March 27, 2025
The top ten European capitals for a city break this spring
Spring is a beautiful time of year for a city break, with longer, brighter days and warmer weather making it even nicer to get outside and see the sights. DiscoverCars.com has put together a ranking of the top European capital cities to explore by car this spring, based on a number of factors including the cost to rent a car and stay in a hotel, as well as nearby attractions.
While all the European capitals were included in our study, you might be surprised to see some of the most well-known destinations did not place in this ranking - for example, Paris and Madrid did not make the top 20. This is because we were looking at affordability as a key factor, meaning that cities where a hotel stay was cheaper ranked higher.
While all the European capitals were included in our study, you might be surprised to see some of the most well-known destinations did not place in this ranking - for example, Paris and Madrid did not make the top 20. This is because we were looking at affordability as a key factor, meaning that cities where a hotel stay was cheaper ranked higher.
Methodology
Cities were given a score according to the following factors. They were ranked on the cost to rent a car for four days this spring, and the cost to stay in a hotel for four days. The study also examined 5 popular attractions in each city, comparing their distance from the airport, and the price of entry for both adults and children. Each city was given a score based on these factors.
Hotel prices were sourced from a popular booking website and car rental prices were sourced from DiscoverCars.com.
The scores were added up to create the final ranking.
Hotel prices were sourced from a popular booking website and car rental prices were sourced from DiscoverCars.com.
The scores were added up to create the final ranking.
The results
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Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia, Bulgaria landed in first place with a score of 170 overall. It was the third cheapest place to rent a hotel in the capital city between May 3 and 7 — according to a popular hotel booking website, this would cost €266.59.
Four out of the five top attractions highlighted by DiscoverCars.com in Sofia were free for adults to visit - the only one that charged for entry was Boyana Church. This beautiful medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is well known for its 13th-century frescoes. Tickets to visit only cost €5.55 for adults and €1.11 for children. At 20 km from Sofia International Airport, it’s not too far to get to.
Free attractions in Sofia include Vitosha Mountain, 15 km from the airport. This stunning natural park is a great destination in springtime, with tourists on the many hiking trails able to see the park come alive with the changing of the seasons.
Four out of the five top attractions highlighted by DiscoverCars.com in Sofia were free for adults to visit - the only one that charged for entry was Boyana Church. This beautiful medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is well known for its 13th-century frescoes. Tickets to visit only cost €5.55 for adults and €1.11 for children. At 20 km from Sofia International Airport, it’s not too far to get to.
Free attractions in Sofia include Vitosha Mountain, 15 km from the airport. This stunning natural park is a great destination in springtime, with tourists on the many hiking trails able to see the park come alive with the changing of the seasons.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
In second place, Bosnia and Herzegovina scored 163. The country’s capital city of Sarajevo was the second cheapest place to stay in a hotel between May 3 and 7, working out at €246.22.
Only one of the top five destinations in this country selected by DiscoverCars.com charges for entry - the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. Also known as the Tunnel of Hope, this tunnel saved the lives of approximately 300,000 people during the Bosnian War, making it possible for food, medicine and wounded people to be safely transported beneath the city. The price of entry to the museum is €5.55 for adults and €2.77 for children.
People visiting Sarajevo may also wish to visit the Baščaršija, the historic bazaar. The Baščaršija was built in the 15th century as an outdoor market, and you can still wander through the streets of the old town today, browsing the shops and picking up local delicacies. This area of town is home to some important buildings such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a gorgeous example of Ottoman architecture.
Only one of the top five destinations in this country selected by DiscoverCars.com charges for entry - the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. Also known as the Tunnel of Hope, this tunnel saved the lives of approximately 300,000 people during the Bosnian War, making it possible for food, medicine and wounded people to be safely transported beneath the city. The price of entry to the museum is €5.55 for adults and €2.77 for children.
People visiting Sarajevo may also wish to visit the Baščaršija, the historic bazaar. The Baščaršija was built in the 15th century as an outdoor market, and you can still wander through the streets of the old town today, browsing the shops and picking up local delicacies. This area of town is home to some important buildings such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a gorgeous example of Ottoman architecture.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest came in third place, with a score of 159. Romania had the cheapest cost to rent a car for four days at the capital city’s closest airport, Henri Coandă International Airport, at only €13.75.
