OCTOBER 12, 2023
The best winter getaway destinations for 2023 revealed
Traveling in winter offers the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizons without the busyness or increased prices seen throughout the warmer seasons. It can also provide an escape from the harsh climates, with some countries experiencing warmer temperatures around this time of year.
Holidays are extremely enjoyable but can be even more satisfying when they don't break the bank. Winter is the perfect time to journey afar for a budget-friendly trip, but with so many unique and incredible options available to travelers, choosing a destination can be difficult.
That's why we at DiscoverCars.com are back once more for our annual ranking of the best budget-friendly winter getaway destinations in Europe. We completed this study in 2021 and 2022 using the same 10 countries, but we've returned to examine whether there have been any changes to the findings.
To do this, we investigated several factors including the average cost of a week-long hotel stay and the number of cheap restaurants in each European city. Each location was then given a score out of 50 and ranked accordingly.
Holidays are extremely enjoyable but can be even more satisfying when they don't break the bank. Winter is the perfect time to journey afar for a budget-friendly trip, but with so many unique and incredible options available to travelers, choosing a destination can be difficult.
That's why we at DiscoverCars.com are back once more for our annual ranking of the best budget-friendly winter getaway destinations in Europe. We completed this study in 2021 and 2022 using the same 10 countries, but we've returned to examine whether there have been any changes to the findings.
To do this, we investigated several factors including the average cost of a week-long hotel stay and the number of cheap restaurants in each European city. Each location was then given a score out of 50 and ranked accordingly.
Methodology
We analyzed several factors to narrow down the best European cities for a budget-friendly winter getaway. We considered data before scoring each city out of 50. The factors considered were:
We looked at 10 European cities which are all renowned for being tourist hotspots in the winter months.
We collected the data on the premise that the reader would be going away for a week, and used the dates November 22 to November 28, 2023, for any data that required this field to be entered.
We used Google Flights to establish the average flight cost and recorded the top 10 round-trip prices from London Heathrow to the city's nearest airport.
We used TripAdvisor to source information on the number of hotels, activities, affordable restaurants and information regarding the biggest attraction in each city.
We ascertained the average cost of renting a car using our internal data and recorded the average price for a car rental available in the city to create an overall average.
Lastly, we used Expedia to find out the average cost to stay at the location for a week and recorded the prices of the top 10 recommended hotels in each city (not including advertisements) to create an average price.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants
- Average car rental cost for one week (£)
- Average overall cost of a one-week hotel stay (£)
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow) (£)
- Biggest attraction
- Cost of biggest attraction (£)
We looked at 10 European cities which are all renowned for being tourist hotspots in the winter months.
We collected the data on the premise that the reader would be going away for a week, and used the dates November 22 to November 28, 2023, for any data that required this field to be entered.
We used Google Flights to establish the average flight cost and recorded the top 10 round-trip prices from London Heathrow to the city's nearest airport.
We used TripAdvisor to source information on the number of hotels, activities, affordable restaurants and information regarding the biggest attraction in each city.
We ascertained the average cost of renting a car using our internal data and recorded the average price for a car rental available in the city to create an overall average.
Lastly, we used Expedia to find out the average cost to stay at the location for a week and recorded the prices of the top 10 recommended hotels in each city (not including advertisements) to create an average price.
The Rankings
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Krakow, Poland
Image source: Canva
In first place for the third consecutive year, Krakow ranked as the best destination for a budget-friendly winter getaway scoring 38 out of 50 points. Since 2021, the Polish city has remained an outstanding option for travelers throughout the winter season. Attractions such as the Wawel Cathedral and Polish Aviation Museum can be found in the city and are popular options among tourists.
Krakow offers the cheapest car rental costs out of all cities examined with an average fee of £100.61. Additionally, the average price of a flight from London Heathrow to Krakow Airport is £134.80 while the city's biggest attraction, Rynek Glowny, is free to access.
