Riga named best-value European Christmas market

It’s the third consecutive year the city has been named the bargain choice for a European Christmas shopping trip, thanks to its cheap package trips, meals, drinks and festive fare.

The survey of 13 European cities found Riga to be 36% cheaper than Vienna, the most expensive city in the season.

Riga’s barometer total of £497 – calculated by combining the cost for two people of a two-night flight-inclusive B&B accommodation package with airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive drinks and snacks at the Christmas market – is 1.2% cheaper than a year ago.

Its winning score was the result of ready availability of low-cost hotel accommodation and flights, with the city ranking only sixth cheapest for meals and drinks.

Prague was the cheapest on the ground (£121), but the higher cost of a two-night flight and accommodation package meant it fell from second to fifth place.

Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: “Our research found Prague was one of only three cities where package prices have risen. Big falls of more than 25% in many other cities suggest there is more flight and hotel availability this year. This makes it a great time for holidaymakers to plan bargain Christmas market trips.”