Travellers can visit some of the best city breaks in Europe on a three-night short break from the UK. A day, a weekend or slightly longer will allow you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of some of the best cities in the world.
I have been fortunate to have visited all these destinations and have enjoyed every one of them. From the canals of Venice and dragon statues of Ljubljana to the glitz and glamour of Monaco, each destination offers something unique.
So let’s find out my favourite Top 10 Europe City Break Destinations to see whether they could become yours as well.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission. Read the full disclaimer here.
Table of Contents
Venice, Italy
Venice is everything you could imagine it to be and more and is my favourite Europe city break. One of the most beautiful fully pedestrianised towns in the world, you will never have to worry about traffic. Wander alongside the canals, admire the architecture and feast on pizza, vino and gelato.
Watch the gondoliers glide along the waterways with their passengers and immerse yourself in the romance of this fairytale city on the water.
Flight time from the UK is 2 hours, 5 minutes.
Please find out more in my blog post: The Perfect Venice 3-Night Itinerary Guide.
Seville, Spain
Seville is alive with history and culture, and as you wander the cobbled streets, you can feel the passion beneath your feet. The home to tapas, flamenco and fiestas, it is sure to impress the eager visitor with its charm. Being the capital heritage centre of Andalusia means there are so many unique things to do in Seville, making it an excellent place for a city break to Spain.
Flight time from the UK is 2 hours, 45 minutes.
Please find out more in my blog post: The Perfect Seville 3-Night Itinerary Guide.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
With cobbled streets and bridges guarded by dragons, Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is a charming place for a Europe city break. I must admit I didn’t know where it was, but after doing my research and discovering a fairytale castle, medieval streets and cute cafes, I just knew I had to visit.
Flight time from the UK is 2 hours, 5 mins.
Please find out more in my blog post: The Perfect Ljubljana 3-night Itinerary Guide.
Prague, Czech Republic
A break to Prague will offer you a packed itinerary from dusk until dawn. Stroll across the historic Charles Bridge that spans the river and find yourself in the medieval streets of the Lesser quarter. Stop at a bohemian cafe for coffee and a chimney cake.
Climb the steep stone stairs to reach the castle and gardens and spend some time unravelling its secrets. Head back to the Old Town square and marvel at the astronomical clock, and explore the Jewish Quarter to discover more about the history of Prague.
Flight time from the UK is 2 hours.
Please find out more in my blog post: The Perfect Prague 3-Night Itinerary Guide
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The walled city is a beautiful destination to visit and its terracotta roofs and narrow streets offer the visitor a glimpse into its colourful past. Walk the ramparts or head to the island of Lokrum, where peacocks roam freely.
Enjoy a meal in one of the many fabulous cafes dotted around the walled city and take the cable car up to the top of the mountain for a spectacular lookout.
Flight time from the UK is 2 hours, 45 minutes.
Please find out more in my blog post: 5 Reasons to Visit Dubrovnik.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is the perfect European city to visit for a 3-night break. A picturesque destination with plenty to see and do, Bruges offers pedestrian-friendly streets, beautiful waterways and medieval architecture. Chocolate shops, waffles and beer tastings are a bonus for food lovers who will find that every turn will take them to gastronomy heaven.
Flight time from the UK is 1 hour 10 minutes to Brussels, and then Bruges is 60 miles away and can be reached by train.
Eurostar from St Pancras to Bruges takes 4 hours with a change in Brussels.
Please find out more in my blog post: The Perfect Bruges 3-Night Itinerary Guide
Monaco
Monaco is a unique destination being the second smallest country in the world, the first being Vatican City. Prince Albert II of the Royal Family Grimaldi is Monaco’s ruler. If you love glitz and glamour and are curious to see the wealth that is on display courtesy of the yachts, supercars and fashion, then you will enjoy one incredible day in Monaco.
Flight time from the UK is 2 hours, 5 minutes.
Nice and Monaco can both be explored on a European city break due to their proximity.
Please find out more in my blog post: The Best Monaco One Day Itinerary
Porto, Portugal
Porto is one of the most stunning destinations in Portugal and is the hub for the famous port wine cellars of the region. Joining a tasting tour around them is a must when in the city. Discover cobbled streets and elaborate churches and boat trips on the Duoro River during your stay. Visit the Livraria Lello, the bookshop made famous by J.K.Rowling.
Indulge in the traditional Portuguese custard tarts, and if you have a hearty appetite, the Francesinha sandwich, maybe once tried, never repeated!
Flight time from the UK is 2 hours, 20 minutes.
Please find out more in my blog post: The Perfect Porto 3-nights Itinerary Guide.
French Riviera
Nice is a fabulous place to visit with its 7km walkway alongside the seafront named La Promenade des Anglais. The beach, although pebbles, runs the entire length and is lined with cafes, restaurants and luxury hotels.
The old town offers a step into the past with colourful buildings, narrow cobbled streets and artisan shops. Explore markets and churches and finish off with ice cream from one of the many vendors residing there.
Flight time from the UK is 2 hours.
Please find out more in my blog post: What to do in Nice France in 24 hours.
Budapest, Hungary
You will get the best of both worlds when you head to Budapest. The old town of Buda old town and the newer cosmopolitan side of Pest are separated by the River Danube. Discover the Unesco area of Buda with its castle and medieval streets, one of the prettiest districts.
Take a cruise along the Danube to see Budapest from the water. Explore Pest with its quirky bars and head to the famous New York Cafe for cake and coffee, and then escape to the spa baths just outside the city. Budapest has so much to offer for a short European city break.
Flight time from the UK is 2 hours, 30 minutes.
Please find out more in my blog post: How to Spend Three Days in Budapest
I hope my top 10 destinations in Europe have given you plenty of ideas to book your next trip.
All travel was with Easyjet flights from London Gatwick Airport.
Flying out at lunchtime means you will arrive by late afternoon, giving you the first afternoon/evening to explore. It also means you haven’t had to rise at the crack of dawn!
Flying back late in the evening means you will get a full last day to explore the city.
You May Also Like to Read:
