Up to £400 off selected holidays (T&Cs apply)

Destination(s) or Hotel name
City Breaks Destinations
Departure airport
Any airport
When
Any date
How long
3 nights
Room(s)
1 Room / 2 Adults
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Destination(s) or Hotel name
City Breaks Destinations

Any airport / 3 nights / 1 Room / 2 Adults

Search

Picturesque views, unique experiences and historical charms – there's something special about a city break.

From the bright lights of Vegas across the pond to the beautiful canals of Amsterdam closer to home, city breaks are the ultimate weekend getaway. They’re culture-packed adventures where you can explore somewhere new, visit world-class attractions and take a well-deserved break from the daily grind.

City breaks are easy to fit in whatever time of year. In the summer, you can stroll through lush gardens and take boat trips down pretty rivers. In the winter, fascinating museums, cafés and bars provide a happy refuge from the chilly weather. Some cities show off best during the festive season when twinkling lights and Christmas markets decorate the streets and squares.

Europe city breaks

We’re lucky to have exciting city breaks right on our doorstep. Imagine leaving home in the morning, and by the afternoon, you’re sitting outside a piazza in Rome sipping on a refreshing glass of wine.

There are many gorgeous and exciting cities to choose from in Europe. Blend city with coast in Barcelona, go back in time with a medieval city break in Bruges or discover historical wonders in Paris. Amsterdam is one of our most popular European city breaks thanks to its beautiful architecture, stunning canals and distinctive character. Because these fascinating cities are so close, they are ideal for last minute city breaks.

Of course, city breaks aren't limited to short-haul flights. New York is a holiday to remember with iconic sights, shopping streets and theatre shows, while Washington D.C. combines history and culture with plenty of entertainment. Or you could turn up the glitz and head east to Dubai for luxurious hotels, glamorous restaurants and lavish spa days.

Why book City Breaks holidays

Cosy cafés

Every city has one: pick your spot and do some proper people-watching

Iconic city sights

That's a no-brainer. A city break is usually packed full with attractions at every turn

Cultural hotspot

If you're after great museums, dining & cultural hotspots, this is the holiday type for you

Book a holiday with Virgin Atlantic flights to Las Vegas from Manchester by 3 February 2025, and you’ll get a FREE ticket for the iconic High Roller observation wheel. Plus, you could WIN a helicopter tour over the Las Vegas Strip or a deluxe trip to the Grand Canyon! You must travel between 29 April 2025 and 24 October 2025 to be eligible (T&Cs apply).

Top city breaks destinations

Struggling to choose from our wide range of city breaks? Get some inspiration from our top city break destinations and find the perfect weekend away.

Cheap city breaks

With some fantastic metropolitan destinations in Europe and amazing offers on hotels and flights, an affordable city break will have you exploring exciting destinations at pocket-friendly prices.

Your guide to City Breaks holidays

At a glance
Best European city breaks

Best European city breaks

Hop on a short flight to one of our favourite European city breaks.

  • Amsterdam, Holland: Whether cycling alongside the canal, discovering the Red Light District or browsing an art gallery, you’ll never run out of things to do in Amsterdam. It’s a city break packed with cultural and historical gems.
  • Rome, Italy: Rome is a living museum full of ruins and stunning architecture. Discover iconic sites such as the Colosseum and the Vatican. After a busy day exploring, refuel with some fine Italian cuisine.
  • Barcelona, Spain: Sunny Barcelona is an idyllic blend of lazy beach days and action-packed city adventures. Tuck into paella on the harbour and admire the beautiful architecture.
  • Paris, France: The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are just a few of the unmissable attractions in France’s capital city. People-watch from a trendy café, walk by the atmospheric Seine River and shop in little boutiques.
  • Budapest, Hungary: Often called the City of the Spas, Budapest has dazzling hot springs to swim in. The architecture is impressive, and the legendary ruin bars are must-visits.
Top things to do on a city break

Top things to do on a city break

Here are a few of the top activities you can do on city breaks:

  • Visit historical sites – Many city breaks are brimming with reminders from the past. If you’re a history buff and enjoy exploring these kinds of sites, there are plenty of history-filled city breaks to embark on.
  • Admire the sights – One of the main activities for a short break has to be sightseeing. There is always something to discover. From architecture to cultural sights, it definitely is a breathtaking experience.
  • Explore museums – Learn more about the city through its museums. They might highlight the local art, the city’s history or cultural influences.
  • Sample the local cuisine – Some travellers base their holidays on food. If you’re open to trying new dishes and local delicacies, finding top and popular restaurants in your destination is definitely the best way around it. You might also want to check if there are any food fairs or festivals happening while you're there.
  • Check out the nightlife – Part of the city break experience is sampling the nightlife. From hidden bars to buzzing clubs and everything in between, you'll find the venue to suit you.

Your questions answered

What are the best city breaks?

From Paris to New York, there are some incredible city break destinations. We've rounded up our top 10 winter city break destinations and favourite cities for summer escapes. For that festive feeling, check out the best destinations for Christmas markets.

Prices last checked at 17:12 19 January 2025

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