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City breaks.

City breaks are perfect for quick escape and provide many options for a beautiful relaxing getaway. Our city breaks offer a fantastic, hassle-free way to discover the wonderful areas of Europe and beyond at great-value prices.

Best City Breaks

With a wealth of world-renowned cities just a short plane ride away, our Europe city breaks are a great opportunity to take advantage of that proximity and explore a new destination or revisit old favourites.

From Berlin to Istanbul, we offer the best European city breaks as well as further afield. No matter what, every location provides our guests with the chance to immerse themselves in an entirely new place. Whether that be soaking up the city’s history, sampling its culinary delicacies or taking in its culture with visits to galleries or museums, we provide the best city breaks.

Our tour begins as soon as we arrive at our short city break destination where we’ll be whisked to the hotel by one of our English-speaking local guides. We’ll then take a half day city tour to get a feel for the location and our expert guide will be on hand to answer questions and help us decide how to spend the rest of our holiday.

If you’re looking for long weekends away in Europe, make sure to travel with us to maximise your time away. Our European city breaks, as well as our other city break holidays, include flights, transfers, hotel accommodation and a guided city tour so we get the most out of our time wherever we go.

Choose a European City Break Destination

Book a City Break in Europe

£539pp £509 pp

Berlin City Break

Fully Guided

Flights & Transfers

£419pp £399 pp

Czech Republic

Prague City Break

£639pp £599 pp

Rome City Break

£559pp £549 pp

Nice City Break

£459pp £439 pp

Lisbon City Break

£549pp £529 pp

Vienna City Break

£969pp £869 pp

Istanbul City Break

£509pp £499 pp

Porto City Break

£639pp £579 pp

Bruges City Break

Budapest City Break

£1,139pp £1,099 pp

Marrakech City Break

£439pp £429 pp

Madrid City Break

£799 pp

Ljubljana City Break

£589pp £569 pp

Riga City Break

Best reasons to choose a city break.

Get A Lay Of The Land

All cities have their own landscapes and layouts. Getting accustomed to a new one can be tricky, especially in a relatively short space of time. However, on all of our City Breaks, we offer a half-day city tour, given by an English-speaking local guide, to help us find our bearings. We’ll see the main highlights of the city and learn the history that has made it what it is today. As well as showing us some of the must-see attractions, our experienced guides will be happy to answer any questions we might have and recommend other places in the city that we might enjoy visiting.

Taste Local Flavours

One of the most exciting things about visiting a new place is the chance to try some of its particular delicacies. Sometimes you may already be familiar with the food from a particular place, such as Spanish tapas or Roman spaghetti alla carbonara but, even in the most famous culinary destinations, our expert guides will be able to point us to new tastes to explore. What about pa amb tomàquet (bread, rubbed with ripe tomatoes, salt and olive oil) in Barcelona or fiori di zucca (battered courgette flowers, stuffed with anchovies and mozzarella) in Rome?

Take In New Scenery

A City Break offers the chance to have a change of scenery for a few days. On these short holidays, for example, we’ll visit the fantastical buildings of Barcelona or the Gothic facades of Prague. Of course, there is much more to a city than its buildings. We’ll also have the opportunity to take in the beautiful natural scenery in beach-front cities like Lisbon and Valencia or stroll along winding rivers in Bruges and Budapest. In other cities, we have the opportunity to take in incredible urban parks, like those in Berlin or Krakow, which has 42 to choose from.

Explore Art & Culture

On each of our City Breaks, we’ll have the opportunity to experience the culture of a new place. A great way to get under the skin of a city is to experience its art by visiting galleries, museums or other cultural attractions. With tips from our expert local guides and plenty of free time, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the art and culture of whatever city we travel to. Imagine viewing paintings by Raphael, Caravaggio, Bosch and Brueghel in the splendid surroundings of Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, or admiring Gaudi's artistry in his adopted city of Barcelona!

City Break Tour Highlights

• Take an optional excursion to Sintra from Lisbon.
• Visit the Vatican and admire Michelangelo's most famous masterpiece in the Sistine chapel. 
• Relax in one of the many thermal baths in Budapest.   
• Enjoy wine tasting in Porto.
• Discover the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. 
• Explore the Eastside Gallery, an open air art gallery on a section of the Berlin Wall.  

Top European City Break Attractions

Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest is home to the third largest Parliament building in the world. Located on the bank of the River Danube, this impressive neo-Gothic building is one of the city's most iconic sights.

A trip to Rome isn’t complete without seeing Ancient Rome’s most famous site, the Colosseum. The 50,000-seat arena was used to stage spectacular gladiatorial games in front of bloodthirsty spectators. The name Colosseum refers to the Colosso di Nerone, a giant statue of Nero that stood nearby.

