'Cheapest city in Europe' is just 2.5 hours from England and has pints for £2.69

The stunning European city just a short 2.5-hour hop from England that's a bargain compared to Amsterdam or Paris As the summer season looms, it's time to let our minds wander to upcoming holiday plans.

If you're seeking a budget-friendly alternative to some of the more frequented tourist destinations, one underappreciated city has earned the title of 'cheapest in Europe'.

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a blessing for those watching their pennies. It was crowned as the most cost-effective European city destination.

The Lithuanian capital claimed the top spot in the Post Office's 2023 City Costs Barometer report, which measures the expense of a weekend break in 48 cities across the continent. Only Lisbon outperformed it in terms of value for money.

In Vilnius, the typical three-course meal for two with house wine will set you back £52.86, and you can even grab a beer for a mere £2.69. If you're hunting for a place to stay, a two-night sojourn in a three-star hotel for two amounts to £128.

The Lithuanian city is rich in history, and through guided tours and museum trips, you can delve into Vilnius' role in World War II and beyond. Vilnius is famed for its hot air balloon rides, which frequently fill the skyline with a riot of colour, reports MyLondon.

You can secure a hot air balloon ride from just £148.09. While there are no beaches in close proximity, mountain excursions, dips in natural lakes, and even coffee tours are all part of the experience. For approximately 35 Euros, you can book a mountain bike tour of the nearby Pavilniai Regional Park.

According to the same report, a ticket for a top art gallery comes out to £7.22 and the average heritage attraction is totally free.

All this means that a weekend away for two comes out to around £225.01 on average. This is compared to £727.07 for Amsterdam, £687.06 for Venice and £604.49 for Paris.

You could travel to Vilnius on three separate occasions and still not spend as much as two nights in the Dutch capital!

The city is a gem, often overlooked by tourists, and has been dubbed 'criminally underrated' by one reviewer in particular Tripadvisor. With its budget-friendly appeal, it's an ideal spot for a getaway.

From local nature spots to affordable pints, Vilnius is a must-visit. A flight to Vilnius from London takes just about 2 and a half hours. A flight in May costs between £22 and £86 for one leg depending on the dates you book.

Airlines flying from London to Vilnius are Ryanair, LOT and Wizz.