It’s totally free to visit Bucharest’s Old Town, for a wander on a sunny spring day. The Old Town is full of beautiful, historic buildings and is also known for its nightlife. Alternatively, for a walk by the lake, King Michael I Park is also free to visit - an ideal place to stroll along and listen to the birdsong, outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Both these destinations are less than 20 km from the airport.
For €4.62 for adults and €1.11 for children, you can also drop into the Village Museum inside King Michael I Park. This wonderful open-air museum shows what traditional Romanian village life would have been through the centuries, with examples of 18th and 19th-century houses.
It’s totally free to visit Bucharest’s Old Town, for a wander on a sunny spring day. The Old Town is full of beautiful, historic buildings and is also known for its nightlife. Alternatively, for a walk by the lake, King Michael I Park is also free to visit - an ideal place to stroll along and listen to the birdsong, outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Both these destinations are less than 20 km from the airport.
For €4.62 for adults and €1.11 for children, you can also drop into the Village Museum inside King Michael I Park. This wonderful open-air museum shows what traditional Romanian village life would have been through the centuries, with examples of 18th and 19th-century houses.
Zagreb, Croatia
In fourth place, it’s Croatia, which scored 156. Zagreb was the fifth most affordable place to rent a car at the airport, with a cost of €22.00 to rent a car at Franjo Tuđman International Airport to drive for four days.
Only one of the five attractions DiscoverCars.com decided to highlight in Zagreb costs money to visit, The Museum of Broken Relationships. It’s €8.32 for adults and €4.62 for children to visit. It won the EMYA Kenneth Hudson Award as the most innovative and daring museum project in Europe in 2010 and is a place where people can send special, symbolic objects after a breakup.
Alternatively, visitors to Zagreb might prefer to take a stroll through Gornji Grad, or Upper Town, the city’s Old Town. This district has plenty of pretty, historic streets to wander down. Tkalčićeva Street is another hot spot, a historic street with colorful buildings and plenty of cafes, shops and bars to explore. Both of these destinations are only 17 km from the airport.
Only one of the five attractions DiscoverCars.com decided to highlight in Zagreb costs money to visit, The Museum of Broken Relationships. It’s €8.32 for adults and €4.62 for children to visit. It won the EMYA Kenneth Hudson Award as the most innovative and daring museum project in Europe in 2010 and is a place where people can send special, symbolic objects after a breakup.
Alternatively, visitors to Zagreb might prefer to take a stroll through Gornji Grad, or Upper Town, the city’s Old Town. This district has plenty of pretty, historic streets to wander down. Tkalčićeva Street is another hot spot, a historic street with colorful buildings and plenty of cafes, shops and bars to explore. Both of these destinations are only 17 km from the airport.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia came in fifth place, scoring 153. It was the fourth cheapest place to rent a hotel in the capital city between May 3 and 7, costing €288.80.
The only attraction in our list that charges an entry fee is the Nikola Tesla Museum, which costs €4.62 for adults to visit and €2.77 for children - visitors can see equipment that was used by Nikola Tesla in his research, watch a short film about his life, and see interactive demonstrations. It’s 36 km from the airport.
Only slightly further away, at 42 km from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, there are a number of free attractions that give visitors an amazing experience of the city. Belgrade Fortress is the oldest part of the city, with many examples of historic architecture and Kalemegdan Park to explore. There’s also Skadarlija (the Bohemian Quarter), a very old neighborhood with cobblestone streets full of Serbian restaurants. Many of these establishments host musicians to enjoy listening to over your meal, including traditional local folk songs.
The only attraction in our list that charges an entry fee is the Nikola Tesla Museum, which costs €4.62 for adults to visit and €2.77 for children - visitors can see equipment that was used by Nikola Tesla in his research, watch a short film about his life, and see interactive demonstrations. It’s 36 km from the airport.
Only slightly further away, at 42 km from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, there are a number of free attractions that give visitors an amazing experience of the city. Belgrade Fortress is the oldest part of the city, with many examples of historic architecture and Kalemegdan Park to explore. There’s also Skadarlija (the Bohemian Quarter), a very old neighborhood with cobblestone streets full of Serbian restaurants. Many of these establishments host musicians to enjoy listening to over your meal, including traditional local folk songs.
The rest of the top ten
In sixth place, Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia scored 151.
It was followed by Vilnius (Lithuania) and Podgorica (Montenegro), in joint seventh place with a score of 150.
In eighth place, the Cypriot capital Nicosia scored 144. Nicosia was the cheapest place in the whole ranking to book a hotel room from May 3 to 7, at €224.93
.
