The best city breaks in Europe

The best city breaks in Europe are made even better with our editor's guide, including where to go, what to do and where to stay in Europe's top cities

By Sarah James

30 September 2023

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Whether you’re looking for a whistle-stop weekend hop or a more languid, leisurely stay, much is to be said about the beauty and ease of a city break in Europe. 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. Some of the best city breaks in Europe are packed with cultural splendour, others are known for their smart boutiques and world-class fashion scenes, while the best come with a sweep of golden sand. They’re all quick to get to from London – some are even a train ride away; so here’s our pick of the 38 best city breaks in Europe. If you're looking for a more affordable getaway, then take a look at our round up of the cheapest city breaks in Europe.

38 best city breaks in Europe

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1. Kotor, Montenegro
Best for: yachties
Flight time: 2h45 min from London. Alternatively, fly to Dubrovnik in 2h40min – from here, it’s just under two hours to Kotor by car
Train time: Around three days from London via Belgrade, but it’s worth it – the final leg from Belgrade to Podgorica is one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe
Weighing in at just two-thirds the size of Wales and with a population of less than a million, the tiny Balkan state of Montenegro still flies under the radar for many European visitors – but just a few hours’ drives from better-known Dubrovnik, UNESCO-protected Kotor shares many of its Croatian neighbour’s charms. Circled by ancient stone walls, its warren of honey-dipped, maze-like streets was intentionally built in such a way to confuse invaders (the Venetian empire ruled her for over 400 years), and there’s a delicious sense that the city was frozen in time. The crystal-clear bay edging Kotor is high on natural drama – flanked by steep, brooding limestone and granite mountains plunging straight into the sea, it could easily masquerade as a Norwegian fjord. While you’re here, jump in a boat and zip out into the water to peek inside Our Lady of the Rocks, a beautiful church squirrelled away on a floating island in front of the city – and make time to scramble up Fortress San Giovanni for a birds’ eye view of the old town’s terracotta rooftops. Timing your visit with the start of the summer yachting season adds an extra layer of fun when glamorous crowds descend on Kotor’s lively waterfront restaurants before cove-hopping along the unspoiled Bay of Kotor.
Where to stay: Located right on the marina, Hotel Astoria is packed with character – but if you’ve got a boat at your disposal, stop off at achingly chic One & Only Portonovi for a night or two on your way in or out of the city.
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2. Syracuse, Sicily
Best for: archaeological enthusiasts
Flight time: 3h10 minutes to Catania, which is around an hour’s drive from Syracuse
Train time: around 24 hours from London via Paris and Milan and including a sleeper train across the Strait of Messenia to Sicily
In its Greco-Roman heyday, Syracuse was the world's largest and most important ancient city – and today, it’s home to some of Europe’s most celebrated archaeological ruins. But this diminutive, sun-drenched Sicilian city (a few years ago, it recorded Europe’s highest-ever temperature) is far more than the sum of its historical parts. With Mount Etna smouldering quietly in the background, glassy Porto Grande Bay gently curling around the city and a beguiling blend of Baroque, Greek, Roman and Medieval architecture packed into the narrow streets, the setting itself does much of the talking. A quick hop across the water leads you to Ortigia, Syracuse’s historical centre, where the daily food market is a hit on the senses and the contemporary restaurants draw critical acclaim. In the summer, rise early to snaffle a spot on the small pebbly beach at Spiaggia di Cala Rossa, or settle in for a coffee and some people-watching in glittering Piazza Duomo. Following your nose is the only real way to explore, but whatever you do, make sure you find your way to Antica Giudecca – their jumbo arancini balls are hands down the best street food in town.
Where to stay: Spread across two beautifully-restored 19th-century palazzi, Hotel Gutwowski sits on the water’s edge in Ortigia. Ultra-minimalist, dreamy-creamy bedrooms look out over the coastline, and there’s a gorgeous rooftop terrace for sucking in the salty air.
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3. Valencia, Spain
Best for: food-lovers
Flight time: 2h25min from London
Train time: around 15 hours from London, via Paris and Barcelona
San Sebastian may be Spain’s undisputed culinary capital, but another unsung hero is clicking at its heels. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, Spain’s national dish – and ringed by orange groves bursting with sunshine-sweet citrus fruits, lauded for its bounty of fresh seafood and currently gearing up to host 2023’s World 50 Best Restaurant Awards – this city certainly isn’t lagging far behind. With a fraction of the tourist numbers of Madrid or Barcelona, it’s easy to fall for Valencia’s small-town vibe and big-town buzz. Boundary-pushing architecture sits side-by-side with the city’s gothic-meets-baroque cathedral. At the same time, star attractions include the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and Europe’s biggest and best aquarium, harbouring Patagonian sea lions, beluga whales and black-tipped reef sharks. In the fifties, a devastating flood wrought havoc on the city and forced the government to reroute the river wending its way around the centre – in its place, the Turia Gardens is a 9km oasis of waving palms, boating lakes, manicured gardens and bicycle routes, making two wheels in this city more popular than four. There are beaches: a thrilling mix of pretty coves kissing the edge of old fishermen’s towns and vast open swathes of golden sand with nightlife dotted along the shore.
Where to stay: Make the most of Valencia’s coastal location by checking into Balandret Hotel, a smart boutique hotel spilling onto the seafront. From here, it’s an easy meander through the Turia Gardens to reach the city centre, with bikes available to hire from reception. For more, see our pick of the best hotels in Valencia.
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4. Lyon, France
Best for: foodie Francophiles
Flight time: 1h40 minutes from London
Train time: 4h41 minutes via the Eurostar
This French city could be our favourite wildcard destination. This gastronomy-obsessed spot has gone from strength to strength on the culinary scene. Head to Vieux Lyon for the small legendary hotspots with reputations that have pulled in foodies from around the world – Les Loges is a Michelin-starred restaurant hidden inside Cour Des Loges, while Daniel et Denise is a more rustic, classic place for chequered table clothes and decadent dishes. Work off your lunch with a hike (or hop in the funicular) up to the top of Fourvière to get a view of the city below, and admire the winding roads, sloping roofs and double-whammy of glistening rivers, the Saône and the Rhône.
Where to stay: For a seriously impressive stay, Cour Des Loges is a masterpiece in historic sophistication. This elegant hotel has decadent rooms, a world-class spa and, of course, the epic restaurant.

