7 Countries to Consider for your Next City Break
Given that we’re just a hop across the sea to mainland Europe, us Brits would be mad to miss a European city break this year. Whether you’re longing for Lisbon, desperate for Denmark or sighing for Sweden, we’ve rounded up seven of the best choices for your next long weekend. Pack your passport; we’ll see you there!
- Portugal
If warmer climates are tempting you to Southern Europe, may we suggest Lisbon? With terracotta rooftops, statues and monasteries set within steep hills beside the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time. And whilst it’s a city break, it’s also a good beach holiday as it’s nestled right beside the Atlantic Ocean. For something a little different, why not rent a Portugal Property or venture into Porto for cobbled streets and red wine?
- Netherlands
If cycling along a gentle canal sounds serene, why not give Amsterdam a go? Famous for its waterside architecture, ‘coffee’ shops and Red Light District, it’s a sought after destination for those looking to expand their horizons. Fancy going off the beaten track? We recommend Rotterdam. This trail-blazing city makes an architectural statement, is great for modern art and serves up some great food, too.
- Austria
We heartily recommend a visit to Austria, pointing to Vienna in particular. Much of the historic city centre is suitable for exploring on foot and is one of the largest car-free zones in Europe. Vienna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we particularly like its gothic architecture and famed Spanish Riding School. Culture vultures can even buy standing tickets for the Vienna State Opera (Stattsoper) for under five Euros!
- Poland
Having escaped the worst of World War 2 bombing, Krakow is considered by many as being the prettiest of Poland’s main cities. A charming city built around myths and dragons, Krakow appeals to tourists looking for a bit of escapism. The tragedy of Poland’s recent history married with the renewal of the 21st century makes this destination a memorable city break.
- Denmark
Copenhagen should be top of your list if you’d like to experience something a little quirky, charming and trendy all at once. Denmark is famous for pastries, children’s stories and liberal politics, and is sure to infuse a sense of calm and open-mindedness in a weekend breaker. We suggest trying Denmark’s open-faced sandwiches known as smørrebrød and asking about something called ‘hygge’: we’d never want to leave.
- Czech Republic
With more than 8 million tourists flocking to the Czech Republic last year, you’d be in good company if you chose Prague as your next city break. Prague Castle has been overlooking the city since the 9th century and is well worth a visit. Nightlife in Prague has had some time to develop as tourism has increased over recent years, and is now varied and bustling.
- Sweden
You’re welcome to give Stockholm a try, but how about a west coast city break in Gothenburg instead? This industrial port city is home to stunning architecture and some of the most delicious fresh seafood on earth! Want to know more? Gothenburg has just as much going for it as Stockholm, but with a far smaller population – meaning that there’s tons of green space and is easily explored on foot.
Where would you like to visit for your next city break?
I would just love to explore these places! How I wish traveling was free! Or better yet, I wish there was a way to teleport me to those places!
These are great places to travel to! Would love to experience different cultures and meet people from different walks of life.
What a great place to visit. I’d love to visit anywhere with my family
Great list. I would love to visit these countries.. I love new adventures, can’t wait to travel again
These cities are all far away from my home, sadly. I just see them in pictures and in videos covering travel destinations and itineraries. Oh I hope I’d also have the opportunity to get to these places one time in the future. 🙂 Where is the most expensive one to travel?
These are all great citied to put on my Bucket List! I have been wanting to go to Sweden for a hill but hadn’t thought of some of these you listed!
This is a great list. I would love to see all these wonderful cities.
All of these countries sound like great places to visit. If I had to choose one it would be Portugal. I’m all for warmer climates and have heard Lisbon is beautiful.
Great list! I want to go to the Netherlands so badly! I have been to Lisbon, and it is beautiful!
I would love to go to the Netherlands and Prague is another place I’d love to visit. Top of my travel list is Ireland and then Scotland. I am hoping to get there soon.
I have always wanted to visit Denmark and Sweden. You had me at architecture and fresh seafood so Sweden would be my first choice!
These are really good ideas. I’d love to see Prague one day. Taking a trip to Portugal would be really cool too.
I just added some of these to my bucket list and I hope I get to see them one day. I’d especially love to go to the Netherlands. I’ve heard it’s simply beautiful there.
I’ve always wanted to visit Copenhagen. I don’t know if I’ll get the chance, but it has such a rich history and wonderful culture. I’d love to spend some time there!
I’ve never been to any of these places before. I’d like to visit all of them.
I have a few friends in the Netherlands and I’m hoping to meet up to visit with them in another year or two. I would also love to visit Sweden.
Great recommendations! I’ve only been to Europe once, but all I got to see was London. I’ll keep your tips in mind for the next time…hope that’s not too far off!
All of these countries sound amazing to visit. I have always wanted to visit Austria.
I’d love to see ANY of those cities. You’ve given me a few new cities to add to my travel list.
I would love to go to Austria and be in that exact same spot where they filmed “Sound of Music.” I’d also like to visit Denmark and the Netherlands. Oh my goodness. So many cool places to visit! If I had won the powerball, I’d be traveling to those places right now.
These are all wonderful places. I’m in Barcelona every February for a major work event and really hope to stop in Portugal on my way home. I was happy to see it at the top of your list. I love Europe, but it is one country there I haven’t yet to made it to.
These all sound like great places to visit. I would love to go to Sweden and Austria.
Love to check out all these countries! I have been to the Netherlands and it is beautiful there! There are so many places in this world to discover I can’t wait to see all of them.
There are so many places. And for me, so little funds lol. I’d love to travel more if I could.
They all sound lovely to me. I have never been anywhere in Europe, so I would love to visit any one of these countries.
I’ve been to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Krakow, Stockholm and Gotheberg out of this list and can agree that they’re all amazing places. I loved visiting the salt mines in Stockholm they have eleborate art carved in the salt, but Copenhagen is my favourite European city I’ve visited so far. Vienna and Prague are high up my to visit list though! x