Handpicked deals of the week: European city breaks for £250pp or less

1. Explore Budapest's Christmas markets from £185pp

My first pick is a last-minute deal to Budapest where you not only get to tick off a fantastic city break, but you get to squeeze in a Christmas market too.

Flying from Manchester, you’ll check into the three-star, highly-rated ibis Styles Budapest Citywest. The hotel sits just outside the main city area – hence the price of just £185 per person for flights and a four-night stay – but it’s less than a ten-minute walk from Kelenfold railway and metro stations for public transport to the city centre and beyond. And Budapest has fantastic public transport, so you’ll be close to the centre in less than 15 minutes.

You’ll arrive on 23 November and the Christmas markets will be in full swing. In past years, the light show at Advent Bazilika Market has been amazing. My top tip, though, is to eat before you go as food prices are inflated – although the mulled wine is still a decent price.

As for the rest of the city, be sure to check out my favourite building in Europe – the Hungarian Parliament Building. It’s particularly impressive at night from the other side of the Danube River.

Holiday details: Four nights at the ibis Styles Budapest Citywest on a bed and breakfast basis from £185pp based on two adults sharing. Flights from Manchester on 23 November with lastminute.com

2. Enjoy a seaside city break in Barcelona from £250pp

Next up, I looked at a super-popular destination to make the most of the off-peak season prices to bag a deal staying in a great hotel.

Flying from London Luton, you’ll head to Barcelona for four nights in early February. For just £250 per person, you’ll get to stay at the four-star Occidental Atenea Mar which is an adults-only hotel allowing you to combine a city break with time on the sand, thanks to its perfect location by Nova Mar Bella Beach. While it won’t be bikini weather in February, you can expect maximum daytime temperatures of 14°C which is likely to feel wonderful after months of the British gloom.

From the hotel, there are plenty of public transport options to take you into the city centre, though if you love a walk, you can wander the coastal route which will take you into the heart of the centre in around an hour. However, don’t forget to explore the area you’re staying in too as Poblenou is one of my favourite neighbourhoods. There are excellent restaurants and bars, and it even has its own Rambla del Poblenou that takes you down to the seafront.

Holiday details: Four nights at the Occidental Atenea Mar on a room-only basis from £250pp based on two adults sharing. Flights from London Luton on 7 February with loveholidays

3. Discover Krakow's coolest neighbourhood from £239pp

For my final deal, I wanted to find a great package to one of my favourite cities – Krakow in Poland. And not only that, I’ve found an offer with one of my favourite hotel brands too.

Flying from Edinburgh in early March, you’ll stay for three nights at the four-star PURO Krakow Kazimierz for just £239 per person. I love the PURO hotel chain as it offers such design-focused modern hotels at affordable prices. Plus, for this deal, if you really want to treat yourself, you can upgrade to a suite for £120 per person extra.

The hotel is in a great area of the city, Kazimierz, a historic Jewish district that’s full of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops – and it’s only a 20-minute walk from the old town. If you’re into vintage clothing, you’ll be spoilt for choice by the shops here. And, if you work up an appetite, head to popular fast-food outlet Zapiekanki Loco for a cheap, open toasted baguette topped with sauteed mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese.

Holiday details: Three nights at the PURO Kraków Kazimierz on a room-only basis from £239pp based on two adults sharing. Flights from Edinburgh on 2 March with loveholidays

Please note: All prices were correct at the time of writing (5 November) and are subject to change and availability.

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