Top 10 City Breaks
2024 is the year for you to get out there and explore, and with top deals to some truly unique destinations across Europe or further afield, you will find the perfect way to get away from it all for a weekend filled with culture, great food and new scenery. We have gone ahead and created a list of our top destinations for city breaks this year, whether it is wandering along the canals of Amsterdam or sipping cava on the promenade in Barcelona, you will find the best deal to make sure that you get that much deserved break.
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the perfect city break at anytime of year. Whether it is strolling along the canals on a crisp winter’s evening or soaking in the carnival atmosphere in spring during King’s Day, you are guaranteed to find something unique on your trip.
The city is a true cultural hub, having played a key role in European history. Lose yourself in the wonders of the Rijksmuseum or explore the Anne Frank House that offers an incredible insight into one of history’s darkest chapters.
“A bad day in London is still better than a good day anywhere else” or so the saying goes. It is impossible to get bored in the British capital. The city is truly the multicultural capital of the world, offering everything from Brazilian inspired sushi at the top of a skyscraper to fish and chips at cosy pubs with roaring fires.
Whatever you want, London will have it on offer. For first time visitors, there is no beating the walk from Hyde Park Corner to Buckingham Palace and up towards the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar. For the more seasoned traveller, London’s vibrant neighbourhoods each have a distinct identity. From the village setting of Hampstead to the edgy vibes of Shoreditch, you can never finish exploring this city.
Prague is constantly rated as one of the world’s prettiest cities, and it is no surprise given the stunning medieval architecture with the iconic Charles Bridge that crosses the Vltava river.
Prague allows visitors to spend the day exploring the culture of a city that has sat at the crossroad of Eastern and Western Europe. When the sun goes down, the city offers a vibrant nightlife that attracts visitors from across Europe.
Lisbon has all the trappings of a vibrant modern capital, and yet celebrates the glory of its past with stunning architecture that lines every street of the hillside neighbourhoods. Lisbon is a capital city that is full of contrasts. The cobbled streets that rattle with the sound of old trams truly gives you a sense of stepping back in time. Stunning views across the Tagus river combined with neighbourhood bars that bustle with locals as fado music fills the air.
The sunniest capital in Europe makes for the perfect escape when the grey skies become too much and we are sure Lisbon’s charm will guarantee that you leave wanting to come back for more.
It is no wonder that Barcelona is such a popular city break destination, with its distinctive neighbourhoods, each with a different character that means that visitors return year on year to discover the latest fashionable neighbourhood.
Barcelona holds a surprise around every corner, from the quirky architecture of the gothic quarter, the bustling flow of La Rambla and the modernist buildings that line the streets of Eixample.
So whether you like the idea of climbing up to Bunkers del Carmel to get a panoramic view, discovering the artistic hangouts that define each neighbourhood, or kicking back in a bar, you’ll be able to find a spot in the Catalan capital.
Rome is a seamless blend of history and modern design. We often say that cities have a unique character but there is truly no beating Rome where to walk down its cobbled streets is to take journey through the story of human civilisation. The imposing Coliseum somehow seems so in place almost 2000 years after its construction. The Pantheon will stun you with the way the light enters into the temple.
Rome of course attracts millions of tourists but there is always a way to get away from the crowds, losing yourself amongst the terracota houses. Rome is our greatest link to the past but its residents do no dwell, they are fiercely modern and continue to innovate with cuisine, fashion, art and much more. Spending just a weekend in the eternal city will serve as all the inspiration you need for the year ahead.
How did a city so beautiful fly under the radar of European travellers for so long. Budapest sits on the banks of the Danube and is a city that is defined by its grand imperial architecture, most notably the Parliament building which has a fairytale quality to it. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge which links the twin cities of Buda and Pest together is a must visit, especially in the evening when its lights gently reflect off the waters below.
Arguably the most famous attraction in the city are the thermal baths (located close to the aforementioned bridge) which date back to the 1880s. Here visitors can bathe in waters that are naturally heated to 75°C, which is a particular welcome treat in the winter when temperature’s in the city sit around freezing.
The city of love is always a good idea when you are searching for a weekend of elegance filled with culture and sophistication.
With iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe, whether you come to shop, eat, wander around or simply muse, there's no city on earth that has the effortless chic feel of Paris. Highlights include museums such as the Musee D'Orsay and the Louvre as well as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the elegant Champ Elysees. Located nearby for day trips are the Gardens of Monet, the Palace of Versailles and of course, Disneyland Paris.
What can be said about New York that hasn’t been said before. The Big Apple is arguably the world’s most iconic city having served as the backdrop for endless films. From the bright lights of Midtown Manhattan to the more alternative vibes of Williamsburg, this city allows you to make it your own. The five boroughs are so distinct that they are almost like cities in their won right.
The most iconic being Manhattan where European visitors will no doubt leave with a sore neck having spent all day staring up truly iconic skyscrapers such as the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. After a day of strolling down endless avenues, there is always the perfect evening sipping on cocktails in the cosy setting of Greenwich Village with its quirky bars and live music.
The more unknown entry on our list, Krakow is a city that has become increasingly fashionable over recent years. Poland’s most picturesque city has been charming visitors with its mixture of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture.
The main market square is beautifully lit in winter with twinkling lights and market stalls serving up warming food and drink. In the warmer months, the city takes on a more cafe culture vibe with terraces stretching out from bars. Whatever time you choose to visit, Krakow has all the makings of a memorable city break where you will not be limited by your own preconceptions.
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