The Best Cities in Europe for a Weekend Break

*This is a collaborative post on the best cities in Europe for a weekend break

There is no doubt that Europe has some of the best cities in the world. From the stunning coastal city of San Sebastian to the alternative art scene and nightlife of Berlin, there is plenty to offer everyone. Summers tend to be hot and sunny the closer you get to the equator, while the winters can be truly magical if you head to north-eastern Europe when it’s snowing.

Whether you’re looking for food, culture, adventure, or relaxation, every city is filled with everything you could need for a short break or a long stay. 

Budapest, Hungary

A truly stunning city surrounded by nature and rich with cultural and architectural heritage, Budapest has plenty to offer anyone looking for a perfect city break. The River Danube flows through the centre of the city, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Buda is the peaceful home to the stunning royal palace, the Matthias Church and relaxing natural thermal baths from the Ottoman Era. Meanwhile, Pest is known for being a bustling, lively area decorated with huge murals, street art, and sculptures. The streets are lined with incredible examples of Art Nouveau buildings which are the perfect backdrop to the huge festivals that are held here every year. Don’t forget to try the goulash while you’re here, it will leave you wanting to come back for more! 

Prague, Czech Republic 

With its vibrant nightlife, fairy tale architecture, inspirational art, and delicious street food, it is no wonder that Prague is fast becoming one of the hippest destinations in Europe. There are a myriad of hotels, hostels, and self-catering apartments to suit every budget, and there are exciting events all year round, from art exhibitions and music festivals to seasonal markets and the famous PokerStars festival at the Hilton Hotel Prague, which is now in its 14th year. Whether you’re looking for culture, adventure, or relaxation, Prague has everything you could need and more.

Zagreb, Croatia 

If it’s romance you are looking for, then look no further than Zagreb. A culturally rich city that is host to a plethora of sporting events, music festivals, jazz concerts, operas, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances. There is always something happening in Zagreb. But it’s not just the exciting event scene that makes this city so appealing. It also has 30 beautiful public parks to wander around, perfect for romantic walks as you take in the natural scenery. Spend a day taking in the vast shopping malls before sampling Croatian cuisine in one of the high-quality restaurants and enjoying the vibrant nightlife Zagreb has to offer. 

Copenhagen, Denmark 

Copenhagen is famous for its highly regarded events, efficient public transport systems, and beautiful buildings. Known for being one of the best places to live in the world, Copenhagen offers a seriously high standard of living for its residents and visitors alike. Explore the 17th-century streets as they take you through the cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and colourful buildings, before taking a boat out onto the canal to watch the sunset. It’s also a lot of fun to take a bike out to see the city on two wheels, as Copenhagen has gone above and beyond to cater for cyclists. 

San Sebastian, Spain

For sun, sea, and sand, take a trip to the often-overlooked city of San Sebastian. The shell-shaped bay of La Concha is so beautiful that the Spanish royal family even made it their second home at the turn of the century. But the beaches aren’t the only captivating things in San Sabastian, there is also the gorgeous Old Town, the super-hip district of Gors, and the beautiful Miramar Gardens with their unrivalled views of the bay. You can’t put a foot wrong in this stunning seaside location, in fact, it is the perfect place to get lost! 

From sun-drenched beaches and romantic park strolls to the bustling nightlife and stunning architecture, European cities are some of the best locations for a break in the world. The only trouble you’ll have is deciding which one to visit first!