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5. Tbilisi, Georgia
Best for: oenophiles
Flight time: Around 6hr55min from London via Istanbul (no word yet on when direct flights will resume after they were paused during the pandemic)
Train time: around three days, with stops in Paris and Istanbul and a bus to take you across the Turkish border
Sharing its borders with Turkey, Armenia and Russia, Georgia’s intriguing geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia lends itself to a complicated and often troubling past. But thanks to a flurry of government investment into the country’s once-dilapidated capital, Tbilisi now wears the crown as one of Europe’s coolest cities. A slew of new design hotels and smart boutiques helmed by emerging designers nod to the fresh creative spirit laying down its roots in the city – while by night, crumbling Art Deco mansions transform into underground speakeasies and converted Soviet-era factories moonlight as techno-pounding super clubs to rival Berlin’s. Thankfully, the old town hasn’t lost its soul, and its dusty pockmarked alleyways, pastel-coloured rickety wooden houses, Orthodox church spires and flea markets to rummage through provide a compelling contrast. It’s a little-known fact that Georgia is the oldest wine-making country in the world, and top-notch, laid-back wine bars are ubiquitous here – a decent bottle will set you back just a few pounds. The country is also renowned for its deeply comforting, fuss-free cuisine – and feasts of broth-filled khinkali dumplings and cheese-laded khachapuri bread will leave you begging the chefs for the recipes to take back home.
Where to stay: With its industrial-chic interiors, Stamba Hotel is something of a mirror into the city itself – and its lively Pink Bar and Café Stamba are ideal spots to rub shoulders with Tbilisi’s creatives and aesthetes.
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6. Palma, Mallorca
Best for: lo-fi island life
Flight time: 2h10min from London
Train time: Around 24 hours, with stops in Paris and Barcelona and a ferry crossing from Barcelona to Palma
Most people think of Mallorca and picture the Balearic beauty’s paradisical beaches and seductive mountain villages. But it’s well worth treating the island’s chic capital as more than an airport launchpad. Rising out of the harbour in a rush of golden stone and extraordinary Moorish architecture, Palma feels deliciously grown-up – and a world away from the brouhaha of Mallorca’s beach clubs and party towns. Its gothic cathedral is nothing short of an architectural wonder, and its raft of artisan interiors shops, kooky art galleries, lively rooftop bars, and experiential restaurants (Vandal, the city’s top table to book, is helmed by ex-Noma culinary wizard Bernabe Caravotta) are reason enough to visit alone. And though they may not be among the island’s most prolific, the beaches here still warrant a mention: palm-shaded Ca’n Pere Antoni stretches for miles along the city promenade, while locals prefer to head to the charming fishing village of Portixol. Just a 10-minute ride out of town, it’s a blissful spot for an early evening dip, followed by dinner at one of the homespun seafood restaurants stacked up along the shore.
Where to stay: Can Bordoy’s orange-tree-shaded courtyard and rooftop pool provide welcome respite during steamy Palma summer afternoons – and the hotel’s restaurant, Botanic, is a destination in its own right.
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7. Lisbon, Portugal
Best for: cool capital vibes
Flight time: 2h 45min from London
Train time: In around 24 hours, via Paris and Spain
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. There are flea markets and food stalls; street art by Shepard Fairey and shops that champion home-grown design talent. In the evenings, join the youthful creative crowd that gathers at restaurants run by brilliant Portuguese chefs such as José Avillez, who has a number of dining spots in the city, and linger at upscale rooftop bars with dreamy cityscape views.
Where to stay: Almalusa Baixa/Chiado, minutes from the riverside, where the best rooms look out onto Lisbon’s stately municipal square. Memmo Alfama is another standout spot, particularly its rooftop pool where you'll find a classic view of Lisbon's winding streets and colourful buildings. See our edit of the best hotels in Lisbon for more.
Matthew Buck
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Best for: a laid-back, almost car-free city
Flight time: 1h 15min from London
Train time: The Eurostar now goes direct from London to Amsterdam in 3 hours and 55 minutes
Amsterdam has well and truly shed its stag-do image. These days the compact city is all about creatives pedalling around on their bicycles and buying artisanal bread and cheese at the Saturday Noordermarkt. For a European city break, Amsterdam offers heavy-hitting art galleries and museums (the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are both musts), cool cafés and independent fashion boutiques (the best are in the Nine Streets neighbourhood). 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.
Where to stay: The Hoxton's five stitched-together canal houses are the city's coolest stay. Another option is the whimsical Pulitzer Amsterdam, designed by Jacu Strauss and ideal for a romantic break. For more, see our pick of the best hotels in Amsterdam.

