The Best European City Breaks

Travel

Posted on October 18, 2022

Getting lost among cobbled lanes, ticking off iconic sights, experiencing outstanding local food. it could be all yours to enjoy on a city break.

But what do European city breaks look like to you? Is it a whistle-stop weekend or a longer stay, does it involve visiting historic sights, local culture, shopping or gastronomic delights? Whatever a city break means to you, our travel partners at Idle Travel have told us about three of the best and most popular.

Prague

Bringing you all the edgy atmosphere of Central Europe in one easy-to-explore city, the Czech capital joins the dots between ancient castles, Gothic churches and Soviet structures. This is an anything goes kinda place, where grand cubist cafés and a spire-topped skyline mix with offbeat dive bars and graffiti-strewn peace walls. Add in a love of stein-clinking beer halls and you’ll soon see why free-spirited Prague is famed for letting its hair down. But it still gets top marks for old-world charm. The lantern-lit Charles Bridge and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock are simply the stuff of storybooks. A fascinating Jewish Quarter and alternative art scene add another cultural layer of fascination to this must-see city, whatever time of year you visit.

Vienna

Step straight into a fairytale this winter when you book a Vienna Christmas markets city breaks. Dotted around Austria’s handsome and historic capital, each one offers a huge selection of seasonal treats. So, pack your favourite festive jumper and get ready for a magical few days in Vienna.

Keep the festive spirit alive all the way into the New Year at the Maria-Theresien-Platz market. Stock up on everything from sweets to souvenirs, while sipping on a delicious, mulled wine (known as glühwein) or a spicy apple punch. There’s even a vegan hotdog stall! After Christmas, the market transforms into a New Year village, providing the perfect place for seeing in January in style.

During the festive season, Vienna becomes an immensely popular destination; it becomes essential for those arriving to know how to get to Vienna efficiently, avoiding overloads and potential delays. Understanding Vienna airport facilities and basic information is crucial for a seamless transition, allowing travellers to navigate the airport easily and make the most of their time in the city. Checking real-time updates on flight schedules, transportation options, and any specific guidelines related to the holiday season ensures a stress-free arrival, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of Vienna during this festive time. Thus, planning ahead and staying informed contribute to a delightful travel experience, making Vienna a memorable destination for ringing in the New Year in style.

Budapest

A little culture here, a little nightlife there – elegant Budapest ticks all the boxes. Split by the Danube River, it’s a tale of two cities. On the UNESCO-stamped west side, amble through the tree-lined boulevards and cobbled streets of Buda and baroque buildings spring into view. Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and Buda Castle will make you swoon. But that’s just one part of this cosmopolitan city. After dark, over in the east, edgy Pest is the place to be. What are you in the mood for? Take your pick from quirky ruin pubs and underground clubs to rooftop terraces and cool cocktail bars. Hangovers can be cured at the grand, centuries-old bathhouses peppered throughout the Hungarian capital – there are lots to choose from!

As Idle Travel told us, you can book one amazing city, or you can tick off a few in the one trip with a city tour. You can also fly direct from most regional airports.

Want to know more about European City Breaks? Speak with Tony, Jodie or one of their team of specialists. They are Idle Travel and they sell the world!