Cheapest city breaks in Europe

Why Vilnius, Budapest and Riga are the cheapest cities for backpackers in 2015

Backpackers can benefit from some of the cheapest city breaks in Europe this summer, with prices falling and hostels offering superb deals. Experience something a little different and explore the breathtaking town squares of Vilnius, Budapest and Riga on holiday. With their medieval cobbled lanes, picturesque scenery and bustling energy, you can hang out in these historic capitals and pay a fraction of what it would cost in major European cities.

Whether you're solo travelling, a couple or partying with friends, staying in a hostel is the best way to save money on vacation. Remember you don't have to stay in a dorm when booking a hostel nowadays. Most new hostels cater for independent flashpackers and provide boutique private rooms and hotel style facilities at budget prices.

We've rounded up three of the cheapest cities to explore as a backpacker in 2015. Book your holiday today and make your money go further when booking a hostel in Central and Eastern Europe.

1) Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilinus is the most affordable city break destination in Europe, according to the UK's Post Office Travel Money’s City Costs Barometer. Analysing 26 European cities for cost effectiveness, the Lithuanian capital came top of their chart and the average cost of a weekend break is only €139 if you factor in the price of two nights’ three star accommodation, evening meal for two with wine, entertainment, and city transport.

Now just think if you booked a hostel instead and halved that price? That's a serious saving! Come explore the medieval squares of Vilinus on holiday, spend time wandering along the atmospheric old town and its marvellous blend of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance and Orthodox architecture. Go partying with beautiful locals and relax the following day over a coffee in the noble old houses. Vilinus is a quirky little gem just waiting to be discovered and will cost next to nothing if you book a hostel.

2) Riga, Latvia

Riga is a close rival to Vilinus in the money value charts. Backpackers should only have to pay €180 for a lavish weekend of restaurants, sightseeing and two nights in a decent hotel. Once again if you book a hostel instead you'll halve this amount easily. Come visit this bohemian city and walk amongst the Art Nouveau architecture, vodka bars and grandoise churches.

The Latvian capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a thriving youth and alternative scene to match. You'll have a fabulous time in Riga on a budget and can eat out like posh people without burning a hole in your pocket. Always up for a party, you can buy rounds of vodka for friends and won't regret it the morning. Backpackers can live like royalty in the Baltic States and with hostels costing than less than €15 a night you're destined to find a bargain in Riga and Vilinus.

However, over the course of a two or three-night break, Hungary's capital city Budapest makes for a strong contender as the ultimate bargain break destination. One so powerful it even rivals the Baltic States.

3) Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is almost as cheap as Riga costing just under €180 for a glorious weekend of food, beers, riverside attractions and a top hotel for two nights. Stay in a designer hostel and you'll experience all of this for half price, which means your remaining outlay can be spent on food, drinks or an even longer stay. Offering great value to backpackers, Budapest prices have dropped by over 10% according to the Post Office Travel Money’s City Costs Barometer.

Stretch your money even further visiting Budapest's World Heritage Sites on vacation. Explore over a hundred museums, walk along medieval squares and take photos at the outdoor communist museum. Wake up one morning and enjoy a flat white sitting opposite the city's beautiful Art Nouveau buildings before hitting the spa.

You can explore the visual depths of this enchanting city without ever worrying about money. Even better you can can book a boat trip along the River Danube and travel over to Vienna or Bratislava in just over two hours.

With its imperial history and architectural beauty, you can go shopping in the city's top designer stores, soothe your skin at their world-class spas or play chess at the Szechenyi baths. With the iconic Castle Hill dominating your stay in Budapest, there will be no shortage of Instagram scenery on holiday in Hungary.

Book a cheap weekend in Central and Eastern Europe and you can save a fortune eating out, sightseeing and taking photos. Every smart traveller knows that hostels are the way forward in the twenty-first century. Look at the bigger picture before you book a European holiday and explore the lesser known capitals and save a fortune on your accommodation.