We all feel like we need to get away sometimes, and city breaks are the perfect anecdote to mid-month monotony. There are so many great places to visit within an hour or two from the UK that jetting off for a few days is just too hard to resist. Whether it’s soaking up the sun in Barcelona or taking in the arts and culture scene in Paris, the choice of things to do is endless.
City breaks are all about a change of scenery, which is why Paris is such a popular destination. Just 70 minutes away from London by plane, the City of Light has museums, grand promenades, beautiful parks, and amazing restaurants that you can revisit time and time again. To save money on your trip, check out the Paris museum pass. It gains you entry into 60 of the city’s top museums and is available for two, four, or six days. After sightseeing, settle into a quaint cafe and enjoy a late lunch with a glass of the house Vin rouge.
If Paris doesn’t strike your fancy, then Barcelona might. In the summer time, the Catalonia capital is a city, sun, and beach destination. You can enjoy late-night tapas in the city’s old Gothic Quarter and explore the amazing architectural masterpieces created by Antoni Gaudi the following day. La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell are not to be missed. There’s nothing better on a hot afternoon than a trip to the beach, and Barcelona doesn’t disappoint. It has a beautiful golden sand beach that’s easily accessible from the city centre.
Closer to home, Amsterdam is a perennial favourite holiday destination. This compact and beautiful city is an art-lover’s paradise. Not only does it boast the newly refurbished Rijksmuseum, but it’s also home to museums dedicated to Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and several other notable painters of the Dutch Golden Age. Aside from the museums, touring Amsterdam by canal boat at night offers amazing views of the city. There are also several notable day tours available that take tourists to nearby tulip fields and idyllic Dutch villages for a change of pace.
At two and a half hours away from London, the glorious city of Rome is also well within reach. City breaks are great for diving right into a foreign culture, and there are few better places to do this than in Rome. Amongst ancient ruins and other landmarks is a dizzying buzz of scooters and cars making their way down Rome’s hectic streets. Take a Vespa tour to get in on the action and top it off with a hearty Italian meal followed by an afternoon espresso.
Booking a spur-of-the-moment city break is easier and more affordable than you might think. Look out for last minute flights for a spontaneous trip and take advantage of packaged deals that combine flight and hotel reservations. Finally, try not to cram too many activities into a short trip. Keep things fun and relaxed. If you can’t fit in everything you want to do, you have all the more reason to return next year.