By Nabiha at Verses by a Voyager | Follow on Pinterest. Byron famously called Dubrovnik the Pearl of the Adriatic, and it’s easy to see why. Over in hilly Buda, there’s the magical Buda Castle and some of Budapest’s best-known thermal baths: the city was founded by the Romans for its healing waters, and the spa scene is just as much a part of daily life today as it was back then. You can even find rates that are cheaper than booking the hotel on its own, so whether you're set on your next city break or just want to see what's available, have a browse. But beyond the obvious tick-off-the-list landmarks – glittering St Mark’s Basilica, Gothic Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge – there is a quiet labyrinth of cobbled streets and narrow canals to explore. Sip espresso by an Italian … Ljubljana, SloveniaI had a brilliant few days in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Captivating cobbled streets curl around historic buildings set amongst incredible mountain views. Marvel at the city… Today, the city is filled with kooky pop-ups, start-ups, art galleries, cool little boutiques and a slew of exciting new hotels. Thinking about a weekend away but not sure where to start? 15 of the Best City Breaks for Couples in Europe Barcelona City Breaks for Couples . Additional baggage charges may apply to flights and to packages, including flights provided by low cost airlines. The Berlin Wall was dismantled in 1989, but the East and West still show signs of the political, cultural and physical divide that existed for almost 30 years. By creating an account, I agree to the Expedia. For real-life interiors inspiration, as opposed to scrolling through images on Instagram, Copenhagen is the ultimate go-to, from the flagship store of beloved homewares brand Hay to Stilleben for accessories (smoked-glass vases, retro floral tea cosies, rose-quartz teaspoons) and art prints from the Paper Collective Design Gallery. First up, New York City is an easy contender for the USA’s … Package prices quoted are per person per stay based on the cheapest return flights from the specified airports and two people sharing the cheapest double room, inclusive of all taxes. With our selection of two night breaks, there’s no excuse not to treat yourself to a trip. And there’s more: it’s circled by mountains and sea, so visitors can hike in the summer, ski in the winter and visit the region’s lush green fjords filled with pretty forest-shrouded islets all year round. Thinking of an anniversary trip or just want to surprise your other half with a treat? The best city breaks in Europe are made even better with our editor's guide. Fly into a European capital or coastal city and be instantly immersed in a cultural, urban maze. Please click through to individual deals to confirm prices, availability and applicable terms and conditions for those deals. Austria’s capital really comes into its own as a winter city break, when a crisp layer of snow covers the streets, its storied coffee houses emit a welcoming glow and pretty cobbled squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The sun-drenched Andalusian capital is one of Europe’s steamiest cities. Read more about Budapest in our Budapest city guide, Where to stay: Primo Piano Posillipo, a funky four-bedroom B&B in a 19th-century palazzoFlight time: 2hr 40min from LondonTrain time: In around 20 hours, via Paris and Milan. And if you want to escape to the country, spend a night or two at Gleneagles, just an hour’s drive up into the Highlands. A small city with a huge personality, Amsterdam is perfect for a whirlwind city break. Top 10 European city break destinations. Travel the café-lined … Discover the city’s legendary pubs, rifle through a treasure trove of goods at the George’s Street Arcade flea market, bag a table at one of Dublin’s clutch of Michelin-starred restaurants or head along the coast for bracing walks along Dublin bay. Wander down cobbled lanes, stroll up one of the city’s seven hills for far-reaching views of the turreted skyline stretching all the way down to the coast, and admire the varied architecture of the distinctly Georgian and medieval parts of the city. Some of the biggest names in travel offer to take the hassle out of a city break by organising a package for you. Expedia’s usual booking terms and conditions apply. You'll find loads of offers on weekend breaks in Europe, so you can enjoy a trip to a top city with just a day or two off work to make the most of a long weekend. With a distinctly different character to Lisbon (it’s easier to navigate on foot, for starters), Porto is perhaps most famous for its port-wine cellars on the south side of the Douro River. Whether you're thinking of a short break in Barcelona or looking for a weekend in Amsterdam, when you book your flight and accommodation together with Expedia you can get a bargain thanks to our package deals on European city breaks. A trip during the summer, when the Fringe – the largest arts festival in the world – brings the city alive, is a must. Art fans shouldn’t miss the 20th-century masterpieces in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Miró, Mondrian, Dalí) or the Venice Biennale, which typically runs from May to November. Venice is always a spectacular destination. All rights reserved. Please check you have entered your email address correctly before continuing. Take a 2 night break in Paris, and you can explore the culture and romance of the city … They’re all quick to get to from London – some are even a train ride away; so here’s our pick of the best city breaks in Europe. Read more about Vienna in our list of the top things to do in Vienna, Where to stay: The Westbury, a grand, family-owned hotel with the best location in the city Flight time: 1hr 25min from LondonTrain time: Direct trains to Holyhead take just under 4 hours, while the ferry to Dublin takes just over 3 hours. Capitals such as Rome, Prague, Paris, Reykjavik and Budapest are among the line-up, along with cultural centres like Krakow and Dubrovnik. But really, there’s nothing nicer than a morning spent strolling along the pretty canals lined with townhouses and soaking