Krakow offers the cheapest car rental costs out of all cities examined with an average fee of £100.61. Additionally, the average price of a flight from London Heathrow to Krakow Airport is £134.80 while the city's biggest attraction, Rynek Glowny, is free to access.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 665
- Average car rental cost for one week: £100.61
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £441.40
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £134.80
- Biggest attraction: Rynek Główny
- Cost of biggest attraction: £0.00
Prague, Czech Republic
Next, Prague ranked in second place scoring 37 out of 50 points and improving on 2022's findings where the city placed fifth. The city is an amazing destination throughout winter with the iconic Old Town transforming into the largest Christmas market in the Czech Republic. Other popular attractions in Prague include St Nicholas Church - a great example of the city's wonderful Baroque architecture.
In Prague, tourists are spoiled for choice with over 1,200 cheap eateries to choose from - the third-most out of all ten cities. Furthermore, travelers can expect to pay £480.60 on average for a week-long hotel stay in the Czech capital.
In Prague, tourists are spoiled for choice with over 1,200 cheap eateries to choose from - the third-most out of all ten cities. Furthermore, travelers can expect to pay £480.60 on average for a week-long hotel stay in the Czech capital.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 1,206
- Average car rental cost for one week: £184.86
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £480.60
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £129.50
- Biggest attraction: Prague Castle
- Cost of biggest attraction: £16
Brussels, Belgium
Image source: Canva
Moving on, placing third in the ranking for the second year in a row is the Belgian capital city, Brussels - in total, the city scored 36 out of 50 points. Retaining its spot from 2022, the city remains a great budget-friendly option for tourists with its most popular attraction, the Grand Palace being free for visitors to experience.
Out of all the cities investigated, Brussels offers the cheapest flight costs from London Heathrow - costing £98.30 on average. Rental vehicles are also the second cheapest in Brussels with average prices of £140.89.
Out of all the cities investigated, Brussels offers the cheapest flight costs from London Heathrow - costing £98.30 on average. Rental vehicles are also the second cheapest in Brussels with average prices of £140.89.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 660
- Average car rental cost for one week: £140.89
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £785.13
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £98.30
- Biggest attraction: Grand Palace
- Cost of biggest attraction: £0.00
Paris, France
Image source: Canva
In fourth place is the French capital, Paris, the 'City of Love' received a score of 33 out of 50 points and retained its 2023 position in the ranking. Paris is one of the most popular cities in the world, by traveling during the winter season, travelers can experience wonderful sights without the large crowds.
The city's most popular attraction, the Eiffel Tower, is available to experience for £21.52 - although the iconic structure can be seen from all around Paris. There are also over 2,500 cheap restaurants to pick from when experiencing French cuisine - the most out of all cities examined in this ranking.
The city's most popular attraction, the Eiffel Tower, is available to experience for £21.52 - although the iconic structure can be seen from all around Paris. There are also over 2,500 cheap restaurants to pick from when experiencing French cuisine - the most out of all cities examined in this ranking.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 2,546
- Average car rental cost for one week: £188.15
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £840.80
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £102.90
- Biggest attraction: Eiffel Tower
- Cost of biggest attraction: £21.52
Budapest, Hungary
Image source: Canva
Rounding off the top five, the Hungarian capital, Budapest received a score of 29 out of 50 points. The city improved by one place from 2022's findings and ranked inside the top five this time around. Budapest is home to some amazing attractions including Buda Castle and the Holocaust Memorial Center while the city's biggest attraction, the Hungarian Parliament Building can be accessed for £22.34.
Compared to other cities in the ranking, Budapest has fairly affordable car rental fees (£174.43) and hotel prices for a week-long stay (£505.27). Visitors can pick from a selection of 807 cheap food establishments, making it a great budget-friendly option this winter.
