European Cities for Spring Seville, Spain
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12 European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway

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Sometimes, a few days away is all you need to recharge your batteries, take stock, and revel in somewhere new. Whether with your loved one, friends, or family, or you’re flying solo, there are beguiling cities all over the continent begging to be explored. If you’re looking for someplace other than Paris, Rome, or Barcelona, why not sample one of the following European cities? 

Seville, Spain

European Cities for Spring Seville, Spain
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Seville in Andalusia is one of the most authentically Spanish cities. It’s known for its sultry climate, citrus fruit, and flamenco dancing. The southern city has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, and you can retreat from the heat by finding a shady spot at the Parque de María Luisa. Make sure you take in at least one flamenco show during your stay, and sample some Seville oranges if they’re in season.

Read also: Best European Cities for Solo Travelers

Reykjavik, Iceland

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Reykjavik, Iceland
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Iceland is an attractive, colorful city with Viking history worth a day or more of your time. But one of the most appealing things is its proximity to the sites Iceland is famous for. Head out of the capital to places like the Blue Lagoon spa, where you can witness geothermal activity. If you time it right and have luck on your side, you might even spot the Northern Lights.

Read also: Must-Visit Cities in The World

Riga, Latvia

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Riga, Latvia
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Located where the Baltic Sea meets the River Daugava, Riga offers plenty of cultural venues and events, convivial nightlife, and an appealing mix of architectural styles. The Latvian capital is definitely on the up in tourism, so head here before the hordes do. Riga’s attractions include a medieval Old Town and a range of wooden and art nouveau buildings.

Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the World

Edinburgh, Scotland

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Edinburgh, Scotland
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If you’ve already done London, sample an alternative slice of British life in the Scottish capital. Edinburgh is a bewitching city, awash with ancient streets and elegant Georgian terraces, and it’s all overlooked by the castle and lofty Arthur’s Seat. From the pubs of Grassmarket and Princes Street shopping to the waterside suburb of Leith, Edinburgh has lots to keep you busy for a long weekend – or more.

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Read also: European Cities with Incredible Architecture

Budapest, Hungary

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Budapest, Hungary
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If you don’t want to blow the budget, head for the Hungarian city of Budapest, which is bisected by the legendary Danube River. It’s a tale of two cities, Buda and Pest, which are distinct districts with their own flavor. Pest is the party quarter, with many cafes and bars, while Buda offers classical architecture and a more peaceful ambiance. Don’t miss the Széchenyi Baths at City Park: fed by thermal springs, this is the biggest medicinal bath in Europe.

Read also: Unique Places To Visit in Europe

Athens, Greece

12 European Cities for Spring Athens, Spain
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Athens is the ancient seat of Greek civilization, and thus incredibly important in historical and cultural terms. It’s also a pocket-pleasing choice, where you can stay and dine out far more cheaply than in other parts of the continent. It’s worth coming here for the cosmopolitan vibe, as much as the buildings dating from the 5th century BC.

Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands

Bratislava, Slovakia

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Bratislava, Slovakia
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Like Budapest, Bratislava in Slovakia is also set by the mighty Danube. It’s close to the border with Austria and Hungary and encircled by vineyards and hiking trails through the Little Carpathian mountains. In the city, you can visit the hilltop, Bratislava Castle, explore the 18th-century old town, and sample foods such as goulash and zemiakové placky, which are potato pancakes flavored with garlic. 

Read also: Must-Visit Cities in the US

Porto, Portugal

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Porto, Portugal
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Whether or not you’re a fan of Portugal’s famous fortified red wine, Porto is a fascinating city break destination. It’s positioned by the River Douro, which is spanned by a series of attractive bridges. Colorful tiles, delicious local food, delightful buildings, and the medieval streets of the Ribeira district ensure the city oozes charm.

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Istanbul, Turkey

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Istanbul, Turkey
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If you’re looking for an exotic escape but cannot spare the time or cash, head to Istanbul on the fringes of Europe and Asia. There’s plenty of accommodation in all price brackets in this city on the Bosphorus Strait, from budget to luxury options. Must-sees include the Byzantine, domed Hagia Sophia and the Romanesque Hippodrome, once used for chariot racing.

Read also: Hidden Gems in the Mediterranean

Biarritz, France

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Biarritz, France
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This coastal town on the Basque coast of France is deservedly popular with the surfing community. The seaside location also affords visitors panoramic views over the Bay of Biscay and restaurants where you can sample authentic Basque fare. It’s also an arty city, where the streets are lined with stylish boutiques and small local art galleries. 

Read also: Stunning Coastal Drives in the World

Kraków, Poland

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Kraków, Poland
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Kraków is a historically important city, home to a Jewish quarter, the remains of the original medieval walls, and the vast Rynek Główny square. Planty Park also encircles the city, offering a peaceful escape abundant in green space and pretty floral displays. Other reasons to visit Kraków include the top-notch restaurants and fine museums.

Read also: Stunning Small Towns Across the Globe

Berlin, Germany

European City Breaks for a Quick Getaway Berlin, Germany
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Berlin is one for war historians, with landmarks like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and the Holocaust Memorial telling tales of the city’s troubled past. The German capital is rich in arts and culture and offers a dynamic nightlife and dining scene. It’s a great destination for those on a budget, too, but be warned: a weekend may not feel long enough. 

Read also: Iconic Places in the World

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