15x Best city breaks in Europe | With hotel tips and sights!

Are you eager to pack your bags and get away for a while? A fantastic city break in Europe is the perfect solution! Affordable, easily accessible, and with our Top 15 best city breaks in Europe, you’ll know exactly which highlights to see and the best & most affordable places to stay in your favourite city. We’ve listed the most enjoyable city breaks of 2025 for you!

1. Surprising Valencia!

Valencia is Europe’s newest hot city trip destination! The city is brimming with history, culture, and art. Moreover, numerous delicacies originate here, such as the typical Spanish paella, healthy oranges, Valor chocolate, and the nut drink horchata. Stroll through the atmospheric old town, admire graffiti art in the El Carmen district, relax at Playa La Malvarrosa, and indulge yourself for a day at the trendy Marina Beach Club Valencia: the hotspot on Valencia’s beach.

3 Things to Do in Valencia

1. Taste local delicacies at the Mercado Central.
2. Take a bike tour through Valencia to the futuristic ‘City of Arts and Sciences’.
3. Learn to prepare delicious Paella Valenciana during a cooking workshop.
Check out more fun tours and activities in Valencia here.

Hoteltips Valencia

Budget: Valencia Suits You Citytel
Mid-range: Sorolla Centro
Luxury: One Shot Palacio Reina Victoria 04

Flights to Valencia

Book your flight tickets to Valencia here!

2. Enchanting Budapest!

Fairy-tale palaces, traditional bathhouses, and the trendy Jewish quarter are highlights you shouldn’t miss during a visit to Budapest. The picturesque Hungarian capital is becoming increasingly popular as a city break destination, not least because of its good price level! Want to make the most of public transport, museums, and multiple attractions? Then opt for the Budapest Card.

3 Things to Do in Budapest

1. Enjoy ultimate relaxation in one of Budapest’s warm thermal baths.
2. Cycle along the Danube River, over the Margaret Bridge, and past the famous Opera, Synagogue, Parliament Building, and Heroes’ Square. Book your bike tour here.
3. Have a drink at the trendy ruin pubs in the vibrant Jewish Quarter.
Check out more fun tours and activities in Budapest here.

Hoteltips Budapest

Budget: Maverick Hostel & Ensuites (dorms and private rooms)
Mid-range: Hotel Rum Budapest
Luxury: Hotel Parlament

Flights to Budapest

Book your flight tickets here.

3. Picturesque Prague!

Prague is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The historic center of the Czech capital is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is almost entirely a pedestrian area. Beautiful sights adorn the center, such as the photogenic Charles Bridge, the old town square with its town hall, palaces, churches, and the astronomical clock. But also the famous Prague Castle, the Jewish quarter, and the National Theatre are worth a visit. Moreover, you’ll find numerous hidden cafés, cozy restaurants, and atmospheric wine and beer tastings.

3 Things to Do in Prague

1. Take a walk over the Charles Bridge, past the castle, through the historic center, and through the impressive Jewish quarter Josefov.
2. Spend an evening ‘chic’ and attend a real opera at the State Opera House, with its royal ambiance and gold and red velvet decorations.
3. Surprise your taste buds with a beer tasting or wine tasting and experience the rich Czech beer and wine culture.
Check out more fun tours and activities in Prague here.

Hotel Tips Prague

Budget: Sophie’s Hostel (dormitories and private rooms)
Mid-range: AXA Hotel (with swimming pool!)
Luxury: BoHo Prague Hotel or Residence U Malvaze

Flights to Prague

Book your flight tickets to Prague here!

4. Beautiful Bilbao!

Culinary and artistic, those are the best words to describe the northern Spanish city of Bilbao. Here you go to visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, stroll through the old city center with its narrow streets, churches, and facades, and shop in the trendy streets of Indautxi and Ensanche. In the evening, you wander along the atmospheric eateries where traditional pintxos (tapas) are served, and you gather your dinner café hopping, accompanied by a nice Spanish wine or sangria, of course.

3 Things to Do in Bilbao

1. Visit the special Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao; the exterior of the museum is just as special as what’s inside! You can book tickets here.
2. Fill up on homemade pintxos, drink a glass of the local ‘Chiquitos’, and then discover the nightlife in the bustling entertainment district of Abando.
3. Visit the covered Mercado de la Ribera; a beautiful market in the center of Bilbao.
Check out more fun tours and activities in Bilbao here.

Hotel tips Bilbao

Budget: Bcool Bilbao (with dormitories and private rooms)
Mid-range: Ibis Bilbao Centro
Luxury: Hotel Meliá Bilbao

Flights to Bilbao

Book the cheapest flight tickets to Bilbao here!

5. Romantic Rome!

Rome is one of those cities you must have visited at least once! Once the capital of the Roman Empire and thus the most powerful city on earth. Numerous beautiful ruins and ancient sights still stand and take you back to bygone times. Visit the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the beautiful Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, and of course, Vatican City. But Rome is not just a magical open-air museum. Eat fantastic pizza on one of the many cozy squares, shop till you drop in the lush shopping streets, and let yourself be enchanted during a city break to the ‘Eternal City’.

3 Things to Do in Rome

1. Save a lot of money and time with the Omnia Card for 3 days: including free public transport, fast-track access to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Colosseum in Rome. Receive discounts at more than 30 attractions and explore Rome via the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus.
2. Tour Rome like a true Italian on a vintage Vespa.
3. Love shopping? Don’t miss the shopping streets Via Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and Via Cola de Rienzo.
Check out more great tours and activities in Rome here.

Hotel tips Rome

Budget: Domus Emilia or Aurora B&B
Mid/range: B&B Les Suites
Luxury: Hotel Majestic Roma – The Leading Hotels of the World

Flights to Rome

Book the cheapest flights to Rome here!

6. Stylish Stockholm!

A rising star—Stockholm is one of those city break destinations that few had visited until recently, but is now totally trending. It’s known as an expensive city, but even on a budget you can have a great time here. Explore the charming streets of the old town Gamla Stan, one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Witness the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, take a free tour of the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag), and be amazed by Stockholm’s oldest museum—the Royal Armoury (Livrustkammaren). For great food, shopping, and nightlife, Stockholm is also highly recommended.

3 Things to Do in Stockholm

1. Capture the best photo of Stockholm from the rocky hills of Södermalm; the viewpoint offers an incredible view over the water and the old town.
2. Did you know Stockholm is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges? Take a boat tour through the city and deeper into the archipelago.
3. Stockholm has stunning museums! Think of the Vasa Museum with its restored 17th-century ship, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, the Moderna Museet, and of course, the famous ABBA Museum.
View even more great tours and activities in Stockholm

Hotel tips for Stockholm

Budget: Archipelago Hostel Old Town (with dorms and private rooms) or Stockholm Hostel (also with dorms and private rooms)
Mid-range: Hotel Tegnerlunden (more luxurious) or  Connect City Hotel (more basic)
Luxury: Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel Stockholm

Flights to Stockholm

Find the cheapest flights to Stockholm here.

7. Vibrant Berlin!

Berlin, Germany is the ideal destination for a quick city getaway close to home! Super easy to reach by plane, train, or car, and the city has an incredible amount to offer. Check out the murals at the East Side Gallery, where you’ll find 1,316 meters of the remaining Berlin Wall. Soak in history at Checkpoint Charlie and Potsdamer Platz. Wander past the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, and Berlin Cathedral. Explore the many museums and monuments dedicated to World War II. But don’t miss modern, trendy Berlin either—experience the nightlife in East Berlin and chill at rooftop bars with amazing views. Settle into a Biergarten and toast with the locals. Grab a traditional currywurst from a street stand. Visit street food markets and shop till you drop in concept malls and boutique-filled streets. And don’t forget our 3 top picks below!