Stefano Scatà
9. Venice, Italy
Best for: unbeatable romance
Flight time: 2h 10min from London
Train time: In around 19 hours, via Paris and Turin
Venice is always a spectacular destination. 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. 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.
Where to stay: Casa Burano, on colourful Burano Island, is a slice of authentic Venice without the crowds. For something grander, check in to Il Palazzo Experimental, where balconies have postcard views over the Giudecca Canal and aperitivo hour at the bar is essential. See our guide to the best hotels in Venice.
Mary Quincy
10. Paris, France
Best for: chic boutiques
Flight time: In around 1 hour and 15 minutes from London
Train time: The Eurostar goes direct to Paris in 2 hours and 19 minutes
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. The most romantic city in Europe (and the world) hasn’t just got world-class culture, it’s also got smart boutiques, cutting-edge concept stores, jewel-box patisseries, colourful flea markets and a superlative food scene. And if you’re coming from London, you don’t even have to get on a plane to get there.
Where to stay: Cheval Blanc Paris, with its global art collection and sleek rooms that overlook the Seine, is one of the best new hotels in 2022. For something cosier and velvet-covered, reserve a room at the boutique Monsier George in the 8th arrondissement. See our pick of the best hotels in Paris.
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11. San Sebastian, Spain
Best for: Eating
Flight time: Fly to Biarritz or Bilbao in around 1h 55min. San Sebastian is a 45min drive from both airports
Train time: Around 10 hours, changing in Paris and a choice of other stop-off points in France
With more Michelin stars per square metre than anywhere else in the world, San Sebastian is the ultimate culinary destination. Yet it’s not all about the food. The gastro-capital of Europe’s elegant architecture and two beaches (one a sweep of glorious golden sand, the other a surfers’ nirvana) make this sophisticated city one of Spain’s most handsome Atlantic resorts. The best way to get under its skin is by sampling the local pintxo-bar scene, washed down with a glass of local tzakoli fizzy wine. For true once-in-a-lifetime cooking, snag a reservation at one of the city’s gourmet hotspots such as Mugaritz or Arzak. If you’re feeling active, hike up to Monte Urgull to visit the remains of the city’s 12th-century fort, or paddleboard across to Santa Clara Island – the cool waters lapping the shore bring welcome respite during the steamy summer months.
Where to stay: Arbaso, the city’s coolest new urban hotel where suites are so large they feel like apartments and have perfect views of the Cathedral. Sun lovers should check out Lasala Plaza which has its own rooftop ‘solarium’ with a swimming pool and bar. See our best hotels in San Sebastian for more recommendations.
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12. Reykjavik, Iceland
Best for: Adventure
Flight time: 3h 10min from London
Train time: N/A
Iceland’s diminutive capital is small enough to explore in a day, yet size doesn’t stop this Nordic star from pulsating with a big city energy. During the summer, the city hardly sleeps, with revellers pouring out of bars and clubs to chase the midnight sun. Rather than hurtling between big-ticket attractions, this is a city to take in slowly. Spend a weekend soaking in the fresh air (it’s a welcome antidote to some of Europe’s more traffic-clogged capitals), bathing in the city’s geothermal pools and joining puffin and whale-watching tours just offshore. And once you’ve ticked off the main sites, use the city as a base for exploring the country’s more otherworldly wonders. You only need to drive 30 minutes out of Reykjavik for a glimpse of the glaciers, lava fields, and natural drama that give Iceland gets its bucket-list reputation.
Where to stay: The Reykjavik Edition is a breath of cool, fresh air in a city which lives and breathes style and creativity. Outside of Reykjavik, Hotel Rangá is a chic log-style cabin in the middle of Iceland’s south coast. For more, see our guide to the best hotels in Iceland.