up the chilled vibe of the place. Top 12 city breaks in Europe. Escape to the pine-covered Elafiti Islands on day trips, stopping to swim in secluded bays and secret coves, or head up the coast to visit the world-class wineries and oyster farms in the nearby Peljesac peninsula. But wander across the landmark Chain Bridge to find the more authentic side. Print + Digital These days the compact city is all about creatives pedalling around on their bicycles and buying artisanal bread and cheese at the Saturday Noordermarkt. The fashion industry may be the lifeblood of Italy’s capital of chic, but beyond the sophisticated storefronts and grand design houses, Milan boasts a haul of its own cultural treasures, too. Read more about Prague in our Prague city guide, Where to stay: Villa Dubrovnik, set in a modernist glass and stone building perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dalmatian Sea Flight time: 2hr 40min from LondonTrain time: In around 36 hours, with potential stop-off points in Paris, Munich and Zagreb/Split. Prague never gets old, you can visit multiple times and still not see everything. Plan your next city break and get 20% off with our package deals on destinations around Europe. Read our guide to the best things to do in Warsaw or watch our video on eastern Europe’s most interesting city, Where to stay: The achingly cool, shabby-chic Hoxton, a genuinely affordable option in a city that isn’t known for being cheap Flight time: In around 1 hour and 15 minutes from LondonTrain time: The Eurostar goes direct to Paris in 2 hours and 19 minutes. You can secure your city break … There are the old favourites, of course – Paris, Amsterdam, Rome – but there’s a clutch of more offbeat places, too, with a fresh dynamism and a new wave of hot hotels and cutting-edge restaurants. Prague is a classic European city break destination. Read more features on Barcelona or jump straight to the best hotels in Barcelona and the best rooftop bars in Barcelona, Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, a beautiful Art Nouveau landmark in an unbeatable location Flight time: 2hr 30min from LondonTrain time: In around 22 hours, via Brussels, Cologne and Munich. And despite its size, this achingly cool port town packs a punch, racing to keep up with its better-known European fashion neighbours. This website and our general terms and conditions will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each travel service offered before you make your booking. Read more about Florence in our Florence city guide or check out our round-up of the city’s best rooftop bars, Where to stay: Soho House Amsterdam, which stands out for having one of the few rooftop bars in the cityFlight time: 1h 15min from LondonTrain time: The Eurostar now goes direct from London to Amsterdam in 3 hours and 55 minutes. For the past few years there has been a growing buzz about Lisbon, the hilly coastal capital with pastel-coloured buildings in the old town and trundling yellow trams. A city break is the perfect way to explore Europe’s most beautiful locations. Porto, Portugal. A very simple and easy going guide to the top destinations for city breaks in Europe, including what to do in each city: Rome, Italy The mild Mediterranean climate in Rome is a persuasive draw for visitors from … Read more about Naples in our Naples city guide, Where to stay: The Augustine – hands down the city’s best hotel, with Olga Polizzi interiors and a sweeping courtyard restaurantFlight time: 1hr 55min from LondonTrain time: In around 19 hours, via Paris and Zurich. For Packages that do not include a flight or Linked Travel Arrangements created on Expedia.co.uk, all monies paid over in the case of non flight-inclusive Packages, or any monies paid directly to us in the case of Linked Travel Arrangements, are fully protected by insurance in the event of our insolvency. For a city break closer to home, Scotland’s cultural and political capital also happens to be one of Europe’s loveliest cities. The classic city break in Europe, getting lost in Paris is half the fun; the only real way to explore the city’s 20 different arrondissements is on foot, stopping to people-watch on wicker-chair-lined café terraces spilling onto beautiful cobbled streets. Berlin is a fascinating place and a monument of living history. Children under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats. Who to book your European city break with. Visit the Red City on the edge of the Sahara for an exotic adventure. Keen kite surfers head south to Castelldefels, a 30-minute drive away. Read more about Venice in our Venice city guide, Where to stay: Raffles Europejski, a grand old city staple recently refreshed with a new, understated elegance Flight time: 2h 25min from LondonTrain time: In around 16 hours, via Brussels and Cologne. Read more about Paris in our Paris city guide or jump straight to the best hotels in Paris and the best restaurants in Paris, Where to stay: Almalusa Baixa/Chiado, minutes from the riverside, where the best rooms look out onto Lisbon’s stately municipal square Flight time: 2h 45min from LondonTrain time: In around 24 hours, via Paris and Spain. Teddy Wolstenholme. Why not see if you can find a cheap weekend deal to London. Read more about Stockholm in our Stockholm city guide or check out our round-up of the top ten things to do in the city, Where to stay: Sir Savigny Hotel in Charlottenburg, where masculine interiors are inspired by the hotel’s namesake, a fictional character imagined as a well-travelled bon vivant Flight time: 1h 50min from LondonTrain time: In around 9 hours, via Brussels and Cologne. Inside the UNESCO-protected old town, it’s a warren of uneven lanes and hidden courtyards, microbreweries, turn-of-the-century grand cafés and chocolate-box houses. After five trips to … Read more about Rome in our Rome city guide or jump straight to the best hotels in Rome or the best restaurants in Rome, Where to stay: Torel 1884, a former palazzo that feels like a lovely private homeFlight time: 2h 25min from LondonTrain time: In around 23 hours, via Paris with various potential stop-off points in France, Spain or Portugal.