Belem Tower

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a symbol for the ‘Age of Exploration’ and a landmark of Lisbon. Built to protect the city from invaders, Belem Tower is a 16th century fortress located on the bank of the river Tagus.

Prague Astronomical Clock

First installed in 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the world's oldest fully functional astronomical clocks. It's attached to the Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square, a historic quarter of Prague as it dates back to the 10th century. 

Schönbrunn Palace

The summer residence of the Habsburg family, this baroque palace is one of Vienna's most popular attractions. It has 2000-rooms-worth of splendour complete with a classically landscaped garden. 

Checkpoint Charlie

The infamous border crossing point in the wall that divided West and East Berlin has now become a shrine to the wall's memory. Between 1961 and 1990, Checkpoint Charlie was the only crossing point between East and West Berlin.

City Break Holidays FAQs

Where are the best city breaks in europe.

Europe has a wide range of city destinations and each one can suit various interests. For history buffs, you can step back to ancient times with a trip to Rome and explore the Roman Forum. See how royalty lived with a visit to the palaces in the opulent capital of Vienna. For food lovers, each city offers its own unique dishes, enjoy a Pastel de nata in Lisbon or experience the best tapas in Madrid. If you’re looking to take things easy, you can easily relax with a drink and watch the world go by in the Old Towns of Prague, Riga and Tallinn. It’s not just capital cities that offer a quick escape, you can also unwind in Nice or you can even go beyond Europe and discover Marrakech to get a taste of North Africa. 

What’s included on my city break?

With Travel Department, return flights, airport transfers, hand-picked hotel accommodation and a guided city tour are all included.

Do you offer short breaks in Europe?

If you’re looking to stay a little longer, we also offer some other short breaks in Europe from 4 - 6 days, such as Malta, Athens, Munich, Lake Garda, Salamanca and Gdansk.

Do you offer Christmas City Breaks?

Yes, you can experience the best Christmas markets in Europe and see the top sights of your chosen destination during a winter city break.

What if there is an emergency?

We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

Reviews, Travel Tips & Advice To Inspire Your Next City Break

Special interests, 5 reasons to take a city break with travel department.

• Georgina Willcox
• 18 February 2022

Inspiration by Country

Top 8 highlights of istanbul.

Formerly known as Constantinople and was once seen as the capital of the world, Istanbul is the fusion point of where East meets W...

5 reasons to fall in love with Vienna

The capital of Austria, Vienna has majestic monuments and palaces, elegant avenues, splendid museums and much more…

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Iceland, Niagara Falls & New York City

Experience a triple whammy of holiday fun with a combo that’ll make your head spin! Take in the breath-snatching beauty of Reykjavik’s natural wonders, the heart-pumping roar of Niagara Falls, and the iconic allure of New York City’s skyline

Halifax Experience

Dive into a whirlpool of history and oceanic enchantment with our Halifax City Stay adventure!

Quebec City Experience

Travel back in time, stroll through artistic wonders, and savor diverse cultures all in one spot! Quebec City is like a melting pot of old-world charm and worldly influences

Montreal Experience

Ready to rock the streets of Montréal? Unleash your inner adventurer and get ready to explore the city’s most iconic sights, both old and new!

Toronto and Niagara Falls Experience

Welcome to Canada’s multicultural masterpiece paired with one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders on the planet!

Toronto Experience

Get ready to fall in love with Toronto’s charming cafes, eye-catching galleries, and mind-boggling museums while strolling down its pedestrian-friendly streets.

Toronto and Niagara Falls

Niagara’s roar, Toronto’s allure—Canada’s natural wonders meet urban excitement!

Newcastle and Metro Centre Christmas Shopper

Departures on 25/11/2024

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Chester Christmas Markets and Festive Liverpool

Departures on 06/12/2024

Join us for a wonderful weekend to get you into the festive spirit and do some Christmas shopping. Visit Liverpool and Chester. Visit Chester with its...

Edinburgh Castle of Light

Departures on 05/12/2024

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Edinburgh Christmas Markets

Departures on 08/12/2024

For a truly festive experience, join us as we head to Scotland’s capital Edinburgh for the Edinburgh Christmas Markets. Enjoy the markets and celebr...

Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle and Gardens

Departures on 22/11/2024

Come join us for a delightful 4-day getaway filled with festive cheer and enchanting experiences. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as we explore...

Christmas at Kew Gardens and London Tour

Departures on 09/12/2024

Join us this festive season as we visit London, Windsor and Kew Gardens. Enjoy Christmas at Kew as we experience the magical after-dark explosion of f...

Welsh Festive Turkey and Tinsel Tour

Departures on 02/12/2024

Start the festive period with a tour showing you the best of North Wales from your hotel base in Caernarfon.  Staying at the festively decorated Celt...

Festive Newcastle, Beamish and Durham Tour

Join us on this delightful tour to Newcastle and get in the festive Spirit. Staying at the Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle with a convenient city centre loc...