3 Things to Do in Berlin

1. Book a Trabi Safari! Drive your own brightly colored Trabant on a sightseeing tour through Berlin. (Curious how we experienced it? Read more here & watch our video)
2. Get the Berlin Pass for free access to 50+ museums & attractions, skip-the-line entry, and free public transport.
3. Join a free walking tour through Berlin and see the city through a local’s eyes.
Discover even more fun tours and activities in Berlin

Hotel tips Berlijn

Budget: Baxpax Downtown Hostel/Hotel (with dorms and private rooms) or Three Little Pigs Hostel Berlin (with dorms and private rooms)
Mid-range: Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz or Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre of Hotel Gat Point Charlie
Luxury: Regent Berlin or Abion Villa Suites

Flights to Berlin

Check here for the best deals on flights to Berlin

8. Lively Lisbon!

Lisbon is the up-and-coming city break destination for the coming years. Flight prices to Lisbon are getting cheaper, and the city is incredibly versatile. Colourful winding streets, the famous city tram, a thriving bar and café culture, the impressive Castelo de São Jorge fortress, grand buildings along wide shopping avenues, beautiful beaches, hidden markets and squares, and striking graffiti art—these are just some of the highlights you can’t miss in Lisbon.

3 Things to do in Lisbon

1. Dine and go out in Lisbon’s most atmospheric bohemian district—Bairro Alto.
2. Listen to authentic Portuguese Fado in one of Alfama’s live music bars.
3 Enjoy amazing meals and drinks at the Time Out Food Market—a blend between Amsterdam’s Foodhallen and Rotterdam’s Markthal, but with a Portuguese twist.
Check out even more cool tours and activities in Lisbon

Hotel tips Lissabon

Budget: Grapes & Bites – Hostel & Wines for a private room or Nomad 64 for a dorm bed
Mid-range: My Story Hotel Rossio or Rossio Garden Hotel
Luxury: Browns Central Hotel

Flights to Lisbon

Fly to Lisbon and find the best flight deals here.

9. Characterful Kraków!

Kraków is the up-and-coming city break destination in the south of Poland, and it has everything you’re looking for: history, art, picturesque streets, a vibrant nightlife, and plenty of attractions within walking distance of each other. Kraków is a true student city, which means you’ll find countless budget-friendly restaurants and cafés. The central 13th-century square, Rynek Główny, is the largest medieval square in Europe and is surrounded by palaces, churches, and historic townhouses. The impressive Auschwitz Museum is also not far from the city center.

3 Things to Do in Kraków

1. Visit Kraków’s trendiest district: Kazimierz! This former Jewish ghetto is now the place to be, with amazing street art, bohemian coffee bars, art galleries, and of course, the famous Schindler’s Factory.
2. Auschwitz was one of Europe’s largest concentration camps and lies just an hour outside Kraków. Today, the former camp is a impressive museum and memorial to the 1.1 million people who lost their lives there.
3. Explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine, home to an awe-inspiring underground salt cathedral and chambers and corridors filled with salt sculptures.
Discover even more great tours and activities in Kraków

Hotel tips Kraków

Budget: Express Hostel (dorms) or Flamingo Premium Hostel (private rooms)
Mid-range: Hotel Lavender
Luxury: Go old-school chic at Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem or opt for modern elegance at INX Design Hotel

Flights to Kraków

Check here for the best flight deals. Note: Some airlines land at Katowice Airport instead of Kraków. If that’s the case, factor in an additional 1.5 hours of travel time for the transfer.

10. Pure Paris!

Visit the city of love, fashion, and gastronomy, and let yourself be enchanted by Paris. Besides world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Seine River, and the Champs-Élysées, effortlessly charming Paris is full of beautiful hidden spots waiting to be discovered—perfect for those who like to wander off the beaten path. Of course, you can also combine your city trip with a visit to Disneyland Paris or the Palace of Versailles.

3 Things to do in Paris

1. Explore the artistic district of Montmartre, filled with art galleries, trendy cafés, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur.
2. Discover Paris’s nightlife! Start your evening with a gourmet dinner along the Seine, catch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, sip cocktails at the Wanderlust rooftop bar, and finish the night dancing in one of the hip clubs in La Bastille, Le Marais, or Oberkampf.
3. Dive into the art scene at world-renowned museums like the Louvre, Centre Pompidou, Musée Rodin, and Musée d’Orsay.
Find more fun tours and activities in Paris

Hotel tips Parijs

Budget: Les Piaules (dorms and private rooms) or Plug Inn Montmartre by Hiphop Hostels (dorms and private rooms)
Mid-range: Hotel Le Petit Chomel
Luxury: Hotel Square Louvois – featuring a swimmingpool

Flights to Paris

Book your flight to Paris here.

