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
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.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
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.
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Riga, Latvia
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.
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Edinburgh, Scotland
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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Budapest, Hungary
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.
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Athens, Greece
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.
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Bratislava, Slovakia
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.
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Porto, Portugal
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
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.
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Read also: Hidden Gems in the Mediterranean
Biarritz, France
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.
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Kraków, Poland
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.
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Read also: Stunning Small Towns Across the Globe
Berlin, Germany
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.
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
