City breaks are the perfect way to discover the magic of Europe. In only a weekend (or longer!) you can sample the highlights of the art, architecture, food and culture of each place. While we recommend trying to see as many cities as possible, Barcelona, Vienna, Florence, Lisbon and Budapest give you the variety and excitement you’re craving! Hot weather, scenic views and adventure around every corner!
Barcelona, Spain.
From stunning architecture to delicious food and vibrant nightlife, Barcelona has it all.
It’s impossible to walk around the streets of Barcelona and not be enchanted by the magic of the city. Whether you’re in the Parc Güell with its stunning mosaic benches or looking up at the stained glass windows in the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s architecture oozes charm and beauty.
With the coastline right on your doorstep, Barcelona is the perfect combination of a city break and a beach vacation! Little chiringuitos (small bars for snacks and drinks) lined up on the coastline transform into chilled party venues in the evening making up only a small section of the city's fantastic nightlife.
This feel-good city has a lot to offer to lovers of Art. You can visit the Picasso Museum to see some of his earliest works or check out the Museo Nacional d’Art de Catalunya for an impressive collection of murals and unique gothic, Catalan art.
Vienna, Austria.
Vienna is a treasury of museums and history. From the Leopold Museum (with works by Klimt and Kokoschka) or the MUMOK (which houses works by Warhol and Lichtenstein) to the Jewish Museum or the Sigmund Freud Museum, there's something to discover at every corner.
Given Austria’s rich royal history, the city itself is an immense museum filled with magnificent cultural landmarks and gardens such as Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg Palace.
And last but not least, Vienna is also one of the major global destinations for classical music lovers. Graced by figures such as Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven, Haydn and Berg, the city’s musical tradition is plain to see.
Florence, Italy.
If only for the views, Florence should be on your list. Nowhere else in the world will you see a sea of red terracotta roofs, magnificent architecture of Duomo spires and cobbled plazas like here.
Aside from beautiful sceneries, art and food are amongst the highlights of this town. Start your journey by visiting Botticelli’s Birth of Venus or standing beneath Michelangelo’s David In the Galleria dell'Accademia, one of the finest sights in the art world. The Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is also one of Florence’s finest gems and a trip to its top brings one of the finest views in the world - trust us, we don’t take that claim lightly!
Did someone mention food? Pizza, wine, and gelato make the perfect combination! Cafe Gilli or one of many places on the Piazza Santo Spirito are our favorites as they offer a lovely balance between quality, culture, and liveliness!
Lisbon, Portugal.
Lisbon - the land with good food, perfect weather, and amazing scenes all for an affordable price. It is the perfect city to walk around if you don’t mind the odd hill here and there! Or just hop on to the iconic 35 tram for a low-key tour around the city for an authentic Portuguese experience.
Portugal’s capital is also famous for its nightlife. You can either enjoy fine dining in one of the multiple Michelin Star restaurants or eat to your heart's content at one of many food markets along the coast such as pastel de nata.
If you’ve got some time to kill, then a day trip to Sintra is a must! You can also take winding bus tours through the mountain woods to visit hidden Islamic castles filled with the brightest colors and particular architectural highlights in the Palace de Pena and The Moorish Castle.
Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest has something for everyone. You can relax in the beautiful, green tranquility of Margaret Island or Buda Castle, or paint the town red at the Jewish Quarter, which is home to Instant, one of Europe’s most famed nightclubs.
One of the most affordable destinations on our list and in Europe, Budapest is an ideal place for party lovers, as it offers a vibrant nightlife and many great bars and restaurants.
Don't forget to visit Szechenyi Spa Baths, arguably the most famous site in Budapest. The bright yellow buildings are some of the most photogenic in Europe and the perfect place for a whole host of activities.
The Danube is also intriguing to explore. You can walk across the bridge connecting Buda (West) and Pest (East) parts of the city and even take a boat trip!
Whilst there are so many magnificent European destinations to explore, Barcelona, Vienna, Florence, Lisbon and Budapest have got all bases covered: magical cities full of art, culture, beauty and of course a vibrant nightlife!
