Trudy
I’ve been doing some research because I’ve caught wanderlust fever. And a European vacation isn’t my near future “bucketlist”. If you are tight on vacation time or vacation dollars a short trip may be the answer. A four-day weekend may be just enough to fit in the dream trip city break.
A city break can be really magical. When you have the right company, share the same desires and interests, you can really end up having the most amazing rendezvous in some of the world’s best locations. City breaks don’t have to be just a weekend, you can travel a little further afield and explore some amazing destinations for a little longer than a two-day stint. I wanted to share with you some of the best European city breaks that are perfect for your next rendezvous with a loved one or a friend. I hope it inspires you to make the leap across the pond.
London
Heading to England’s capital city won’t disappoint. You can find yourself lost in one huge city that is full of some of the most iconic sites. You can marvel at Buckingham Palace, take a selfie with Big Ben, or even just potter around the many streets with designer shops or boutique markets. There is something for everyone in London, and not only that but jumping on the train and heading outside of London for a short trip will enable you to witness the beautiful English countryside. An English countryside is a perfect place for a rendezvous.
Oslo
Oslo is the capital city of Norway and is definitely a place to consider if you want to experience a vibrant city break. It is most well-known for its open green spaces and museums, but there is much to do here. You could also consider staying between the airport and the city in a hotel such as MOXY Oslo X Hotel in Skjetten in Oslo region. Some of the more noticeable landmarks would be the ship museum and the panoramic views over the Fjord.
Madrid
The city of Madrid is renowned for its artwork and the many museums showcasing some of the most famous pieces. It is a city of elegant little streets with boutique shops, stunning restaurants, and vibrant bars. It is full of the Spanish charm and a place where you can really reconnect with friends and loved ones while sampling a very laid back style. Barcelona always tends to be the city of choice for people holidaying in Spain, but Madrid will not disappoint.
Paris
Paris. The city of love and romance. It is no surprise that this French city is a popular destination for couples seeking a little breakaway or even a full-on vacation. Climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoying the marvelous Louvre, or even sampling some of the quaint French cafés along the River Seine. There is plenty to see and do, and if you happen to be a big kid at heart, you even have Disneyland Paris to enjoy. It is only a short train ride away.
Bruges
Bruges is a city of winding canals, bridges, and spectacular architecture that you would be a fool to ignore the quaint city in Belgium. Get lost among the cobbled streets or marvel at some of the medieval looking buildings, or simply watch the day away sampling Belgium chocolate and hot coffee. It certainly is a place to consider a city break.
I hope that these suggestions have inspired you to take advantage of some of Europe’s best locations for a breakaway. Have you visited any of cities? Do you have cities to add to list? Add them to the list in the comments below, I’d love to read them.
Until our next rendezvous…
XOXO
Trudy
This post was a collaboration.
Living in Europe as I do, visiting these cities is a lot easier for me: I’ve visited all of the cities you mention except Bruges. Besides, I’m from Madrid and I was surprised that you have included it here because people usually prefer Barcelona.
There are a lot of European cities worth visiting but I would single out Lisbon in Portugal. You certainly can’t go wrong if you choose to visit Lisbon.
I will add Portugal to my list, thank you!
What an excellent list of cities! The only one I haven’t been to is Madrid. My favorite was Bruges. It is a very walkable city.
So lucky! Did you have an amazing time? I can’t wait to visit these cities on my own.
Wow! I can hardly wait to grab my passport! Another fun place to go from NYC is Florence. You can fly nonstop and stuff yourself with Michelangeloes. Eminently walkable and get-to-able. Just make sure to get all your museum tickets ahead of time so you can skip the interminable lines.
I love walkable cities! Thank you for the tips!
I loved my time in Bruges. I am glad to see it made the list.
Okay, now I’m getting itchy feet. Been to London and Paris. Maybe seeing Madrid next fall. Can’t wait! All your picks look wonderful.
I enjoyed and appreciated Barcelona very much (especially since my stepson lived there), but I just fell in love with Madrid. What an elegant, gracious city. I would return in a heartbeat. You’ve included great selections here.
No question, you have hit many of my faves in your post. Just did Paris a fw months back and actually heading to Rome and Barcelona next spring!
So, my bucket list is bursting. I haven’t traveled to Europe yet.
My wife’s BFF is currently dating a Londoner (don’t ask it’s complicated, she lives in Indiana), and the images she sent us while she was there were phenomenal. Although London apparently is not a “cheap” city to visit :(.
Great cities. I haven’t been to Oslo, but I’d like to – I’d really like to live in Norway!
For me, I would try Sweden for a year.
Great mini breaks Trudy, especially for those in the northern hemisphere. I loved visiting Bruges which was a real delight and not a place I had known much about.
I didn’t know much about it either but I’m dreaming of a beautiful vacation full of adventure where I’m unfortunately short on time.
You covered some of my most favorite cities! Just went to Paris again last spring.
I wanna go to all these places. Can we rendezvous somewhere in the future at one of these places? ?
Haha, I want to go too!