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13. Rome, Italy
Best for: a step back in time
Flight time: 2hr 30min from London
Train time: In around 19 hours, via Paris and Turin
Rome isn’t just a city, it’s an open-air museum. Crumbling landmarks and classical ruins dot the cobbled streets of the centro storico and line the grand boulevards, while the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon mark the city’s 3,000-year history. It’s got a world-class art scene, Renaissance palazzos, Baroque churches and, of course, a whole country within the city: Vatican City is the grand centre of the Roman Catholic Church, an independent city-state and one of the most formidable sites in the Western world. Head up the city’s seven hills to the cool neighbourhoods of Monti or Trastevere, where lively trattorias spill out onto the pavements and piazzas, and locals and tourists alike come out to soak up la dolce vita.
Where to stay: Hotel Vilòn, a boutique hotel that perfectly showcases the city’s sharp sophistication. For something edgier, Hotel Chapter Rome offers a taste of New York cool in Rome. See our guide to the best hotels in Rome.
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14. Antwerp, Belgium
Best for: cool concept stores
Flight time: 3hr 30min on the Eurostar from London St Pancras, changing at Brussels
Train time: In around 3.5 hours via Brussels
Paris, Amsterdam and London – those city-break big hitters – may only be a couple of hours or so from pocket-sized Antwerp, but here’s a city that’s reassuringly less visited, cheaper, edgier and stuffed full of savvy creatives. And despite its size, this achingly cool port town packs a punch, racing to keep up with its better-known European fashion neighbours. It’s home to stylish concept stores; the studios of design greats such as Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester; diamond dealers; urban beach clubs; and streets humming with outdoor bars and cool restaurants. And, best of all, you can get here by train – Antwerpen Centraal station is a sight to behold.
Where to stay: August, a hotel set inside a former Augustine convent – with many of its original features still intact.
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15. Valetta, Malta
Best for: History buffs
Flight time: 3h 15min from London
Train time: Around two days, changing in Paris and various stop-off points in Italy, before taking a ferry across to Malta
Clocking up over 300 days of sunshine each year, Valletta is Europe’s sunshine city – and Malta’s tiny capital makes an ideal city break for those in search of a warm-weather escape. Once dilapidated, now a hub of design hotels and buzzing bars, with a packed calendar of cultural events, this modest beauty wears its fascinating history with pride. Flit between the extraordinarily elaborate St John’s Co-Cathedral (home to two of Caravaggio’s greatest masterpieces) and the achingly modern Parliament Building. Then putter across the harbour to the Three Cities, a trio of ancient fortified towns so beautifully preserved they feel like stepping into a 17th century time capsule. You could easily cross from one end of the city to the other in less than half an hour, so if you’re here for a few days, the island’s intoxicating countryside and the coast is begging to be explored.
Where to stay: Iniala Harbour House, spread across four beautifully-restored townhouses – the hotel doubles up as an art gallery showcasing the talents of local Maltese creatives.
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16. Copenhagen, Denmark
Best for: design ideas
Flight time: 1h 50min from London
Train time: In around 20 hours from London, via Brussels and Cologne
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. Even the best restaurants – Noma 2.0, the Ilse Crawford-designed Winterspring dessert bar – have desirable interiors, meaning you can soak up style ideas as you eat.
Where to stay: Hotel Sanders, the vision of former Danish ballet star Alexander Kølpin, where the sophisticated design is on point.

