Home to some of the busiest and biggest airports in the world, the UK is a major transportation hub enabling you to reach pretty much anywhere on the planet. And because there are just so many routes, there are some that nearly always offer exceptional value. So instead of blowing your budget on the flight, you can ensure your hard-earned cash will go towards scintillating authentic food, delicious cocktails, interesting cultural activities and of course, souvenirs.
We’ve used our interactive travel map KAYAK Explore to light up the current cheapest places to fly to from the UK. So hopefully it can inspire you to take a trip somewhere new. The prices average £50 per person or less.
Quick now, they’ll go fast!
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
It’s only an hour away and you can buy a flight for the price of a round of drinks, a winning combination for a cheap break away in the UK. From the breathtaking Edinburgh castle and the buzz and beauty of the Royal Mile, Scotland’s capital city has lots to offer.
If you want to keep your expenditure down, join a free walking tour or taking a look at our guide to the best free things to see and do. It may sound a bit morbid but take a visit to Greyfriars Kirk Cemetery, one of the most famous resting places in the world. Located at the southern edge of the Old Town, the eerie but peaceful churchyard is the resting place of some notable Edinburgh residents, including famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby and William McGonagall, widely considered (rather cruelly) as one of the worst poets in Scotland.
Harry Potter fans also flock to the site as author J.K. Rowling says the churchyard inspired her hugely-popular works. One of the headstones for a man called Tom Riddle, who died in 1806, helped J.K name villain Lord Voldemort, who was initially known as Tom Marvolo Riddle. Check out our city guide for more information on Edinburgh.
2. Paris, France
Because of the competition with the Eurostar and Eurotunnel, air fares to the French capital are usually pretty reasonable.
In less than two hours you can be touching down for cheap weekend abroad in the city of love, ready to experience the excitement of the Moulin Rouge or explore the iconic sights including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. The Paris gastronomy is world famous too – with snails and frogs legs commonly seen on the menus.
You can explore by foot, by bike or relax on a boat ride along the River Seine. Or if you’ve got kids, you may wish to make the short journey to Disneyland Paris to meet Mickey Mouse and co. Whatever you decide, Paris is a wonderful city for all of the family to enjoy.
Bonne journée!
3. Milan, Italy
There are simply way too many things to see and do in Milan, so get the touristy stuff out of the way early – literally.
If you want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting without thousands of others then you’ll need to be up and at ‘em sharpish. You”’ need to make advance online reservations for this and also to visit the Duomo di Milano, the largest gothic church in the world.
If you’re craving a bit of peace and quiet then visit the Palazza Del Verme, a hidden gem only known to locals, it’s a gorgeous example of a classic Italian courtyard.
There’s tonnes of museums to discover and football fans may also wish to take in a game at the world famous San Siro stadium too.
4. Hamburg, Germany
With only a few skyscrapers, Hamburg looks like the quintessential German city with medieval churches, beer halls and the most number bridges of any city in the world. There are many eclectic districts to explore such as Speicherstadt with its amazing street art and record shops, HafenCity with its stunning Elbphilharmonie music hall and the harbour area, the port of Hamburg.
Check out St. Pauli for an eclectic mix of football pride at the Millerntor-Stadion (St. Pauli football club’s ground) or if you’re in the mood for music enjoy rock and roll royalty at the Star-Club.
Foodies will love to indulge in the city’s iconic hearty Hamburg steak or currywurst for lunch or dinner. And breakfast too if you like!
5. Vienna, Austria
If you’re a fan of classical music, beautiful architecture and sausages then you’re in luck; Vienna is one of the cheapest places to fly to from the UK and it’s a real gem of a city! There are two very different vibes to the city, from the calming quintessential summer atmosphere to the busy, festive season. Thankfully the flights are so reasonable you can enjoy two trips to experience both! Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud were former residents of the city.
The world-famous Vienna State Opera is a real show-stopper, with concerts every night. Pre-Covid, it was estimated around 10,000 fans listened to classical music across Vienna each night. The city is also known for its Imperial palaces, including the majestic Schönbrunn.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
If the hot thermal baths and stunning landscape isn’t enough to lure you to Iceland’s capital, then the flight prices surely will. Jump on a flight to experience one of the cutest little cities you’ll ever discover. You’ll find cozy taverns, colourful houses and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Nearby you’ll find one of the 25 wonders of the world, the Blue Lagoon. This naturally heated geothermal spa will take you to paradise as you smother yourself in the silica clay and relax in the incredible warm waters.
If that’s not enough, visit Iceland’s most visited active geyser, Strokkur which is one of the three major attractions on the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route. The tour also stops at the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
Plus Reykjavik is one of the best places in the world to catch the Northern Lights…
7. Warsaw, Poland
Poland’s capital is considerably cheaper to fly to – and to enjoy – than Europe’s other capital cities. Often overlooked in favour of the more touristy city of Krakow, Warsaw is ideal if you’re looking for a more edgy and complex experience.