Compared to other cities in the ranking, Budapest has fairly affordable car rental fees (£174.43) and hotel prices for a week-long stay (£505.27). Visitors can pick from a selection of 807 cheap food establishments, making it a great budget-friendly option this winter.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 807
- Average car rental cost for one week: £174.43
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £505.27
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £149.10
- Biggest attraction: Hungarian Parliament Building
- Cost of biggest attraction: £22.34
Tallinn, Estonia
In sixth place, Estonia's capital city, Tallinn, received a score of 29 out of 50 points. Tallinn has improved from eighth in 2021 and seventh in 2022's ranking and continues to be a great destination in winter for those on a budget. The city's Old Town is a go-to location for tourists and hosts an annual Christmas market from November - January. Additionally, Tallinn's biggest attraction, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, is free to visit.
Estonia's Tallinn is a perfect example of a great budget-friendly destination with the second-cheapest average hotel costs (£476.73) and affordable car rental prices (£161.03) in comparison to some of Europe's tourist hotspots.
Estonia's Tallinn is a perfect example of a great budget-friendly destination with the second-cheapest average hotel costs (£476.73) and affordable car rental prices (£161.03) in comparison to some of Europe's tourist hotspots.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 200
- Average car rental cost for one week: £161.03
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £476.73
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £168
- Biggest attraction: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Cost of biggest attraction: £0.00
Berlin, Germany
Placing seventh in the ranking is Berlin, the German capital city received a score of 27 out of 50 points. The city has tumbled down the ranking order from 12 months ago when the location ranked as the second-best budget-friendly winter getaway destination. Despite that, Berlin is still a suitable place to unwind this winter with 1,419 cheap restaurants and iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate.
Visitors can rent a vehicle in Berlin for an average fee of £194.97 while flights are available from Heathrow for £139.50. However, the cost of a week-long hotel stay was by far the most expensive in the ranking - priced at £1,266.53.
Visitors can rent a vehicle in Berlin for an average fee of £194.97 while flights are available from Heathrow for £139.50. However, the cost of a week-long hotel stay was by far the most expensive in the ranking - priced at £1,266.53.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 1,419
- Average car rental cost for one week: £194.97
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £1,266.53
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £139.50
- Biggest attraction: Reichstag Building
- Cost of biggest attraction: £0.00
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ranking in eighth place is the Dutch capital city, Amsterdam. Overall, the city received a score of 26 out of 50 points and improved from 2022's results where Amsterdam ranked in tenth place. From Christmas markets located at Museumplein to winter canal cruises, there is plenty to get up to in the city at a reasonable price. However, the city's biggest attraction, the Rijksmuseum, costs £57.62 to enjoy.
There are a healthy number of cheap eateries in Amsterdam with 802 available to visitors. Moreover, the average price of a week-long hotel stay has improved massively, costing £592.67, last year the city had the most expensive hotel prices by some distance.
There are a healthy number of cheap eateries in Amsterdam with 802 available to visitors. Moreover, the average price of a week-long hotel stay has improved massively, costing £592.67, last year the city had the most expensive hotel prices by some distance.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 802
- Average car rental cost for one week: £199.75
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £592.67
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £107.80
- Biggest attraction: Rijksmuseum
- Cost of biggest attraction: £57.62
Vienna, Austria
Image source: Canva
Approaching the end of the ranking, Vienna, the Austrian capital, was revealed as the ninth-best budget-friendly winter getaway destination scoring 22 out of 50 points. The city has remained in ninth place for the second consecutive year and is home to picturesque architecture such as the Hofburg, Belvedere Museum and Rathausplatz which hosts an annual Christmas market.
The iconic Schonbrunn Palace can be experienced for a fee of £40.53 while car rentals are priced at £206.35. Additionally, with 678 cheap restaurants dotted around the city, there is something for everyone this winter.
