Compare European city breaks

When to go

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.

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

What to do in Europe

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.

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.

Best European city breaks

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.

For budget travellers: 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 some of the world’s best-preserved architecture for free.

For 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!

For 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.

For 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.