With it’s cobbled streets and historical architecture and monuments, the old town looks like something out of a fairytale while in stark contrast the Praga district looks like it’s still stuck in the 1940s with bullet holes in the walls and dark, winding alleys. Another contrast is the very modern business district, with a cosmopolitan vibe.
Don’t forget to sample the famous dumplings!
8. Oslo, Norway
Famed for it’s fine-dining, the Michelin-starred restaurants will certainly leave a big hole in your pockets. But you can rest assured the flights certainly won’t as Oslo consistently ranks as one of the cheapest places to fly from the UK.
With all the beauty that you come to expect from a Scandinavian city, Oslo also offers breathtaking views of the fjords on the south-west of the city.
In the summer months it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the wide array of hiking trails surrounding the city while in winter the Christmas markets are a joy to experience.
Viking Ship Museum, the International Museum of Children’s art, the museum of Norwegian pop music Popsenteret, the Labour museum, and the Nobel Peace Centre.
9. Barcelona, Spain
A city on the beach, bustling Barcelona is a brilliant destination for a city break.
By day, sip cocktails on the sand and by night head to the vibrant La Rambla for some delicious tapas and Sangria.If you’re after something a bit more cultured, head to Park Guelle, Dragon Gate or the Sagrada Familia to see the stunning works of Catalan artist Antoni Gaudi. After a staggering 144 years of renovation, the Sagrada Familia is now expected to be completed in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi’s death.
Or if you want to experience an electric atmosphere’s pay a visit to one of the best football team’s in the world – FC Barcelona.
10. Madrid, Spain
Another mention for Spain on our list goes to the capital city of Madrid which offers a more sophisticated vibe than Barcelona. While a bigger city, it’s still very walkable or you could even hire bikes and explore the may beautiful parks, food markets and contemporary art museums.
Home to the Spanish royal family, the city has many historical buildings to visit. Jump on board a cable car for an aerial view too.
If you wish to blow your budget head to the beautiful district of Salamanca and its high end shops.
11. Berlin, Germany
Music lovers will get a buzz out of a trip to Berlin. Famed for its huge 24-hour warehouse style nightclubs and techno music, Germany’s capital is back thriving after a long period of closure during the pandemic.
The iconic Brandenburg Gate is undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark but the impressive glass-domed parliament building (the Reichstag) and the Unesco-protected Museum Island are definitely worth a visit.
Families will also enjoy the Berlin Zoo, while the city’s underground tunnels are another unique experience.
While not the most picturesque of the cities on our list, Berlin is rich in culture, with important historical and political landmarks, lush green parks and Michelin-star cuisine.
12. Brussels, Belgium
From towering Gothic cathedrals to stunning examples of Art Nouveau and more ultra-modern projects and environmentally conscious designs, you’ll find a diverse range of architectural buildings.
Dig into a plate of moules-frites or enjoy a famous waffle at any time of the day.
13. Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Dublin is one of those destinations that’s so close to the UK, the idea of visiting is always put on the back burner.
However, visitors to Dublin will confirm that once you land in the capital of the Emerald Isle, you’ll find it difficult to leave. Renowned for its vibrant ‘craic’ , Dublin is great for those looking for a party. On Temple Bar you’ll find cozy little pubs with live music, packed bars, tasty food and friendly people.
Of course, the other big draw is Guinness! It’s undoubtedly the best place in the world to experience the black stuff.
14. Budapest, Hungary
Middle and Eastern Europe is usually a pretty inexpensive option for a holiday. The flights are very reasonable and once you’re there you get great value for money.
Up above, the architecture in Budapest is very impressive. Be sure to check out the huge Hungarian Parliament Building on the banks of the Danube river, the imposing Great Synagogue, St Stephen’s Basilica and Vajdahunyad Castle. Also make time to visit Margaret Island, a picturesque tranquil, green oasis in the middle of the Danube, with its very own Japanese garden.
Also be sure to try the national dish of Hungary – goulash.
15. Cork, Republic of Ireland
It’s another one of those places that perhaps you read about but think, oh I’ll go to Dublin instead.
But offering the vibrant spirit of the capital, but in a much smaller city, Cork is a great spot for a mini break if you like your food.
Ireland’s second city is widely regarded as the country’s food capital, thanks to the widespread appreciation of good grub and an abundance of high quality local producers supplying its restaurants and creative chefs.
There is a booming coffee culture too – with the cobbled streets crammed with busy cafes to spend a few hours.
Also nicknamed the ‘rebel city’, because of the key role Cork played in the Irish War of Independence, spend a day visiting the prison on Spike Island, which is regarded as Ireland’s Alcatraz. If you’e in the mood for more sombre history visit Cork City Gaol, where revolutionary nationalist and suffragette Constance Markievicz was imprisoned or the Military Museum.
The city was once an entirely walled city so you can also see the remains of what is left at the North and South gates.
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