11. Brilliant Barcelona!

Discover the most beautiful spots in Barcelona. Take a walking tour past iconic highlights like La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Las Ramblas, and the charming Picasso Museum. Visit FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium, or uncover hidden gems on a cava and wine tour or a bike ride through nearby vineyards. Sip sangria on the city beach, and in the evening, explore cozy tapas restaurants, enjoy drinks on lively city squares, and dive into the vibrant nightlife!

3 Things to Do in Barcelona

1. Make the most of your city break and skip the lines for Barcelona’s top Gaudí attractions! Book your fast-track tickets in advance:

– La Sagrada Familia: fast-track entrance ticket.
– Park Güell: skip-the-line tickets.
– Casa Milà (La Pedrera): priority ticket with audio guide.
– Casa Vicens: skip-the-line entry.

2. Take the cable car up Montjuïc Hill and enjoy a unique view of Barcelona’s coastline, harbor, and cityscape. (Book your ticket here).

3. Spend a beach day at Platja de la Barceloneta, Barcelona’s most famous beach filled with chiringuitos (beach bars), perfect for sunbathing and relaxing with food and drinks. Looking for a quieter spot? Head to the Bogatell or Mar Bella beaches.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Budget: Ten To Go Hostel or Yeah Barcelona Hostel
Mid-range: Hotel Praktik Èssens or The 8 Boutique B&B
Luxury: Hotel Casa Camper, Olivia Balmes Hotel or Hotel H10 Casa Mimosa
Appartments: Midtown Apartments, Casagrand Luxury Suites or Aparthotel Atenea Calabria

Flights to Barcelona

Easily fly to Barcelona, compare and book your tickets here.

12. Picturesque Porto!

Looking for a European city break full of romance, sunshine, culinary hotspots, and the beach just around the corner? Then Porto is the place to be! After Lisbon, Porto is the most popular city in Portugal and has everything you need for a perfect city getaway. Vibrant bars and restaurants, a charming historic center right on the Douro River (perfect for a river cruise!), wine cellars where you can taste delicious wines and port, rich culture—all within a compact city that you can easily explore on foot in just 2 or 3 days.

3 Things to Do in Porto

1. Discover Porto’s old and colorful center (called Ribeira) on a guided walking tour. Cross the impressive iron bridges and hop on a ride in one of the city’s vintage trams.
2. Visit São Bento Train Station in Porto—named one of the most beautiful stations in the world, featuring over 20,000 hand-painted tiles (azulejos) in the main hall.
3. Book a wine or port tasting in Porto, or take a day trip to the Douro Valley to visit multiple vineyards and enjoy a boat tour through the valley.
More great tips for Porto here!

Hotels in Porto

Budget: Porto Spot Hostel
Mid-range: OportoHouse and Nations Porto Studios & Suites
Luxury: HF Ipanema Park and Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site
Appartments: Hotel Spot Family Suites and Oporto Near Apartments
Tip: Stay in a fairytale castle in Porto: Castelo Santa Catarina

Flights to Porto

Fly to Porto and book your flights here.

13. Legendary London!

Who doesn’t have this legendary European city on their bucket list? London is practically around the corner, affordable, and easy to reach—making it a perfect city break destination. Whether you’re going for just 2 days or a full week, there’s always more to explore.

Visit famous hotspots like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Hyde Park, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Harrods, Westminster Abbey, Oxford Street, and the Tate Modern Museum (free!)—and all the other iconic sights. Or venture off the beaten path and wander through lesser-known neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Kensington, and Chelsea. Visit the Borough Market, catch a stand-up comedy show, and mingle with locals in the vibrant British nightlife!

