European city breaks

City breaks in Europe whirl around culture, art, food, music, dance and sightseeing.

European museums and art galleries hold some of the world's most beloved treasures - see the Mona Lisa in the Paris Louvre or visit Milan for The Last Supper. Become acquainted with Rembrandt in Amsterdam, Picasso in Barcelona or get up close with Michelangelo's David in Florence.

Fancy footwork comes in handy during some short breaks in Europe. Visit the Spanish cities Seville or Jerez, where the fiery flamenco fans flames of passion. Learn how to dance like the Greeks in Athens, book tickets to the ballet in Russia or - for something completely different - put on those dancing shoes and head for the nightclubs of Berlin.

If perusing menus and trying new cuisine makes memories for you, reserve your place at the table in foodie destinations such as Copenhagen, Paris, Vienna and Rome.

Whatever your interests, whoever you travel with and whenever you intend to fly, there's a city break in Europe to make your dreams come true. Compare prices using TravelSupermarket's search tool.

Spring and autumn are mild in the north and can be very warm in southern Europe. These are good seasons to travel in if you like a bargain, as Christmas and summer are peak times in the cities.

Wherever you wish to go, booking as early as possible is the best way to find a great deal.

Families: In Barcelona, go straight to Park Güell for an in-at-the-deep-end introduction to the Spanish city's most outrageous architecture. The dragon fountains, colourful mosaics and serpentine benches capture the imaginations of all ages.

Free & cheap: Marvel as Rome's pavements fall away to reveal layer upon layer of ancient history. Stop by the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Roman Forum, Pantheon and St Peter's Basilica to see the best preserved architecture for free.

Active types: Pedal through Amsterdam for a rolling perspective on the Netherlands' city of waterways. Energetic types can join the locals in the cycle lanes or hop on a pedalo to see the city from its 100 miles of canals. Bet you can't pedal under or over all 1,000 of the city's bridges!

Nightlife: Nowhere has the craic (something like “party spirit”; it's hard to define!) quite like Dublin. For a night on the town that throbs with pure Irish jollity, head for Temple Bar, where laughter and live music overflow into the cobbled streets.

Shopping: From designer boutiques to craft markets, quaint Prague is a shopaholic's dream. The capital of the Czech Republic is the place to stock up on red garnet jewellery, exquisite glass and crystal as well as a huge range of clothing, from Hermès to H&M.

St Patrick's Day in Dublin; March: Where else but the capital of the Republic of Ireland to celebrate the nation's patron saint? Parties, parades, dancing, singing, drinking - this is a non-stop riot of fun.

Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe; August-September: It was just after the second world war when a band of performers played, uninvited, at the “fringe” of the main festival. The tradition continues and August is jam-packed with performances. Whether you're into opera and ballet or downright zany comedy, there's a show for you.