Turkey and Tinsel in the Lake District

Get into the festive mood with a break to brighten the dark winter months and a memorable start to your festive season with a fun-filled break in the ...

Dumfries House by Candlelight and Christmas Markets

Departures on 16/12/2024

Dumfries house is one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets, with sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings...

Scotland’s Festive Shopping and Markets

Departures between 06/12/2024 and 13/12/2024

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Glasgow Christmas Shopper

Departures between 29/11/2024 and 06/12/2024

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Blackpool Lights and Entertainment

Departures between 15/11/2024 and 13/12/2024

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Birmingham Christmas Shopper

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• Destination/Resort Alaska Albufeira Albufeira Alcudia Algarve Alvor Amsterdam Azores Bad Hofgastein Bansko Bansko (€) Bardolino Bibione Binibeca Borovets Borovets Borovets - Short Break Borovets (€) Borovets, Bulgaria C'an Picafort C’an Picafort Cabo Blanco Cala Blanca Cala Bona Cala d'Or Cala D'Or Cala Millor Cala San Vicente Cala'N Blanes Cala'N Bosch Cala’N Blanes Cala’N Bosch Calas De Mallorca Camp de Mar Canada Carcavelos Caribbean Cascais Castelleto Di Brenzone Cavallino Treporti Cheltenham, England Chepelare Chepelare (€) Croatia & Slovenia Desenzano Del Garda Desenzano del Garda Dubai England England Es Migjorn Gran Estoril Europe Garda Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau Greece Greek Isles Greek Isles, Croatia & Turkey Hungary Hungary (€) India Ireland Italy Japan Jersey Jordan Juneau, Dawes Glacier & Icy Strait Point Kaprun Kirchberg Lazise Lido Di Jesolo Lisboa Lisbon to New York Madeira, Canaries and Southern Spain Magaluf Mahón Majorca Malcesine Mediterranean Menorca Monaco Monaco Monaco (€) Montenegro & The Greek Islands Monza - Italy Monza - Italy (€) Netherlands NI Away Games Northern Europe Oeiras Palma Nova Pamporovo Pamporovo Pamporovo - Short Break Pamporovo (€) Peschiera Del Garda Playa De Palma Poiana Brasov - Romania Poiana Brasov - Romania Porto Praia Da Rocha Premier League Quarteira Riva del Garda Romania S'Algar Saalbach Salou Santa Ponsa Santandria Santo Tomas Scotland Silverstone - UK Silverstone - UK (€) Sintra Sirmione Söll Son Bou Son Xoriguer Spa - Belgium Spa - Belgium (€) Spain, Gibraltar and Canary Islands Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar St Johann Sunny Beach The Canaries, North Africa and Southern Spain Torbole Torbole, Riva del Garda UK UK (€) UK Theatre Breaks USA USA Venice & The Venetian Riviera Vilamoura Wales Westendorf Western Mediterranean Zell Am See

Birmingham Christmas Shopper

Departures between 19/11/2021 and 10/12/2021

Get into the festive spirit with a Christmas shopping break to Birmingham. Join us for some stress-free Christmas shopping, as you sit back and relax,...

Manchester Christmas Shopper

Departures between 12/11/2021 and 10/12/2021

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• Destination/Resort Azores Bansko Bansko (€) Bardolino Borovets Borovets Borovets - Short Break Borovets (€) Caribbean Chepelare Desenzano Del Garda Dubai England Europe Garda Greece Ireland Japan Jersey Mediterranean Monza - Italy Monza - Italy (€) NI Away Games Pamporovo Pamporovo Pamporovo - Short Break Pamporovo (€) Peschiera Del Garda Poiana Brasov - Romania Poiana Brasov - Romania Riva del Garda Romania Scotland Silverstone - UK Silverstone - UK (€) Spa - Belgium Spa - Belgium (€) Sunny Beach Torbole, Riva del Garda UK UK (€) USA Wales

The 20 Best City Breaks in the USA

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When thinking about the 20 best city break destinations in the USA, I had to get a little help from my friends. I have collated all of my favourite US city breaks plus a bunch of cities recommended by other trusted travel bloggers around the United States. After reading this, you will no doubt be planning your USA city breaks for next year!

The 20 Best City Break Ideas in the USA:

… According to me and my travel blogging friends! I have put these in alphabetical order, purely for ease!

From Deb at The Visa Project

Boise is the perfect weekend getaway for outdoor enthusiasts looking to be in an urban setting. If you are  travelling to the USA  and looking for city breaks, Boise should definitely be on your list. Cycling or walking around the Boise river greenbelt is an excellent way to spend the day. It connects quite far along the River and comes with scenic views and wildlife. Rent a bike from Boise GreenBike or take a bike tour. Love hiking? Table Rock hiking trail and Old Penitentiary Trailhead are two great hikes very close to the city.

