pints

Europe’s cheapest city break is already a firm favourite with visitors thanks to its cheap food, drinks and attractions – so we went to see if it lives up to the hype

With prices on the rise in many European cities, as well as issues from overcrowding to anti-tourism protests in many city break hotspots, many travellers will be looking for cheaper locations for short breaks.

Search for cheap city breaks and Poland often tops the charts, and there’s one city that’s particularly popular among budget travellers; Krakow. Poland’s second city has all the elements of the perfect city break destination. Pretty cobbled streets, cheap food and drink, and plenty of historic and cultural spots to explore.

But is it the cheapest city break? I visited in September, just after the school holidays, and had a look at some of the prices during the shoulder season. With temperatures still at 26C early in the month, it seemed a great time to visit. The city was busy, but nowhere near as crowded as many destinations during this time of year, and there were still outdoor events in the town’s main square in the evening.

For a start, there are various budget-friendly flight options, with Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air all offering direct routes, with a flight time of just over two hours. When I took a look, I found fares with Ryanair from £19.99 each way, although this doesn’t include a second bag if you want to take more than a small handbag or backpack with you.

I stayed at the newly-opened TRIBE hotel in Krakow. It’s about a three minute walk from St. Florian’s Gate, the entrance to the historic old town. This four-star hotel has rooms from as little as £57 a night, and was modern and comfortable. I also liked that it was next to a tram stop, so it’s easy to get around. There are cheaper options available, but if you’re on a short break it has a great location, and it’s an excellent base to explore.

Travel and days out

Krakow’s public transport is cheap, clean, and reliable, so getting around isn’t going to cost you a lot. Getting from the airport to the city centre takes under half an hour by train and costs just 13PLN (around £2.67). The city is quite compact and walkable, and there’s also the option of getting a tram. Journeys of up to 20 minutes cost around £0.50, while a 48-hour ticket, perfect for weekend breaks, is just over £7.

In the old town, you’ll find the Czartoryski Museum, one of Poland’s oldest museums and a popular tourist spot. While it costs nearly £13 to get in, it’s a huge museum and you could wander round for hours. It’s worth getting a guided tour because there’s too much to take in by yourself. You can see an original Rembrandt, as well as the museum’s most famous piece, Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci.

The price of days out varies. There are plenty of inexpensive things to do in the city itself, or you can go further afield to visit sights such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This stunning underground series of mines includes chapels, sculptures, and intricately carved walls, all buried below the ground’s surface. Tickets cost from 143 PLN, nearly £30, but it’s well worth the visit.

Many visitors to the city will be looking to visit Auschwitz. There are lots of tour providers offering full day packages, which cost from £60-80. However, you can take the train and get in free without a tour guide, but it is worth booking the tour with an educator, which costs 130PLN (around £26.63), to learn more about the site’s history.

If you don’t have much time to explore Krakow, look out for the Melex tours. These electric golf carts zip around the old town, taking you to sights such as the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower, with short guided tours from as little as £10.

Food and drink

Most food and drink prices in Krakow are reasonable. Being in the Old Town, you’ll find things pricier, but they still compare well to other city breaks.

In the Old Town, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants. If you want to try local dishes, you can enjoy a large plate of pierogi for less than £10. You can also grab a lunch to-go at one of the Zabka convenience stores. This Polish brand can be found on every corner, and have food like snacks and sandwiches for around £2.50. You can even get a cold beer with your lunch for less than £1.

And of course, it’s the beer prices lots of visitors will want to know about. Is the beer in Krakow cheap? Relatively, yes. A pint in the Old Town’s main square did set me back £4.50, but I was in a very touristy area. Most places I visited were more around the £3 a pint price mark, or cheaper once away from the Old Town.

So, was Krakow the cheapest city break? Some of the prices weren’t as low as I expected, but overall things like food, drink, and transport were very good value for money, especially when compared to other European breaks I’ve taken recently. If you’re a history buff or just like wandering around beautiful cities, it’s a great choice for a weekend away.

Book the holiday

Stay there: Prices at the TRIBE Krakow start from £96 per night based on two adults sharing a room. Members of ALL Accor can enjoy up to 10% off public rates as well as earning reward points which can be redeemed on stays and experiences across the world.