Malta’s capital Valletta landed in ninth place with a score of 142. Car rental at the airport between May 3 and 7 would cost €27.94, the sixth cheapest in the ranking.
Rounding off the top ten we have another draw, the Latvian capital city of Riga and Pristina, the capital of Kosovo - both achieved a score of 139.
It was followed by Vilnius (Lithuania) and Podgorica (Montenegro), in joint seventh place with a score of 150.
In eighth place, the Cypriot capital Nicosia scored 144. Nicosia was the cheapest place in the whole ranking to book a hotel room from May 3 to 7, at €224.93
.
Malta’s capital Valletta landed in ninth place with a score of 142. Car rental at the airport between May 3 and 7 would cost €27.94, the sixth cheapest in the ranking.
Rounding off the top ten we have another draw, the Latvian capital city of Riga and Pristina, the capital of Kosovo - both achieved a score of 139.
Conclusion
Any of these places would be a wonderful destination for a vacation this spring, whether you want to explore the capital’s attractions or venture further from the city center. While the top ten destinations earned their place in part due to their affordability and convenience, the more expensive places to visit could also be an amazing vacation if you have a little more budget for your trip.
If you’re planning on taking a road trip abroad, please consider booking with us - our services are available in over 145 countries around the world. We’d be delighted to help you find just the right rental car for your vacation, whether you’re looking for a speedy two-seater or something for the whole family.
Disclaimer: All prices were correct at the time the research was conducted in March 2025.
If you’re planning on taking a road trip abroad, please consider booking with us - our services are available in over 145 countries around the world. We’d be delighted to help you find just the right rental car for your vacation, whether you’re looking for a speedy two-seater or something for the whole family.
Disclaimer: All prices were correct at the time the research was conducted in March 2025.
Top Related Locations
Here are some other cities in those countries whose capitals made the top 20 that would also be great destinations for a spring city break.
- Burgas, Bulgaria (Burgas Airport): Chill Black Sea city with beaches, lakes, and fewer crowds.
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Cluj International Airport): Youthful energy, spring festivals, and Transylvanian charm.
- Split, Croatia (Split Airport): Seaside Roman palace city, mild weather, and fewer crowds in spring.
- Zadar, Croatia (Zadar Airport): Coastal city with Roman ruins, sunsets, and sea organ vibes.
- Limassol, Cyprus (Larnaca International Airport): Lively seaside city with blooming promenades and great food.
- Paphos, Cyprus (Paphos International Airport): Ancient ruins, sunny spring days, and coastal walks without the summer heat.
- Kraków, Poland (John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice): Historic streets, buzzing cafés, and perfect walking weather.
- Warsaw, Poland (Warsaw Chopin Airport): Blossoming parks, riverside strolls, and vibrant spring café culture.
- Gdańsk, Poland (Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport): Colorful Old Town, Baltic breezes, and fewer tourists before summer.
- Naples, Italy (Naples International Airport): Wild energy, great food, and mild weather for exploring ruins and the coast.
- Turin, Italy (Turin Airport – Sandro Pertini): Alpine views, springtime piazzas, and world-class chocolate without the tourist crush.
- Florence, Italy (Florence Airport – Peretola): Renaissance art, blooming gardens, and perfect weather for wandering cobbled streets.
- Milan, Italy (Milan Malpensa Airport): Fashion buzz, open-air aperitivos, and spring exhibits are in full swing.
- Cagliari, Sardinia (Cagliari Elmas Airport): Sun-soaked coast, historic streets, and wildflowers on the hills in spring.
- Catania, Sicily (Catania Fontanarossa Airport): Baroque beauty under Mount Etna, with perfect spring weather and fresh markets.
- Porto, Portugal (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport): Riverside magic, port wine, and azulejos shining in the spring sun.
- Faro, Portugal (Faro Airport): Gateway to the Algarve, spring brings warm sun, peaceful beaches, and blooming old town charm.
- Funchal, Portugal (Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport): Lush gardens, cliffside views, and endless spring blooms on the island of eternal spring.
- Hamburg, Germany (Hamburg Airport – Helmut Schmidt): Canals, cherry blossoms, and outdoor culture coming alive.
- Munich, Germany (Munich Airport – Franz Josef Strauss): Beer gardens reopen, parks turn green, and the Alps are just a sunny train ride away.
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.
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