The Freak Alley Gallery is a large outdoor mural gallery with different styles of artwork and graffiti close to the downtown. Boise also has a vibrant microbrewery culture. The Bittercreek Alehouse and the Red Feather are a couple of places to add to your list. Immigrants from Basque country are a big part of Boise’s culture. Stop at the Basque Museum if you want to learn more about this unique culture.

Enjoy an amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure to discover the sights of Boise!

Hotels in Boise

There are many affordable hotel options in Boise. Try the affordable The Inn America , or the ever-reliable Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Boise .

Boston is a recent love of mine. We visited mainly due to my love of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, but ended up falling quite in love with the city for many other reasons. Learning about the American Revolution , enjoying Boston’s South End, and eating amazing food in Chinatown. Not to mention taking a day trip out to Salem – Boston is a near perfect city break option.

Stay at the AC Hotel by Marriott in South End for stylish hotel on the edge of Downtown.

I loved the Low Country charm of Charleston. It has a great mix of historic sites, lively nightlife, and some great foodie spots highlighting low country cuisine . Take a walking tour around the French Quarter , a harbour cruise ; or taste all the delicious barbecue food you can handle. Don’t forget to pay a visit to historic Fort Sumter too.

Before you visit, I recommend reading some of the excellent Charleston blogs from Jason at Road Trips and Coffee.

Lodging in Charleston

I would recommend staying in the Historic Downtown area of Charleston, if you can afford it. The lush Dewberry would be my luxury pick, or try the 3-star Francis Marion .

There’s a reason why Chicago is a much lauded city break destination in the USA. The city’s architecture, the music culture, and public art are second to none. Spending 2-3 days in Chicago will have you wanting to come back for more. Top picks for a city break in Chicago include: visiting the 360 Chicago Observation deck , eating a deep dish pizza (Lou Magnati’s is my favourite); and taking an architecture boat tour (obviously!).

Hotel Recommendations for Chicago

The best place to stay with easy access to the river and lake is along Grant Park in the South Loop. The Hilton Garden Inn and the Best Western Grant Park , and Homewood Suites by Hilton are all on 11th Street and very convenient.

From Derek & Mike at Robe Trotting

One of the premier city break destinations in the United States is Denver, gem of the Rocky Mountain West. The Mile High city is perfect for anyone who loves all the excitement of a vibrant downtown area with nature, hiking and mountains at their disposal. A weekend in Denver is truly a perfect hybrid for anyone that loves a cosmopolitan getaway without being too far from nature.

Denver is easy to get around as the city has invested heavily in its downtown public transit and as the state capital, it’s well connected to the surrounding area by light rail. Uber is another easy way to get around the city, especially if you stay somewhere central like the Westin Downtown Denver .

One of the best things to do in Denver is enjoy the green spaces like City Park. The massive urban park even has a zoo, museum and ribbons of hiking trails. Just outside the city you can expand your hiking to nearby Cherry Creek or Roxborough State Park. Denver is also home to one of the world’s best craft beer scenes. It’s a city full of breweries so any city break should include some beer hopping along Denver’s beer trail . Afterward, there are plenty of rooftop bars and restaurants to enjoy the sun setting over the Rocky Mountains.

From Shobha at Just Go Places

You will be pleasantly surprised by all the  things there are to do in Huntsville Alabama  for a city break. Huntsville is best known for its NASA space center which is admittedly a very cool attraction for children and adults alike. Additional Huntsville museums include the famous Art Museum and Burritt on the Mountain, a living history museum of early Alabama life. Constitutional Village in downtown Huntsville recalls the writing of the first Alabama constitution in 1819. The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is also a popular tourist attraction (the third most visited tourist attraction in the state with the NASA space center taking the top spot). Many visitors also like checking out the extensive street art and murals in the city including some of which are interactive making them great selfies!

Downton Huntsville has a wide choice of restaurants from fine dining to food trucks. There is also a growing craft beer scene not only in downtown Huntsville but also at Campus No. 805, a former middle school turned into a food and drink space. The Huntsville Tourist Office has trails for specific interests such as a craft beer trail or a coffee lovers trail. 

Although Downtown Huntsville is easy to walk around, you will need a car to get around the rest of Huntsville.

Hotels in Downtown Huntsville

Hotels include the AC Marriott and Embassy Suites , which are situated on Big Spring Park and an easy walk to the Art Museum and other attractions.

Las Vegas is definitely one of those bucket list USA city breaks. Experiencing the indulgence, craziness, larger than life nature of Vegas is perfect for a weekend away . Take in the view of the strip from the Stratosphere tower or catch live music on Fremont Street . Visit the Neon Graveyard, and experience a breakfast buffet with unlimited mimosas! Check out my beginner’s guide to Las Vegas , for all you need to know about Las Vegas.