Get there: Ryanair offers fares from £14.99 each way to Krakow from London Luton.

Milo Boyd from the Mirror’s travel desk headed down to Brixham in Torbay, Devon to check out the town’s pub, restaurant, fishing and music scene over a long October weekend

Milo Boyd is a Digital Travel reporter who covers aviation news, the environment, the cruise industry and much else including travel tips, bargain holiday suggestions and inspirational global trips.

Brixham is a small town on the Devon coast that may be the perfect place to go on holiday.

That’s because it is not your typical UK seaside destination. It is a whole lot more interesting, prettier and unexpected than that.

Historians will tell you that William of Orange first put Brixham on the map when he landed his army there in 1688, before marching off to London to claim the throne and mark the Glorious Revolution as a “big success”.

A short 111 years later, Parliament approved the construction of its fish market, which grew to be the biggest in England. Back then, 270 sail-operated decked trawlers and 1,600 seamen battled the elements to land thousands of tonnes of fish, which steam trains chugged up the railways to the Capital.

Today, a post-Covid online auction system means buyers across the world order some of the £25 million of catch landed annually at England’s most valuable fish market.

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But for me, and I suspect most holidaymakers who visit Brixham, it isn’t the royal connection or fishing that make the town an excellent place to visit. It’s Brixham’s beauty, and how much locals love to party.

On the beauty front, the good looks of Brixham are undeniable. My wife and I stayed in the Petite Maison apartments above the quayside, meaning we awoke each morning to the bucolic scene of fishing boats bobbing on water lit up by the rising sun like a rainbow oil slick.

Brixham climbs up 100m on both of the quay, with rows of cottages perched on the hillside. Traditionally, these were painted different colours so sailors could find their way home on poor visibility days at sea (or so a cabby told us). In recent years, the Light Up Brixham community group has encouraged homeowners to turn their properties pastel. The effect is an exceptionally pretty place that looks more than a little like Balamory.

While most will visit during the summer when Brixham’s quayside chippies, rock shops and arcades are fully staffed and bustling, a winter stay is an intriguing option.

Thanks to Light Up Brixham, the town is bejewelled in Christmas lights throughout the festive season, turning it into a blinking beacon of fairy lights and waving Santas that returning fishermen would struggle to miss even on the stormiest of nights.

In November, the town gathers to remember those who have died on the waves, paying their respects to the sound of Abide With Me, which was written by local Reverend Henry Francis Lyte weeks before his death.

“One of the most moving moments of the year for me is Remembrance Sunday when the town band plays Abide With Me and it coincides with the lifeboat going out to sea to lay a wreath for the merchant navy seamen lost at sea,” explains local Paul Jolly on the Brixham Today podcast.

Trips to Brixham have changed quite a lot in recent years. The town was home to three holiday parks, including a Pontins, which closed in 2014 and was subsequently destroyed by an arson attack. Today, long caravanning breaks have been swapped for weekend stays in Airbnbs and guest houses.

But that doesn’t mean that the lively heart of Brixham won’t be opened to you. Community is found in plentiful supply in the town’s pubs, which are some of the booziest and most raucous I’ve visited in a long time.

On Friday night, local funk duo The Schofields brought The Bullers alive, coaxing punters into makeshift Cossack dancing with a slap-bass version of Rasputin. A day later, guitarist Oli Syrett inspired those in the Golden Anchor to provide backing vocals to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. After he finished off the set with an acoustic cover of Insomnia, we headed to Liberty – a cocktail bar where they’ll emboss a picture of your wife’s face onto her drink for just £1.50.

The merrymaking continued in less obvious spots. To coincide with the Tory Party Conference in Manchester, my wife and I decided to break the habit of a lifetime when in Rome and visit the Brixham Conservative Club.

There, the 80- and 90-year-old players of Odds and Ends brass band delivered a mix of 60s and 70s classics as punters necked £3.50 pints and disco lights swirled.

Our trip into the foreign political lands came to a sudden end when two friendly men from Herefordshire sandwiched us on the banquette, asked if we were “young Tories” and then explained why Keir Starmer was “rotten to the core”.

My wife and I escaped for dinner at the charming Olive on the seafront. The small plates restaurant has a lively atmosphere, a very extensive wine list, and perhaps the best fried halloumi I’ve ever had.

