We’ve listed our top 10 city breaks in Europe, perfect for
anyone planning a romantic getaway or short city break. Including some of the
best stag destinations and hen weekends in Europe! So if you need some
inspiration then read on…
1) Paris, France
Because in the words of Audrey Hepburn...“Paris is always a
good idea"...
There are so many iconic tourist attractions to visit whilst
in Paris; Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle to name a few.
And of course, the Eiffel Tower! It’s a bit of a trek but the views make
climbing the tower worth it.
The French capital has a great selection of museums and art
galleries, but there are two that must be visited before you leave. Firstly, Musee d’Orsay;
housed in a former Railway station, this museum boasts the best collection of
impressionist paintings in the world and hosts spectacular exhibitions every
year. And secondly, Musee du Louvre;
the home of Mona Lisa and Venus De Milo.
Spend the evenings dining on fabulous French cuisine, and if
the budget allows head to Palais deGarnier for a night of opera, for a true
Parisian experience.
2) Venice, Italy
Think Gondolas, gelatos and romance! If you’re planning on
whisking a loved one away for a romantic getaway, then hop on a plane to Venice
and start wooing! Grab a bottle of Venetian Vino, a singing Gondolier and punt
down the city’s picturesque waterways - it’s as magical as the movies make out,
and perfect for creating those ever-lasting memories.
But you know, Venice isn’t all about the Gondola… For
centuries it’s provided inspiration to artists, musicians and writers across
the world – and there are signs of this dotted around the city. If you want to
see the Venetian Masters, then a trip to the famous Gallerie dell’Accademia is
a must. The city’s principle opera house La Fenice, hosts at least two concert
seasons a year so make sure you check out what’s on, you don’t want to miss out
on hearing Vivaldi in Venice!
Venice is famed for its beautiful seafood, so spend the
evenings enjoying sumptuous dishes with a glass of Prosecco at a waterside bar,
and soak up the unique beauty of this charming city.
3) Prague, Czech
Republic
Prague is one of the best destinations for stag dos and hen
weekends in Europe, but it has loads to offer loved-up couples too.
The city prides itself in their locally produced beer; most popular
for the locals is Gambrinus, but Kozel’s Medium and Pilsner Urquell are equally
loved. Have a read of Time Out’s feature
‘Prague’s beers, breweries & tank pubs’ for a comprehensive description of all things beer…
With a fusion of different styles and influences, the
cityscape is stunning. Visit Prague Castle for a taste of this eclectic
architecture; with towering, Gothic Spires, a Grand Old Royal Palace and a
museum. The Castle is also home to many cultural events, including jazz
evenings, exhibitions and theatre – so plan your visit ahead.
And obviously, the clubbing scene - Prague is famed for its
vibrant nightlife. Clubs play tunes from dusk till dawn, an amazing place for
all party goers.
4) Dublin, Ireland
If you’re a real music lover, then Dublin is a must! The
city has a great music scene, and you won’t have to go far to enjoy a night of
live music. Temple Bar
is a great place to start, with loads of pubs and bars you’re guaranteed to
stumble upon a local music gem! And for any Thin Lizzy fans, you can pay your
music respects to a statue of bassist Phil Lynott (outside Bruxelles, a music
bar on Harry Street)
It would be sacrilege to go to Ireland and not visit the Guinness Factory.
You’ll learn everything you ever wanted to about the beer, and can enjoy a pint
of the stuff in the Gravity Bar which has breath-taking views across Dublin
city.
Full of character and charm, with an abundance of
attractions and events, Dublin is a wonderful destination for a long weekend.
5) Edinburgh, Scotland
If you can, book your short break in Scotland during the Edinburgh festival.
The festival hosts a variety of art exhibitions, gigs & concerts, theatre
productions, literature events and just about any other ‘artsy’ thing you can
think of. The festival activities begin from mid-June and end at the beginning
of September, so around this time the city is buzzing!
If you can’t make it during those months, then not to worry
– there are plenty of things going on all year round. A trip to Edinburgh Castle should be on the agenda, as well as a walk up the tallest of Edinburgh’s seven
hills to sit upon Arthur’s Seat. Take a picnic (and perhaps a wee dram of
whiskey!) and enjoy the magnificent views of the city.
Talking of whiskey, no trip to Edinburgh would be complete
without the Scotch Whiskey ExperienceTour. Visit the whiskey shop, and go on an hour long tour to learn all there is to
know about the Scot’s tipple of choice.
For dining, Edinburgh has loads of fantastic restaurants to
choose from! If you’re feeling flash then Michelin starred restaurant, Castle Terrace is a good
choice!
6) Berlin, Germany
Germany’s capital embraces all that is cool, edgy, and
fashionable. It’s the ideal location for a party weekend, or for anyone who
wants to lose themselves in music, art and beer for a few days!
