How To Do A Solo European City Break For £100

Sometimes you just don’t have the time or the money for a big, lengthy trip. It happens. But it doesn’t mean that traveling is completely off the table. The 3-day city break has long been a solution for a quick getaway, with loads of deals available throughout the year – if you’re in a couple or going with another friend. However, if you’re traipsing through your adventures on your own, city travel can be pricey. 

So, how can you get flights, accommodations, transfers, and a good wedge of spending money for £100 or less? Let’s find out.

Flights

On a normal long-haul trip, flights tend to be the most expensive part of your trip, but with city breaks, this isn’t always the case. Especially if you’re traveling within Europe there are a number of low-cost airlines that go as cheap as £10 one way. The trick is finding a return flight that’s as cheap. If you’re going for exactly a week or you’re traveling Friday to Monday, the prices tend to be higher, so if you can switch up your days and go on a Saturday morning or Thursday night.

Another thing to consider is the flight times. Low-cost airlines are notorious for putting flights on at bizarre times. For instance, my flight to Reykjavik was £50 return but the outbound flight was at 6.30am. That sounds fine until you factor in the two hours before departure and the fact that the trains to the airport aren’t running at 4am.

Finally, consider your baggage. The other thing low-cost airlines are known for being stingy when it comes to luggage allowance, namely no hold luggage included and very small carry-ons. Although this varies by airline, a small squishy rucksack is my go-to so I can still fit it by my feet – risking the “airline approved” wheeled cases can backfire quickly with the speed their allowances change.

As with all flights, set up a Google flight alert and leave it, no checking Skyscanner every two minutes. Alternatively, if you’re not too fussed about destination, put in your dates, and your home airport and select “everywhere” on Skyscanner and see where the deals take you.

Accommodation

Okay, so this is where it can start to get pricey if you’re traveling solo. After all, this is where the deals save their money. The obvious answer is to go to a hostel. Europe is full of them because interrailing is such an efficient way to travel across the continent. Depending on the city they vary in price but it can be up to £40 a bed in some places – so not that cheap. Do your homework and see what’s available and in what part of the city. If you can help it, you don’t want to be wasting time and money getting buses into the city centre.

The other option is AirBnBs. You don’t necessarily need a whole place to yourself if you’re on a city break. With such a short trip, chances are you’re going to be out exploring rather than sitting around in your accommodation. Obviously, check the reviews if you’re staying in someone’s spare room to ensure they’re not an axe-murderer, but honestly, it’s a great option because you still get the local advice for the place you’re staying – and you don’t have to share your room with 10 other backpackers. I’ve seen spare rooms going for £10 a night and up in Europe depending on the city and time of year.

I’d avoid hotels unless you’re booking super last minute and they’ve got empty rooms they’re pretty much giving away. Their prices are based on two people sharing and £100 for a 3-day trip is not a two-person sharing kinda budget. 

Of course, my favourite way is to stay with someone you know who lives over there, but that’s not always possible. However, couchsurfing sites are out there if that’s your kind of thing, but it’s not the most secure option in the world. Recently I’ve found a Facebook group dedicated to female, solo spare rooms where people offer and ask if anyone has anything going spare a few weeks/months ahead. If you’re looking to meet locals and aren’t feeling like staying in a hostel this might be an option. 

Transfers

Repeat after me: do not get a private airport transfer. They are ridiculously expensive, especially if you’re traveling alone. The same goes for taxis from the airport – unless you’re arriving at a weird hour and public transport isn’t available (but in most major European cities public transport runs almost 24/7), don’t do it.

Before you leave check out what buses or trains are going to get you to where you need to go. I’d recommend using Omio to find these or opting for a Flixbus. There might be a specific airport bus that you have to book ahead of time but check the times and the drop-off points. They’ll be a fraction of the cost, and most of the time they’re fairly reliable as that’s what the locals need to get into work and that’s a good chunk of money you can spend elsewhere.  

Spending Money

Okay, so when it comes to spending money that includes food, drink, excursions, entertainment – anything like that. The great thing about big European cities is that there’s a ton of free stuff to do. From city tours to galleries and museums to free gigs in bars and pubs, there are plenty of things to do. Realistically a lot of the things that these big cities are famous for you can just see walking around – I’m talking the Eiffel Tower, Brandenburg Gate, Little Mermaid Statue, Colosseum, Buckingham Palace – you’ll see them just by exploring the city. 

As for food and drinks, lunch menus are your best friend. Nearly always like half the price, it’s normally a reduced offering of their regular menu. And by lunch time after a morning of exploring and an afternoon ahead, you’ll be wanting something substantial. 

If you’re in Spain, something else to consider is having tapas or pintxos. I ended up having a pretty tasty free lunch from assorted small plates by just buying a beer or two. Why more places don’t have this culture I’ll never know, it’s delicious and I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. 

If you’re staying at someone’s house or somewhere with a communal fridge it’s always a good idea to go to the local supermarket and buy some snacks or quick breakfast items to keep costs low. Remember in a lot of European countries, there’s a long lunch period followed by a siesta where shops aren’t open, then the locals end up having dinner from about 9pm onwards. Don’t get caught out by sticking to your normal eating times.

So, just because you’re short of time and money doesn’t mean that you can’t have a decent couple of days away. It’s all about picking your time of year, picking your destination, and having a little bit of a plan. Then you can have so many more trips for your money, and who doesn’t want that?