Europe's cheap beer capital where pints cost five times less than UK average

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The cheap drinks capitals of Europe offer serious bang for your buck (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The cheap drinks capitals of Europe offer serious bang for your buck (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Europe's cheap pint capital sells 568ml of beer for close to seven times cheaper than London.

If you are looking for a sun drenched, cheap and cheerful break that you may immediately forget, then Debrecen is the place to go, according to a new breakdown of pint prices. Thirsty visitors to the Hungarian city can get themselves a glass of beer for just 89p.

That is a full 6.6 times cheaper than the average price of a pint in England's capital, where the average drink now sets the metropolitan elite back an upsetting £5.90. Even Derby - the UK's cheap pint hub, according to one study - can't match the prices. The average charge in the Midlands city is £3.

Debrecen isn't just a great place to enjoy a drink however, but a fascinating city in its own right. The bustling university town has a large yellow cathedral Reformatus Nagytemplom, an extensive museum of Hungarian culture, a zoo and a theme park.

Europe's cheap beer capital where pints cost five times less than UK average qhiddxiqhqiqxeinvDebrecen has plenty to offer besides cheap drinks (Getty Images)

If you fancy checking the former Hungarian capital out, Wizz Air runs a route to it from Luton which takes about two hours, with tickets currently on sale for around £100.

All the places you can fly to for less than a tenner including Italy and SpainAll the places you can fly to for less than a tenner including Italy and Spain

The inflationary pressures of the past couple of years has had a big impact on the costs of alcoholic drinks in the UK. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics released in September showed that the average cost of a pint of draught lager in a pub increased 12.1% between August 2022 and August 2023, from £4.12 to £4.65. With wages failing to keep pace for many, spending an evening at the pub may begin to feel like a luxury.

Rosie Panter, a travel expert at travel price comparison site dealchecker, said: "Whilst the UK doesn’t have the highest average price for a pint in Europe – that unwanted honour goes to Iceland at £8.33 a pop – if you’re anything like me, you too will have felt personally victimised by the rising cost. For many the idea of a cheeky half or three is now limited to special occasions and vacations. As such it’s well worth considering holiday destinations where the cost is less prohibitive.

She shared a few other cheap pint hotspots in Europe - check out her top picks below.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife - £1.60

An oldie but a goodie, this Canary Island classic continues to provide bang for your buck. And with sweeping sea views, a serene atmosphere and dirt cheap pints, there are no surprises why. If you travel in June before the school summer holidays you will find good weather as well as great value for money in-destination, all while avoiding peak season airfares and hotel charges.

Faro, Portugal - £2.18 a pint

The Algarve is synonymous with azure waters, sunshine, delicious food and affordable drinking boltholes. Consider Faro for your next European break for wallet friendly price tags on flights, hotel stays, and in-destination costs - beers start at a mere £2.

Zagreb, Croatia - £2.44 a pint

Zagreb brings to mind sandy beaches by day and partying with friends by night thanks to an attractively low price per pint, just £2.44. Avoid the school holidays and visit in May-June to take advantage of the best savings.

Milo Boyd

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