European Cities that are Better Than London (at 70% Less Cost) – 2025 Guide
Everyone dreams of visiting London—until they see the bill. With £400 hotel rooms, £20 fish and chips, and long lines at every attraction, London is starting to feel more like a splurge than a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
But here’s the good news: you can get better architecture, deeper history, and more charm—all at a fraction of the price. These five European cities don’t just match London… they beat it in every way that matters: beauty, culture, food, and affordability.
Our video gives you a quick rundown of these underrated European city escapes
5. Edinburgh, Scotland – A Walkable Medieval City
London has Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. Edinburgh has an entire medieval city built on a volcanic ridge, crowned by the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Wander through the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, climb Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views, or stroll through Victorian gardens without needing a Tube pass.
- Hotels: From £100/night
- Dinner at a pub: Around £15
Best time to visit:
August for the Fringe Festival or March for peaceful, crowd-free streets.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Canals Over Concrete
While London has the gray Thames, Amsterdam boasts over 50 miles of canals flanked by historic houses that survived the wars.
You can explore like a local on a rented bike, pop into quirky museums, or cruise the canals at sunset. And the food scene goes way beyond stroopwafels.
- Hotels: From €120/night
- Dinner (Indonesian rijsttafel): €15–20
- Bike rental: Around €10/day
Best time to visit:
April for tulip season or September for ideal weather and fewer tourists.
3. Budapest, Hungary – Spa City on a Budget</strong>
Think grand architecture means big spending? Not in Budapest. The Parliament Building and Fisherman’s Bastion put London’s skyline to shame—and for a third of the price.
But the real magic? Thermal baths. Soak in century-old spa pools, enjoy riverside views, and dance through underground ruin bars.
- Hotels: From €60/night
- Full meal: €10
- Thermal spa entry: Around €5
Best time to visit:
May–September for warm weather or December for Christmas markets.
2. Porto, Portugal – Free Views and €3 Wine
London charges for almost every view and museum. Porto gives you postcard-worthy scenery for free—walk along the Dom Luís I Bridge or the Ribeira district.
You’ll dine on grilled seafood for €15, sip local wine for €3/glass, and explore one of Europe’s most charming historic centers without entry fees.
- Hotels: From €70/night
- Wine tasting: From €5
Best time to visit:
May for fewer crowds or June–September for perfect weather.
1. Prague, Czech Republic – A Living Fairy Tale
While London’s skyline is all glass and steel, Prague offers a preserved medieval city, Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and the world’s largest ancient castle complex.
It’s stunning and affordable. Historic hotels from €80, full meals with beer for €10, and every street looks straight out of a fantasy novel.
- Hotels: From €80/night
- Meal with beer: €10
Best time to visit:
April or October for clear skies and minimal crowds.
Final Thoughts
London may be iconic, but in 2025, these five cities prove that you don’t need to drain your bank account to experience breathtaking views, historic beauty, and world-class food.
Whether you're walking castle-lined streets in Edinburgh, cruising canals in Amsterdam, soaking in Budapest’s thermal baths, sipping wine over the Douro in Porto, or getting lost in Prague’s fairy-tale alleys, you’ll enjoy a richer experience—for far less.
So next time you plan a European getaway, skip the London hype and head for one of these unforgettable alternatives instead.