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Jet off on a city break to soak up ancient cultures, experience cosmopolitan neighbourhoods or treat your tastebuds to an eclectic array of foods – or perhaps all three?
For short breaks that don’t eat up too many annual leave days, European cities are the obvious choice. And we’re really spoiled when it comes to the mainland. Historic Dubrovnik, the thriving art scene in Madrid, gastronomic delights in Lisbon – they’re all some of the best cities on the continent.
With tons of city break deals on offer, including budget-friendly bank holiday getaways, you won’t have to break the bank to experience them. Alternatively, there are plenty of luxury city breaks to choose from if you want to dial up the indulgence and celebrate with an all-out, 5-star escape.
If you’re looking to rack up a few sunbathing hours during your trip, picking a city on the coast gives you the best of both worlds. Soak up the city’s historical heritage in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon.
In the UK, Edinburgh is popular for its whisky bars, fairytale architecture and Christmas markets, while London boasts endless street food spots, iconic landmarks and world-class shopping.
But don’t limit your options to Europe’s borders, as there are some truly fantastic cities in striking distance. Exotic Marrakech is less than a 4-hour flight from Ireland, with awe-inspiring New York (a favourite among Irish holidaymakers) just a little further. Or, for the ultimate city break, you can’t beat Dubai – a city break-come-beach holiday that has a mind-boggling array of things to see and do.
Why book City Breaks holidays
Explore the city
Take a boat down the canals in Amsterdam, discover the ancient Colosseum in Rome or wander down the pretty shopping streets of Barcelona.
Popular with couples
With cosy cafés, the magnificent Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to experience, Paris, the city of love, is an idyllic destination for romantics.
Hit the nightlife and bar scene
On the harbourfront in Venice, you can sip on your favourite cocktails with a view over the water or head to Berlin for a bustling party scene.
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Your guide to City Breaks holidays
Top city break destinations
When it comes to city breaks, there are so many amazing places to choose from. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Barcelona: This is one of the top destinations for a European city break. It’s renowned for its art, architecture, famous football stadium (Camp Nou) and tasty Spanish cuisine. The stunning La Sagrada Familia cathedral is one of the most iconic attractions in Spain and is a must-visit.
- Prague: This charming city is often considered a cheap city break destination, thanks to its great-value hotels and affordable food and drink. Top attractions include gothic churches, museums and the botanical gardens. Simply strolling through the old town square, or taking a peaceful walk across the Charles Bridge to admire the city sights, are attractions in themselves!
- Berlin: Head to the capital of Germany for a getaway to remember. This vibrant city is known for its historical attractions, iconic landmarks and nightlife. Berlin is also a top destination for Christmas markets. Visit during the festive period to join in the celebrations.
- Paris: It might be known as the ‘city of love’, but Paris is a great city break destination for all types of holidaymakers. Spend your time visiting museums, sampling French cuisine and discovering iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world-famous Disneyland Paris, the perfect place for a family holiday.
- Rome: One of the most popular holiday destinations in Italy, there’s so much to see and do on Rome city breaks. Take a trip to the Vatican, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, see the Pantheon and admire the towering Colosseum.
- USA: If you fancy flying further afield to destinations like the USA, book a long weekend break in the Big Apple. New York City is a top spot for sightseeing and shopping, and you’ll find plenty to do. Las Vegas is another popular city break destination in America, with tourists often visiting for three or four days to watch dazzling shows, experience the vibrant nightlife and visit the casinos.
The best things to do on a city break
Get the most out of your city break by ensuring your itinerary is filled with activities you’ll love. Whether it’s spending the day at the beach or wandering through amazing museums, there’s something for everyone.
- See the top attractions: Many cities have an iconic landmark that symbolises that destination. For New York, it’s the Statue of Liberty, for Paris it’s the Eiffel Tower, and when you think of Rome, the Colosseum instantly comes to mind. If you love sightseeing, you’ll want to add famous attractions like this to your must-see list.
- Discover historical sites: In addition to well-known landmarks and attractions, European cities are a fantastic place to see historical wonders like churches, castles and ancient relics. Athens is a top pick for history enthusiasts who want to discover fascinating ruins and time-worn temples.
- Book a tour: When you arrive in a new city, we’re sure you’ll want to get out and explore. If you’re not sure where to start, you can book a guided walking tour to take you around the city’s points of interest. There are lots more tours you can enjoy on city breaks, including food and wine tasting trips, segway excursions and bus tours.
- Try the local cuisine: Make the most of the opportunity to try traditional cuisine on your city break. Whether it’s tasty tapas in Spain, or hearty pizza and pasta in Italy, you’ll find something to satisfy your tastebuds. Lots of cities have street food stalls where you can pick up authentic eats. If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, currywurst is one of the most popular dishes. It’s a Bratwurst sausage that’s smothered in a delicious curry sauce.
- Visit museums: Immerse yourself in culture by visiting some of the world’s best museums on your city break. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-see in New York, while the Louvre Museum in Paris houses the famous Mona Lisa painting.
- Spend a day at the beach: You might think that city breaks are just for sightseeing, but we’d recommend carving out some time to spend a day lounging on the beach. Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona is a great place to unwind on the sand, while Dubrovnik has a string of pretty beaches along the coast.
Your questions answered
Europe’s cities all have different personalities, gourmet delicacies and fascinating pasts to discover, making each one more than worthy of a weekend break. However, some of the most popular city break destinations include favourites like London, Barcelona, Paris and Rome.
Fancy somewhere more off the beaten path? Check out the rich historical and cultural heritage of cities like Dubrovnik, Krakow or Athens.
Prices last checked at 00:27 19 January 2025