John Rizzo
17. Florence, Italy
Best for: cultural majesty
Flight time: 2h 10min from London
Train time: In around 18 hours from London, via Paris and Milan
The museums here are chock-full of world-famous, priceless Renaissance art, from the Uffizi (with works by Botticelli, Caravaggio and da Vinci) to the Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David is the biggest crowd-pleaser). Not to mention the dizzy-making ceiling frescoes in the Magi Chapel of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi; 16th-century sculptures dotted among the trees and roses in the sprawling Boboli Gardens; and views of the red-tiled roofs of the city from the Duomo’s bell tower. A head-spinning tour of sensational sights.
Where to stay: SoprArno Suites, a 16th-century palazzo in the hip Oltrarno district where rooms are furnished with eclectic flea-market finds. For more, see our best hotels in Florence guide.
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18. Braga, Portugal
Best for: an under-the-radar artistic escape
Flight time: 2h25 minutes from London to Porto, then a 40 minute train ride to Braga
Train time: around 44 hours with at least three changes
This underrated European city also happens to be one of its most creative – and just a 40 minute train ride from Porto. UNESCO recognised Portugal’s third-largest city as Creative City for its contribution to global media art and technology, and places like the Duarte Sequeira gallery regularly hosts some of the world’s most exciting up-and-coming artists. For more classic art, visit the Nogueira da Silva Museum where a collection of historic work including Renaissance pieces and Portuguese painting makes for a well-spent afternoon. The city has some excellent food options too – Tabique offers modern small plates in a pared-back space, and Bonna Pastelaria on Rua Dom Paio Mendes has a great selection of gluten-free sweet treats (including pastel de natas).
Where to stay: Hotel Vila Gale Collection Braga is right in the city centre, a converted monastery overlooking the city’s main square, just a hop and a skip away from the Braga Se Cathedral.
Roberta Valerio
19. Stockholm, Sweden
Best for: a slice of Scandi lakeside living
Flight time: 2h 25min from London
Train time: In around 27 hours, via Brussels and Cologne
Spread across 14 islands all connected by bridges, Stockholm really comes into its own in the spring and summer when the loveliest way to explore is by boat. Float from the historic old town, Gamla Stan, on Stadsholmen to artsy Södermalm (don’t miss the excellent Fotografiska gallery, housed in a former customs building on the waterfront), then on to the green oasis of Djurgården island, where the Rosendals Garden café is a great pit stop for lunch (you eat in greenhouses surrounded by orchards).
Where to stay: Ett Hem, a townhouse hotel with relaxed home-from-home interiors by design doyenne Ilse Crawford.
Oliver Pilcher
20. Seville, Spain
Best for: guaranteed sun
Flight time: 2hr 45min from London
Train time: In around 23 hours, via Paris, Hendaye, Valladolid and Madrid
The sun-drenched Andalusian capital is one of Europe’s steamiest cities. Come for glasses of ice-cold sherry and plates of jamón; the orange-scented air; quaint medieval lanes; whitewashed houses; a fiery flamenco scene, extravagant Moorish architecture and the world’s largest cathedral – with Columbus' tomb hidden inside. There’s a real old-world glamour to Seville; 17th-century palaces have been converted into stylish hotels and horse-drawn carriages line up beside pretty courtyards filled with tinkling fountains.
Where to stay: The neo-Moorish Hotel Alfonso XIII, ever since it opened in 1929, has set the benchmark for Spain’s grand hotels. For a boutique stay, try Corral del Rey, where two of the rooms have private pool terraces. For more recommendations, see our guide to the best hotels in Seville.

