The best city breaks in Europe
Whether you’re looking for a whistle-stop weekend hop or a more languid, leisurely stay, the beauty of Europe is how easy it is to flit between cities. There are the old favourites, of course – Paris, Amsterdam, Rome – but there’s a clutch of more offbeat places, too, with a fresh dynamism and a new wave of hot hotels and cutting-edge restaurants. Some are packed with cultural splendour, others are known for their smart boutiques and world-class fashion scenes, while the best come with a sweep of golden sand. They’re all quick to get to from London – some are even a train ride away; so here’s our pick of the best city breaks in Europe. If you're looking for a more affordable getaway, then take a look at our round up of the 10 cheapest city breaks in Europe.
Getty ImagesLisbon, Portugal
Best for: cool capital vibes
Flight time: 2h 45min from London
Train time: In around 24 hours, via Paris and SpainFor the past few years there has been a growing buzz about Lisbon, the hilly coastal capital with pastel-coloured buildings in the old town and trundling yellow trams. There are flea markets and food stalls; street art by Shepard Fairey and shops that champion home-grown design talent. In the evenings, join the youthful creative crowd that gathers at restaurants run by brilliant Portuguese chefs such as José Avillez, who has a number of dining spots in the city, and linger at upscale rooftop bars with dreamy cityscape views.
Where to stay: Almalusa Baixa/Chiado, minutes from the riverside, where the best rooms look out onto Lisbon’s stately municipal square. Memmo Alfama is another standout spot, particularly its rooftop pool where you'll find a classic view of Lisbon's winding streets and colourful buildings. See our edit of the best hotels in Lisbon for more.
Matthew BuckAmsterdam, Netherlands
Best for: a laid-back, almost car-free city
Flight time: 1h 15min from London
Train time: The Eurostar now goes direct from London to Amsterdam in 3 hours and 55 minutesAmsterdam has well and truly shed its stag-do image. These days the compact city is all about creatives pedalling around on their bicycles and buying artisanal bread and cheese at the Saturday Noordermarkt. For a European city break, Amsterdam offers heavy-hitting art galleries and museums (the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are both musts), cool cafés and independent fashion boutiques (the best are in the Nine Streets neighbourhood). But really, there’s nothing nicer than a morning spent strolling along the pretty canals lined with townhouses and soaking up the chilled vibe of the place.
Where to stay: The Hoxton's five stitched-together canal houses are the city's coolest stay. Another option is the whimsical Pulitzer Amsterdam, designed by Jacu Strauss and ideal for a romantic break. For more, see our pick of the best hotels in Amsterdam.
Stefano ScatàVenice, Italy
Best for: unbeatable romance
Flight time: 2h 10min from London
Train time: In around 19 hours, via Paris and TurinVenice is always a spectacular destination. But beyond the obvious tick-off-the-list landmarks – glittering St Mark’s Basilica, Gothic Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge – there is a quiet labyrinth of cobbled streets and narrow canals to explore. Art fans shouldn’t miss the 20th-century masterpieces in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Miró, Mondrian, Dalí) or the Venice Biennale, which typically runs from May to November.
Where to stay: Casa Burano, on colourful Burano Island, is a slice of authentic Venice without the crowds. For something grander, check in to Il Palazzo Experimental, where balconies have postcard views over the Giudecca Canal and aperitivo hour at the bar is essential. See our guide to the best hotels in Venice.
Mary QuincyParis, France
Best for: chic boutiques
Flight time: In around 1 hour and 15 minutes from London
Train time: The Eurostar goes direct to Paris in 2 hours and 19 minutesThe classic city break in Europe, getting lost in Paris is half the fun; the only real way to explore the city’s 20 different arrondissements is on foot, stopping to people-watch on wicker-chair-lined café terraces spilling onto beautiful cobbled streets. The most romantic city in Europe (and the world) hasn’t just got world-class culture, it’s also got smart boutiques, cutting-edge concept stores, jewel-box patisseries, colourful flea markets and a superlative food scene. And if you’re coming from London, you don’t even have to get on a plane to get there.