The next morning we shook off our hangovers and headed out to sea at 6.50 am aboard the Dolphin Explorer, for a fry-up and some porpoise spotting – all for £12.50. We’d been invited along by a charming local we met during an incredibly boozy bar and restaurant crawl in Torquay the day before.

“It’s my birthday in two weeks,” she explained while filling up four glasses with fizz as the sun rose above the horizon. “What people need to know about Brixham is it’s a drinking town with a fishing problem.”

SEIZURES of beer smuggled  to   Britain   have   nearly quadrupled in five years.

Some 5.6million pints were confiscated at ports compared to 1.5million in 2019, according to ­government figures.

Many cans and bottles from mainland Europe are hidden in trucks and routed through Ireland.

Customs bosses said checks had been increased at ports such as Heysham and Birkenhead, in the North West, and Cairnryan in Scotland.

Illegal booze is now estimated to cost the UK around £1billion a year in lost duty payments.

The British Beer and Pub Association said: “A third of the price of an average UK pint goes to the taxman.

“No wonder illicit trade is booming.”

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A MAJOR pub chain has launched a new loyalty rewards scheme where customers can get freebies including pints and food.

Greene King has relaunched its app and now has a feature where customers can get complimentary drinks and win prizes.

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These include free pints and vouchers to spend in its 2,700 pubs across the UK.

It’s the first time Greene King has offered loyalty rewards to customers.

The pub chain says customers can now “earn perks, unlock surprises, and access exclusive offers – whether they order at the bar or through the app”.

Among the new features for loyalty customers is a chance to “spin the wheel” to win a prize.

If you spin the virtual wheel on the new Greene King app, you’ll win either a free main meal, drink or dessert.

The free drinks include Peroni, Birra Moretti, Rekorderlig, Aspell, Hazy Day, Coca Cola, Schweppes Lemonade and Madri.

And if you place an order through the app worth at least £1, there’s a chance to win a £50 voucher.

There’s also a “Pub Match” game where every time you spend through the app or scan your membership ID at the till, you are in with the chance of winning more freebies.

The aim of the game is to make it onto the interactive leaderboard of loyal customers, and you have a chance to win up to £50 each month. 

The more you use the app, the higher the chance of winning a prize.

The rewards are redeemable at Greene King Pubs, Belhaven Pubs, Flaming Grill, Chef & Brewer, Farmhouse Inns and Hungry Horse.

Kevin Hydes, group marketing director at Greene King, said: “Pubs are about creating feel-good moments, but we know many people are keeping a close eye on costs.

“That’s why we’re always looking for ways to make visiting our pubs even more rewarding and to give back to our customers.

“With Spin to Win, we’re giving new customers a little something extra – a chance to enjoy a free treat on us, just for joining our loyalty programme.”

How can I get my rewards?

You can download the new Greene King app for free on your app store.

The Spin to Win game will appear on the homepage of your app.

You can also click into the Rewards section to see the rewards you’ve earned.

You can claim the reward either when you pay through the app or at the bar.

On the app just add all your items to the basket and then apply the reward at checkout.

If you order at the bar, you need to show your Membership ID to the bartender.

You can find this at the top right of your Rewards section on the app.

What other features are on the app?

The app will also let you make and manage your bookings, customise orders and pay.

Greene King says it will reduce wait times and let you order quickly.

There will also be the option to repeat orders with one click.

Which other pubs have loyalty schemes?

Greene King is not the only chain which has a loyalty scheme.

Butcombe, which runs more than 120 pubs across the UK, lets customers access exclusive discounts for downloading the app.

These include earning points, where you get five points for spending £1. Once you reach 500 points, £5 will be added to your account to spend.

You can also get 25 per cent off food every Wednesday.

O’Neills also gives members signed to its loyalty programme the chance to collect stamps that can be exchanged for rewards.

One ancient town dubbed ‘the Pearl of the Black Sea’ has beautiful cobblestone streets, and affordable food and drinks

An ancient Bulgarian town has been crowned the cheapest beach destination for Brits – boasting white sandy beaches, UNESCO listing and pints costing less than £2.