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21. Berlin, Germany
Best for: the in-flux art scene
Flight time: 1h 50min from London
Train time: In around 9 hours, via Brussels and Cologne
Berlin is a fascinating place and a monument of living history. 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. Yet the city is by no means stifled by its extraordinary past – it now hurtles headfirst into the future with hip bars and an unrivalled party scene, smart hotels, gourmet restaurants and experimental art galleries. There is plenty to see, from the graffiti-covered remnants of the wall itself to Hitler’s bunker, the Norman Foster-designed Reichstag dome, the New Synagogue and the Berlin Zoo.
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. Architecture buffs will want to check in to Hotel Oderberger, which was once a palatial public bathhouse designed by Pergamon Museum architect Ludwig Hoffmann in 1989. See our guide to the best hotels in Berlin.
Ana Lui
22. Warsaw, Poland
Best for: cutting-edge creativity
Flight time: 2h 25min from London
Train time: In around 16 hours, via Brussels and Cologne
Edgy art collectives with studios in the old industrial quarter; vintage shops and jazz cafés that appear almost overnight among dilapidated houses; innovative chefs revolutionising the food scene – these are just some of the trends making Warsaw feel so fresh and exciting right now. There are also speciality coffee roasters and a lively speakeasy bar scene, and the Neon Museum, which is devoted to preserving dazzlingly inventive Cold War-era signs from the former Eastern Bloc country.
Where to stay: Raffles Europejski, a grand old city staple recently refreshed with a new, understated elegance.
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23. Gothenburg, Sweden
Best for: A city break with a conscience
Flight time: 1h 55min from London
Train time: Around 20 hours, via Brussels and a choice of other stop-off points in Germany and Denmark
Stockholm's easy-going little sister Gothenburg still flies under the radar for most city-breakers. For the past four years, this port city on the southwestern coast of Sweden has been crowned the most sustainable destination in the world. More than half of its public transport network runs off renewable energy and ahead-of-the-curve restaurants hone in on zero-waste, ultra-locavore cooking (the black lobster plucked from the waters here is considered the best in the world). Ethical fashion stores fill the wide boulevards, and even the rides at the world-famous Liseberg Amusement Park are powered by wind energy. It’s the perfect city/nature hybrid, and after visiting the impressive art collection at the Kondstmuseum or joining locals in their daily Fika ritual (tucking into tea and cake), it’s an easy cycle ride to reach the end of the peninsula. From here, ferries shuttle visitors across to the neighbouring coastal islands, where kayaking, fishing and wild swimming await.
Where to stay: The super-central Clarion Hotel Post, which has a slick rooftop pool.
Sivan Askayo
24. Athens, Greece
Best for: a historical hit
Flight time: 3hr 40min from London
Train time: In 2-3 days, with potential stop-off points in Paris, Munich, Zagreb, Belgrade or Sofia
With its alluring blend of ancient and modern and a skyline stretching all the way down to the Aegean, Athens has undergone a real renaissance in recent years to become of the best city breaks in Europe. There are still pockets of the city that have kept their authentic grit, of course – the Acropolis looms large over hilly streets filled with tumbledown buildings and politically charged street art – but a new wave of creative energy is leading the change. Today, the city is filled with kooky pop-ups, start-ups, art galleries, cool little boutiques and a slew of exciting new hotels. And there are beaches too: pine-fringed peninsulas and stretches of empty golden sand where rustic family-run tavernas rub along with glamorous beach clubs.
Where to stay: xenodocheio Milos, located smack bang in the commercial and political heart of Athens and born from chef Costas Spiliadis. We also like Perianth Hotel, a modernist, super-central stay by one of Greece’s hottest design studios. See our pick of the best hotels in Athens.

Matthew Buck
25. Oslo, Norway
Best for: outdoor pursuits
Flight time: 2hr 10min from London
Train time: In 2-3 days, with potential stop-off points in Brussels, Hamburg, Cologne, Copenhagen and Gothenburg
Oslo may have always lagged behind its better-known Scandi neighbours Stockholm and Copenhagen, but this easy-going city still has bags of appeal. Make no mistake, it’s expensive, but with its blend of top restaurants, fantastic museums, pretty 19th-century architecture and a burgeoning art scene, this compact city has a newfound confidence. 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.
Where to stay: The Thief, a modernist boutique hotel with a credible art collection and the best harbour views in town.
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26. Milan, Italy
Best for: fashion
Flight time: 1hr 55min from London
Train time: In around 14 hours, via Paris
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. The magnificent Gothic Duomo – the third largest church in Europe – has views stretching all the way to the Alps; Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper adorns the walls of the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery, while the La Scala opera house is the world’s best. And if you want to escape the city, the glamorous, mountain-fringed shores of Lake Como are only an hour away by train.
Where to stay: Set in an early 20th-century residence a few steps from the Fashion District, the Mandarin Oriental is one of the top addresses to know about. At Bulgari Hotel Milano you'll find a jet-set crowd mingling within its gorgeous garden and 12-metre gold mosaic swimming pool. For more, see our pick of the best hotels in Milan.
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27. Cardiff, Wales, UK
Best for: shopping and greenery
Flight time: A flight from London to Cardiff would take around half an hour, but with the extra time of getting to and from airports it's much more worth your while to take the train.
Train time: the train from London Paddington to Cardiff takes just under two hours.
This all-too-often overlooked UK city is one not to forget about when considering a European city break. Cardiff moves to the beat of its own drum, not one for fads or trends. The Welsh capital is home to a host of independent shops and cutesy boutiques, with lots of neighbourhood restaurants to stop off at for a mid-shopping spree break. Book a table at Dusty’s in Canton for Neapolitan pizza, or head to Brother Thai for the legendary sticky spicy beef. The city stays true to the country’s green reputation – there are plenty of parks in the city centre (Bute and Roath are two of our favourites), but it doesn’t take long to escape the city borders to find some classic Welsh woodlands.
Where to stay: Cardiff is yet to welcome many hotels worthy of its idyllic city-break reputation, but its Airbnb scene is where it’s at. This city-centre townhouse is sleek, modern and sleeps four.
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28. Porto, Portugal
Best for: port tasting in the prettiest setting
Flight time: 2h 25min from London
Train time: In around 23 hours, via Paris with various potential stop-off points in France, Spain or Portugal
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. Take a guided tour, followed by a tasting, before making your way back over the Dom Luís I Bridge to wander the photogenic streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira old town and while away the afternoon at a riverside bar.
Where to stay: Torel 1884, a former palazzo that feels like a lovely private home. For views of the Douro, try Torel Avantgarde, a boutique hotel within walking distance of São Bento train station. For more, see the best hotels in Porto.