Where to stay: Cheval Blanc Paris, with its global art collection and sleek rooms that overlook the Seine, is one of the best new hotels in 2022. For something cosier and velvet-covered, reserve a room at the boutique Monsier George in the 8th arrondissement. See our pick of the best hotels in Paris.
Getty ImagesSan Sebastian, Spain
Best for: Eating
Flight time: Fly to Biarritz or Bilbao in around 1h 55min. San Sebastian is a 45min drive from both airports
Train time: Around 10 hours, changing in Paris and a choice of other stop-off points in FranceWith more Michelin stars per square metre than anywhere else in the world, San Sebastian is the ultimate culinary destination. Yet it’s not all about the food. The gastro-capital of Europe’s elegant architecture and two beaches (one a sweep of glorious golden sand, the other a surfers’ nirvana) make this sophisticated city one of Spain’s most handsome Atlantic resorts. The best way to get under its skin is by sampling the local pintxo-bar scene, washed down with a glass of local tzakoli fizzy wine. For true once-in-a-lifetime cooking, snag a reservation at one of the city’s gourmet hotspots such as Mugaritz or Arzak. If you’re feeling active, hike up to Monte Urgull to visit the remains of the city’s 12th-century fort, or paddleboard across to Santa Clara Island – the cool waters lapping the shore bring welcome respite during the steamy summer months.
Where to stay: Arbaso, the city’s coolest new urban hotel where suites are so large they feel like apartments and have perfect views of the Cathedral. Sun lovers should check out Lasala Plaza which has its own rooftop ‘solarium’ with a swimming pool and bar. See our best hotels in San Sebastian for more recommendations.
Getty ImagesReykjavik, Iceland
Best for: Adventure
Flight time: 3h 10min from London
Train time: N/AIceland’s diminutive capital is small enough to explore in a day, yet size doesn’t stop this Nordic star from pulsating with a big city energy. During the summer, the city hardly sleeps, with revellers pouring out of bars and clubs to chase the midnight sun. Rather than hurtling between big-ticket attractions, this is a city to take in slowly. Spend a weekend soaking in the fresh air (it’s a welcome antidote to some of Europe’s more traffic-clogged capitals), bathing in the city’s geothermal pools and joining puffin and whale-watching tours just offshore. And once you’ve ticked off the main sites, use the city as a base for exploring the country’s more otherworldly wonders. You only need to drive 30 minutes out of Reykjavik for a glimpse of the glaciers, lava fields, and natural drama that give Iceland gets its bucket-list reputation.
Where to stay: The Reykjavik Edition is a breath of cool, fresh air in a city which lives and breathes style and creativity. Outside of Reykjavik, Hotel Rangá is a chic log-style cabin in the middle of Iceland’s south coast. For more, see our guide to the best hotels in Iceland.
Getty ImagesRome, Italy
Best for: a step back in time
Flight time: 2hr 30min from London
Train time: In around 19 hours, via Paris and TurinRome isn’t just a city, it’s an open-air museum. Crumbling landmarks and classical ruins dot the cobbled streets of the centro storico and line the grand boulevards, while the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon mark the city’s 3,000-year history. It’s got a world-class art scene, Renaissance palazzos, Baroque churches and, of course, a whole country within the city: Vatican City is the grand centre of the Roman Catholic Church, an independent city-state and one of the most formidable sites in the Western world. Head up the city’s seven hills to the cool neighbourhoods of Monti or Trastevere, where lively trattorias spill out onto the pavements and piazzas, and locals and tourists alike come out to soak up la dolce vita.
Where to stay: Hotel Vilòn, a boutique hotel that perfectly showcases the city’s sharp sophistication. For something edgier, Hotel Chapter Rome offers a taste of New York cool in Rome. See our guide to the best hotels in Rome.
