The best city breaks in Europe
The possibilities are endless – well, nearly – for city breaks abroad. To help you out in planning your next holiday, here are a few of the top European city breaks for travelling parties of all sizes.
Romantic city breaks for couples
Instead of dinner at your usual date place, why not turn the romance up a notch and whisk your partner away on a loved-up city break? Earn more brownie points by booking a charming holiday letting with a bath that’s big enough for 2 or a terrace with stunning city views.
Paris, as they say, is always a good idea
Paris has long been associated with love and romance, and rightly so. Whether in the daylight or sparkling with lights at night, the Eiffel Tower offers a dreamy backdrop for zipping around the city on a scooter or taking a river cruise along the Seine. Stroll hand in hand with your loved one through manicured gardens, charming cobbled streets and hidden shopping arcades, then wine and dine under the stars in a restaurant’s candlelit courtyard.
Book a couple’s spa break in Bath
Italy and Germany both offer an array of excellent spa towns, but if you want to stay within the UK, you can enjoy a relaxing couple’s getaway in Bath. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Thermae Bath Spa and don’t forget a dip in the rooftop pool, which offers stunning views of the city and its awe-inspiring Roman and Georgian architecture.
City breaks for top-notch nightlife
Better spend the afternoons sleeping in your holiday rental’s comfy bedrooms – you’ll need the energy to dance all night in these perfect destinations for a hen or stag do, or just a wild weekend with some party-loving pals.
Party like there’s no tomorrow in boisterous Berlin
When it comes to nightlife, Berlin will give most European cities a run for their money. Pubs, bars and nightclubs litter the city, and some of the most beloved spots are set in historic buildings. Join over a thousand other clubbers in legendary Berghain, or head to Watergate for great DJs and music.
Have a grand time in Budapest’s ruin bars
Budapest is famous for its ruin bars, named for the derelict buildings they’re housed in. These hipster spaces and beer gardens offer a relaxed setting for a pint during the day, then turn into nightclubs offering a taste of the city’s pulsating party scene. If you want something more low-key, hit Budapest’s wine bars and seasonal garden pubs.
Worthwhile weekend destinations for the whole family
Planning a city break abroad with children in tow need not be a headache. Several cities, such as Prague and Copenhagen, feature kid-friendly attractions even the adults will enjoy, plus a wide array of spacious, self-catering holiday homes for your comfort and convenience.
Museums and a mirror maze await in Prague
With scores of museums, including smaller attractions with interactive offerings, Prague will surely keep the family entertained. Carve out time to ride the funicular railway from Ujezd Street to historic Petrin Hill. At the top of the hill, you can climb the Petrin Lookout Tower for stunning views over the city, or enter the Mirror Maze and have a laugh at your reflections in the funhouse mirrors.
Copenhagen offers plenty of family fun
Child-friendly Copenhagen’s 2 amusement parks – Dyrehavsbakken and Tivoli Gardens – are the oldest in the world, while National Aquarium Denmark, Den Bla Planet is northern Europe’s biggest aquarium. In between exciting visits to those major attractions, you can enjoy lazy days at the city’s many parks and cafes.
European city breaks for solo travellers
The idea of travelling on one’s own doesn’t appeal to everyone, but if you’d like a go at it, then a weekend city break may be ideal. You can book a holiday letting for privacy, more space and the familiar comforts of home.
You’ll never be bored on a solo trip to Barcelona
Marvel at the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s other Modernista masterpieces in the Eixample district, or visit the Gothic Quarter’s museums and plazas. If you want some company, sign up for a free walking tour, or head for the bustling street of La Rambla, where you’re sure to encounter fellow travellers and more than a few street performers.
If you’re travelling alone, London won’t let you down
No worries if you’re all by your lonesome in London – with so much to do and see, your holiday will fill up pretty quickly. Watch a West End show, go museum hopping in South Kensington and indulge in some retail therapy at the plethora of shops lining Oxford Street. When you need to catch your breath, Hyde Park and Regent’s Park offer prime picnic spots in the city centre.