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.
On the southern tip of Bali, in the sought-after Uluwatu region, you will find a place of profound peace and exceptional beauty. Jumeirah Bali sits gracefully on limestone cliffs, offering expansive views over the Indian Ocean. This all-villa resort is a modern interpretation of a historic Javanese-Hindu water palace, creating a serene sanctuary where you can reconnect with the natural world.
In a city known for its architectural marvels and forward-thinking design, Jumeirah Al Naseem offers a refreshing interpretation of modern coastal living. Meaning 'sea breeze' in Arabic, this hotel is aptly named, with interiors inspired by the natural beauty of its beachfront location. It’s the youngest member of the Madinat Jumeirah resort, offering a contemporary edge while still providing access to the wider complex's extensive facilities.
Reopening on 2nd May 2026 after an extensive six-month renovation, Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel steps into the new season with a renewed sense of purpose. This five-star, adults-only, all-suite retreat has long been a favourite in Paphos for its calm setting and intuitive service, and the latest enhancements build on that strong foundation. Rather than reinventing what already works, the hotel has focused on refining the details – introducing new suite categories, reimagining social spaces, and subtle design updates that elevate the overall experience.