Brightsun’s Most Recommended City Breaks in Europe

From the architectural gem Budapest to the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik, plan a weekend getaway to these amazing destinations in Europe!

Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a more leisurely stay, Europe is ideal for a city break. The continent is rich with history, architectural marvels and pretty much everything. Of course, there are the old favourites – Rome, Paris and Venice but there are also some other understated cities that you can explore and have a great time. Here are our best picks.

Athens, Greece

Athens is known for its historical richness where ancient history plays daily in the theatre of ruins. It was originally centred around the 5th-century BC hilltop citadel the Acropolis but has sprawled into a charming city with mass appeal. Spend your time strolling through the Parthenon temple’s columns and admiring the politically charged street art or enjoy a day trip to beaches along the Attica coast. A visit to Panathenaic Stadium is a must which was built around AD143 and hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896 after being excavated.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is an architectural treasure trove with numerous baroque and art nouveau structures and streets filled with photogenic backdrops. From dramatic history and flamboyant buildings to healing thermal waters and an unrivalled nightlife, the city has something for everyone. Relax under the beautiful marble archways at 16th-century Rudas, have a great time partying at Széchenyi or enjoy the views from the UNESCO-listed Buda Castle’s courtyards – there is so much to see and experience in Budapest.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Whether you’re visiting first time or hundredth time, Dubrovnik never fails to impress. A UNESCO-listed gem, visitors are charmed with city’s limestone streets, baroque buildings and the shimmering Adriatic. The old town is an open-air museum – admire the gothic and baroque architecture and hunt for backdrops featured in the series Game of Thrones or have a day out in the numerous beaches such as banje which is just a short distance away. Don’t miss Climbing Fort Lovrijenac for the breath-taking views of the city walls and bay.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is artistic, lively and has evolved into the richest culinary capital in Europe. It is the life and soul of Spain’s finest fiestas and boasts an artistic pedigree with art-galleries such as the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. However, it is easy to get side-tracked with charming tapas bars that serve the most delicious dishes you’ll ever taste. The Mercado de San Miguel showcases a culinary tour of Spain, while Sobrino de Botin, founded in 1725, claims to be the oldest restaurant in the world.

Reykjavík, Iceland

With snow-topped mountains, waving seas and crystal-clear air, Iceland’s capital is an excellent base for day trips and a great city break destination. It's merely a town when compared to other capitals like London and Paris but strikingly cosmopolitan for its size with captivating art, rich culinary choices, and quirky cafes and bars. Whale watching tours depart from the harbour and a must-do activity. The glass-domed Perlan museum offers an overview of Iceland’s geology and wildlife and when here, also visit Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach just within walk 15 minutes away.

Lisbon, Portugal

Once a jumping-off point for explorers in 15th century, Lisbon is a charming city with postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals. There is an explosion of fashionable bars and restaurants in the neighbourhoods of Bairro Alto and Principe Real and has transforming streets into an open-air party but there’s still something charming about its art nouveau venues. While the medieval Sao Jorge Castle presiding over one of Lisbon’s seven hills is a must, there are more UNESCO-listed treasure in the Belem that you must explore.

Brussels, Belgium

Just two hours’ train ride away from London, Brussels boasts delightful architecture, cool bars overflowing with frothy beer, top-notch museums and world’s best chocolate. Jean Cocteau, the famous writer called Brussels’ main square the “finest theatre in the world” and its gold-leafed gables and gothic medieval spires still make it one of Europe’s most striking squares. Visit Rue de l’Etuve to witness the landmark, the Manneken Pis statue or enjoy views from the top floor café of the Musical Instruments Museum.

If you’d like to visit Europe for a holiday, contact our travel specialists for top holiday and flight offers now and get your customized itinerary.