plenty of beautiful beaches and lively beach clubs, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the rays. Visitors can book locally guided tours of Dubrovnik’s scenic town or explore nearby Croatian islands, with prices ranging from €20-50 per tour.
One-way flights start at about €40, and hotel rooms are available from around €40 per night, making it an affordable yet enchanting destination.
Bilbao, Spain
Nestled in Northern Spain, Bilbao is ideal for travellers seeking an authentic, laid-back Spanish experience. Must-see attractions include the Guggenheim Museum, home to the famous floral sculpture ‘Puppy’, the iconic Vizcaya Bridge, and the bustling La Ribera food market.
For hiking enthusiasts, Gaztelugatxe—another iconic Game of Thrones filming location—is just a 40-minute drive away, offering breathtaking views of a castle perched along the stunning northern Spanish coast.
Flights start at around €35 one- way from Dublin and Bilbao also has many affordable AirBnBs to choose from. Whether you’re craving nightlife, history, or stunning landscapes, these budget-friendly European destinations make for unforgettable weekend getaways that won’t break the bank. So pack light, book smart, and get ready for your next adventure!