Four European City Breaks Worth Adding to Your List
If you’ve already ticked off the popular European weekend-break destinations, or you’re looking for somewhere a little different, here are four cities I’d recommend putting on your list. And, as always, I’ve included a few personal recommendations just for you.
Bilbao, Spain
The Guggenheim Museum is one of Bilbao’s main attractions, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that’s all there is to the city. The Old Town is full of character, with narrow streets, lively bars and restaurants serving some of the best pintxos in the Basque Country.
My recommendation is rather than settling into one restaurant for the evening go on a pintxos crawl through the Old Town. Hop between bars, sampling a few dishes and a glass of local wine along the way. You can do it independently or join a group.
Getting there: There are direct flights from 6 UK airports, although some routes operate seasonally.
Where to stay: Palacio Arriluce is more than just somewhere to lay your head. Once a private residence, it’s now a destination hotel combining spa and wellness facilities with a fantastic food offering. And for a different way to see the city, you can take a boat from the hotel along the Ría de Bilbao to the Guggenheim. What a way to arrive!
Verona, Italy
Verona is known for its romantic connections to Romeo and Juliet and its opera, but it’s also a wonderful city to explore over a weekend. Spend lazy days wandering through the historic streets, strolling along the river and stopping for an aperitivo before dinner. Sometimes, the best part of a city break is simply having the time to explore and enjoy yourself.
Top Tip: Stay an extra day and spend it at Lake Garda. Direct trains to Peschiera del Garda take around 15 minutes from Verona.
Getting there: There are direct flights from 13 UK airports, with some routes operating seasonally.
Where to eat: Corte San Mattia sits in the hills outside the city views across Verona. The restaurant uses produce grown on its own farm or sourced from small local producers. Top Tip: try and time it to catch the sunset over the city from the balcony
Aix-en-Provence, France
If your idea of a perfect weekend involves wandering through markets, browsing independent shops, enjoying a leisurely lunch and perhaps a glass of rosé, Aix-en-Provence is well worth considering. This relaxed Provençal town is a great place to explore, and the landscapes around Aix famously inspired painter Paul Cézanne.
My recommendation if you fancy combining art, wine, food and the outdoors, is to take a trip to Château La Coste. This vineyard is much more than a place to enjoy a wine tasting and have a leisurely lunch. There's a four kilometre art trail through the vineyards featuring more than 40 works of contemporary art and architecture, including works by Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, Andy Goldsworthy and Sean Scully. You don’t need to be an art expert to enjoy it.
Getting there: Aix-en-Provence is around 25–30 minutes from Marseille Provence Airport by car or taxi, or you can take the direct airport shuttle.
Where to eat: Le Petit Verdot is a small restaurant offering an ever-changing Provençal menu. I’d recommend booking ahead rather than hoping to find a table when you arrive.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia is an underrated gem, and one I’d happily recommend if you want a city break with a bit of everything. There’s a historic Old Town, a beach, a lively bar scene, striking modern architecture and, of course, it is home to paella.
My recommendation is to spend time walking or cycling through The Turia Gardens which follows the former riverbed of the River Turia, which was diverted in 1957. The old riverbed has since been transformed into a long, green park running through the city. Start near the Cathedral and walk towards the City of Arts and Sciences.
Getting there: Direct flights are available from 9 UK airports, with some routes operating seasonally.
Where to eat: Canalla Bistro is the relaxed, playful restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Ricard Camarena. As the website says “Here there are no fancy tablecloths, no waiters with funeral faces, no gourmet posing. Just attitude, flavour, and a kitchen that does whatever the hell it wants.”. I don’t think I need to say any more 😊
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to a great city break. And do you really need to follow the crowds? If one of these has caught your eye, get in touch. I’d be happy to help you plan a trip that makes the most of your time away.
