Bilbao, Wrocław and Bordeaux top the best-value destinations list for 2027

Bilbao leads a new list of Europe’s best-value city breaks for 2027

Usagevpn.com – European travellers are still making room for holidays despite continued pressure on household budgets, but many are changing how they plan them. Rather than reducing the number of trips entirely, travellers are increasingly looking for destinations where lower airfare and accommodation costs can make a city break more attainable.

That shift is reflected in Skyscanner’s best-value destinations list for 2027, which identifies places where economy return-flight prices booked during the first half of the year for travel across 2026 fell compared with the equivalent period a year earlier. Hotel pricing was also included in the assessment.

The potential savings are substantial in some destinations, with flight costs in the strongest-performing locations falling by as much as two-thirds. Spain’s Bilbao took first place, followed by Wrocław in Poland and Bordeaux in France. Zürich and Ancona completed the top five.

“As people become more intentional about how they spend their time and money, they’re making different choices about where they go, how they book and what creates lasting value,” Skyscanner CEO Bryan Batista said.

“They’re prioritising meaningful experiences over material possessions, seeking confidence in every booking decision, and, in some cases, using AI during the planning process.”

Bilbao offers the largest overall drop

Bilbao emerged as the standout destination after airfares fell 66% from 2025 levels and hotel stays declined by 63%. The figures make the Basque city an appealing option for travellers seeking a cultural trip without the expense often associated with major European urban centres.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao remains a central attraction and is likely to feature prominently on many itineraries. Yet the city’s appeal reaches beyond its landmark museum. Bilbao is also widely recognised for its food culture, particularly its bars serving pintxos: small dishes that invite visitors to sample a range of local flavours while exploring different neighbourhoods.

For travellers, the combination of cheaper transport and lower room rates can create extra flexibility. Savings on flights and accommodation may leave more room in a holiday budget for museum entry, local meals, walking tours or simply a longer stay.

Wrocław combines lower fares with centuries of history

Wrocław placed second, with flight prices down 47%. Hotel costs are also lower than those in several of Poland’s larger cities, strengthening its position for visitors considering a short cultural escape.

The city has a history of more than 1,000 years and offers a broad mix of architecture and historic landmarks. Cathedral Island, known for its evening gas lanterns, provides one of Wrocław’s most distinctive scenes. Another major draw is Centennial Hall, the UNESCO-listed structure celebrated as an important example of reinforced-concrete architecture.

Wrocław’s inclusion shows that value travel does not have to mean sacrificing character or heritage. Lower travel costs can make it easier for visitors to choose destinations with historic centres, significant buildings and a strong sense of place, rather than focusing only on the most familiar capitals.

Bordeaux gives wine enthusiasts a more affordable opening

Third place went to Bordeaux, a result likely to interest travellers drawn to one of France’s best-known wine cities. Return flights to Bordeaux were down by one-third, while hotel rates were 9% lower.

Those reductions could make the city a more attractive option for visitors who want to experience its wine identity alongside its urban attractions. A fall in flight prices is particularly significant for weekend breaks, where transport can account for a large share of the total cost before accommodation, meals and activities are added.

Travellers should still consider timing, booking conditions and the full cost of a trip. A lower advertised airfare may not include every optional extra, while hotel rates can vary by season, location and room type. Even so, the figures point to a potentially better-value period for people considering Bordeaux in 2027.

Unexpected savings in Zürich and Ancona

Zürich ranked fourth, despite its reputation as a city with high prices. Flights to the Swiss destination were down by one-third, while hotel prices fell 13%. The changes suggest that travellers who may normally dismiss Zürich on cost grounds could find more favourable options when comparing fares and accommodation carefully.

Ancona, on Italy’s Adriatic coast, rounded out the leading five. Flight prices were 31% lower and hotel costs dropped 13%. Its appearance on the list underlines the value of looking beyond the country’s busiest and most internationally prominent destinations when planning an Italian break.

For people weighing up where to travel in 2027, the list offers a useful reminder that destination choice can have a major effect on total spending. Comparing airports, dates, hotel areas and booking options remains important, but the largest savings may begin with choosing a city where both flights and stays have become less expensive.

Bilbao, Wrocław, Bordeaux, Zürich and Ancona each offer a different kind of European trip. Together, they show how travellers can continue to prioritise memorable experiences while taking a more deliberate approach to what they spend.