A city break is one of the easiest ways to make the most of a few days away. You can leave the UK in the morning and be exploring a different culture by lunchtime.
This guide includes a mix of well-known favourites and places you may not have thought about before. We’ve focused on cities with lots to do, good value and direct flights from many UK airports.
Many travellers head straight for Paris, Amsterdam or Barcelona. If you’ve already been to those or fancy choosing somewhere else, these less familiar cities offer something new.
For ease, we’ve focused on destinations that use the euro as their currency.
Slovenia's capital often surprises first-time visitors. The city centre is compact, walkable and full of character.
Ljubljana is often cheaper than many western European capitals. Restaurants, local transport and attractions are usually fairly priced, so it can be a good choice if you want value.
Lille is less than 90 minutes from London by Eurostar. You can also fly there from some UK cities. It mixes French and Flemish influences, which gives the city its own feel.
Lille can be more affordable than Paris, particularly for accommodation and dining. Its compact centre also makes it easy to see a lot without spending much on transport.
If you enjoy discovering stories from the past, these cities offer centuries of history alongside modern attractions.
Valletta may be one of Europe's smallest capitals, but it's packed with historic landmarks.
Museums and public transport are generally affordable. Hotels usually cost more in the busy summer months.
Seville combines history, architecture and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great choice if you want sunshine, culture and plenty to explore on foot.
Food and drink can be good value compared with some other major European cities, especially away from the busiest tourist areas.
Great food can turn a good city break into a brilliant one.
While Rome, Florence and Venice often grab the headlines, Bologna is one of Italy's great food cities. Its markets, pasta shops and simple trattorias make it a strong choice if food is a big part of your trip.
You can spend as much or as little as you like in Bologna, but simple local restaurants often offer excellent value.
Porto offers riverside views, historic streets and a food scene that's becoming increasingly well known.
Porto is often seen as one of western Europe’s better-value city break destinations, especially for food and public transport.
How much you’ll need depends on where you go, how you like to travel and the time of year.
In general:
Check exchange rates before you travel and set a spending budget before you go. Think about meals, local transport, attractions and small extras, so your daily budget feels realistic.
Travelling outside school holidays can help you avoid crowds and may offer better value. Read our travel money tips for more ways to make your holiday budget go further.
Many of Europe's best cities are easiest to explore on foot. Comfortable shoes can make a big difference. Read our travel packing guide for checklists of the other items you need for different holiday types, including city breaks.
Not every city break has to mean long walks. Many European cities have hop-on hop-off buses, river cruises, trams, accessible public transport and guided tours, so you can see the highlights with less walking.
Before you travel, check accessibility information for attractions, transport and where you’re staying. Planning ahead can help you enjoy more of the city in a way that suits you.
While many destinations in this guide use the euro, some nearby cities across Europe use different currencies. Remember, it’s easy to order any of over 60 foreign currencies at Post Office, online or in branch.
| City | Country | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Porto | Portugal | Euro (EUR) |
| Seville | Spain | Euro (EUR) |
| Bologna | Italy | Euro (EUR) |
| Valletta | Malta | Euro (EUR) |
| Ljubljana | Slovenia | Euro (EUR) |
| Kraków | Poland | Polish złoty (PLN) |
| Prague | Czech Republic | Czech koruna (CZK) |
| Budapest | Hungary | Hungarian forint (HUF) |
| Sarajevo | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Convertible mark (BAM) |
| Tirana | Albania | Albanian lek (ALL) |
Festivals, sporting events and public holidays can affect prices, availability and how busy a city feels. A major concert, marathon or festival could make hotels more expensive, while local celebrations may give you something special to experience.
Check what's happening during your travel dates before you book. You might decide to avoid the crowds or plan your trip around an event that interests you.
For a fuller list, read our travel packing guide for city break packing ideas.
Lille is one of the quickest and easiest city breaks to reach from the UK, especially if you’re travelling from London. You can fly there in around 70 minutes or take the Eurostar from London and arrive in less than 90 minutes.
Ljubljana is a strong choice if you're looking for a walkable city with culture, historic streets and easy access to nature. It gives you the feel of a capital city without the scale or pace of bigger tourist hubs.
Porto and Ljubljana are often considered good-value options compared with some of western Europe's larger cities. For a more detailed look at which European cities could offer the best value, check the findings of our City Costs Barometer.
Yes. Many European cities can be explored comfortably over a long weekend. Three days works best when you choose a walkable city and plan a few must-see places in advance.
Spring and early autumn often give you a good mix of pleasant weather, fewer crowds and comfortable sightseeing.
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