Choosing a hotel in Las Vegas

There are so many hotels to choose from in Vegas. We have enjoyed the Stratosphere , and the Wynn Las Vegas .

Little Rock

From Portia at Pip and the City, and the Travel Goals Podcast 

A city break in Arkansas’ capital Little Rock is a sure-fire way to experience their thriving downtown, outdoor offerings and iconic attractions. Here, you’ll find best of the south with a vibrant foodie scene, a buzzing downtown and a historic feel.

Your first stop needs to be the dynamic River Market District. Featuring an impressive range of restaurants, shops, bars, nightlife, museums and hotels. This once disused area, full of condemned buildings has had millions of dollars’ worth of facelift to become hipster central. This is where the cool kids come to hang out, shop and relax. It’s also located right on the scenic Riverfront Park area. There are 33 acres of picturesque urban parkland to discover here, as well as a range of charming sculptures by local artists. 

For history enthusiasts, there is a wealth of historic sites and museums that explore the political and turbulent history of Little Rock. One of the  best things to do in Little Rock  is to take a trip to the Clinton Presidential Centre and Library. It’s a celebration of Little Rock resident and the United States’ 42 nd  president, Bill Clinton. You could spend hours getting to know the man behind the Oval Office; with a range of documents and exhibits that give an insight into the day-to-day running of the White House.

Significant black history is explored at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Centre and EMOBA, along with the Central High School Museum, where nine African American students made history in 1957.

Love biking? Why not explore the 15 miles of the Arkansas River Trail by bike? Whizz through downtown, through gorgeous parklands, over bridges and enjoy scenic river views on two wheels. It’s the best way to appreciate the diverse neighbourhoods and parklands of the city for sure. 

Memphis is a really well-rounded US city break. You have the buzz of Beale Street, amazing live music; as well as history and the beauty of the Mississippi River.

Dive into important black history at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel – where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. We spent nearly a full day here, and only scratched the surface. Nearby, the legendary Central BBQ restaurant makes for a tasty dinner after your visit.

Visit Overton Square, a lively arts, music and dining area outside of the centre. Enjoy the buskers and live music around the city. And make sure you take a ride on one of Memphis’s street cars!

Hotel Recommendations for Memphis

City break hotels which keep you near the action are: The amazing home of the duck parade, The Peabody ; or try Hotel Indigo or MOXY Memphis , both near Court Square.

New Orleans

From eating hot beignets in the French Quarter , to taking a trolley to the Garden District , and doing a cemetery tour – New Orleans is a very convivial city for a weekend break . Late brunches, po’ boy sandwiches and flavourful creole cooking will keep your tastebuds sated. Don’t miss having a cocktail at the carousel bar at the Hotel Monteleone!

Hotel Picks for New Orleans

Staying in the Garden District is my recommendation – try the Maison Saint Charles or Hotel Pontchartrain .

If you’ve never taken a bite of the Big Apple, you really should remedy that! NYC is heaving and frenetic, loud and chaotic. But it is also full of incredible art institutions and world class parks to find tranquility amongst the buzz. Even if you only have a few days in New York , you can pack a lot in. And much of it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Walking across Brooklyn Bridge, taking the Staten Island Ferry, and cycling in Central Park are all free / cheap!

NYC Hotel Options

For lodging, Hell’s Kitchen is central and fun – try CitizenM for funky high end lodgings, or Ink 48 .

Philadelphia

From Nichola at Family Hotel Expert

Philadelphia is a fantastic city for a weekend break, packed full of fun activities and with the coolest vibe. Take a wander or walking tour through the Historic District to see the Liberty Bell and Liberty Hall where the American Constitution was crafted. See the wonderful LOVE statue in Love Park and run up the steps of the Museum of Art like Rocky. Largely this is a city to wander through and it’s easy to get to many of the main sites in the centre by walking.

Get yourself a Philadelphia Sightseeing Pass to maximise your time in the city!

Stop for a Philly cheesesteak (or a vegan version at the fantastic Blackbird Pizzeria) or rest your feet and chow down on a hoagie. South Street is one of the best streets in the city, full of different cultures and with some great independent shops to peruse. Finally give yourself nightmares on a trip to Eastern State Penitentiary, an eery insight into the prison system of the past.

Some of the  best hotels in Philadelphia for families  or individuals are in the centre, such as the wonderful Rittenhouse Hotel to give you a fantastic stay on a weekend break in this wonderful city.

From Chrissy at Travel Passionate

If you’re a foodie traveler but have never been to  Portland , Oregon, let me tell you, you don’t know what you’re missing! Home to epic doughnuts , incredible ice cream, tasty Reuben sandwiches, and a whole host of fantastic food carts, Portland is a food and drink-lovers’ paradise.

