GetawayBig
2025-01-20
A city break is the perfect way to recharge without spending a week away. Hop on a cheap flight Friday morning, explore a new city over the weekend, and be back home Sunday night — refreshed and inspired.
These are our top 5 picks for EU travellers in 2025.
Lisbon has everything: history, great food, stunning views and a relaxed pace of life. The city is compact enough to explore on foot or by tram, and Portugal's relatively low prices make it a great value destination.
Best for: foodies, architecture lovers, first-time visitors to Southern Europe
Getting there: Direct flights from most major EU airports. Budget airlines including Ryanair and easyJet connect Lisbon to dozens of EU cities.
Don't miss: Alfama district, Belém Tower, Pastéis de Nata at Pasteis de Belém
Average hotel price: €80–140/night in central Lisbon
Kraków is the cultural capital of Poland and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city's vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene make it a brilliant weekend destination.
Best for: history buffs, budget travellers, groups
Getting there: Well-connected from across the EU. LOT Polish Airlines and Wizz Air offer many routes.
Average hotel price: €40–80/night
Barcelona is a city that has it all — Gaudí's architecture, world-class food, beaches within city limits, and an electric nightlife. Best visited in spring or autumn to avoid the summer crowds.
Best for: architecture, beach + city combos, food lovers
Average hotel price: €100–180/night
Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik's walled old city is one of the most dramatic in Europe. Fly in, walk the city walls, take a boat to the nearby islands, eat fresh seafood.
Best for: couples, photography enthusiasts, Game of Thrones fans
Best time to visit: May–June or September to avoid peak crowds
Average hotel price: €90–160/night
Amsterdam combines world-class museums, beautiful canals, excellent cycling infrastructure and a buzzing cultural scene. Despite being a well-known destination, there are always hidden gems to discover.
Best for: culture, cycling, art
Don't miss: Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House (book in advance!), Jordaan neighbourhood
Average hotel price: €110–200/night
The best deals on European city breaks come from combining a budget flight with a hotel booked separately. Use our partner links below to find the best prices:
All prices are approximate and subject to change.