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Our Top European City Breaks
Us Irish holidaymakers are lucky to be living just a short flight away from some of the most incredible cities in the world, hands-down. From modern metropolises to ancient cobblestoned streets, European city breaks offer such a wide range of getaways that you’re sure to find something to suit you.
Why not explore history? Head to Athens and Rome where the ancients once walked and left their mark. Try some romance in Paris. Jet off to cutting-edge cool Berlin, or magical Venice. Every one of these city breaks in Europe offers its own unique blend of history, modern life, cuisine, art, relaxation, sight-seeing, nightlife and more.
Best of all, they’re all a short flight away, so you can explore more locations in less time. That’s why short breaks in Europe are so popular.
Rome
Best for a Historical City Break
Rome just has to be on your bucket list of European city breaks. This is one of the world’s most ancient cities with 1000s of years of history having taken place here. Visit ancient sites like the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Then head to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. St. Peter’s Basilica is a work of art in its own right, but it’s also home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece the Pieta. Unbelievably, he was only 24 when he carved this iconic image. And the Sistine Chapel is nearby. So many iconic destinations in one city, and that’s without mentioning the charming neighborhoods and endless Italian cuisine.
Athens
Best for a Historical City Break
From one ancient city to another, Athens might be the cradle of European civilisation. This was where the ancients walked the streets, creating art and artefacts that you can still see today. Head to the Acropolis for the world-famous Parthenon. Visit the Theatre of Dionysus nearby which is considered to be one of the, if not the, world’s first theatres. Venture around the more modern parts of the city to discover contemporary culture and a buzzing food and nightlife scene.
See city breaks to Athens here
Paris
Best for a Romantic City Break
Paris is iconic as a destination for short breaks in Europe. Famed as the most romantic city in the world, it lives up to that reputation and more. Its chic streets are filled with museums, sights, restaurants, bars, shops and more. Visit the Eiffel Tower, iconic bookshop Shakespeare and Company and a range of other amazing sights.
Berlin
Best for a Nightlife City Break
Berlin is one of the best city breaks in Europe you could take. It’s packed with history and hip, current culture. It’s got a burgeoning art scene and tons of things to do. For the heritage, ehad to the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag Building and Checkpoint Charlie. Head to Charlottenburg and shop till you drop. The nightlife here is the stuff of legend with bars, pubs and clubs open till all hours. The Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish Museum and many other sights await you on a city break to Berlin.
See city breaks to Berlin here
London
Best for Sightseeing & Food
When we think of European city breaks we often overlook one of our closest neighbours, London! But don’t forget to check out this mega-city that’s so full of amazing architecture, global cuisine, culture, nightlife and sights.
Prague
Best for Gothic Architecture & Groups
The City of a Thousand Spires is an ideal European city break destination. The heart of this amazing destination is its Old Town, home to the appropriately named Old Town Square where you’ll find the famous Astronomical Clock and Town Hall. Stroll across 14th century icon Charles Bridge and explore the city’s history and bustling nightlife scene.
See city breaks to Prague here
Barcelona
Best for City + Beach City Break
Barcelona is nothing less than one of Spain’s most beloved city destinations. It combines the city and the beach into an unforgettable city break hotspot. Famed architect Gaudí truly left his mark on the city - the Sagrada Familia towers above the surrounding buildings. This amazingly intricate design is still making its way towards completion. There are so many things to see and do in Barcelona, there won’t be a moment of boredom. A great choice for a short break in Europe.
Dubrovnik
Best for Trending Destinations
City breaks to Dubrovnik are enjoying a moment in the sun right now. Holidaymakers have finally cottoned on to this remarkable city’s russet-roofed beauty, partly because Croatia has become a trending holiday destination and partly because the city has become famous as a filming location for Game of Thrones. It’s a great choice for short breaks in Europe because of its cobblestone charm, sense of history, stunning natural beauty and range of things to see and do.
See city breaks to Dubrovnik here
Copenhagen
Best for a Scandinavian City Break
Copenhagen is a great option for cheap city breaks in Europe, offering a distinct blend of Scandinavian charm and cultural cool. Stroll along the colourful quays, then visit the popular tourist attraction that is the Little Mermaid statue. Head to historic theme park Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Zoo. Dine on a range of international cuisine and see local landmarks like Rosenborg Palace and the central commercial street of Strøget.
Lisbon
Best for a Cuisine & Arts City Break
Lisbon is a top-choice European city break destination. Its red-roofed buildings and winding streets pack in a lot of things to see and do. Its many districts offer their own distinct charms. Many sights are concentrated around Baixa and Belém like famous Belém Tower. Visit chic Chaido, cool Bairro and historic fishing district Alfama, too. All of this along with its restaurants, majestic squares and beautiful architecture make Lisbon a great choice for short breaks in Europe.
See city breaks to Lisbon here
Venice
Best for a Bucket-list City Break
Venice is a truly magical place, a richly historical and strikingly beautiful city perched atop the waters. See stunning St. Marks Square and the Bridge of Sighs to get a sense of the heritage on offer here, venture into St. Marks Basilica too for some amazing historical artefacts. Art lovers will love the Peggy Guggenheim Collection; the intrepid collectors’ Venice home has been transformed into a remarkable museum housing her one-of-a-kind collection of modernist masterworks.
Porto
Best for Overlooked Gems
Porto is Portugal’s second city but it shouldn’t be second on your list of European city breaks to take! Porto rivals its more famous sister city for Iberian charm, cuisine, culture and more. Check out its major sights like Clérigo Tower and Church and Lúis I Bridge. You should also see Livraria Lello, a picturesque bookshop that made its fame by serving as an inspiration to JK Rowling as she wrote her Harry Potter series.
Valletta
Best Up-and-Coming City Break Destination
Valletta is one of the most underrated short breaks in Europe. Malta’s capital has been flying under the radar for far too long but it’s now coming into its own as Malta becomes a more popular holiday destination. Valletta is a small but richly historical warren of streets full of culture, food, sights and it’s so much fun to explore. It’s something different and recommended as a European city break destination.
See city breaks to Valletta on our Malta page
Inspired yet? See our full range of European City Breaks and Short breaks to Europe on our Cheap City Breaks Page.
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