When you’re not dining out on delicious bites you can spend your time visiting the beautiful Chinese Gardens, browsing for books in the legendary Powell’s book store, exploring the boutiques of The Pearl District, or learning all sorts of new fun facts at The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). In addition, there’s Washington Park, the historic Pittock Mansion, the hike to Witch’s Castle, and the array of vineyards and breweries to keep you entertained.

If you have a little longer for your city break, you can also tack on visits to the waterfalls of Columbia River Valley, go for a picnic on Sauvie Island, stroll around Forest Park or seek out some of the best street art around the city. If it’s your first time visiting Portland you’ll probably want to stay downtown ( The Heathman ) or in the Pearl District ( Hampton Inn & Suites ) so that you’re close to some of the best shops, bars, restaurants, and sights.

Salt Lake City

From Jessica at Skiing Kids

One of the best things about Salt Lake City is that you can have a city break; and enjoy nature at the same time.  You’ve got plenty of shopping, the Utah Jazz, the Utah Symphony, and lots of museums as well.  If you’ve got kids, head to the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, the free planetarium right around the corner. Or try the Natural History Museum of Utah, perfect for kids and adults alike.

In the winter, Salt Lake is famous for its skiing.  With 4 ski resorts within 30 minutes of downtown SLC, it’s one of the best places in Utah for a ski vacation too.

For lodging, try the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown , Residence Inn , or the AC Hotel by Marriott . All of which are near the lovely Pioneer Park.

Why not stay longer in Utah and take a tour of some of the amazing National Parks and desert landscapes nearby! You can get private and group tours from Salt Lake to Arches , Canyonlands , and Capitol Reef National Parks + more!

San Antonio

From Ketki of Dotted Globe

San Antonio is one of the best cities to visit in the southwestern USA for many reasons. It’s premier attraction, the San Antonio Riverwalk, has beautiful architecture and seems more European than American. There are plenty of things to do on the Riverwalk: eat Tex Mex food on the San Antonio riverbank ; buy souvenirs, take a cruise down the river, or go for a stroll. 

San Antonio is also popular for its missions including the famous Alamo. Visit the historic site to understand it’s importance in the battle for Texas’s independence. San Antonio also has many other museums, zoos, the sea world, the market, and vibrant neighborhoods like the Pearl District. 

The best time to visit San Antonio is from fall to spring; summers in the city are often too hot. Most of the attractions are concentrated around the Riverwalk, as are the top hotels in the city.

Hotel Recommendations for San Antonio

We recommend staying in the Riverwalk hotels such as The Westin or the Inn on Riverwalk B&B ; so you can walk to most places of interest.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a sassy city. There is a grit about the place that I find very appealing. So much so that we eloped there in 2015! Visiting Alcatraz is a spooky must-do, as well as a ride on the fantastic restored cable cars. On a city break, I would recommend at least 4 days in San Francisco . The sheer scale of the city will keep you very busy. And that’s before you’ve even explored the surrounding areas like Napa and Sonoma , or Monterey (see below)!

SF Hotel Picks

Hotels around the Union Square and Lower Nob Hill area are convenient for all transport and attractions. I suggest the famous Westin Union Square , or the Marriott further up the hill.

> Monterey

From Maggie at The World Was Here First

One of the best places to visit on a city break from San Francisco is the city of Monterey on California’s Central Coast. Though you can easily visit  Monterey as a day trip , it is also the perfect destination for a few days considering the vast amount of things to do in and around the city.

Known for its world class aquarium , no visit to Monterey is complete without visiting this incredible facility, which leads in marine research and conservation efforts. For history buffs, you will certainly enjoy walking along Cannery Row – made famous in John Steinbeck’s eponymous novel. If you are interested in getting a bit active, then make sure to take a stroll along all or part the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail.

For those who want to enjoy more of the pristine nature that this area of California has to offer, then make sure to do the iconic 17-mile drive in nearby Pacific Grove or even drive a bit south to explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. A city break to Monterey can also be combined with exploring the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea (make sure to check out some wine tasting rooms!) or even take a drive to explore the absolute gorgeous Big Sur .

There is no denying that a visit to Monterey, California is one of the best city breaks you could take in the USA.

If you’re visiting during the whale migration, take a whale watching tour from Monterey!

Savannah is one of the few cities in the USA where you can carry out an alcoholic beverage and drink it on the street. I’m not saying that this is the only reason why you should visit, but it does make it fun! The thing that makes Savannah a fantastic city break destination is actually the people – they are some of the most friendly in the world. Read my short stay Savannah guide for all the interesting things you can do on your city break.

