Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a quick culture trip, or even just a weekend away with your friends, Europe’s iconic cities have it all for an exciting city break. From cool and quirky to stylish and classy, this vibrant continent has so much to offer. With fast trains and cheap flights across the continent, you don’t have to limit yourself to the occasional break. So, which are my top picks for a City break to Europe this year?
Prague
A great way to see Prague is by one the city’s fabulous walking tours. They are free and a great way of seeing the city whilst also learning about its history and culture.
Head to the Old Town Square where you’ll find alfresco restaurants, street performers, and Segway tours zipping through the medieval streets. Don’t forget to look at the Astronomical Clock (The Orloj) at the hour, to watch the famous Walk of the Apostles.
Take in views of the city from Charles Bridge, visit the Lennon Wall, or enjoy the grandeur of Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral.
Build a bridge…Hergetova Cihelna situated on the riverbank is another one of my favourite eateries. Book a terrace table on a warm evening for fabulous views, and sumptuous casual cuisine. For an extra special setting, Portfolio Restaurant inside the historic Lann Palace is known for its impressive five-course tasting menu.
In the evening there’s something for everyone, from live jazz and classical music to nightclubs and underground bars. Head to the famous Cross Club, a quirky club made to look like a junkyard, or Karlovy Lazne for five stories of excitement!
For a bit more chill, Jazz Dock on the river is best for live jazz and laid-back vibes, or Tretter’s is an award-winning cocktail bar where glamour matches the cocktail list.
Prague hotels are reasonably priced, so you don’t have to skimp on luxury in your lodgings. The Emblem Hotel is a beautiful hotel in a quiet but central location near Old Town Square. Or for an extra splash of luxury, book your stay at the Alchymist Prague Castle Suites.
Dublin
With so much character, and plenty of life, Dublin is a dazzling place for a European City Break. Walk through the clover-green park of St Stephen’s Green or take in the historically beautiful architecture of Trinity College where you can also visit the Book of Kells.
I like Guinness but I don’t harp on it!Ireland’s food scene ranges from hearty pub meals by the fire to Michelin starred dining. I like Chez Max by Dublin Castle which features an affordable and delicious French menu. Or head to Fallon & Byrne and dine in the atmospheric wine cellar where you can choose from over 600 different wines.
Enjoy the best Guinness in Dublin (so probably the best in Ireland) at the Gravediggers Pub or wander down Dame Lane for a buzzing atmosphere, and better priced Guinness than you’ll find at the touristy Temple Bar.
There is a range of accommodation options in Dublin for every kind of visitor. The Dylan is a lovely boutique hotel, featuring a soothing and subtle design, and even its own library. For a bit more luxury book your stay at the InterContinental where five-star service matches lavish rooms or The Shelbourne on St Stephen’s Green.
Rome
The romantic city of Rome is one of my favourites for a city break full of culture and food!
Don’t miss the historic sights of the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and marvel at the impressive works of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, home to some of the most important art collections in the world.
Pianostrada is a fabulous restaurant led by an all-female team serving up creative and delicious dishes by the river, complete with a pretty interior garden and large open kitchen.
The Romans are romantic!People tend to dine late in Rome and then enjoy a cocktail or two after, but if you want to party until sunrise there’s plenty of options from rooftop bars to nightclubs.
Step back into the roaring twenties at Jeremy Thomas Speakeasy or enjoy live music and cocktails on a floating barge at Baja.
One of my favourites places to stay when visiting Rome is the Casa Fabbrini, a charming, four-bedroom boutique hotel hidden away in the unbeatable location of a cobbled cul-de-sac in Centro Storico. For some extra extravagance, book a room at DOM, one of the most beautiful hotels in the world.
Barcelona
Barcelona is always buzzing, and it is certainly one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. The architecture is fantastic; the city is a work of art itself! From the iconic Gaudi Houses to the famous ceramic lizard, you can really enjoy Barcelona just by walking its streets.
You can also enjoy a visit to the Picasso Museum or take a cultural tour of La Sagrada Familia or the ancient and beautiful Catedral de Barcelona.
Barcelona’s version of “The Shard”?When hunger hits, the food options in Barcelona are limitless. Visit La Boqueria, Barcelona’s oldest market, where you’ll find every type of food imaginable.
There are also fantastic new restaurants that have recently opened in the city. Salvaje is easily Barcelona’s busiest opening of the year, featuring a fresh Japanese-inspired menu and fabulous atmosphere. Or Camping Mar is one of my new favourites for paella on the waterfront. If you’re just seeking a quick bite, enjoy tasty classic tapas in street bars.
Las Ramblas is where to head at night, where the pavements are heaving with locals and tourists enjoying drinks and dinner. I like Boadas cocktail bar or Milk Bar in the Gothic Quarter for cool vibes and tasty cocktails.
The H10 Cubik hotel is a fabulous modern boutique hotel in a prime central location. Or for a cosy yet luxurious country house vibe, the Majestic Hotel & Spa is perfect, and has rooftop DJs on the sun deck during weekends. For five-star luxury, the Almanac Barcelona is one of the best.
Berlin
There is so much to see and do in Berlin from cultural activities, historical tours, to dining, shopping, and partying into the night. Berlin’s Mitte District has plenty of famous sights from the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Parliament Building to Berlin’s Cathedral Church and the famous TV Tower. Museum Island offers probably the best collection of artefacts and artworks in the entire world!
Take time to meditate on history at the remains of the Berlin Wall or walk through the Holocaust Memorial, where the brutalist architecture is poignant and affecting.
Berlin’s restaurants are rapidly gaining a global outlook, with a focus on fresh and local at the forefront. Cookies Cream is the all-new Michelin star vegetarian restaurant in the Mitte district, taking this cuisine to the next level. For cool surroundings and exquisite dishes, try Eins44 set in a former schnapps factory.
Mine Restaurant is one of my favourites for luxurious but low-key dining with an incredibly sumptuous Spanish-inspired menu.
Berlin’s nightlife is so iconic, people travel from all over the world just for the experience. It is home to some of the most famous bars and clubs in Europe, with everything from wild and quirky to cool and classy.
Berlin burns brightest and best!When choosing hotels in Berlin, I love to stay at the centrally located Hotel am Steinplatz for its history of celebrity guests and its decadent spa! 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is an accommodation that is full of style and character and has the excellent Monkey Bar on its rooftop.
A European city-break is the perfect anecdote for your travel cravings! With so much to do and see, there is something for everyone. With so many wonderful cities you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Love,
Isabella