Whether you need a break from the relentless uni work or you just fancy some new scenery, we have the perfect solution! Here are five European city breaks that we think you’ll love!
Budapest, Hungary
If it’s a cheap and cheerful day out you’re after then why not immerse yourself in a bit of culture? Start with Budapest’s parliament building before heading to Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. The latter is genuinely more beautiful than Cinderella’s castle so be prepared to take an abundance of pictures.
End the day with a few beverages in Szimpla Kert – this is one of Budapest’s famous ruins bars which homes some quirky décor. Expect to see bikes, a bathtub, the backseat of a retro car and lots of fairy lights.
Alternatively, if you fancy a day of luxury then visit Szechenyi thermal baths where you can chill out to your heart’s content. Follow this up with some cocktails at bar360 – a rooftop bar with incredible views – and we can guarantee you’ll have had a top day.
Prague, Czech Republic
If it’s cheap alcohol you want, then look no further! Prague has A LOT to offer as far as bars and clubs are concerned.
After sampling some of Prague’s famous beer, be sure to dance the night away in Karlovy lazne! This five story club is open until 5am and one of the floors is solely an ice bar. Need we say more? Once your hangover has subsided, get your walking shoes on and explore the castle, cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.
Next, head to the John Lennon Wall and snap some pictures of the symbolic anti-war graffiti. Follow this up with a bite to eat and a pint in Vytopna Restaurant. Here they deliver your drinks from the bar to the table via a mini train. Cool, right?
Paris, France
First of all, forget booking flights with Ryanair. Instead get yourself onto the Eurostar website and you could be getting return tickets from around £70! While you’re there you need to see the Eiffel Tower (of course), the Louvre, and put a lock on the bridge. Once you’re finished with all of that, we would 100% recommend buying tickets to see The Moulin Rouge. The show is bound to leave you speechless!
Alternatively, spend an afternoon wandering the streets of Montmartre where – after passing markets, cafes and cobbled streets – you’ll arrive at the Sacre Coeur. It’s a breath-taking basilica with lots of history. Soak up the fantastic architecture and enjoy the views of the city. Oh, and be sure to try a macaroon!
Berlin, Germany
If you consider yourself a bit of a history nerd then Berlin will be absolutely perfect for you. There’s so much to see and so much to learn here.
Of course you ought to visit the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Reichstag but – for an even greater insight into Berlin’s history – head to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. This is north of Berlin but is easily accessible. It is an absolutely heart breaking experience but allows for an insight that no museum or textbook could ever provide.
Once your brain is fit to burst with historic knowledge, wind down with a meal in Potsdamer Platz – this part of the city has a real buzz to it.
End the day with a trip up the television tower, where you can enjoy a few beverages whilst you soak up the panoramic views of the city. The skyline looks beautiful when it’s lit up so be sure to do this once the sun has set!
Florence, Italy
WARNING: You will fall head over heels in love with Florence! It’s incredible.
First things first, head to the Duomo. This building will absolutely amaze you from afar, from within, and from above – it’s just spectacular! The 463 steps to the top will get the heart pumping and the legs burning, but the city views once you reach the top are worth the pain. Plus, all that exercise means that you can justify some gelato later on!
Next up, visit Ponte Vecchio. This bridge is home to many designer shops which makes for a perfect afternoon of window shopping.
Last – but by no means least – if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford the entry fee to see Michelangelo’s David, why not head up to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a square with panoramic views of the city and a pretty impressive replica of David.
Have you been to one of these cities? Or maybe you found another hidden treasure? Let us know in the comments.