It also has an incredibly rich culture and is steeped in history,
which you can see in the jumbled styles and influences of architecture and
monuments. There is no better place to discover all that the city has to offer,
than The Reichstag (home of the German Parliament). The glass structured roof
offers panoramic views of the city.
If it’s the music scene you’re after, then Berlin has
everything you could possibly want. Techno, Drum & Bass, Punk, Pop and
Hip-Hop, there’s something for everyone on every-day of the week. And with
after parties and day-time clubs, you can literally party ALL weekend!
There’s an abundance of activities and attractions that you
can check out during the day too. Walking the Berlin Wall should be at the top
of the to-do list; although demolished in 1990, part of the wall has been
restored along the southern border of Wedding and Mitte. At Check Point
Charlie, there’s a tourist centre where comprehensive display boards tell the
wall’s story.
Berlin’s art scene is flourishing, with the Kulturforum
housing world-class galleries. The best way to experience the Kulturforum is
during the Long Night of the Museums, where you can explore the museums until
2.00am! (Check dates here!)
This is just a snippet of the wonderful things going on in
Berlin, it’s a treasure of a city that needs to be visited to be fully
appreciated…
7) Rome, Italy
Rome was not built in a day, and you definitely won’t see
everything it has to offer in a short weekend. But, throw a coin in the Trevvi
Fountain and your return is inevitable! For that first trip begin with an open top bus tour
of the city. It’s a great way to see the awe-inspiring architecture, and visit
the famous attractions without wearing your feet down. The Colosseum, Roman
Forum and the Pantheon are just a few monuments of Ancient Rome that you must
see.
If yours is a mid-week trip, make sure to visit the Vatican
on a Wednesday morning for an audience with the Pope. Whether you’re religious
or not, it’s a special occasion that will provide an unforgettable experience.
And whilst you’re there, take the opportunity to admire Michel Angelo’s
stunning frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and wander through St.Peter’s
Basillica.
In the evening you won’t have to go far to experience
wonderful food! Rich in flavour and character, Rome is famous for its delicious
cuisine. So relax with an authentic Italian Pizza and a bottle of Frascati wine.
8) Barcelona, Spain
When visiting a new city one of the best things to do first
is explore its history. So, if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, we’d
suggest going to Museu d’Historia de Barcelona first; here you can explore
archaeological remains of the city and learn all about its heritage. However,
you don’t need to go to a museum to learn about Barcelona’s architectural
delights! You’ll come across many works of Antoni Gaudi in particular,
including the famous Sagrada Familia and the beautiful city garden, Guell Park,
by just wandering the through the city.
After a day of site seeing, sit down to tasty tapas and an
ice cold beer or glass of vermouth in one of Barcelona’s many bars and
restaurants. Barcelona also has over 4km of beaches, with plenty of beach bars.
With a vibrant nightlife, a couple of days in Barcelona will
have you feeling refreshed and relaxed!
9) London, UK
A diverse and exciting city, a weekend in London is a great
option if your time limits mean that an overseas trip is a no-no.
Book a ride on the LondonEye where you can view the stunning
skyline, followed by a day visiting top London attractions like Madame Tussauds and the NaturalHistory Museum. And of course, no day out in
London would be complete without having a wander around the shops! Visit the
iconic Harrods for a little luxury, Hamleys for that inner child and pick up
some tasty treats at Fortnum & Mason (the Queens official grocer!)
In the evening, make the most of the glittering West End and
book yourselves a theatre and meal package (there’s lots to choose from at lastminute.com. For a magical experience check out Wicked, for a classic it has to be The Sound
of Music, or if you have the family in tow The Lion King is a great option.
These are just a few of the many shows that London has to offer.
With so much to see and do, come the end of your trip you’ll
no doubt be exhausted! So book yourself on a relaxing River Cruise along the Thames, sit back and relax.
If you want a few alternative ideas, check out our Top 10
Dates in London blog.
10) Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is fast becoming the place to go for a short city break.
With hip arestaurants, bars and galleries popping up throughout the city, and its
rich cultural history to explore, there is enough to keep you busy for a few
days!
Its wealth of architecture is a feast for the eyes, and as soon
as you step foot in the city you’ll get lost in its charm and grandeur.
Highlights include the Blue Mosque, an excellent example of classical Ottoman
architecture, Topkapi Palace, the largest and oldest palace in the world, and
the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets. There is more
than enough to keep you occupied through the day, and at night time the city
really comes alive…
For an evening of great food and drink head to Beyoğlu, or
relax and unwind at one of the charming tea gardens that can be found in the
back streets of Sultanahmet’s Old Town.
For a fantastic guide on how to spend your night in Istanbul
(and the best places to get a recovery breakfast!), check out this article from The Guardian
Now you know where to go - head on over to Flirtify to find a lovely date to go with!
4) Made by You Pottery
Head out an enjoy the gems of Essex – and let us know if you’ve
got any suggestions in the comments below.