6 Things to Do in London

1. Free & lesser known: Visit one of London’s most stunning viewpoints—the Sky Garden! At the top of the 160-meter building, you’ll find an indoor city garden with an observation deck. Be sure to reserve your free ticket here in advance, as availability is limited.
2. Want a classic British night out? Go to a stand-up comedy show! We recommend The Top Secret Comedy Club, but there are plenty of great options.
3. A must for Harry Potter fans: take a Harry Potter walking tour with a guide past iconic film locations, or visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour by Warner Brothers to see the behind-the-scenes magic.
4. The Vaults London is a pedestrian tunnel under Waterloo Station covered in legal street art and graffiti. There’s also a hidden pub only accessible from the tunnel—worth a visit!
5. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is a secret speakeasy bar in London, hidden behind a fridge door in The Breakfast Club restaurant. Yes, you literally walk through a fridge to enter!
6. The Brick Lane Vintage Market is the largest underground vintage market in London, stretching across an entire block—paradise for retro lovers.

Where to Stay in London

Budget: OYO Bakers Hotel or SoHostel
Mid-range: London House Hotel or Best Western Burns Hotel Kensington
Luxury: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Tower of London or The Chamberlain
Appartments / studio’s: NOX Hotels Hotting Hill or West End Apartments

Flights to London

Fly to London and book your tickets here.

14. Dynamic Dublin!

The dynamic and vibrant city of Dublin is quickly rising in popularity as a city break destination. The city boasts beautiful historical landmarks such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and the historic Trinity College. Are you a fan of Irish drinks? Then visit the Guinness Storehouse or one of Dublin’s many whiskey distilleries. Culture lovers will enjoy the fascinating EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum or the charming Little Museum of Dublin.

Don’t miss the iconic Temple Bar district, full of cobbled alleys and home to the legendary Temple Bar pub. Here, you’ll find pubs with live folk music, DJ sets, and a wide range of restaurants—from Asian to Irish to American cuisine. The area is also perfect for shopping in boutiques selling fashion and items from local designers.

3 Things to Do in Dublin

1. Book your tickets to the Guinness Storehouse and learn all about the world-famous Guinness Stout. Or go for the full Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience (see tickets here).
2. Explore the nature near Dublin: the stunning Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey, and Galway. We highly recommend taking a day tour!
3. The best way to explore a compact city like Dublin is still a guided walking tour! Check out the best options here.

Hotels in Dublin

Budget: Jacobs Inn Hostel or Gardiner House
Mid-range: Stauntons on the Green Hotel or Buswells Hotel
Luxury: The Merrion Hotel or The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
Appartments / studios: Plus Premier Suites Dublin or Pearse Street Suites
Family-Friendly: Drury Court Hotel or InterContinental Dublin, an IHG Hotel

Flights to Dublin

See your options and compare prices here.

15. Magical Málaga!

A trip to Málaga is much more than just a regular European city break. This Spanish city lies right on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia, making it the perfect destination to combine a city break with a beach holiday or excursions to other Andalusian highlights. Málaga is especially popular in spring and autumn for city breaks. Visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the ancient Roman Theatre, Gibralfaro Castle, and the Cathedral of Málaga. Or stroll along Plaza de la Merced, visit the Picasso Museum, the modern port area and Centre Pompidou Málaga, and explore the vibrant Mercado de Atarazanas.

3 Things to Do in Málaga

1. Foodies, take note! The Mercado de Atarazanas is the largest indoor fresh market in central Málaga and the place to grab a delicious meal. With its gorgeous stained-glass windows, it’s also a beautiful place to walk through.
2. Enjoy a beach day during your city break! The best beaches in Málaga are La Malagueta, La Caleta, and Peñón del Cuervo.
3. The Nerja Caves, located near Málaga, are considered by many to be the most beautiful caves in Europe. This limestone cave system stretches over 4 kilometers and is home to the world’s largest stalactite. Located just a 50-minute drive from Málaga (tip: it’s easy to reach by bus!).

Hotels in Málaga

Budget: La Casa de La Abuela Malaga or Hotel California
Middenklasse: Hotel Brö-Adults Only or Molina Lario
Luxury: Gran Hotel Miramar GL or Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
Appartments / studios: Living4Malaga Boutique Apartments
Family-friendly: Aparthotel Debambú Atarazanas or Petit Palace Plaza Málaga

Flights to Málaga

Find your tickets here.