We only had 1 day in Seattle , but it deserves so much more. The monorail from Lower Queen Anne / Seattle Center to Downtown is a fun way to see the city. It slices through and between buildings, and drops you right in the centre of town. You could spend many days exploring the parks and museums near the Space Needle. And of course, you must go up the Space Needle to see the view of the city. Check out Post Alley, near Pike Place Market, for great boutiques and bars.

Get your Seattle CityPASS to save money on multiple attractions!

St. Pete, Florida

From Pauline at Beeloved City

If you are looking for a lively and sunny place for a city break in Florida, St Petersburg is the perfect choice! Located 30 minutes away from Tampa, St Pete (as the locals call it) is home to many beautiful beaches. Some are even ranked amongst the 10 best beaches in the USA! Make sure to head to St Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Clearwater Beach . If you like to discover secret places and stay away from the crowds, head to Fort De Soto, Honeymoon Island or Caladesi Island. These state parks are home to stunning beaches and they are usually very quiet.

Although going to the beach is fun, don’t skip downtown. St Pete is an artsy and dynamic city, there is a lot to do downtown. If you are into art, visiting the Dali Museum is a must-do. It features the biggest collection of Dali pieces outside of Spain. Strolling along Central Avenue is also a great thing to do. You will discover art galleries, cute cafes, amazing restaurants and some breweries. Make sure to grab a delicious Cuban sandwich at Bodega.

Hotel Recommendations for St Pete

To stay near the Central Avenue arts area, try the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront hotel. If you’d prefer to stay over at St Pete Beach, I recommend Sunset Vistas Beachfront Suites .

City breaks interspersed into road trips is my preferred way to see the USA ! HOW DO YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL?

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + an iPhoneX.

Advisory : Please follow the advice from official government sources and local authorities regarding travel restrictions. Read and be inspired, and pin it for later!

Hannah Henderson Travel Writer : Photographer : Foodie : Kiwi in France via Scotland

10 Important Life Lessons Learned on the Road

A tour of the red oxx factory in billings montana, 12 thoughts on “the 20 best city breaks in the usa”.

Hi! I have been so many times to the US as part of my previous job (Flight Attendant) but never to actually travel and explore the country. This article is a perfect guide for when I’ll get the chance! 😉

I love all of these ideas for a city getaway! I tend to travel to national parks over cities, so many of these cities are still on my bucket list, especially the cities on the west coast. I’m saving this for when we plan our next city getaway!

Love that you included Chicago in here. Being from the midwest, I think it gets overlooked a bit but there’s so much to see and do there.

It’s one of my very favourite cities in the US – can’t believe it’s overlooked!

I enjoy so many of these cities but so fun to see what possible in a few I haven’t visited. I haven’t been to Huntsville or Boise, and they sound like I should visit them. Also, it’s great to see the cities through new eyes.

I agree – I like hearing what other people have to say about my favourite cities – even if it’s bad – not every city gels with everyone 🙂

This is such an amazing list of places to visit in the States. I especially love Las Vegas, New Orleans, and New York City. I usually go there and just indulge in the food!

The food in NYC and New Orleans is exceptional isn’t it!

Great list. Had to revise my been-there-count down by one when I realised it’s not Huntsville, TX. Saw several people rubbish Philly on Twitter recently, but totally agree with you: awesome place and so much history. Those Chicago-style pizzas still have to grow on me, though.

Oh, give Chicago-style pizza a few more tries! I have learnt to love them despite Naples thin crust being my fave 😉

There are some great cities here, lucky to visit quite a few of them. There’s still a few I’ve yet to visit though. I was trying to think of somewhere I’d potentially add to the list and DC was the main omission – that’s a great city break too. Think you caught most of the best ones though 🙂

Good addition! I must visit DC!

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TRAVEL BLOG

LONG WEEKEND CITY GUIDES

75+ great destinations for your next city break….

Ever wanted all the information you need for a rip-roaring romance of a weekend city break in one easily-bookmarkable place? Just the very best of a destination distilled into a single page of sizzling hot tips, with sights that are actually worth seeing, hotels with towels worth stealing, restaurants to rave home about, bars ripe with swashbuckling adventure and experiences so great you’ll want to tell someone else’s grandchildren about them. Introducing Urban Travel Blog’s “Long Weekend” Guides…

Each of our lovingly-compiled city guides is written by a real insider who knows their metropolitan muse inside out, and each includes ten handy sections such as “Best of the Beaten Track” for first time visitors who want to catch the unmissable attractions, to “Hipster’s Guide” where we highlight some alternative treasures (hint: you might want to check out our new Secret Seven adventures as well if this sounds like you!), and expert recommendations on the best hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs…. plus lots lots more!

