5 of the Best City Breaks in Europe

Kay Gillespie

Tourists flock to Europe’s cities every year with good reason: they are some of the most appealing in the world. Beautiful, vibrant and full of historic wonders, these epic locations are yours to discover.

We’ve compiled a list of what we think are some of the most exciting cities in Europe, giving you ideas of how to spend your time there. Let’s take a look.

Attend the Highland Games on a Tour from Edinburgh

Many people choose Edinburgh as the key destination if they're looking for a proper Scottish experience. If you’re planning a long weekend with an extra Scottish twist, time your Edinburgh city break with one of Scotland’s legendary Highland Games. They run from May to September and are usually held on weekends – perfect if you're looking to break the city buzz with an escape to the countryside. Expect bagpipes, traditional dancing, caber tossing, tug o’ war, and plenty of local food and drink to keep you going.

You can spend a few days soaking up Edinburgh’s history, nightlife and hidden corners, then jump on a day tour to the Highland Games and see the action up close.

Discover Athens

For a more up-and-coming European city trip destination, turn to Athens. A historic city that has reinvented itself in the face of economic collapse, it is now a thriving hub for all things alternative and cool, while retaining pockets of authentic grittiness. Some have even dubbed it the ‘new Berlin’. Athens has it’s completely own flavour, and we challenge you to discover it for yourself!

Get lost in Split’s historic streets

The second-largest city of Croatia is heaven on earth – with a promenade lining the Adriatic coast, fantastic food and sun (almost) year-round, Split definitely has to be one of Europe’s best city trips. You’d almost be mistaken for thinking you’re in Italy! Split’s charming cobbled streets, UNESCO-heritage listed Diocletian Palace (a Roman vestige) and awesome food definitely rival Rome’s and make for a world class destination. What are you waiting for?

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Dance the night away in Berlin

After a day of exploring, are you keen to head to a rave for the night? If the name Berghain sends shivers of excitement down your spine, making a stop in Berlin should be an absolute no-brainer. One of Europe’s last truly wild capital cities, Berlin has got to be the city that never sleeps. But there’s more to the city, with plenty of affordable lunch and dining options (with lots of vegan options!), cutting edge art and of course the remnants of the wall, Berlin sure does not disappoint.

Live la vida loca in Barcelona

No list of Europe’s best cities would be complete without this one – Barcelona is the queen of all European city trips! This Europe destination certainly lives up to the hype; whether you are admiring Gaudí’s unmistakable architectural feats, munching away on some delicious tapas while drinking even better wine, getting a tan on the city’s never-ending coastline beaches, or dancing the night away in one of the city’s world class clubs – Barcelona has got it all!

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Our multi-day tours are the perfect way to explore the best of Scotland, from the historic streets of Edinburgh to the wild untamed beauty of the Highlands and everything in between.

What are some of the best city breaks in Europe for unique experiences?

A long weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a great way to spend a break in Europe, especially if you attend the Highland Games running from May until September. Other versatile and unique destinations include Berlin for it's diversity in shops, cafe's museums and nightlife, and Barcelona for it's coastal location and artistic architecture, getting the best of both worlds - city life and beach vibes.

Why is Edinburgh one of the best European city breaks between May and September?

Edinburgh is a great destination all year round as it acts as the main hub to get to and from Scotland. It's amazingly connected to other parts of Scotland, allowing you to visit more remote areas, like the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The time between May and September is unique in that you can attend the Highland Games, easily reachable through a day tour from Edinburgh.

What makes Barcelona a top choice for city breaks in Europe?

Barcelona has the perfect mix of beach and city vibes. You can wander through Gaudí’s colourful creations, get lost in the Gothic Quarter, and still have time to chill by the sea with tapas and sangria. Add in buzzing nightlife and year-round sunshine, and it’s easy to see why Barcelona tops so many travel lists.

Is Berlin a good destination for a quick European city break?

It sure is! Berlin has an energy like nowhere else – packed with history, art, street food, and some of Europe’s best nightlife. It’s also super affordable compared to other capitals, and the public transport makes it easy to get around fast. Perfect for a weekend packed with culture by day and clubs by night.

Which lesser-known cities are great for top city trips in Europe?

If you fancy something a bit different, Ghent in Belgium is a winner – smaller and less busy than Bruges, but with canals, medieval streets, and brilliant local food. Ljubljana in Slovenia is another gem, with its laid-back riverside cafés and easy access to lakes and mountains. These spots give you that “hidden find” feeling without missing out on the good stuff.

How can I explore the best European city breaks with a tour?

Joining a tour is a solid way to see the highlights without the stress of planning. With HAGGiS, you can base yourself in a city like Edinburgh, then jump on a weekend adventure to the Highlands or the Highland Games. It means you get the buzz of the city and the epic landscapes or events Scotland is famous for – all in one trip.