Nessebar, on a small peninsula in Bulgaria, has been named the best-value beach in the new easyJet ‘Cheap Beach Index’ thanks to its dependable ‘shoulder-season’ deals on flights and hotels and affordable hospitality.

Dubbed the “Pearl of the Black Sea”, Nessebar blends together rich history, culture and seaside charm. It delights visitors each year with its charming cobblestone streets in its UNESCO-listed old town and a famous seafood scene.

Nipping at its heels is the Budva Riviera in Montenegro, which boasts a range of idyllic beaches along a 35 kilometre stretch of the Adriatic coast in western Montenegro.

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Cruising into third place is the Costa de Almería in Spain that’s known for Europe’s only desert Tabernas Desert and its golden beaches.

Further down the table, value keeps rolling in destinations like Zadar and Nin in Croatia, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol in Spain and Halkidiki in Greece.

These sun-soaked destinations pair clear seas with competitive apartment and hotel prices, meaning a seven-night stay rarely breaks the bank.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “With summer behind us, there’s plenty of opportunities to still find great weather in early autumn across Europe.

“With thousands of flights across hundreds of routes from the UK throughout September, it means great value beach breaks are still available across Europe.

“Our unrivalled network of flights across the continent provides direct links from many UK airports to a whole host of great value, sun-friendly beach breaks on a budget.

“Our Cheap Beach Index offers a great variety of value choices for passengers looking for one last dose of summer sun and fun.”

The top 20 table was compiled by analysing areas within easy reach of airports that offer affordable direct routes to the UK. Each destination is priced on the basis of a typical holiday ‘basket’ that includes criteria such as the price of beer, an ice cream and a family meal out.

The index comes ahead of the start of ‘shoulder season’, from mid-September through to October. With many European destinations still offering warm conditions and airline schedules still operating at near-peak summer levels, the ‘shoulder’ is proving a popular option for many who aren’t ready to see the summer go.

For more information, please visit easyJet – Book Cheap Flights and Holidays

It has been named Europe’s most expensive city to drink in, with the average cost of a pint in the seaside town coming in at a whopping £6.30, according to new research

A beloved UK coastal town has officially claimed the title for Europe’s priciest pint, knocking London off the top spot. Research conducted by credit card company Aqua reveals that Brighton boasts the costliest pints among 50 European cities.

In Brighton, you’ll be shelling out an average of £6.30 for a pint. London trails closely behind in second place with an average pint price of £6.20, while Cambridge takes third place with an average pint costing £6.

Despite its steep drink prices, Brighton remains a highly sought-after holiday spot.

Renowned for its vibrant music scene, delectable food and, naturally, its beach, Brighton is an ideal choice for a day trip – though it’s easy to extend your stay.

Time Out recently hailed Brighton as one of the top 50 cities worldwide, and it’s not hard to see why.

Attracting a whopping 11.8 million visitors from England alone each year, its quirky five-mile-long promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

You’ll find karaoke bars, eateries, independent shops and, of course, a plethora of pubs, reports the Express.

Not to mention the grand Royal Pavilion, a true architectural wonder that began construction in 1787.

Constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style inspired by Indian architecture, this pavilion served as a seaside retreat for Prince George of Wales in 1811, who later became King George IV in 1820.

Today, the building welcomes the public for tours, and its stunning gardens are simply unparalleled.

If shopping is more your cup of tea, then a trip to The Lanes is a must. These winding streets are brimming with coffee shops and vintage markets where you can happily lose yourself.

For those seeking a touch of the great outdoors, just a stone’s throw from the town centre lies the UK’s largest dry valley.

Devil’s Dyke offers an idyllic setting for a leisurely stroll through the breathtaking rolling green hills, and it’s a splendid spot to catch a sunset.

Tbilisi in Georgia has been named the cheapest city in Europe to visit – and it’s a top spot for a summer city break with affordable hotels, food and drinks

For a summer getaway that won’t leave you skint, one European city stands out from the crowd. Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is an emerging hotspot with plenty to discover – and the best part is, it’s still reasonably priced.

Research conducted by luggage storage firm Bounce reveals that Tbilisi is actually Europe’s most affordable destination. The study examined average costs for accommodation, meals, beverages, and transport, as well as the number of free attractions in 70 of Europe’s top cities to determine the most budget-friendly this year.