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29. Edinburgh, UK
Best for: architecture
Flight time: 1hr 30min from London or 4hr 20 mins on the train from London Kings Cross
Train time: Direct trains go from King’s Cross in around 5 hours
For a city break closer to home, Scotland’s cultural and political capital also happens to be one of Europe’s loveliest cities. 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. A trip during the summer, when the Fringe – the largest arts festival in the world – brings the city alive, is a must. 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. The all-singing, all-dancing hotel has had a slick makeover – and it’s now one of the UK’s hottest places to stay.
Where to stay: Eden Locke – with its hipster Georgian-townhouse studio apartments – is an incredibly affordable option in a central George Street location. For a quintessential stay, The Balmoral is the city's grand dame hotel. See our guide to the best hotels in Edinburgh.
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30. Barcelona, Spain
Best for: the perfect sea-city combo
Flight time: 2h 5min from London
Train time: In around 17 hours, via Paris and a choice of other French stop-off points
Madrid might be the Spanish capital, but Barcelona draws the crowds for its winning mix of Modernist Gaudí architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants, characterful barrios and clutch of golden beaches. To one side of the marina, Barceloneta thrums with locals in summer; for quieter, emptier stretches of sand keep walking north along the coast to neighbouring Nova Icària and Bogatell (from here you can nip inland to the arty El Poblenou neighbourhood). Keen kite surfers head south to Castelldefels, a 30-minute drive away.
Where to stay: Ian Schrager’s The Barcelona Edition, with its be-seen rooftop pool and basement cocktail bar/nightclub. At ME Barcelona, suites are worth the splurge; several count expansive terraces with Jacuzzis where you can soak while taking in sweeping city views. See our pick of the best hotels in Barcelona for more.
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31. Budapest, Hungary
Best for: a spa scene
Flight time: 2hr 30min from London
Train time: In around 22 hours, via Brussels, Cologne and Munich
Hungary’s capital is broken into two distinct parts – Buda and Pest – split by the beautiful Danube River running right through the middle. Most of the action happens in Pest, on the east of the river – here, you’ll find scores of smart restaurants, cool street-food spots, big-name stores and grand, gilded cafés. But wander across the landmark Chain Bridge to find the more authentic side. 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.
Where to stay: Matild Palace, a restored heritage building right on the river.
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32. Marseille, France
Best for: Culture by the sea
Flight time: 1h 55min from London
Train time: Around 6h 45min from London, changing in Paris
Travellers often overlook Marseille, heading to more polished Nice, the leaping-off point for glitzy jaunts along the Cote d’Azur. But this multicultural city is shaking off its bad-boy reputation. Rise early to catch the seafood market at the Norman Foster-designed Vieux-Port, get your art fix at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and then dip into the flurry of smart boutiques slowly overtaking the city’s pastel-hued streets. The emblematic hilltop basilica boasts widescreen views – work up an appetite climbing to the top before tucking into a steaming bowl of bouillabaisse at locals’ favourite Chez Fonfon, squirrelled away in a quiet inlet just outside the centre. Not only is the city full of cultural riches; it’s the gateway to the Calanques National Park – one of the wildest sweeps of the Mediterranean coastline packed with jaw-dropping hiking trails and azure-blue swimming bays.
Where to stay: Tuba Club, a former scuba diving school turned boutique hotel, set on rocky cliffs overlooking the Med. For more, see our guide to the best hotels in the South of France.