The iconic Schonbrunn Palace can be experienced for a fee of £40.53 while car rentals are priced at £206.35. Additionally, with 678 cheap restaurants dotted around the city, there is something for everyone this winter.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 678
- Average car rental cost for one week: £206.35
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £674.80
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £134.50
- Biggest attraction: Schonbrunn Palace
- Cost of biggest attraction: £40.53
Copenhagen, Denmark
Finally, rounding off 2023's installment of the best winter getaway destination ranking is Copenhagen. The Danish capital city received a score of 22 out of 50 points and dropped from eighth place in 2022. Copenhagen is a go-to destination for travelers throughout the year and is a suitable option come wintertime.
In comparison to other cities, Copenhagen has the second-most expensive costs for a week-long hotel stay (£959) and the most costly car rental prices (£247.11). Despite this, the price of a flight from Heathrow to Copenhagen Airport is £100.80 - the second cheapest out of all ten cities investigated.
In comparison to other cities, Copenhagen has the second-most expensive costs for a week-long hotel stay (£959) and the most costly car rental prices (£247.11). Despite this, the price of a flight from Heathrow to Copenhagen Airport is £100.80 - the second cheapest out of all ten cities investigated.
- Number of 'cheap' restaurants: 419
- Average car rental cost for one week: £247.11
- Average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £959
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £100.80
- Biggest attraction: Tivoli Gardens
- Cost of biggest attraction: £18.87
Comparison
Now that we've reviewed the best winter getaway destinations for 2023, let's take a look at how the ranking has changed over the past two years.
Examining the annual results since 2021, it's interesting to note Krakow's continued dominance as the best budget-friendly winter getaway destination in Europe over the last three years.
With the cheapest hotel and car rental prices, it's no wonder the Polish city remains an outstanding option for winter travelers on a budget. The city's most popular attraction is also free to access.
Prague saw the biggest improvement from 2022's findings, placing in second place - up three spots from last year when the Czech capital finished in fifth. On the other hand, Berlin dropped the most places in a single year, switching from 2nd to 7th - largely due to the expensive average costs of a week-long hotel stay (£1,266.53).
It was reassuring to discover that the cost of renting a vehicle has decreased dramatically, after peaking throughout 2022 due to global circumstances. In total, nine cities saw the average price of rental vehicles fall from 2022's figures with Prague seeing a decrease of £95.67 and Amsterdam's prices improving by £90.02 on average.
Out of the six cities that charge visitors to experience its biggest attraction, all six locations increased the cost of admission. Amsterdam increased its price the most with the cost of entering the Rijksmuseum going up by £8.84.
Furthermore, the number of cheap restaurants in each city has fluctuated over the past twelve months. While Brussels has seen the number increase by 51 eateries, the number of cheap restaurants in Paris dropped by a staggering 373 - nonetheless, the city still had the largest portion in the entire ranking.
Overall, we hope our latest annual report has educated you on the best budget-friendly locations for winter around Europe. It's safe to say that there is something for everyone this winter with so many unique options around the continent.
If you're looking to rent a car for your next road trip, please consider choosing us, as we are a leader in online car rental reservations. We compare car rental deals from multiple companies, saving you precious time so that you can choose the best deal for your individual family's needs.
We also operate in more than 145 countries and 10,000 locations, so we're sure to have the car rental deal for you - no matter where your next road trip happens to be.
Sources
TripAdvisor
Expedia
https://www.discovercars.com/
https://www.google.com/travel/flights
With the cheapest hotel and car rental prices, it's no wonder the Polish city remains an outstanding option for winter travelers on a budget. The city's most popular attraction is also free to access.
Prague saw the biggest improvement from 2022's findings, placing in second place - up three spots from last year when the Czech capital finished in fifth. On the other hand, Berlin dropped the most places in a single year, switching from 2nd to 7th - largely due to the expensive average costs of a week-long hotel stay (£1,266.53).
It was reassuring to discover that the cost of renting a vehicle has decreased dramatically, after peaking throughout 2022 due to global circumstances. In total, nine cities saw the average price of rental vehicles fall from 2022's figures with Prague seeing a decrease of £95.67 and Amsterdam's prices improving by £90.02 on average.