A weekend stay at a hotel in Tbilisi will only set you back £136, and a pint of local beer is a mere £1.64.

In addition to the inexpensive drinks and lodging, Tbilisi boasts numerous free attractions, including the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Bridge of Peace.

This stunningly overlooked city has a lot to offer.

The Cathedral’s architecture is breathtaking, and there are also lovely gardens to wander around, perfect for a day of exploration.

The Bridge of Peace, another architectural marvel that spans the Mtkvari River, is lit up by thousands of LED lights at night, reports the Express.

After a day of sightseeing, you can enjoy a reasonably priced meal. Dining in Tbilisi is also quite affordable, with a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing less than £33.

You can also get two lunchtime meals at a budget-friendly restaurant for approximately £16.50.

If you find yourself in Georgia, you simply must sample Khachapuri – a traditional Georgian dish that’s akin to pizza and absolutely scrumptious.

Another local favourite is Khinkali – these steamed dumplings, filled with rich Georgian spices, meat and broth, bear a resemblance to Chinese soup dumplings and are an absolute must-try when in Tbilisi.

Getting around the city won’t break the bank either, with taxis charging the same for a 1km journey as the cost of a pint.

Public transport is even more affordable, with tickets averaging at a mere 27p.

Spain has long been the favourite holiday hotspot for Brits. But with rising prices and furious anti-tourism protests, sunseekers are taking their suitcases elsewhere

For decades, Brits have been flocking to Spain in search of sun and sangria – but there’s been a notable shift in recent times that’s driven beach lovers elsewhere.

Overtourism protesters have been taking to the streets in Barcelona and the island of Majorca recently, brandishing water pistols against holidaymakers.

Spain has been at the forefront of the anti-tourism protests currently sweeping Southern Europe. Campaigners are calling upon local and central governments to adequately regulate the industry. They have also taken issue with firms such as Airbnb, which they claim are pushing up rents.

Meanwhile, rising costs and packed beaches have been driving British travellers away from popular Spanish resorts, in search of affordable tranquillity elsewhere.

Back in 2024, Spain hosted a record 84 million international visitors, compared with 83 million in 2019, but it’s expected this could well change this summer, with sunseekers instead making a beeline for a lesser-known hotspot with plenty to offer.

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Greek travel experts at Ionian Island Holidays have now revealed that more Brits are opting to travel to Greek islands such as Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, the Daily Star reports. Here, they can relax for less while enjoying all the authentic local charm these picturesque islands have to offer.

With scenic beaches and unique cultural gems, you can be assured of a memorable stay. Best of all, this little slice of paradise won’t cost you the earth, and you could well find yourself gazing out across the ocean with a £1 or £2 pint in hand.

According to a spokesperson for Ionian Island Holidays: “British holidaymakers are craving a slower pace and better value. Greece’s smaller islands offer both—plus hospitality and scenery that rivals any postcard.”

The travel company has noted a significant upturn in bookings for these destinations, particularly during shoulder seasons such as May, June and September.

Travellers can enjoy evenings out at family-run establishments where they can expect a warm welcome, and likely a complimentary glass of ouzo. The spokesperson revealed: “Many of these tavernas have been in families for generations. They care more about welcoming guests than maximising profit.”

Thrifty foodies will be in their element, on the islands of Kalymnos and Agistri, where it’s not unusual to order Meze dishes of grilled vegetables, fried cheese or seafood for under €5 (£4.30), washed down with a 500ml draught beer or a carafe of house within the region €1.50 and €2.50 (£1.30 to £2.10).

You can also enjoy classic Greek mains such as moussaka or souvlaki for €6 to €9 (£5 to £8), with many tavernas focusing on fresh, quality local ingredients. Expect fish caught in the nearby harbour, homegrown herbs, and locally pressed olive oil.

Ionian Island Holidays shared: “It’s not just cheap—it’s authentic. These aren’t tourist menus; they’re cooking for neighbours, too.”

For just £25 to £35 per night, you can book yourself a double room at a guesthouse on Thassos or Lefkada. However, the focus here is on a community feel, which locals and visitors alike hope to protect.

