September 21, 2017
For immediate release
City breaks are a popular staple for tourists to take respite from the interminable UK weather, and when thinking of your next trip, the major European capitals are the usual suspects. However, research from alpharooms has discovered that people may be over-paying for their city breaks in those capital cities. There are many destinations outside of the popular European capitals with a wealth of culture, history and entertainment that are worth consideration for your next weekend break. Alpharooms research helps you understand which European cities give you a good deal and which cities you can make a saving on.
Using a variety of data, alpharooms compared the cost of a night’s stay in a typical three-star hotel, added in the cost of an average meal for two, with wine and beer thrown in, then calculated how much travellers could save by staying in alternative destinations in 19 of Europe’s top cities.
Coming in with the best saving was a stay in the Oslo suburb of Bygdoy. The Norwegian capital was the most expensive city in the survey, with a 4-day/3-night stay costing £1,435. By staying in the scenic Bygdoy peninsula, less than half an hour from central Oslo, visitors can enjoy a range of museums and attractions, as well as beaches – and spend less than £550, a savings of more than 60%.
Alpharooms’ suggestions for an alternative to explore the Danish capital may be surprising – it’s in Sweden! Yet thanks to the awe-inspiring Oresund bridge (a must-see attraction in the town), Malmo is just an £11 public transport ticket away from wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen. Malmo is a vibrant, modern city in its own right and a typical 3-night stay there will cost you £849 less than one in its southern neighbour, and you get to see two countries in one trip.
Sunny Madrid has an abundance of historic, cultural and culinary treats for visitors, but at an average daily price of £338, the Spanish capital is among the most expensive cities to stay in Europe. Madrid’s neighbour city, Toledo is just 32 miles away and this ancient city is full of history. Its imposing castle and cathedral are complemented by mosques and synagogues – a reminder of when Spain was a Moorish possession. Cultural sites, such as the El Greco Museum, have helped make Toledo a UNESCO World Heritage city.
The fine architecture and wealth of history make Edinburgh a must-see location. But with a 3-night weekend trip at an average of £930, it’s not necessarily a cheap place to stay. Stirling, an hour’s train away and only £13 for a return ticket, is a historic town to discover, with a less-crowded and calmer vibe. Stirling was once the capital of Scotland itself, and it boasts a castle to rival Edinburgh’s, as well as a great variety of shops, pubs and coffee houses. It’s on the doorstep of the Highlands too, so why not enjoy a wee dram of whisky while you’re there.
Eastern European locations are usually cheaper, but UK visitors to the onion-domed splendours of Moscow will find city centre hotel prices push it into the expensive bracket. Alpharooms recommends a stay in the Dubrovitsy estate, 27 miles from the Russian capital. This historic estate was once the retreat of Catherine the Great, and it contains a magnificent manor and an ornate church, dating back to the early 18th century.
If Vienna is the crowning glory of Austria, Klosterneuburg is a hidden gem just half an hour’s journey away. An ancient military town and monastic centre, it lies in the Danube valley amid simply stunning scenery. It’s also noted for its fine wines – and for the large homes of some of Vienna’s wealthier workforce. Luckily, you don’t need to be wealthy to stay there: travellers can save over 55% in costs by staying here than staying in the capital.
Other recommendations include Uppsala for Stockholm; Bankya for Sofia; Hafnarfjorour for Reykjavik; Windsor for London; Murten for Berne; Wolomin for Warsaw; Haarlem for Amsterdam; Bray for Dublin; Bled for Ljubljana; Szentendre for Budapest; Leuven for Brussels; Kladno for Prague; and Ostia for Rome.
As a leading provider of discount holidays and hotel deals worldwide, alpharooms have won several British Travel Awards from 2013-2016. You can vote for alpharooms in the 2017 British Travel Awards to win Best National Travel Retailer, Best Online/Call Centre Travel Agency, or Best Hotel Booking Website.