City breaks

Cultural sights within walking distance, a choice of activities and ease of travel all contribute to making cities perfect for a short break. Whether you’re flying, taking a train or driving, more than four hours’ travel time is going to eat into your holiday, so stay close to home and don't forget to factor in any transfer times. The Estonian capital of Tallinn is a perfect destination for a few days away, offering a pedestrianised UNESCO-listed medieval old town that's close to traditional restaurants and shops. Or consider Bordeaux in France for a gastronomic getaway, with its wine museums, vineyards and highly regarded restaurants.

When visiting any European city for the first time, learn how to navigate its streets and public-transport system to prioritise your safety. Get to grips with the local currency (not everywhere in Europe uses the euro), and perhaps prepare a few stock phrases in the local language – ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ will always go down well. Groundwork done, you can then focus on seeing the major visitor attractions to get a feel for local culture – for example see the Rembrandt masterpieces in Amsterdam’s sublime Rijksmuseum before visiting the entertaining but niche Pipe Museum. Finally, leave yourself open to new experiences and creating new memories!

Looking beyond the well-trodden tourist trail for unique personal experiences will make all the difference to your city break. Reading up on your destination will give you the confidence to explore hidden spots like local markets and little-known neighbourhoods. While many European cities (Paris, London, Berlin, Amsterdam) are year-round destinations, seasonality makes a big difference in coastal Barcelona, which is rammed in summer and quiet in winter. Conversely, cities like Prague and Vienna come alive in December, thanks to their Christmas markets. Don’t be too rigid with your planning however, and incorporate sufficient downtime so you don’t wear yourself out rushing to cram every church, gallery and museum into your itinerary.

A city break in Europe can offer relaxation, excitement and discovery in equal measures. Plan your daily schedule carefully to balance sightseeing activities with a massage in your hotel spa or a swim in the pool, and leave enough flexibility to allow for impromptu exploration. Choosing city-centre hotels gives you easy access to the major attractions without having to rush around, so embrace slow travel and leave yourself open to unexpected adventures. Explore that unknown district, discover new cuisines – from street food to fine dining – and take time out in local cafés and parks to soak up the neighbourhood vibe.