6 Top City Break Destinations in Europe

If you are looking to get away from all the stresses of your home life, and just want to take a few days to relax and unwind, then a city break might be just the thing you need. Where else is better to do just that than in the beautiful continent of Europe? Europe is home to some of the most beautiful cities in the world, from the city of love, to a city famous for it’s X-rated nightlife. If you are interested in taking a city break, and are unsure of the best place for you to visit, here is a list of some of the most popular cities to visit in Europe right now, to help give you some inspiration.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a great location to travel to if you want to experience a mix of traditional and quiet European living, and hedonistic indulgence. Amsterdam is comprised of buildings with beautiful architecture which sit along stunning canals and quaint bridges, and whereas most cities are riddled with traffic jams and car pollution, you are more likely to be run down by a bicycle than a car amongst the narrows streets that connect each region of the city. While peaceful by day, the red light district in the heart of Amsterdam comes alive at night, and most tourists take to the bars or cafes to have a drink and joint or two (read more about Marijuana at Cheeba’s). Alternatively, for those who want to learn more about culture and history than partaking in recreational activities, there are plenty of museums and tourist attractions in Amsterdam too, such as the Anne Frank museum, and the Amsterdam Dungeons.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a very popular tourist destination within Europe, because while it has all of the benefits of a city break, it is also located on the coast, meaning that you get the best of both worlds out of your vacation. The climate is mild throughout the year, so visiting the beach is something which can be done in any season, though the warmest time of year is usually August. Not only is the weather good, but there is beautiful architecture around the city, along with a lot of art galleries and museums to explore. The cuisine in Barcelona is delicious, and tends to follow the traditional Mediterranean diet, with lots of fresh seafoods, fruits and vegetables. There are also plenty of activities to do there during the day, from exploring the city by bike, to taking part in water sports; and the nightlife is vibrant too.

London

When people think of going vacation in England, London is automatically the first place they think of travelling to, and there is a lot more to this capital city than meets the eye. Of course, there are the obvious tourism landmarks which most people like to visit, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. However, there are also more recreational tourist attractions to visit too, such as the London Dungeons and Madame Tussauds. However, beyond that, London offers a great experience for people who just want to go shopping, enjoy great food and soak up some culture. From the arts scene, which spans from more traditional west end theatre, to contemporary plays, spoken word performances and modern art. There are also a lot of family friendly places to visit too, such as going to the zoo and visiting the many parks which are spread around the city.

Paris

Paris is renowned for being the city of love, but that is only one of the reasons it is such a popular tourist destination. Paris is home to some of the most famous icons and tourist attractions around the world, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. Paris is also a hot spot for family vacations, thanks to the location of Disney Land Paris. For solo travelers, the museums and art galleries around the city tend to provide an interesting way to soak up France’s rich culture. Plus, the infamous French delicacies just add another draw to this iconic city, from the more unusual dishes such as escargot, to the more commonly known and loved pastries, cheese selections and wines. This is a city which truly offers something for everyone, whether you are travelling alone, with friends or a partner, or taking the whole family along with you.

Rome

Rome is a city famous for its culture. While there are plenty of more modern areas to this famed city, the rich history it houses cannot be ignored, and there are several landmarks throughout Rome which act as a time capsule into the past. The magnificent Colosseum stands strong amongst an otherwise modern-day landscape, a tangible reminder of the Roman legacy. There are also several other interesting landmarks in walking distance of the Colosseum, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. On top of the cultural reasons to visit Rome, there is also the wonderful Italian cuisine on offer to entice you, as well as Italian fashion and design; not to mention that Rome is the Religious epicenter of the Catholic faith. This is truly a city which offers something to everyone.

Venice

While well known, Venice might not be the first place you think of visiting when you consider going on Vacation in Europe, but it should be. The historical architecture that makes up this beautiful city makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time, and it is a place where you feel able to get away from the stresses of modern living. The streets of Venice are a gloriously complicated maze, and in each square you can find something new, from a gelato and confectionary store, to small fashion boutiques and quaint cafés. The food in Venice is delicious, and the Venetian culture just oozes decadence and mystery. One of the best things you can do when you visit this city is to just relax and enjoy the atmosphere, whether that means lying back on a gondola ride, or sitting outside a bar and people watching with a drink in hand.