It ranked poorly for food and drink prices and the cost of accommodation.
Edinburgh has placed last on a ranking of budget winter getaways(Image: georgeclerk / Getty Images)
Edinburgh has placed last on a new list of Europe’s top budget Christmas city breaks. It was beat by cities in Poland, Hungary, Sweden, and more.
On Wednesday, November 26, Tiger.co.uk shared its Budget Christmas City Break Index 2025. The experts’ index ranked 10 festive destinations across Europe based on factors such as food and drink prices, cost of accommodation, and how wintery each destination feels based on average temperatures and snowfall.
Out of the 10 locations featured on the list, Edinburgh came in last place. According to the experts, the Scottish capital ranked bottom overall due to higher costs and a less wintery Christmas climate.
According to Tiger.co.uk, Edinburgh sees an average of 10 millimetres of snowfall in December. Meanwhile, the average temperature in the city in December was found to be 4.2 degrees Celsius.
The experts stated that Edinburgh is “less ideal for those looking for a crisp and snowy winter city break”. However, the Scottish capital remains one of the most popular winter getaway destinations thanks to its iconic Christmas market and dazzling festive decorations.
The city also placed ninth for hotel prices, averaging £90 per night. It ranked eighth for a meal for two at £80, and seventh for the average price of a beer at £6.
The average price of a meal for two in Edinburgh was found to be £80(Image: Chikako Nobuhara / Getty Images)
On the other hand, Kraków in Poland placed first on Tiger.co.uk’s Budget Christmas City Break Index. The city claimed the lead with the least expensive meal for two at £41.80, while it was named second-best for average hotel prices at £48 per night, and third-best for the cheapest pint of beer at £3.40.
Kraków also ranked in the top five for high snowfall with a December average of 51.5 millimetres in December. Meanwhile, Christmas temperatures in the city average at 0.2 degrees Celsius during December.
Following in second place on the experts’ list of the best budget Christmas getaways in Europe is Budapest in Hungary. Rounding out the top five are Prague in the Czech Republic, Helsinki in Finland, and Berlin in Germany.
Travel insurance expert and managing director at Tiger.co.uk Ian Wilson commented: “As we get closer to Christmas, a lot of people want to make the most of the festivities, and taking a trip to nearby European cities can be a great way to enjoy the season. Travel Tuesday is ideal timing, just after pay day for most, perfect for those seeking a last-minute city break deal, which is why we’re sharing some of the best cities to consider for a budget-friendly Christmas break.
“Our research found that overall, Kraków was the most affordable option for accommodation, dining out and enjoying a pint, while also offering a moderately wintery climate. Budapest wasn’t too far behind, and is still high on the list if you’re looking for a cost-effective getaway with friends or some last-minute Christmas shopping.
Kraków topped the experts’ list of the top budget Christmas getaways in Europe(Image: emicristea / Getty Images)
“Even if it’s just for a mini-break, those looking to take a last-minute trip this Christmas should consider protecting themselves with travel insurance—flight delays and cancellations are increasingly common, especially throughout the winter when weather conditions are harsh and pickpocketing is widespread throughout popular European cities.”
The Daily Record recently reviewed the 2025 Edinburgh Christmas Market. We described the festive attraction as the “best it has been in years”.
More information can be found on the Tiger.co.uk website.
10 budget Christmas city breaks in Europe from best to worst
- Kraków, Poland
- Budapest, Hungary
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Helsinki, Finland
- Berlin, Germany
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Vienna, Austria
- Brussels, Belgium
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Edinburgh, Scotland