Out of the six cities that charge visitors to experience its biggest attraction, all six locations increased the cost of admission. Amsterdam increased its price the most with the cost of entering the Rijksmuseum going up by £8.84.
Furthermore, the number of cheap restaurants in each city has fluctuated over the past twelve months. While Brussels has seen the number increase by 51 eateries, the number of cheap restaurants in Paris dropped by a staggering 373 - nonetheless, the city still had the largest portion in the entire ranking.
Overall, we hope our latest annual report has educated you on the best budget-friendly locations for winter around Europe. It's safe to say that there is something for everyone this winter with so many unique options around the continent.
If you're looking to rent a car for your next road trip, please consider choosing us, as we are a leader in online car rental reservations. We compare car rental deals from multiple companies, saving you precious time so that you can choose the best deal for your individual family's needs.
We also operate in more than 145 countries and 10,000 locations, so we're sure to have the car rental deal for you - no matter where your next road trip happens to be.
Sources
TripAdvisor
Expedia
https://www.discovercars.com/
https://www.google.com/travel/flights
Top Related Locations
Here are some other locations to visit for a great winterery vacation. We've also included the closest airports.
- Sofia, Bulgaria (Sofia Airport): Enjoy the cozy ambiance of Sofia's winter markets and explore its historic landmarks.
- Zagreb, Croatia (Zagreb Airport): Experience the festive atmosphere of Zagreb's Christmas markets.
- Warsaw, Poland (Warsaw Chopin Airport): Experience Warsaw's winter charm with holiday lights and decorations.
- Geneva, Switzerland (Geneva Airport): Embrace winter sports and enjoy the picturesque Swiss landscapes.
- Inverness, United Kingdom (Inverness Airport): Experience the serene beauty of the Scottish Highlands in winter.
- Birmingham, United Kingdom (Birmingham Airport): Discover Birmingham's Christmas markets and festive lights.
- Frankfurt, Germany (Frankfurt Airport): Enjoy traditional German Christmas markets in Frankfurt's historic center.
- Reykjavik, Iceland (Keflavik Airport): Experience the magic of Iceland's winter with geothermal wonders and the Northern Lights.
- Denver, Colorado (Denver Airport): Embrace the winter wonderland of Colorado, and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and more.
- Vancouver, Canada (Vancouver Airport): Explore the charming winter markets and breathtaking ski resorts in British Columbia.
- Verona, Italy (Verona Airport): Discover Verona's enchanting Christmas market and cozy atmosphere.
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Cluj-Napoca Airport): Explore the enchanting winter charm of Cluj-Napoca with its snowy landscapes and cozy Christmas market.
- San Francisco, California (San Francisco Airport): Experience the mild and pleasant winter climate of San Francisco, perfect for exploring iconic attractions without the summer crowds.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport): Embrace the winter wonderland of Minneapolis, where you can witness the magical Holidazzle Parade during the snowy season.
- Istanbul, Turkey (Istanbul Airport): Discover Istanbul in winter for a unique blend of history and warm Turkish hospitality (and tea).
- Auckland, New Zealand (Auckland Airport): Explore Auckland's vibrant arts and culture scene, stunning harbor, and nearby islands during the North Island's mild winter.
- Wellington, New Zealand (Wellington Airport): Visit Wellington's museums, enjoy the arts, and indulge in delicious cuisine, all while experiencing the city's pleasant winter climate.
- Sydney, Australia (Sydney Airport): Embrace Sydney's winter warmth as you explore its iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and diverse cultural events.
- Melbourne, Australia (Melbourne Airport): Discover Melbourne's thriving arts scene, delicious coffee culture, and cozy winter festivals.
- Queenstown, New Zealand (Queenstown Airport): Experience an adrenaline rush with winter sports in Queenstown while surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered landscapes.
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.