Ionian Island Holidays continued: “Visitors often say they feel like they’re in a real community, not a tourist zone. That authenticity is priceless.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at [email protected]

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MANCHESTER United and Tottenham Spurs fans are guzzling pints and partying on the streets of Bilbao in the run up to the season-saving Europa League final.

Up to 70,000 footie fans have flocked from the UK to sunny Bilbao where spirits are at an all-time high – despite some taking a 32-hour ferry ride to get there.

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Bilbao bars have been flooded with Brit fans chanting and drinking ahead of the anticipated final tonight.

Both sets of supporters have been pictured marching through the streets, chanting songs with drinks in hand as they gear up for the Europa League final.

Images show one Spurs fan playing the trumpet for gargantuan crowds, while Man United supporters hold up their beers to cheers.

Footage taken by The Sun showed fans filling the streets, with around 70,000 fans thought to have flocked to Spain – despite the stadium being at 53,000-capacity.

Some have braved an epic 32-hour-plus ferry ride which set sail at 10pm on Sunday evening and didn’t arrive until this morning.

With flights to Spain rocketing over £1,000 after the Prem teams sealed their final spots, many took advantage of the cheaper sea-route option, which set them back £260 for a cabin.

The sky-high air prices are due to just six direct flights from Britain to the Basque region’s industrial port city each day.

And with only 65 hotels in Spain’s tenth largest city, accommodation has been fully-booked for weeks.

Each club has millions of fans across the globe, but since there are just 14,000 tickets allocated to each team, bagging a seat to the showpiece event has been a tricky task.

On Sunday night, precious tickets to the big game were selling on the black market for up to £10,000.

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EasyJet was charging £1,823 to fly from Gatwick to Bilbao on Wednesday morning and return on Thursday morning, while the cheapest hotels for Wednesday night cost around £1,200.

But for those fans who managed to snap up the golden tickets, footage has shown them enjoying themselves.

Despite dismal Premier League seasons – United finishing 16th in the table and Spurs in 17th, perilously close to the relegation zone – die-hard supporters were emptying their bank accounts and flocking to Bilbao.

Aside from European glory, the victorious team qualifies for next season’s cash-riddled Champions League, worth a cool £100m to the club lifting the prized trophy.

The travel chaos endured by thousands of footie fans has mirrored the 1987 American road trip comedy movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy.

Spurs fan John Affleck of Enfield, Herts., was today enjoying local delicacy pintxos – snacks on a slice of bread resembling an open sandwich – washed down with Sangria.

He told The Sun: “I flew to Madrid then got the train down. There are no hotel rooms so I’m bunking up with a pal on his hotel floor.

“The trip will cost me more than £5,000. I’m broke, but I really don’t care. We just need to win.”

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Frank Johns, a Red Devils season ticket holder, jetted out yesterday from Heathrow via Schiphol in Amsterdam.

He said: “It has been a pitiful season but none of that will matter if we lift the trophy.”

Under-fire Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou face the chop if they don’t prevail in the final – cruelly dubbed “El Crapico” by rival fans and pundits.

Amorim masterminded Manchester United’s 7-1 semi-final demolition of ten-man Athletic Bilbao.

And Postecoglou guided his Tottenham team to a 5-1 triumph over Norwegians Bodo/Glimt in the other to set up the all-English final.

Tottenham were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League final, while Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final in the same year.

United beat Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final and Spurs KO’d Wolves to win the 1972 Uefa Cup.

Tottenham have already beaten the Manchester outfit on three occasions this season – twice in the league and once in the Carabao Cup.

They are looking to end a trophy drought that dates back to 2008 and has hung over the club – to the delight of opposing fans.

United meanwhile have continued to be dire in the Prem with Amorim claiming his side are “not ready” to be competitive domestically and in the Champions League.

Footie fanatics get the party started early

By Sun man in Bilbao, Dave Courtnadge

IT’S barely midday in Bilbao on the day before the Europa League final between Manchester United and Spurs – but it’s already getting lively.

I arrived in the city at about 9am after a 32-HOUR ferry ride from Portsmouth.

And the first thing a lot of fellow fans planned to do was find a pub for a well-earned drink.

Walking around the area around the San Mames stadium this morning, a fair few others had the same idea.

