Best city breaks for a weekend stay

31 March 2025

With a cleverly planned city break, you can really make the most of your weekend. There are so many amazing European destinations within just a couple of hours’ flight time from the UK, with more than enough sights and attractions to fill two, three, or even four days. Choosing the right flight times is key to maximising your European city break, leaving as early as you can on the first day and catching the last flight home on your final day. Here are some of our tried and trusted favourites.

Oslo

Highly recommended by some of our team, Norway’s capital is a brilliant blend of old and new. Its newly developed docks have lovely canals, colourfully painted houses, a seawater fjord pool with diving boards, a city beach outside the Opera House, and the distinctive MUNCH Museum, one of the world’s largest collections by a single artist. Oslo is also packed with venues in which to learn about local culture, especially the Norwegian Maritime Museum, Norsk Folkemuseum, and Akershus Fortress.

Berlin

The German capital is big, bold, and beautifully compelling. There’s more here than you can fit into a weekend, even a long one, so take your time and enjoying strolling around. One of the top sights is the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Straße, where the lives of those who lived in border buildings is vividly documented. Other historic must-sees are the East Side Gallery – a section of the Berlin Wall with murals by artists from around the world – Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Tiergarten park, while for those who love exploring after dark, the nightlife here is legendary.

Budapest

Named one of Conde Nast Traveller’s top places to visit in 2024 after celebrating its 150th anniversary in late 2023, the Hungarian capital is a brilliant city break destination, especially if you like pampering – not only in hotel spas (there are some palatial places to stay here), but in its naturally thermal springs, where you can join locals soaking in blissfully warm water. There is also fabulous shopping, great restaurants for all tastes, and some excellent nightlife – especially in the city’s famed ‘ruin bars’ in abandoned warehouses and historic buildings in the Jewish Quarter.

Venice

Great for couples but also for friends, families, and solo travellers, this road-traffic-free city is one of the loveliest in the world for simply ambling around – perhaps with a gelato in hand – admiring its splendid palaces and churches, especially the iconic Doges Palace. The Guggenheim Museum of modern art is also a must-see. When you’re not walking, there are gondolas, vaporetti, and traghetti to be ridden to nearby beaches and islands, where you might watch mask-makers, glassblowers, and lace-creators in action.

Palma

The Majorcan capital delivers blissful sunshine less than two and a half hours’ flight time from London, but this resort city is much more than just a beach destination – despite having some great ones, some with hip beach clubs. It also has a beautiful Old Town, home to a vast cathedral with bay views, the Moorish-style Royal Palace of La Almudaina, an Arab fortress converted to a royal residence, and the impressive Plaça Major square.

To book your European weekend break, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Why Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel is one of Paphos' most versatile hotels

12 June 2026

Choosing the right hotel in Cyprus often comes down to finding the right balance. You want a beachfront location, plenty of facilities, comfortable accommodation, and enough choice to keep everyone happy throughout the holiday. That's exactly where Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel stands out. Located on the seafront in Paphos and surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, the hotel combines a relaxed atmosphere with an impressive range of facilities for couples, families, and multi-generational groups. With Paphos town centre just a short distance away, guests can enjoy both the convenience of the resort and easy access to one of Cyprus' most popular destinations. Following a recent renovation programme, Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel now offers refreshed rooms and upgraded facilities, creating a contemporary base from which to enjoy everything the region has to offer.

Discover a more effortless way to experience the Maldives

12 June 2026

For many people, the Maldives is the ultimate luxury escape, but at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, the experience goes far beyond beautiful surroundings. Located in South Malé Atoll and reached by a private luxury catamaran from Velana International Airport, the resort combines spacious beachfront and overwater villas with a level of inclusivity that removes the usual questions about what's extra and what's included. From the moment you're welcomed into the resort's private airport lounge to your arrival on the island, complete with traditional Boduberu drumming and personalised service, every detail feels carefully considered.

Why Cascade Wellness Resort Lagos Algarve by Domes is redefining active luxury in Portugal

12 June 2026

With Formula 1 set to return to the Algarve International Circuit in 2027 and 2028, Portugal's southern coastline is preparing to welcome motorsport fans from around the world. But while the racing may provide the perfect excuse to visit, there's another reason travellers are beginning to take a closer look at this corner of the Algarve. Just outside the historic town of Lagos, Cascade Wellness Resort Lagos Algarve by Domes is entering an exciting new chapter, evolving into one of the region's first fully integrated athleisure lifestyle resorts. Combining sports, wellness, family-friendly facilities, and one of Portugal's most spectacular coastal locations, it's a resort designed for those who want more from their holiday than simply a sun lounger and a swimming pool.