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Do you and your other half feel like you need a holiday but can’t quite justify spending the money? I’m here to tell you that it’s possible to find cheap holiday destinations for couples without breaking the bank – you just need to be clever about it. Let’s see how it’s done.
15 cheap holiday destinations for couples
| Destination | Flight price for two | Double room price | Total price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | £184 | £106 | £289 |
| Belfast | £180 | £121 | £301 |
| Bristol | £190 | £118 | £308 |
| Gdansk | £248 | £69 | £318 |
| Bucharest | £250 | £82 | £331 |
| Cologne | £230 | £103 | £334 |
| Prague | £254 | £83 | £337 |
| Cork | £228 | £129 | £356 |
| Edinburgh | £198 | £164 | £363 |
| Agadir | £302 | £80 | £381 |
| Milan | £238 | £150 | £387 |
| Oslo | £280 | £107 | £387 |
| Liverpool | £278 | £112 | £390 |
| Vienna | £272 | £124 | £397 |
| Bilbao | £284 | £120 | £405 |
Learn more about these cheap holiday destinations for couples
Whether you’re looking for a sunny city escape or a cheap romantic getaway in the UK, we’ve got you covered.
1. Glasgow, Scotland
Best season to visit: Autumn
Scotland’s second city is one of the best cheap holiday destinations for couples in the UK. Easy to reach and with centrally-located hotels for every budget, it’s great for a long weekend away. Glasgow is packed with free and cheap things to do, too.
Make a beeline for the Botanic Gardens to warm up in the glasshouses or crunch through crispy leaves in Kelvingrove Park. While you’re in the latter, pop into the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum; one of Scotland’s best museums featuring displays on natural history, art and more. Plus its free entry.
Eating out in Glasgow is pretty affordable. Partick has some great international restaurants, from Vietnamese cafes to Korean BBQ. Or head to to Drygate Bewing Co. for burgers and craft beer (they do a student and NHS discount). It’s right next door to Glasgow Necropolis; one of the best free attractions in the city.
2. Belfast, Northern Ireland
Best season to visit: Winter
If a cheap couples’ getaway is just what you need to escape the winter, you’re in luck. The first two months of the year are some of the cheapest to fly to Belfast — Northern Ireland’s fascinating capital that’s got more than a few romantic attractions.
Wander through the grand halls of Hillsborough House and Gardens: Northern Ireland’s only royal residence. Tickets are only £10 to enter the gorgeous grounds. Another pretty spot for a frosty stroll is Barnett Demesne just south of the city which has leafy trails and ample bird life.
If an inside activity appeals more, browse the stalls at St. George’s Market or find a nice cafe in the attractive Cathedral Quarter. Once the sun sets, head for Victoria Square and catch the lift up to the Dome. From there, you’ll get 360 degree views of the city and its various illuminations.
3. Bristol, England
Best season to visit: Summer
Bristol is hands down one of the coolest UK cities and ideal for a cheap weekend away with your other half. As well as making the most of its awesome food scene and historic landmarks like the Brunel SS Great Britain ship, there’s a plethora of things to entice visitors in the summer months.
Wander up to the Clifton Suspension Bridge for epic views of the Avon Gorge. Follow the Banksy Trail to view some of the best original street art in the country. Bristol Harbour is also a lively spot to soak up some sunshine. Or why not hit the beach? There are several options less than hour away.
The city also hosts various brilliant summer festivals. Check out the Bristol Harbour Festival for music and general good times or experience the magic of the (free) Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
4. Gdansk, Poland
Best season to visit: Spring/autumn
Poland is packed with wonderful cities that make ideal backdrops for cheap romantic getaways. This includes the port city of Gdansk. Step back in time in the Old Town where you’ll find rainbow-hued architecture, cobbled squares and grand landmarks like Neptune’s Fountain.
As well as soaking up plenty of history, Gdansk is brilliant for foodies. You’ll find plenty of options for every budget in the Old Town (including wholesome pierogi and other traditional Polish treats). There are also several great food halls where you’ll have a choice of cuisine. Check out Montownia Food Hall in the trendy Gdansk Shipyard area. Or venture to Wyspa Spichrzów to find the riverside Słony Spichlerz market.
Beauty and culture aside, Gdansk is additionally very affordable. Nice hotels come in at around £70 a night, while you can get a three course meal for two for under £40.