Many have had long journeys, stopping off overnight in another city to keep down the soaring cost of getting here, with some direct flights over £1,000.

So it’s no surprise many are already getiing the party started, or the Bilbao leg of the party anyway.

Spurs fan Gary, who flew out from London before an overnight stay in a Madrid hotel resembling a “prison cell”, joked as he supped a pint in the sun: “I’m just getting some practice in for tomorrow.”

The atmosphere has been brilliant so far, and hopefully that will continue.

There had been claims that Spurs fans are set to outnumber United fans by 5 to 1, with an estimated 50,000 supporters of the two English sides expected to arrive.

One Tottenham follower I spoke to joked that they had bought all the flights out of London to keep the Reds out.

Based on the number of Spurs shirts I’ve already seen, he might be right.

Travellers can’t stop raving about this cheap and cheerful city less than three hours from the UK, that is home to a slew of free attractions (and, more importantly, £1.20 pints)

Escape the daily grind and explore this stunning EU city that won’t break the bank. Renowned for its majestic architecture, ubiquitous history, and geothermal spas – Hungary has long shimmered under the tourist spotlight.

In fact, a record-breaking six million holidaymakers flocked to the country’s capital, Budapest, last year – a whopping 24 per cent increase compared to the year before. It’s a great base for those wanting to inter-rail around Europe on their gap year – and make a perfect city break year-round.

Unlike most European capitals, Budapest is an affordable city that won’t wreak havoc on your finances. For example, the average pint costs £1.20, while dinner for two (without booze) in a ‘moderately-priced’ restaurant will set you back around £10.

Keeping under budget in Budapest is also easy as many of its main attractions are free. You can hike Gellért Hill – which only takes 30 minutes – and get rewarded with sweeping views of the city, Here, you’ll also find Citadella, a mighty fortress built after the 1848–49 War of Independence to defend the city from further insurrection.

If you’re not wanting to break a sweat, stroll along City Park with a coffee – or take advantage of the shade at Ervin Szabó Central Library. “Housed in a former 19th-century palace, the Ervin Szabó Central Library invites visitors to take a break from the dizzying pace of the Hungarian capital and unwind in regal surroundings,” explains Lonely Planet.

The guide continues: “Spaces that once functioned as grand dining rooms and living quarters have been converted into a number of truly dazzling public reading rooms. Giant chandeliers dangle above plush armchairs, enticing visitors to spend an afternoon flicking through one of the two million-plus texts that line the library’s shelves.”

History buffs will need to head over to Pest and Óbuda to explore the Roman ruins. “Aquincum is the most complete Roman civilian town in Hungary and contains both a world-class museum and an open-air archeological park,” Lonely Planet added. While there is an entrance charge for this attraction, you can get a glimpse of the ruins without paying.

On the banks of the Danube River, close to the Hungarian Parliament building, you’ll find sixty pairs of old-fashioned shoes made from iron. These are a sobering memorial to the Hungarian Jews who, during 1944-1945, were shot on the banks of the Danube River.

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Of course, no trip to Budapest is complete without making the most of its ‘healing waters’. Often touted as the world’s ‘Spa Capital’, Budapest is home to an array of geothermal pools, which are an integral part of Hungarian culture. Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest bath complexes in Europe, is by far the most popular – and tickets cost less than £20.

If a jam-packed itinerary isn’t your kind of style- don’t worry. Budapest is a compact city filled with mouth-watering food markets, themed-bars, and beautiful architecture. It’s the perfect place to roam around and just see what takes your fancy.

You can fly directly to Budapest from most major UK airports, including Leeds, Norwich, Newcastle, Birmingham, London Stansted and Luton. Flights, which take an average of two and a half hours, can be bought for as little as £37 in June.

Booze isn’t the only cheap thing in Budapest, with a wide range of accommodation suiting different budgets. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, June 20-22) at the Chill & Stay – a two-bedroom apartment – costs just £135, based on two adults sharing. For those wanting a more luxurious city break, check out the Continental Hotel Budapest, which sits on the former site of Hungaria Bath. You can stay in a standard double or twin room on the exact same nights for £261.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

What’s your favourite European city? Let us know in the comments section below

The Albanian Riviera boasts stunning sights, beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, but experts are warning that many of the resorts where Brits are flocking are funded by ‘dirty money’

It’s hailed as ‘Europe’s Maldives’ – a stunning Balkan gem with turquoise waters, stunning mountains, and bargain prices. But behind the beauty of Albania’s glittering coastline lies a darker, deadlier truth.

