Europe’s Best City Breaks for a Quick Getaway
*Remunerated Post*
Europe’s cities are home to an amazing diversity of culture and history, and they’re friendly to the visiting British tourist. If you’re planning an impromptu break, therefore, they’re an obvious choice. But while a few big names might easily spring to mind, there are so many gorgeous cities on the continent that some of the best might escape your consideration. That’s where we can help, with our roundup of the continent’s best city breaks.
Table of Contents
Paris
The French capital is arguably the most obvious entry to this list, so what better place could there be to start? If you’ve already been, then you probably know what to expect. While large sections of Notre-Dame remain closed to the public, the city has plenty of history and culture to offer – to say nothing of the food. Be sure to stop off for a baguette at the famous Jambon Beurre, which you might have seen Fred Sirieix and Michel Roux Jr enthusing about on the TV recently.
Barcelona
Most of Barcelona’s major landmarks were designed and constructed in the 19th century, by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, and his influence makes this among the most distinctive cities on the planet. His most famous contribution is probably the church of La Sagrada Família, but there’s also the Casa Mila and the Casa Batllo to gawp at. If architecture isn’t your thing, then there’s always a stroll along the beach, or a visit to the famous Camp Nou, to consider. You’ll land just a short ride from the city centre, but make sure you book your Barcelona airport transfers in advance to minimise your costs.
Oslo
This entry doesn’t offer quite the blazing sunshine as the other entries to our list. What it does offer is something a little different. It’s the perfect staging ground for a visit to Norway’s famous fjords, thanks to the country’s enviable transport infrastructure. The city itself is home to a 13th century fortress, Akershus Fotress, that was once used to repel invaders. From there, you’ll get a fantastic view of the nearby Oslo fjord.
Amsterdam
The Dutch capital has an enormous amount to offer. There’s a wealth of culinary excitement, several sprawling art galleries, and a nightlife that’s famous throughout the world. The city has more than you’ll be able to comfortably pack into a single weekend – and thus it merits repeat visits. A trip along the canal is, of course, obligatory.
Berlin
Berlin is perhaps most widely-associated with pulsating electronic music and the accompanying nightlife. And it’s true – if you’re looking for clubs, then this is the place to be. But what’s perhaps overlooked is the cultural richness of the city, particularly if you’re willing to rise that little bit earlier. There’s the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and a collection of world-class museums on the aptly-named Museum Island.
