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Are you already dreaming of your next short break but don't want to spend crazy amounts of money or stay away for longer than a few nights? A city break may be exactly what you're looking for, and it's one of the most popular types of holiday for UK travellers.
Luckily, we have plenty of city break deals! In fact, you can even find city breaks for less than £100, or even when you're looking for a great value last-minute holiday! While most UK holidaymakers choose to take their city breaks in Europe, they're also a great option for staycations as well as adventures further abroad. Get inspired and book your next city break with us!
Thanks to short flight times and cheap flights, Europe is usually the first place holidaymakers think of when booking a city break. And there are so many fantastic cities to choose from, from vibrant and busy capital cities to lesser-known hidden gems.
Whether you're doing it solo, as a couple or as part of a big group, a European city break is usually packed with enough things to do to make everyone happy. Here's a round up of some of our top city break destinations in Europe.
The Italian capital is packed with amazing things to do and see. Rome is a popular city break destination all year round and its star attractions always feel a bit crowded - so make sure that you book tickets in advance!
Rome's main attractions are the Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain; when you need a break from sightseeing, however, you'll be glad to hear that the city has a vibrant food scene too, with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Filled with photogenic canals, bicycles and boats, Amsterdam is one of the prettiest European capitals and it also happens to be a great choice for a city break. You can have a fantastic trip at any time of year but the city really comes to life in the summer, with live music events, markets and festivals.
Hopping on a boat is a fun way to get acquainted with Amsterdam, while the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Vondelpark and the Van Gogh Museum are some of the top places to visit.
Memorable attractions, delicious food and drink, bucket-list festivals and sunny beaches - Barcelona really does have it all. It's Spain's second-largest city, featuring a unique blend of cutting-edge modernity and tradition. Barcelona is especially popular during the warmer months, so make sure you get your hotel and flights sorted well in advance.
Sagrada Famila, Park Guell, Picasso Museum, La Boqueria Market and Montjuic are all unmissable attractions in Barcelona.
Thanks to its proximity and short flight time, Paris is one of the easiest places to get to for holidaymakers from the UK. Come rain or shine, it's impossible to be bored in the French capital, which is home to some of the most recognisable attractions in the world.
Don't leave without making a stop at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Pantheon, Sacre Coeur or Arc de Triomphe. This city is also a great base for trips to Disneyland Paris and Versailles.
Even with its quick flight times from the UK, Lisbon is still somewhat of an underrated city break destination. The Portuguese capital plays host to a wealth of attractions and is an ideal base for a bunch of great day trips too.
Soak up the sights and eat some pasteis de nata in Belem, try local dishes at the Time Out Market or enjoy the city's different levels with a trip on the Santa Justa lift. Don't miss out on a day trip to Sintra while you're at it!
If you're looking for a fun-filled city break that doesn't break the bank, then Krakow is exactly what you're looking for. The city is home to a truly gorgeous Old Town that's filled with historical buildings, restaurants and nightlife venues.
A lot of the action happens at Rynek Glowny, Krakow's main square, but Wawel Castle, Planty Park, St Mary's Basilica and the Kazimierz area are all worthy of a closer look too.
If your travel budget is very limited, then you really don't have to look too far to find affordable city break destinations. You'll be surprised by how cheap some European city break deals can be, and they also happen to go to some of the most interesting and historical cities in the world.
Here are our favourite budget-friendly European city break destinations:
If you feel like having a real adventure and have a bit more time on your hands, why not opt for a city break destination that's much further away?
The USA is a popular choice for city breaks beyond Europe, but you could also consider cities in Africa, Asia and Australia. After all, if you're happy to do long haul, the world's best cities are only a flight away.
Dreading the thought of having to endure another long UK winter?
Escape the rain and cold back home by heading out to destinations where the sun always seems to shine and where the temperatures are pleasantly warm, even in December and January. Here are our top choices for winter sun city breaks (all temperatures below are for December/January):
Melbourne, Australia - highs of 24°C to 26°C.
Funchal, Madeira - highs of around 20°C.
Los Angeles, USA - highs of around 20°C.
Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote - highs of around 20°C.
Cape Town, South Africa - highs of around 30°C.
Marrakesh, Morocco - highs of around 22°C.
The Maldives - highs of around 27°C.
If you're looking to take the city break of a lifetime, there are a few cities that are on just about everyone's bucket list. Each of these cities is full of incredible things to do, and would be the ultimate city break destination. Here's our take on the best cities in the world:
Hong Kong - Ideal for a look at a unique and ultra-modern Asia.
New York, USA - An iconic American destination that perfectly blends culture and entertainment.
Bangkok, Thailand - A city known for its vibrancy and legendary nightlife.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - An ever-growing metropolis balancing progress and tradition.
Las Vegas, USA - The city that never sleeps - and where you'll never run out of things to do!
Seoul, South Korea - One of the most intriguing cities in Asia.
If you're looking to have a city break a little closer to home, you'll be happy to hear that there are many action-packed and diverse UK cities to choose from. From the bustling capital to the seaside, a UK city break staycation can be just as exciting as a trip abroad.
Here are our top UK spots for an unforgettable city break:
The UK's capital city, London is a truly global city with cultural and historical influences from across the world. A perfect day here could involve so many things, such as a romantic walk along the South Bank, a visit to Tate Modern or some shopping on Europe's busiest shopping street, Oxford Street.
Then there are the beautiful parks to explore, including Regent's Park, Hyde Park and St James's Park. Finish off your sightseeing with dinner and drinks in vibrant Soho before calling it a day.