Getty ImagesValetta, Malta
Best for: History buffs
Flight time: 3h 15min from London
Train time: Around two days, changing in Paris and various stop-off points in Italy, before taking a ferry across to MaltaClocking up over 300 days of sunshine each year, Valletta is Europe’s sunshine city – and Malta’s tiny capital makes an ideal city break for those in search of a warm-weather escape. Once dilapidated, now a hub of design hotels and buzzing bars, with a packed calendar of cultural events, this modest beauty wears its fascinating history with pride. Flit between the extraordinarily elaborate St John’s Co-Cathedral (home to two of Caravaggio’s greatest masterpieces) and the achingly modern Parliament Building. Then putter across the harbour to the Three Cities, a trio of ancient fortified towns so beautifully preserved they feel like stepping into a 17th century time capsule. You could easily cross from one end of the city to the other in less than half an hour, so if you’re here for a few days, the island’s intoxicating countryside and the coast is begging to be explored.
Where to stay: Iniala Harbour House, spread across four beautifully-restored townhouses – the hotel doubles up as an art gallery showcasing the talents of local Maltese creatives.
Visit Copenhagen/Martin HeibergCopenhagen, Denmark
Best for: design ideas
Flight time: 1h 50min from London
Train time: In around 20 hours from London, via Brussels and CologneFor real-life interiors inspiration, as opposed to scrolling through images on Instagram, Copenhagen is the ultimate go-to, from the flagship store of beloved homewares brand Hay to Stilleben for accessories (smoked-glass vases, retro floral tea cosies, rose-quartz teaspoons) and art prints from the Paper Collective Design Gallery. Even the best restaurants – Noma 2.0, the Ilse Crawford-designed Winterspring dessert bar – have desirable interiors, meaning you can soak up style ideas as you eat.
Where to stay: Hotel Sanders, the vision of former Danish ballet star Alexander Kølpin, where the sophisticated design is on point.
John RizzoFlorence, Italy
Best for: cultural majesty
Flight time: 2h 10min from London
Train time: In around 18 hours from London, via Paris and MilanThe museums here are chock-full of world-famous, priceless Renaissance art, from the Uffizi (with works by Botticelli, Caravaggio and da Vinci) to the Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David is the biggest crowd-pleaser). Not to mention the dizzy-making ceiling frescoes in the Magi Chapel of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi; 16th-century sculptures dotted among the trees and roses in the sprawling Boboli Gardens; and views of the red-tiled roofs of the city from the Duomo’s bell tower. A head-spinning tour of sensational sights.
Where to stay: SoprArno Suites, a 16th-century palazzo in the hip Oltrarno district where rooms are furnished with eclectic flea-market finds. For more, see our best hotels in Florence guide.
Roberta ValerioStockholm, Sweden
Best for: a slice of Scandi lakeside living
Flight time: 2h 25min from London
Train time: In around 27 hours, via Brussels and CologneSpread across 14 islands all connected by bridges, Stockholm really comes into its own in the spring and summer when the loveliest way to explore is by boat. Float from the historic old town, Gamla Stan, on Stadsholmen to artsy Södermalm (don’t miss the excellent Fotografiska gallery, housed in a former customs building on the waterfront), then on to the green oasis of Djurgården island, where the Rosendals Garden café is a great pit stop for lunch (you eat in greenhouses surrounded by orchards).
Where to stay: Ett Hem, a townhouse hotel with relaxed home-from-home interiors by design doyenne Ilse Crawford.
Oliver PilcherSeville, Spain
Best for: guaranteed sun
Flight time: 2hr 45min from London
Train time: In around 23 hours, via Paris, Hendaye, Valladolid and MadridThe sun-drenched Andalusian capital is one of Europe’s steamiest cities. Come for glasses of ice-cold sherry and plates of jamón; the orange-scented air; quaint medieval lanes; whitewashed houses; a fiery flamenco scene, extravagant Moorish architecture and the world’s largest cathedral – with Columbus' tomb hidden inside. There’s a real old-world glamour to Seville; 17th-century palaces have been converted into stylish hotels and horse-drawn carriages line up beside pretty courtyards filled with tinkling fountains.
Where to stay: The neo-Moorish Hotel Alfonso XIII, ever since it opened in 1929, has set the benchmark for Spain’s grand hotels. For a boutique stay, try Corral del Rey, where two of the rooms have private pool terraces. For more recommendations, see our guide to the best hotels in Seville.
