Discover a world of culture, cuisine, and cool in just one brilliant weekend.
Dive into the Heart of the Action
There’s a special kind of magic to a city break. It’s a concentrated shot of pure adventure, a whirlwind 48 or 72 hours where you can swap your everyday routine for the vibrant, pulsating energy of a completely new world. This is the art of the short-haul escape, perfected. In just a couple of days, you can be sipping coffee in a Parisian café, marvelling at ancient Roman ruins, or getting lost in the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam. A city break is the ultimate recharger; it’s long enough to feel like a proper holiday but short enough to fit into a long weekend, giving you a powerful dose of culture, cuisine, and discovery without needing to use up all your annual leave. It's the perfect, pint-sized adventure for the modern traveller.
Why a City Break? Three Reasons to Dive In
Maximum Adventure, Minimum Leave!
This is the city break’s superpower. It’s a full-on holiday experience cleverly packed into just a few days. You can leave work on a Friday afternoon and be eating dinner in a different country that evening. It’s the most efficient way to satisfy your travel bug, offering a huge return on your time investment.
A Cultural Shot in the Arm
Cities are incredible, concentrated hubs of human history and creativity. In just one weekend, you can wander through world-class museums, stand in awe of iconic architectural landmarks, and soak up a history that stretches back thousands of years. It’s like a highlights reel of a country’s culture, all within walking distance.
Eat, Drink, and Explore!
Cities are where you’ll find the pulse of a nation’s culinary and social scene. From bustling food markets and cheap-and-cheerful street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants and hidden cocktail bars, a city break is a feast for the senses. When the sun goes down, the city lights up, offering endless entertainment possibilities.
City Break Locations
Short Haul City Breaks
Long Haul City Breaks
Eight Iconic Cities for Your Next Escape
Paris, France: The Epitome of Romance and Art
Best for: An unforgettable trip filled with romance, art, and iconic sights.
The French capital is the undisputed queen of the city break. It’s a city that invites you to stroll aimlessly along the Seine, to spend hours in world-famous museums like the Louvre, and to simply sit at a pavement café and watch the world go by. From the majestic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre, Paris is pure, timeless magic.
Rome, Italy: Walk Through a Living Museum
Best for: A breathtaking journey into the heart of the ancient world.
Rome is not just a city; it’s an epic, open-air museum where 3,000 years of history are on display at every turn. Stand in awe of the mighty Colosseum, explore the heart of the Roman Empire in the Forum, and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Then, indulge in the simple perfection of pasta, pizza, and gelato. It’s a city that will overwhelm your senses in the best possible way.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Canals, Culture, and Cool Vibes
Best for: A relaxed and cultural break with a uniquely cool atmosphere.
With its charming gabled houses, famous canal network, and laid-back atmosphere, Amsterdam is effortlessly cool. You can explore world-class art at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, reflect on history at the Anne Frank House, or simply rent a bike and explore the city like a local. It’s a beautiful, compact, and incredibly friendly city that is a joy to discover.
Barcelona, Spain: Sun, Sea, and Surrealist Style
Best for: A perfect blend of relaxation, amazing food, and unique art.
Barcelona is a city of two halves: a vibrant, sun-drenched Mediterranean port with a brilliant beach, and a whimsical wonderland of surreal architecture courtesy of Antoni Gaudí. Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter, marvel at the still-unfinished Sagrada Família, and then feast on delicious tapas until late at night.
Prague, Czech Republic: A Fairy-Tale City of Spires
Best for: A stunningly beautiful and incredibly historical escape.
Walking through Prague is like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale. The city is a breathtaking spectacle of Gothic spires, cobbled lanes, and medieval squares, all dominated by a magnificent castle on the hill. Cross the iconic Charles Bridge at sunrise, discover the history in the old Jewish Quarter, and enjoy the city’s famously good (and cheap!) beer.
Dublin, Ireland: Craic, Culture, and Cosy Pubs
Best for: A lively, fun, and incredibly friendly weekend getaway.
The Irish capital offers one of the warmest welcomes in Europe. Dublin is a city with a huge heart and a rich literary soul, but its real magic is found in its pubs. Enjoying a pint of the 'black stuff' in a traditional pub, listening to live Irish music, is an essential experience. Combine this legendary 'craic' with fascinating history and friendly locals, and you have the perfect short break.
Krakow, Poland: A City of History and Heart
Best for: A beautiful and poignant journey through European history.
Krakow is a city of immense beauty and profound historical significance. Its perfectly preserved medieval old town and the vast Main Market Square are among the most beautiful in Europe. The city also serves as a base for deeply moving and essential visits to the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and the incredible Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Lisbon, Portugal: The Charismatic City of Seven Hills
Best for: A soulful and scenic break fuelled by fantastic food.
Portugal's effortlessly cool capital is a feast for the senses. Ride the charming yellow Tram 28 through its hilly, charismatic streets, listen to the soulful sounds of Fado music drifting from a local restaurant, and feast on delicious fresh seafood and the legendary pastéis de nata (custard tarts). It’s a vibrant, soulful, and affordable city with a wonderful, laid-back vibe.
Four Top Tips for the Perfect Adult-Only Holiday
Your Feet Are Your Best Friends
The single most important item you can pack for a city break is a pair of comfortable, broken-in shoes. You will walk miles exploring cobbled streets, vast museums, and sprawling parks. Happy feet mean a happy holiday, so prioritise comfort over style – your ankles will thank you for it!
Go Local, Go Public
The best way to get around a city and save money is to use its public transport system. Whether it’s the Metro in Paris, the trams in Lisbon, or the U-Bahn in Berlin, it’s fast, efficient, and lets you experience the city like a local. Look into buying a multi-day travel pass for the best value.
Get Lost to Find the Real City
The iconic sights are a must-see, but the real magic of a city is often found in the quiet backstreets. Make time to put the map away and just wander. You’ll stumble upon hidden courtyards, authentic local cafes, and charming little shops that aren't in any guidebook, giving you a true taste of the city’s soul.
Book Smart, Explore More
To maximise your short time away, book as much as you can in advance. This includes flights and centrally located accommodation to minimise travel time. For super-popular attractions like the Anne Frank House or the Uffizi Gallery, booking your ticket online for a specific time slot is essential to avoid spending half your day in a queue.
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The Perfect Pint-Sized Adventure
Get your fix of culture, cuisine, and excitement in one brilliant weekend.
A city break is the ultimate quick-fix for the travel-starved soul. It’s a powerful reminder of how much wonder, history, and excitement can be packed into just a couple of days. This is your chance to press pause on the routine and dive headfirst into a new culture, tasting new foods, hearing new sounds, and seeing sights that will inspire and energise you. For anyone looking for a short, manageable, and utterly brilliant escape, the city break is, and always will be, the perfect choice.