5. Bucharest, Romania
Best season to visit: Winter
If Romania’s breathtaking capital wasn’t on your radar before, it should be now. Bucharest is a great pick for a cheap couples’ holiday, with winter being my top season to go. It has just as much festive magic as Vienna or Nuremberg, with the Bucharest Christmas Fair in Constitution Square one of the most joyful markets in the region.
If you’d rather avoid those festive crowds, a January couples’ escape is just as good. Snow isn’t uncommon and makes key Old Town landmarks like the CEC Palace and Stavropoleos Monastery even more picturesque. Bucharest is additionally one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe, with living costs coming in at almost 50% lower than London. Perfect for a cheap last-minute holiday!
6. Cologne, Germany
Best season to visit: summer
Berlin might have its world-class nightclubs and Munich its beer halls and Christmas markets. But Cologne is famous for something a lot more romantic…chocolate! It’s also more affordable when it comes to average hotel and flights costs, with a three night break for two sitting at under £600.
The Schokoladenmuseum is a must visit for those with a sweet tooth — you can even make your own bespoke chocolate bars. I’d recommend venturing to Cologne in the summer so you can enjoy picnics in leafy Cologne Botanical Garden (which is completely free to visit).
Another landmark worth checking out is Cologne Cathedral. It’s one of Germany’s best Gothic landmarks and around £7 for entrance (a steal compared to the steep £26 fee to visit St Paul’s Cathedral in London).
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Best season to visit: Autumn
Another Eastern Europe gem, Prague never fails to amaze visitors with its dreamy architecture. Strolling hand-in-hand over the Charles Bridge, people watching from cafes in majestic Old Town Square and marvelling the city’s famous spires from lofty Letna Park are just some of the free activities on offer.
If you’re going to splash out on one activity, make it a trip to 9th century Prague Castle. Tickets cost around £15 but you’ll get a lot of history for your money. Afterwards, seek out the Zizkov Farmer’s Market where you can browse for cheap local crafts, tasty treats (think apple strudel) and locally brewed cider.
8. Cork, Ireland
Best season to visit: Spring
If a getaway in Ireland appeals, don’t just automatically pick Dublin. Cork is equally as alluring — and generally cheaper for a couples’ escape.
Cork is the country’s second largest city and it’s a real beauty. Colourful houses are matched by an eclectic mix of places to wine and dine. Cosy up together in a traditional Irish pub or make the most of Cork’s impressive coffee scene at locally-loved spots like Filter or Dukes Coffee Company. Continue with the foodie theme by popping into the English Market; a prime spot for purchasing fresh produce since the 18th century.
If you have time (and the means), it’s worth renting a car and exploring the wider County Cork region. Its green hills are dotted with charming local villages and handsome historic structures like the 17th century Charles Fort in Kinsale.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Best season to visit: Spring
Bonnie Edinburgh is another of the best couples holiday destinations in the UK. That’s mostly down to its sheer variety of things to see and do — including plenty that are totally free. This includes museums and the Scottish National Galleries (home to heaps of romantic Impressionist paintings).
While visiting Edinburgh Castle, one of the best castles in the UK, is worth the £22 (£19.50 online) ticket for first-timers, you can also admire its exterior just as easily from Princes Street Gardens. I’d also recommend the hike up Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views of the entire city. The Water of Leith Walkway is another free outdoor attraction. It’s particularly lovely in spring when you can glimpse pretty blossoms as you wander past idyllic Dean Village towards the trendy Leith harbour area.
Visiting the Scottish capital can be pricey, so you’ll want to plan carefully and make the most of its free attractions. And if you do want to visit some of its ticketed attractions, book in advance online as it’s almost always cheaper.
10. Agadir, Morocco
Best season to visit: Winter
If feeling sand between your toes is top of your wishlist this year, a cheap couples getaway to Morocco should be on the cards. Agadir on the country’s southern coastline is perfect for those seeking sunshine, culture and lazy beach days without paying a premium.
Resort-style hotels line Agadir’s main beach: a sweeping crescent-shaped stretch that’s blessed with sunshine and warm temperatures for most of the year. There’s also a lovely promenade lined with restaurants, bars and cafes, so you won’t need to go far for delicious Moroccan cuisine. Barter for souvenirs in the city’s colourful souks (also great for cheap local grub). You could also take a day trip into the desert, with tours starting at around £15 depending on the experience.