Getty ImagesBerlin, Germany
Best for: the in-flux art scene
Flight time: 1h 50min from London
Train time: In around 9 hours, via Brussels and CologneBerlin is a fascinating place and a monument of living history. The Berlin Wall was dismantled in 1989, but the East and West still show signs of the political, cultural and physical divide that existed for almost 30 years. Yet the city is by no means stifled by its extraordinary past – it now hurtles headfirst into the future with hip bars and an unrivalled party scene, smart hotels, gourmet restaurants and experimental art galleries. There is plenty to see, from the graffiti-covered remnants of the wall itself to Hitler’s bunker, the Norman Foster-designed Reichstag dome, the New Synagogue and the Berlin Zoo.
Where to stay: Sir Savigny Hotel in Charlottenburg, where masculine interiors are inspired by the hotel’s namesake, a fictional character imagined as a well-travelled bon vivant. Architecture buffs will want to check in to Hotel Oderberger, which was once a palatial public bathhouse designed by Pergamon Museum architect Ludwig Hoffmann in 1989. See our guide to the best hotels in Berlin.
Ana LuiWarsaw, Poland
Best for: cutting-edge creativity
Flight time: 2h 25min from London
Train time: In around 16 hours, via Brussels and CologneEdgy art collectives with studios in the old industrial quarter; vintage shops and jazz cafés that appear almost overnight among dilapidated houses; innovative chefs revolutionising the food scene – these are just some of the trends making Warsaw feel so fresh and exciting right now. There are also speciality coffee roasters and a lively speakeasy bar scene, and the Neon Museum, which is devoted to preserving dazzlingly inventive Cold War-era signs from the former Eastern Bloc country.
Where to stay: Raffles Europejski, a grand old city staple recently refreshed with a new, understated elegance.
Getty ImagesGothenburg, Sweden
Best for: A city break with a conscience
Flight time: 1h 55min from London
Train time: Around 20 hours, via Brussels and a choice of other stop-off points in Germany and DenmarkStockholm's easy-going little sister Gothenburg still flies under the radar for most city-breakers. For the past four years, this port city on the southwestern coast of Sweden has been crowned the most sustainable destination in the world. More than half of its public transport network runs off renewable energy and ahead-of-the-curve restaurants hone in on zero-waste, ultra-locavore cooking (the black lobster plucked from the waters here is considered the best in the world). Ethical fashion stores fill the wide boulevards, and even the rides at the world-famous Liseberg Amusement Park are powered by wind energy. It’s the perfect city/nature hybrid, and after visiting the impressive art collection at the Kondstmuseum or joining locals in their daily Fika ritual (tucking into tea and cake), it’s an easy cycle ride to reach the end of the peninsula. From here, ferries shuttle visitors across to the neighbouring coastal islands, where kayaking, fishing and wild swimming await.
Where to stay: The super-central Clarion Hotel Post, which has a slick rooftop pool.
Sivan AskayoAthens, Greece
Best for: a historical hit
Flight time: 3hr 40min from London
Train time: In 2-3 days, with potential stop-off points in Paris, Munich, Zagreb, Belgrade or SofiaWith its alluring blend of ancient and modern and a skyline stretching all the way down to the Aegean, Athens has undergone a real renaissance in recent years to become of the best city breaks in Europe. There are still pockets of the city that have kept their authentic grit, of course – the Acropolis looms large over hilly streets filled with tumbledown buildings and politically charged street art – but a new wave of creative energy is leading the change. Today, the city is filled with kooky pop-ups, start-ups, art galleries, cool little boutiques and a slew of exciting new hotels. And there are beaches too: pine-fringed peninsulas and stretches of empty golden sand where rustic family-run tavernas rub along with glamorous beach clubs.
Where to stay: xenodocheio Milos, located smack bang in the commercial and political heart of Athens and born from chef Costas Spiliadis. We also like Perianth Hotel, a modernist, super-central stay by one of Greece’s hottest design studios. See our pick of the best hotels in Athens.
