Top cities in Europe ranked for Brits on a budget to visit Christmas markets

'Sterling has risen in value against European currencies, which means that holidaymakers visiting a Christmas market will have more cash to spend'

Bratislava has topped the list as the number one spot for UK travellers hunting for a bargain at Christmas markets.

The Slovakian capital boasts the lowest prices for a two-night yuletide break, according to research by Post Office Travel Money. Among 14 European cities, Bratislava offers the best deal with a package totalling just £510 for two people—this includes return flights, transfers, B&B accommodation, and festive treats.

In contrast, Copenhagen, Denmark's offering comes in at a £989. The survey reveals that Eastern Europe provides value with nine out of ten of the most affordable Christmas market escapes, including Vilnius, Lithuania (£511) and Riga, Latvia (£546).

British currency has strengthened against several key Eastern European currencies, witnessing gains against the Hungarian forint (up 12%), Czech koruna (up 8%) and euro (up 4%). Despite this, a rise in flight costs means that holiday prices have actually dropped in only three locations compared to last year's figures: Krakow, Poland; Budapest, Hungary; and Prague, Czech Republic.

Laura Plunkett, the head of travel money at the Post Office, said: "Sterling has risen in value against European currencies, which means that holidaymakers visiting a Christmas market will have more cash to spend. However, the price variations revealed by the latest barometer show just how important it is for people planning trips to check prices and factor in all the costs they are likely to incur.

"While emerging cities like Bratislava and Vilnius offer outstanding value, Prague and Budapest are also great options for bargain hunters because of the price falls we found in these more established favourites."

Here is the ranking of the 14 destinations analysed by Post Office Travel Money, with the total cost in brackets:.

1. Bratislava, Slovakia (£510).

2. Vilnius, Lithuania (£511).

3. Riga, Latvia (£546).

4. Gdansk, Poland (£596).

5. Prague, Czech Rep (£606).

6. Budapest, Hungary (£639).

7. Zagreb, Croatia (£649).

8. Krakow, Poland (£678).

9. Stockholm, Sweden (£737).

10. Tallinn, Estonia (£749).

11. Berlin, Germany (£885).

12. Lille, France (£886).

13. Vienna, Austria (£950).

14. Copenhagen, Denmark (£989).