The small nation is fast becoming a top holiday hotspot, with over 120,000 Brits heading there each year to soak up the sun on the now-famous Albanian Riviera, with some places just a cheap, three-hour flight away. The country is also known for having very affordable beer prices, with some as little as 77p a pint.

But while tourists flock to idyllic coastal destinations like Ksamil and Vlore, mafia gangs are allegedly laundering millions through the very resorts they’re staying in.

Experts are warning holidaymakers that luxury hotels, bars and beach clubs may be fronts for Albania’s booming organised crime industry.

READ MORE: Europe’s overlooked ‘undertourism capital’ that only a handful visit each year

According to a 2023 report by the Global Organised Crime Index, Albania is a transit country for heroin trafficked from Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to Europe. It’s also a transit hub for cocaine smuggled from Latin America into Europe and the UK, the report says.

Over the years, heroin and cocaine processing labs have been discovered in cities like Elbasan, Fier and Tirana. Meanwhile, Italian authorities estimated in 2016 that Albania’s cannabis production alone was worth as much as €4.5 billion (£3.85 billion).

Besides drug trafficking, the report says the main criminal activities attributed to Albanian mafia groups – both domestically and internationally – are human smuggling and trafficking, as well as money laundering.

Albania’s mafia is now in control of most of Europe’s trafficking network. Of the 45,000 migrants who crossed illegally into England in 2022, 12,000 were Albanians.

And last year, a leaked Home Office legal document described Albanian criminal gangs as an ‘acute threat’ to the UK and ‘highly prevalent across serious and organised crime’ in Britain, including several murders. Albanian gangs are believed to dominate the UK’s illicit cocaine trade, said to be worth £5bn a year.

Criminologist Professor Xavier Raufer of Paris-Sorbonne University, who has studied the mafia for decades, says these are not just typical crime rings: “In the whole of Albania, there are maybe 30 big mafia families, with some of their traditions dating back to the Middle Ages. This makes them more dangerous as they operate with very strict rules and secretly.”

He added: “You’ll find these families all over Albania – of course, the most powerful being the one along the sea because it’s better for trafficking.”

Last year, Albania saw 39 killings, with most attributed to mafia-style assassinations. The country’s strategic position has made it ideal for smugglers, and tourism, it seems, is now part of that equation. “People involved in real estate and tourism are increasingly linked to organised crime,” says the country’s crime index report.

Professor Raufer said, “No tourist will ever see it. If you go there, you are not even able to guess it because it’s a secret.”

Former Albanian MP Rudina Hajdari blames the issue on state corruption: “Corruption has gotten higher and higher,” she said. “There have been allegations that many of these hotels in southern Albania were funded by drug traffickers.”

She explained how they set up bank accounts through friends or relatives, gradually investing in real estate to launder money. “The government clearly allows that – whether they think it’s a good idea to invest in tourism, infrastructure or just keep them in power. There’s a lot of money going into Albania that is primarily dirty.”

According to reports, customs officials in the key port of Durres have allegedly been discouraged from checking certain vehicles, allowing drugs to be smuggled in cars, buses and trucks.

In the southern seaside town of Himare, the mayor was arrested last year on corruption charges, accused of forging documents to seize government land for a private resort.

Despite it all, Albania’s image abroad continues to shine. In 2024, it saw 11.7 million tourists, almost doubling its pre-pandemic figure, with an 8% year-on-year rise in visitor numbers.

And now, even Jared Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump, is seeing the potential for profit. He has put forward plans to Sazan Island, an uninhabited island which was once a military base, into a luxury resort.

His plans to turn the island into a holiday resort are estimated to cost €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion), and says it will create 1,000 tourism jobs.

Still, Hajdari insists the problem doesn’t lie with ordinary people. She says: “This does not in any way reflect Albanian people – Albanians are just the most generous, welcoming, nicest people when people come and travel.”

“Albania’s lack of opportunities and high corruption have created the ground for these illegal activities to flourish.”

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