Matthew BuckOslo, Norway
Best for: outdoor pursuits
Flight time: 2hr 10min from London
Train time: In 2-3 days, with potential stop-off points in Brussels, Hamburg, Cologne, Copenhagen and GothenburgOslo may have always lagged behind its better-known Scandi neighbours Stockholm and Copenhagen, but this easy-going city still has bags of appeal. Make no mistake, it’s expensive, but with its blend of top restaurants, fantastic museums, pretty 19th-century architecture and a burgeoning art scene, this compact city has a newfound confidence. And there’s more: it’s circled by mountains and sea, so visitors can hike in the summer, ski in the winter and visit the region’s lush green fjords filled with pretty forest-shrouded islets all year round.
Where to stay: The Thief, a modernist boutique hotel with a credible art collection and the best harbour views in town.
Getty ImagesMilan, Italy
Best for: fashion
Flight time: 1hr 55min from London
Train time: In around 14 hours, via ParisThe fashion industry may be the lifeblood of Italy’s capital of chic, but beyond the sophisticated storefronts and grand design houses, Milan boasts a haul of its own cultural treasures, too. The magnificent Gothic Duomo – the third largest church in Europe – has views stretching all the way to the Alps; Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper adorns the walls of the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery, while the La Scala opera house is the world’s best. And if you want to escape the city, the glamorous, mountain-fringed shores of Lake Como are only an hour away by train.
Where to stay: Set in an early 20th-century residence a few steps from the Fashion District, the Mandarin Oriental is one of the top addresses to know about. At Bulgari Hotel Milano you'll find a jet-set crowd mingling within its gorgeous garden and 12-metre gold mosaic swimming pool. For more, see our pick of the best hotels in Milan.
Getty ImagesPorto, Portugal
Best for: port tasting in the prettiest setting
Flight time: 2h 25min from London
Train time: In around 23 hours, via Paris with various potential stop-off points in France, Spain or PortugalWith a distinctly different character to Lisbon (it’s easier to navigate on foot, for starters), Porto is perhaps most famous for its port-wine cellars on the south side of the Douro River. Take a guided tour, followed by a tasting, before making your way back over the Dom Luís I Bridge to wander the photogenic streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira old town and while away the afternoon at a riverside bar.
Where to stay: Torel 1884, a former palazzo that feels like a lovely private home. For views of the Douro, try Torel Avantgarde, a boutique hotel within walking distance of São Bento train station. For more, see the best hotels in Porto.
Getty ImagesEdinburgh, UK
Best for: architecture
Flight time: 1hr 30min from London or 4hr 20 mins on the train from London Kings Cross
Train time: Direct trains go from King’s Cross in around 5 hoursFor a city break closer to home, Scotland’s cultural and political capital also happens to be one of Europe’s loveliest cities. Wander down cobbled lanes, stroll up one of the city’s seven hills for far-reaching views of the turreted skyline stretching all the way down to the coast, and admire the varied architecture of the distinctly Georgian and medieval parts of the city. A trip during the summer, when the Fringe – the largest arts festival in the world – brings the city alive, is a must. And if you want to escape to the country, spend a night or two at Gleneagles, just an hour’s drive up into the Highlands. The all-singing, all-dancing hotel has had a slick makeover – and it’s now one of the UK’s hottest places to stay.
Where to stay: Eden Locke – with its hipster Georgian-townhouse studio apartments – is an incredibly affordable option in a central George Street location. For a quintessential stay, The Balmoral is the city's grand dame hotel. See our guide to the best hotels in Edinburgh.
Salva LopezBarcelona, Spain
Best for: the perfect sea-city combo
Flight time: 2h 5min from London
Train time: In around 17 hours, via Paris and a choice of other French stop-off pointsMadrid might be the Spanish capital, but Barcelona draws the crowds for its winning mix of Modernist Gaudí architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants, characterful barrios and clutch of golden beaches. To one side of the marina, Barceloneta thrums with locals in summer; for quieter, emptier stretches of sand keep walking north along the coast to neighbouring Nova Icària and Bogatell (from here you can nip inland to the arty El Poblenou neighbourhood). Keen kite surfers head south to Castelldefels, a 30-minute drive away.