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33. Naples, Italy
Best for: an authentic slice of Italian life
Flight time: 2hr 40min from London
Train time: In around 20 hours, via Paris and Milan
Naples may be indelibly chaotic, but it’s well and truly shed its image as the gritty, Mafia-ridden place it used to be. Its dishevelled centre is chock-a-block with churches, faded frescos, Caravaggios and tiny cloistered gardens, while a burgeoning art scene adds to the city’s dynamism. Many travellers only visit in transit, stopping off briefly before catching the ferry to the glitzier Capri, but – with the shadow of Vesuvius looming in the background – this is one of Italy’s most historically fascinating and authentic cities.
Where to stay: Primo Piano Posillipo, a funky four-bedroom B&B in a 19th-century palazzo.
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34. Prague, Czech Republic
Best for: grand cafés and microbreweries
Flight time: 1hr 55min from London
Train time: In around 19 hours, via Paris and Zurich
Prague is nicknamed the City of a Hundred Spires – its magnificent skyline is scattered with medieval church towers, while its streets are punctuated with striking Gothic and baroque architecture. 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. But there’s another side to the city too: one of offbeat cultural venues, hip bars, arthouse cinemas and buzzy markets, squirrelled away in cool neighbourhoods including Holešovice, Prague’s former rundown meatpacking district.
Where to stay: The Augustine – hands down the city’s best hotel, with Olga Polizzi interiors and a sweeping courtyard restaurant.
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35. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: island hopping
Flight time: 2hr 40min from London
Train time: In around 36 hours, with potential stop-off points in Paris, Munich and Zagreb/Split
Byron famously called Dubrovnik the Pearl of the Adriatic, and it’s easy to see why. The UNESCO-protected, perfectly preserved old walled city is filled with elegant Baroque architecture, winding limestone streets and top-notch seafood restaurants, while the city’s lick of sun-drenched coastline is fantastic in the summer. 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.
Where to stay: Villa Dubrovnik, set in a modernist glass and stone building perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dalmatian Sea.
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36. Madrid, Spain
Best for: rooftop drinking
Flight time: 2hr 25min from London
Train time: In around 19 hours, via Paris and Barcelona
What the Spainish capital may lack in grand monuments and world-famous sites, it more than makes up for with its relentless energy and vibrancy. Each of the compact city’s barrios has its own distinct character; come for the art and the architecture; stroll through the beautifully manicured Retiro Park; and pick up everything from antiques to vintage fashion at El Rastro, one of Europe’s best-known flea markets. Dip in and out of family-run tapas bars, the sprawling Mercado San Miguel food hall and a clutch of brilliant Michelin-starred restaurants – or just people-watch from a pavement café with a fishbowl G&T.
Where to stay: The Principal Madrid, with its buzzy rooftop terrace and superlative city views. The undisputed grande-dame is Westin Palace Madrid, where a cocktail in La Rotonda lobby bar, beneath the famous stained-glass cupola, is a must. See our edit of the best Madrid hotels for more.

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37. Vienna, Austria
Best for: a wintery break
Flight time: 2hr 30min from London
Train time: In around 17 hours, via Brussels and Cologne
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. But with its beguiling blend of old and new, Vienna – one of the grandest city breaks in Europe – is spectacular at any time. It’s known for its imperial palaces, pristine gardens and gilded ballrooms and Mozart’s musical legacy; come for the opera, the waltzes or to listen to the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where to stay: The grand, magnificent Park Hyatt Vienna – its bar is one of the city’s hottest.
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38. Dublin, Ireland
Best for: revelry
Flight time: 1hr 25min from London
Train time: Direct trains to Holyhead take just under 4 hours, while the ferry to Dublin takes just over 3 hours
Dublin is often voted one of the friendliest cities in the world, with its down-to-earth atmosphere and welcoming people. It’s a city rich in history, too, with its narrow streets, beautiful Georgian squares, majestic St Patrick’s Cathedral (the largest in Ireland) and imposing castle. 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.
Where to stay: The Westbury, a grand, family-owned hotel with the best location in the city.
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Old city of Bucharest, Romania
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Istanbul, Turkey

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Krakow, Poland
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Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Tirana, Albania

TopicsInspiration Europe Weekend Breaks City Breaks Short Breaks

38 best city breaks in Europe

1. Kotor, Montenegro

2. Syracuse, Sicily

3. Valencia, Spain

4. Lyon, France

5. Tbilisi, Georgia

6. Palma, Mallorca

7. Lisbon, Portugal

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands

9. Venice, Italy

10. Paris, France

11. San Sebastian, Spain

12. Reykjavik, Iceland

13. Rome, Italy

14. Antwerp, Belgium

15. Valetta, Malta

16. Copenhagen, Denmark

17. Florence, Italy

18. Braga, Portugal

19. Stockholm, Sweden

20. Seville, Spain

21. Berlin, Germany

22. Warsaw, Poland

23. Gothenburg, Sweden

24. Athens, Greece

25. Oslo, Norway

26. Milan, Italy

27. Cardiff, Wales, UK

28. Porto, Portugal

29. Edinburgh, UK

30. Barcelona, Spain

31. Budapest, Hungary

32. Marseille, France

33. Naples, Italy

34. Prague, Czech Republic

35. Dubrovnik, Croatia

36. Madrid, Spain

37. Vienna, Austria

38. Dublin, Ireland