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?
Thanks for the excellent read!
I’m excited to visit Portugal and Denmark for my next vacation.
I’d love to vist those cities. It’s ab it hard to save for a getaway when you’re a fmily of four, though.
Got to say Italy is beautiful, love Rome but thought it was very dirty. That let me down somewhat
I would love to see all of these amazing cities! I am going on a European Cruise this summer, starting in Barcelona, going to France, Italy, Greece & Turkey. I am so excited. I’ll definitely keep these places on my list!
Interesting article on Denmark. Watched a programme on TV last week about Copenhagen and it’s now on my wish list.
Many of these cities are on my bucket list to see when I travel. I would not have considered Poland. Thank you for including that on your list!
From this list, Portugal seems like the destination my sweetie and I would most like to explore. Austria also sounds like an interesting place to go to as well.
Sad you did not include my country, Brazil! But love your list, I haven’t visited most of those countries and I agree they make a great must visit list!
Wonderful list! I’d love to visit all of these cities someday, especially Portugal. It would be nice to see the colorful Pena National Palace in person.
I would love to go to Denmark! we are not going abroad this year as I just had twin babies and it will be hard to travel!
Portugal and Denmark are where I’d like to go next love Barcelona fascinating city xx
I’d quite like to go to Denmark 🙂
If you’re into art & a REALLY laid-back vibe then Barcelona is THE place to go – I love it! It’s a bit like Ireland except with sunshine!
I would love to visit all those places some day. I think Denmark would be my first destination.
All of these countries are places I would love to see some day. It would be amazing to me to be able to visit Europe. I would love to go to Vienna just for the history. Thanks for sharing these awesome places to consider.
This is a great list. I’d love to go to any of these countries some day. A lot of these are already on my list of places to go.
I would love to get to Europe one day. There are so many amazing cities to visit.
I would love to visit ANY of these places! They all seem so unique and offer the visitor something special.
I’ve visited many of these places. When I lived in England I literally went away every other weekend!
I would love to visit any of these laces. Talk about an adventure in all of them, theres something for each one at each place I think. They all give different reasons to visit!
Fantastic places to put on your bucket list
I would love to visit all those countries. Touring the world is on my dream list. I hope that dream will come true someday. 🙂
These are fantastic locations to travel to. I have always wanted to go explore the Netherlands.
It would be a bit of a flight for us, but a quick trip to Sweden sounds pretty good to me. Really, any of these places sound incredible!
Any of those place sounds exciting to explore. I wish I could travel Europe someday!