A city break is an excellent way to escape your daily routine and explore somewhere new. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or would prefer a longer stay, there are a ton of amazing things to see and do during a city break. 

The best city breaks offer a fantastic mix of adventure and relaxation, allowing visitors to see iconic landmarks and hidden gems while leaving enough time to rest after lots of exploration. Spend your time strolling through bustling markets, dining at local eateries, and soaking up the endless attractions during your stay, catering to an array of travel itineraries. 

If you're planning a city break and you're not sure where to start, we're here to help. In this article, we'll share our top tips for the best ways to enjoy your city adventure, ensuring you make the most out of your trip. Keep reading to learn more about the best time to go, how long to stay, how to get around, and much more. 

The Best Time to Enjoy a City Break

Timing is key when planning a city break. The best time to visit ultimately depends on your preferences and where you're planning to go. However, there are a few things to note that should help you choose the perfect season for your next getaway. 

Spring and autumn are great times to visit many cities in Europe, providing mild temperatures and fewer crowds. This makes it an excellent time to scour some of the favoured attractions with ease, all while enjoying the pleasant climate. 

Summer is perfect for those seeking vibrant festivals and warmer weather. However, many of the popular cities are usually busier during this season, which is ideal for those looking for a buzzing atmosphere but not so great for anyone planning a peaceful getaway. 

For festive markets, twinkling lights and cosy escapes, winter makes for an excellent time for a city break. There are a ton of fantastic cities to explore during this time, all of which provide visitors with their own charm and unique excursions. 

Ultimately, when you decide to go on a city break will depend on what you aim to get out of your trip. With so much to see and do throughout the year, there's something for all when planning to scour some of the favoured cities. 

How Long Do You Need for a City Break? 

Similar to deciding on the best time to visit, how long you plan to stay on your city break will vary depending on the type of trip you're planning. However, for most cities, a weekend getaway of around two or three days is enough to see many of the main sights.

If you'd rather wander at a leisurely pace, you'll want to extend your stay to around five or six days, allowing for plenty of time to explore beyond the tourist attractions. The type of city you choose will also determine how long you spend here. Larger destinations like London, Paris and New York may even require a full week to see all they have to offer. 

It's worth deciding what you aim to get out of your city break before you plan your trip. This way, you'll be able to determine how long you need to be here and whether or not it gives you enough time to see all the sights. 

Getting Around Cities 

Getting around a city efficiently can massively improve your trip, allowing you to see more of what the bustling metropolis has to offer. Many of the popular tourist destinations provide excellent public transport, which often consist of buses, trams and metro systems. Visitors will also find that the layout of some of the popular cities also makes walking an excellent choice. This way, you can explore more of the sights during your stroll. 

However, there are other ways to get around during your city break. Bikes allow an active adventure, all while offering a quicker alternative to travelling on foot. Places like Paris, Budapest, Vienna, and more also offer boat excursions, which are great for those planning to take in the sights from the water. There are plenty of incredible European river cruises throughout many of the major cities, this provides a unique way to see all that these beautiful destinations have in store. 

Immersing Yourself in Local Culture

No city break is complete without taking the time to immerse yourself in the local culture. Start by exploring the local markets to sample authentic delicacies and grab a souvenir or two. Explore museums, art galleries and historic sites to learn more about the city's past or catch a live performance where you can enjoy traditional music or lively street entertainers. 

Engaging with the locals is also a great way to immerse yourself in the culture surrounding your city of choice. It's worth learning a few basic phrases before your trip; this way, you can converse with residents, all while uncovering a few of the city's hidden gems. 

Sampling the Cuisine

Food is a huge part of any city break as tasting the local cuisine helps you connect with the culture here, all while trying new experiences. Many of the popular tourist cities also provide visitors with an excellent opportunity to sample street food stalls or markets, a fantastic way to try authentic cuisine. 

We would also recommend sticking to traditional dishes when visiting a new city, as this helps you fully experience the culture here. Whether it's pasta in Rome, tapas in Barcelona or pastries in Paris, many of these favoured destinations have their own specialities worth trying.  

Summary 

With so many incredible places to explore, it comes as no surprise that travellers continue to opt for city breaks time and time again. Whether you're a history buff looking for ancient ruins, an art lover planning to scour the many galleries, or simply want to explore somewhere new with an array of things to do and see, cities have something for all. These breaks are an excellent way to try new things, explore new destinations and create memories to last a lifetime.