Compare European city breaks

A jumble of lively piazzas and rambling waterways, fairytale spires and steel-and-glass towers, bustling markets and shiny malls, European city breaks are utterly captivating. Culture, art, food, music, sightseeing… even a short weekend break in Europe can take in a bit of it all.

The cobbled streets and ancient architecture of the cities of Eastern Europe, from Budapest to Warsaw, are a display cabinet of Europe at its grandest - think the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building and Poland's colourful city squares. To the west, cosmopolitan metropolises such as Berlin and London lead the way with world-class nightlife, museums and galleries, while Oslo and Copenhagen in the north showcase cutting edge design and culture.

Art lovers flock to the Paris Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and Milan for The Last Supper, but European museums and art galleries don't stop at the obvious. Discover some of the world's most beloved treasures such as Rembrandt's portraits in Amsterdam, Picasso's Guernica in Madrid or 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.

Europe city breaks never go out of fashion, whatever the season. Spring, summer, autumn or winter, there's an amazing experience to be had during short breaks in Europe.

In general, Europe's cities are mild in spring and autumn, warm in summer and cold in winter, with rain likely at any time. The further north you are, the lower the temperatures and, of course, vice versa. The more southerly cities can be very mild, even warm, during winter, so try short breaks in Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Malaga for some winter sun.

If you don't mind the cold, some of Europe's northern cities host magnificent Christmas markets - look at breaks in Vienna, Cologne, Brussels, Prague and Copenhagen.

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.

There's always something happening in Europe's cities. Book your break early if you plan to attend any of the following annual events.

Oktoberfest in Munich; September-October: Millions of litres of beer are served during the 16 days of this annual festival. It's been running since 1810 and shows no signs of stopping.

Venice Carnival; February-March: The Carnevale di Venezia takes place every year and is a true feast for the eyes. Elaborate masks and costumes mark this carnival out among its rivals. This is carnival at its most extravagant.

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

There's a reason why travellers can't get enough of weekend breaks in Europe: no two city breaks are the same. Whether you're after romance, nightlife or just a short budget break, these European cities will draw you in for a closer look…

For romance: Take your loved one to the Eiffel Tower on romantic trips to Paris, but don't stop there. Read “Je t'aime” to each other in more than 300 languages from the “I love you” wall, then kiss under the Pont-Marie, known as the “bridge of lovers”, while wishing for eternal love.

For iconic sights: No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. Escape the tourists crowding the bridges and piazzas and glide peacefully between crumbling terracotta houses and grand Venetian buildings.

For 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.