Agadir is an all-year-round destination and ideal for affordable winter sun. A decent hotel costs around £80 a night, while you can grab return flights for both of you for around £300.
11. Milan, Italy
Best season to visit: Year round
A visit to Italy is always a good idea, particularly if you’re looking for a romantic getaway. The Italians certainly know a few things about amore. The country’s cities are bursting with elegant art galleries, lush parks and no shortage of restaurants ideal for date night.
Milan is a fantastic option for budget travellers, with hotel prices some of the lowest in the country according to KAYAK data. There’s no shortage of free things to do in Milan too, from window shopping in the gorgeous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade to strolls around pretty Parco Sempione.
And while the city’s famous Duomo is no longer free to visit, you can still admire its magnificent facade without paying a single penny.
12. Oslo, Norway
Best season to visit: Autumn
Scandinavia generally has a reputation for being pricey. However, if you’re flexible with your dates and pick your accommodation wisely, it could end up being one of the best cheap couples’ holidays you’ll ever go on.
Oslo is a fantastic contender if you’re keen to visit this region of Europe on a budget, with a hotel room for two costing around £100 per night. The Norwegian capital is brimming with award-winning culture attractions — from the treasure-packed National Museum to the free-to-visit Vigelandsparken sculpture park. Its cafe culture is also nothing to be sniffed at. Check out Håndbakt for delicious coffee and cinnamon bus (you’d never know they were vegan).
There’s also green spaces galore to explore. Amble along the Akerselva River path or catch a train to Forgnerseteren to hike the numerous trails running through the leafy Nordmarka forest.
13. Liverpool, England
Best season to visit: Spring
Not just a city for hen and stag dos, Liverpool is also full of great history, unique culture and tantalising food. Getting there couldn’t be easier, whether you choose to fly or catch the train. The station is within walking distance of everything. This includes the Liverpool ONE shopping area and the atmospheric Albert Docks where you’ll find a handful of brilliant (and free) museums.
The gorgeous Georgian Quarter is the ideal place to wander on a sunny day thanks to its cool cafes and leafy squares. Its grand architecture is a great backdrop for your essential couples’ selfies, plus it’s where you’ll find Liverpool Cathedral. This monumental structure is the largest church in Britain and totally free to visit.
14. Vienna, Austria
Best season to visit: Spring or summer
If it’s old-world romance you’re after, Vienna is a must-visit destination. Known for being one of the most majestic cities on the planet, with jaw-droppingly gorgeous architecture at every turn, it’s the perfect spot for a dreamy couples’ break. The cost of living is lower too, with restaurant prices in Vienna coming in around 20% lower than in London.
What’s more, considering it’s only just over a two-hour flight from the UK and flights leave regularly, it’s a great spot for cheap holidays for couples. Culture buffs will love exploring the Museums Quarter, home to an array of museums, galleries and trendy cafes, while you can’t leave the city without stopping for a Sachertorte: Vienna’s signature cake.
15. Bilbao, Spain
Best season to visit: Late summer/early autumn
If sun, sea and sangria sounds like your kind of holiday, then a cheap romantic getaway in Spain should be top of your list. The port city of Bilbao balances sunshine, sightseeing and affordable accomodation – ideal for a trip for two.
World-class art museums, alfresco dining and trips to the coast (there are several beaches a metro hop away) are some of the best activities for couples. If you’re looking to save pennies, consider going outside of the peak summer season. Taking a mid-week flight can also help keep flight costs down.
Choosing the perfect cheap couples’ holiday
There are a few things to consider when booking a cheap couples holiday. First, make sure you’re clear on your budget – if you’ve got a bit more cash to spare, you might want to consider a cheap all-inclusive holiday abroad. If you’ve got a little less to work with, there are plenty of cheap UK holidays for couples you could book.
Next, think about what time of year you want to go. If you’re looking for sun, make sure the destination you’re planning to visit won’t be in its cold or rainy season. If it’s a city break you want, make sure you’re going at a time when the city is likely to be at its best – for example, you don’t want to go to Rome in August, as most shops and restaurants tend to be closed during that month.
Data is based on return flights for two and one night in a double room for two between 1 Jan and 31 Dec 2025 and search between 1 Jul 2024 and 3 Jan 2025. All prices in local currency.
The post 15 cheap holiday destinations for couples on a budget in 2025 appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