Where to stay: Ian Schrager’s The Barcelona Edition, with its be-seen rooftop pool and basement cocktail bar/nightclub. At ME Barcelona, suites are worth the splurge; several count expansive terraces with Jacuzzis where you can soak while taking in sweeping city views. See our pick of the best hotels in Barcelona for more.
Getty ImagesBudapest, Hungary
Best for: a spa scene
Flight time: 2hr 30min from London
Train time: In around 22 hours, via Brussels, Cologne and MunichHungary’s capital is broken into two distinct parts – Buda and Pest – split by the beautiful Danube River running right through the middle. Most of the action happens in Pest, on the east of the river – here, you’ll find scores of smart restaurants, cool street-food spots, big-name stores and grand, gilded cafés. But wander across the landmark Chain Bridge to find the more authentic side. Over in hilly Buda, there’s the magical Buda Castle and some of Budapest’s best-known thermal baths: the city was founded by the Romans for its healing waters, and the spa scene is just as much a part of daily life today as it was back then.
Where to stay: Matild Palace, a restored heritage building right on the river.
Getty ImagesMarseille, France
Best for: Culture by the sea
Flight time: 1h 55min from London
Train time: Around 6h 45min from London, changing in ParisTravellers often overlook Marseille, heading to more polished Nice, the leaping-off point for glitzy jaunts along the Cote d’Azur. But this multicultural city is shaking off its bad-boy reputation. Rise early to catch the seafood market at the Norman Foster-designed Vieux-Port, get your art fix at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and then dip into the flurry of smart boutiques slowly overtaking the city’s pastel-hued streets. The emblematic hilltop basilica boasts widescreen views – work up an appetite climbing to the top before tucking into a steaming bowl of bouillabaisse at locals’ favourite Chez Fonfon, squirrelled away in a quiet inlet just outside the centre. Not only is the city full of cultural riches; it’s the gateway to the Calanques National Park – one of the wildest sweeps of the Mediterranean coastline packed with jaw-dropping hiking trails and azure-blue swimming bays.
Where to stay: Tuba Club, a former scuba diving school turned boutique hotel, set on rocky cliffs overlooking the Med. For more, see our guide to the best hotels in the South of France.
Getty ImagesNaples, Italy
Best for: an authentic slice of Italian life
Flight time: 2hr 40min from London
Train time: In around 20 hours, via Paris and MilanNaples may be indelibly chaotic, but it’s well and truly shed its image as the gritty, Mafia-ridden place it used to be. Its dishevelled centre is chock-a-block with churches, faded frescos, Caravaggios and tiny cloistered gardens, while a burgeoning art scene adds to the city’s dynamism. Many travellers only visit in transit, stopping off briefly before catching the ferry to the glitzier Capri, but – with the shadow of Vesuvius looming in the background – this is one of Italy’s most historically fascinating and authentic cities.
Where to stay: Primo Piano Posillipo, a funky four-bedroom B&B in a 19th-century palazzo.
Getty ImagesPrague, Czech Republic
Best for: grand cafés and microbreweries
Flight time: 1hr 55min from London
Train time: In around 19 hours, via Paris and ZurichPrague is nicknamed the City of a Hundred Spires – its magnificent skyline is scattered with medieval church towers, while its streets are punctuated with striking Gothic and baroque architecture. Inside the UNESCO-protected old town, it’s a warren of uneven lanes and hidden courtyards, microbreweries, turn-of-the-century grand cafés and chocolate-box houses. But there’s another side to the city too: one of offbeat cultural venues, hip bars, arthouse cinemas and buzzy markets, squirrelled away in cool neighbourhoods including Holešovice, Prague’s former rundown meatpacking district.
Where to stay: The Augustine – hands down the city’s best hotel, with Olga Polizzi interiors and a sweeping courtyard restaurant.