Once the industrial heartland of the Midlands, Birmingham is now home to a burgeoning arts scene and nightlife. Wander through the Jewellery Quarter (home to more than 200 listed buildings) and get yourself a bargain or pay a visit to one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.
Fancy doing something a little different? The city has an incredible network of historic canals that are lined with trendy bars and cafes. For those with kids, no trip to Birmingham would be complete without a stop at Cadbury World.
The capital of Scotland is, for many people, the heart and soul of the country. With its Old Town dating back to medieval times and world-famous Fringe Festival, Edinburgh really does have something for everyone. Start your stay with a visit to Edinburgh Castle; this spot has impressive views of the city below.
If you want to treat yourself, you can’t do much better than spending a day shopping on Victoria Street, which has plenty of boutique and independent shops to suit all tastes.
With its Roman roots, Viking past and glorious 13th-century Cathedral, York is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Holidaymakers also visit the Shambles - an olde worlde-style narrow street where some of the buildings date back to the 14th century. Next, go to York Minster; if you have the stamina, there’s an amazing view from the top of the tower.
After a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a cup of tea and cake at one of the city’s many cafes. We’re big fans of Brew & Brownie.
For a city break that feels a bit further away, why not take a trip to Northern Ireland’s capital of Belfast? Even better, flights to Belfast take no time at all. Instead of staying at home and watching that guilty pleasure - Titanic, of course - you can pay a visit to the city's Titanic Museum. You'll even get to see the shipyard where this famous vessel was built.
Afterwards, wander over to the Ulster Museum for a taste of Irish history or make the climb up to Belfast Castle.
The city may be best known as the home of the Beatles, but Liverpool has so much more to offer with national museums, art galleries, incredible restaurants and a cracking nightlife to boot. Football fan? Head over to Anfield for a stadium tour. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, check out the Tate Modern. We’d also recommend a visit to the Museum of Liverpool.
Want to let your hair down? Liverpool's best bars and clubs can all be found in the city centre.
Manchester may be famed for its musical heritage (as the home of Oasis, the Stone Roses and many other bands), but there is so much more to this bustling northern city. Check out the trendy Northern Quarter, which has plenty of art galleries and incredible street art. Alternatively, pay a visit to the Lowry, a theatre and gallery complex that has shops, restaurants and even a cinema.
For football fans, Old Trafford is close by if you wish to visit and do a tour.
Located in northeast England, Newcastle was once a major shipbuilding hub but is now better known for its vibrant nightlife and top-notch restaurants. The city is home to Michelin-starred restaurants and loads of other highly decorated spots.
If you'd like to experience some culture, we’d suggest a visit to Newcastle Castle or check out one of the city's many art galleries. We’re rather fond of the Biscuit Factory.
If you love city breaks but are short on time AND annual leave, then an extreme day trip may be exactly what you're looking for. The idea is simple: fly in and out to a new city, all within the same day, forgoing the need to book accommodation. Since you're only paying for your flights, this reduces the overall cost dramatically. Sure, it'll feel like a long day, but you'll undoubtedly experience a real adventure.
Some of the most popular extreme day trip destinations include:
Paris
Amsterdam
Dublin
Brussels
Copenhagen
Belfast
Oslo
Edinburgh
Lisbon
Madrid
Intrigued by the idea of a micro city break? Start planning yours by checking out our extreme day trip deals below.
While you'll always find the cheapest city break deals right here, there are many ways to save money when booking this type of holiday. For the absolute lowest city break prices, here are our top money-saving tips for booking cheap city breaks, every time.
This will be the number-one factor for finding the cheapest prices. If you're flexible about your destination, travel dates and airports, this guarantees that you'll be able to book a super affordable city break. This will also allow you to be spontaneous, as you can book a deal as and when you see it, instead of waiting for a deal to a specific destination/over a particular weekend.
If you travel midweek (as opposed to Friday to Sunday), this is when you can take advantage of the cheapest flight and accommodation prices. You should also avoid travelling during peak travel periods, including bank holiday weekends, summer (especially on dates that coincide with school holidays) and special occasions like Easter, Christmas and New Year.
Baggage fees always drive up costs for flights, so try to travel as light as possible. Since most city breaks are between two and four days, a cabin bag should be more than enough.
If your holiday budget is tight, you can continue to save money once you're in your city break destination. Opt for activities that are free or cheap (free walking tours are widely available in Europe and beyond), go to supermarkets for snacks and meals on the go, avoid restaurants near major landmarks and use public transport instead of taxis.
A: A city break is usually a short holiday, between two and four days, where you visit one city destination, exploring its sights and using it as a base for day trips to nearby locations.
A: Thanks to its proximity, UK holidaymakers usually go to Europe for a city break. There are many options available, like classic favourites like Paris, Prague, Copenhagen and Amsterdam to budget-friendly choices like Krakow, Bucharest, Sofia and Tallinn.
A: City breaks usually last between two and four days, and many people choose to book a city break over a weekend, with a day or two on either side of the weekend.
A: The best way is to check out holiday deal websites, like HolidayPirates, regularly, and to sign up to newsletters from holiday providers and airlines. For saving even more money, it helps to be flexible when it comes to travel dates and destinations so that you can grab a spontaneous deal when you see it. Travelling mid-week and during shoulder seasons will also help keep costs down.
A: City breaks are most popular - and most expensive - during the summer months and during school summer holidays. For better prices, milder weather and fewer crowds, consider travelling during the months of April to June, or September and October.
A: It's a good idea to pack light for a shorter holiday like a city break. Pack light, versatile layers, as well as comfortable shoes; it's always a good idea to pack a waterproof layer in case it rains. Check out our full city break packing list for more tips and last-minute items you might need.