Getty ImagesDubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: island hopping
Flight time: 2hr 40min from London
Train time: In around 36 hours, with potential stop-off points in Paris, Munich and Zagreb/SplitByron famously called Dubrovnik the Pearl of the Adriatic, and it’s easy to see why. The UNESCO-protected, perfectly preserved old walled city is filled with elegant Baroque architecture, winding limestone streets and top-notch seafood restaurants, while the city’s lick of sun-drenched coastline is fantastic in the summer. Escape to the pine-covered Elafiti Islands on day trips, stopping to swim in secluded bays and secret coves, or head up the coast to visit the world-class wineries and oyster farms in the nearby Peljesac peninsula.
Where to stay: Villa Dubrovnik, set in a modernist glass and stone building perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dalmatian Sea.
Getty ImagesMadrid, Spain
Best for: rooftop drinking
Flight time: 2hr 25min from London
Train time: In around 19 hours, via Paris and BarcelonaWhat the Spainish capital may lack in grand monuments and world-famous sites, it more than makes up for with its relentless energy and vibrancy. Each of the compact city’s barrios has its own distinct character; come for the art and the architecture; stroll through the beautifully manicured Retiro Park; and pick up everything from antiques to vintage fashion at El Rastro, one of Europe’s best-known flea markets. Dip in and out of family-run tapas bars, the sprawling Mercado San Miguel food hall and a clutch of brilliant Michelin-starred restaurants – or just people-watch from a pavement café with a fishbowl G&T.
Where to stay: The Principal Madrid, with its buzzy rooftop terrace and superlative city views. The undisputed grande-dame is Westin Palace Madrid, where a cocktail in La Rotonda lobby bar, beneath the famous stained-glass cupola, is a must. See our edit of the best Madrid hotels for more.
Getty ImagesVienna, Austria
Best for: a wintery break
Flight time: 2hr 30min from London
Train time: In around 17 hours, via Brussels and CologneAustria’s capital really comes into its own as a winter city break, when a crisp layer of snow covers the streets, its storied coffee houses emit a welcoming glow and pretty cobbled squares transform into magical Christmas markets. But with its beguiling blend of old and new, Vienna – one of the grandest city breaks in Europe – is spectacular at any time. It’s known for its imperial palaces, pristine gardens and gilded ballrooms and Mozart’s musical legacy; come for the opera, the waltzes or to listen to the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where to stay: The grand, magnificent Park Hyatt Vienna – its bar is one of the city’s hottest.
Getty ImagesDublin, Ireland
Best for: revelry
Flight time: 1hr 25min from London
Train time: Direct trains to Holyhead take just under 4 hours, while the ferry to Dublin takes just over 3 hoursDublin is often voted one of the friendliest cities in the world, with its down-to-earth atmosphere and welcoming people. It’s a city rich in history, too, with its narrow streets, beautiful Georgian squares, majestic St Patrick’s Cathedral (the largest in Ireland) and imposing castle. Discover the city’s legendary pubs, rifle through a treasure trove of goods at the George’s Street Arcade flea market, bag a table at one of Dublin’s clutch of Michelin-starred restaurants or head along the coast for bracing walks along Dublin bay.
Where to stay: The Westbury, a grand, family-owned hotel with the best location in the city.
Getty ImagesAntwerp, Belgium
Best for: cool concept stores
Flight time: 3hr 30min on the Eurostar from London St Pancras, changing at Brussels
Train time: In around 3.5 hours via BrusselsParis, Amsterdam and London – those city-break big hitters – may only be a couple of hours or so from pocket-sized Antwerp, but here’s a city that’s reassuringly less visited, cheaper, edgier and stuffed full of savvy creatives. And despite its size, this achingly cool port town packs a punch, racing to keep up with its better-known European fashion neighbours. It’s home to stylish concept stores; the studios of design greats such as Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester; diamond dealers; urban beach clubs; and streets humming with outdoor bars and cool restaurants. And, best of all, you can get here by train – Antwerpen Centraal station is a sight to behold.
Where to stay: August, a hotel set inside a former Augustine convent – with many of its original features still intact.