Below you’ll find links to more than 60 guides to some of the greatest cities on the globe, organised under the categories UK, Europe, North America (including Canadian cities), South America, Asia (please note, without any massive deliberation we’ve filed cities from Eurasia, such as Tbilisi and Yerevan, and the Middle East, such as Dubai, here), Australia and Africa. Whether you already know where you’re going and you’re here for some great insider tips, or if you’re looking for ideas for your next weekend away, we’re confident you’ll find lots of fantastic information – and inspiration right here. So why not take a look and judge for yourself?

Your favourite city not yet covered? We suggest you subscribe to get the latest guides as soon as they come out! We’ve also started to list our favourite cities by theme, starting with our articles on the most affordable weekends away in Europe as well as the best cities for a romantic break .

UK CITY GUIDES

Bournemouth City Break

This south coast sizzler has succeeded in reinventing itself as a hip weekend getaway for Londoners and beyond, with a new wave of great restaurants, spas and boutique hotels. Meanwhile the nightlife is in no danger of slowing down...

Brighton City Break

The UK's very own Berlin-by-the-sea, Brighton is famous for its free spirited party attitude that has made it a Mecca for mods, gays, clubbers and hipsters through the years. And you still can't beat those fish'n'chips...

Bristol City Break

Hanging out on the Harbourside, sipping craft ales and checking out Banksy murals are all essential ingredients for a weekend's break in Bristol. Giulia Riva is our guide.

Cardiff City Break

Rugby, cheese and Lovespoons... these are just a few things the Welsh capital is famous for, although lovers of vintage fashion, vinyl records - and Dr. Who - are also in for a treat. Local journalist Nikki Vivian is our Cardiff insider.

Edinburgh City Break

Champion of Scottish culture, auld and new, Edinburgh is the must-see city of the Celts. Steven Blyth covers every cobble, from the castle to the cocktail bars.

London City Break

Guidebook author Marsha Moore shares her secrets on the English capital, from the classic attractions of Kensington and the South Bank to the hip spots and unlikely gems of the rough and ready East End.

Newcastle City Break

Voted third best nightlife in Europe (after London and Berlin), the Newcastle & Gateshead urban area makes for a wild weekend indeed... but it's not all about clubbing! There's theatre, modern art and natural beauty nearby...

York City Break

One of the UK's prettiest cities, York has attracted history buffs for centuries. These days it's also known for its great food and several quirky festivals. Sasha Arms reports.

EUROPEAN CITY GUIDES

Amsterdam City Break

It's not all hookers and hashish, as Richard Tulloch explains in this insiders guide to the Dutch capital. World class museums, picturesque canals and parks, and hip undiscovered districts are all revealed.

Athens City Break

The cradle of Western civilisation may not quite have the political and cultural clout as in its 400BC heyday, but with plenty of parks, galleries and bars - as well as classical ruins - it makes for a great city break. Local girl Mandy Andritsi tells all.

Barcelona City Break

Duncan Rhodes uncovers a shabby but sexy city with jam-packed beaches, tranquil Gothic courtyards, dusk-til-dawn nightlife and mind-boggling Modernista architecture.

Belgrade City Break

Boat parties, Tito's mausoleum and a beautiful fortress on the banks of the Danube are three of Belgrade's best attractions. Constance A. Dunn reveals many more in our guide to the Serbian capital.

Berlin City Break

The famously "Poor but sexy" German capital is exposed by Craig Robinson in this gritty guide to the city. Beach bars, street food and the unmissable attractions (like the Brandenburg Gate and of course the Wall) all feature.

Brussels City Break

A heady mix of culture and indulgence, Brussels promises to be anything but boring - whether you're a fan of comic and surreal art, or a connoisseur of fine ales and frites. Laurent Vermeersch delivers the inside picture.

Bucharest City Break

Not Romania's prettiest city by a long shot, but definitely its liveliest, there's something wild and untamed about Bucharest that keeps its fans coming back for more. Local guide writer Craig Turp offers his insider tips...

Budapest City Break

The Pearl of the Danube, Budapest is beautiful and lively in equal measure. From its renowned baths, to its 'ruin bars' there's plenty to do. Stuart Wadsworth is the man in the know.

Copenhagen City Break

All the perks of a European capital, minus the chaos and clutter, says Sabina Fratila, as she guides us through the highlights of her home town. Hang on for hippies, hipsters and Hygge .

Dublin City Break

Ex-Dubliner and Qype's expert on Ireland, Rachelle Thompson , revisits the Fair City and reveals a city of literary and hedonistic pleasures... step this way for a combination of Guinness and genius.

Eger City Break

If a Valley of Beautiful Women isn't enough for you, Eger also has its own castle, synagogue, thermal baths and astrology museum. Stuart Wadsworth reports from Hungary's wine region.

Florence City Break

For centuries Florence has been one of the world's most visited tourist destinations, and admirers still flock to Firenze en masse. Thymn Chase points out the must-sees, whilst helping you step off the well-beaten track.

Geneva City Break

Sitting glitzy and serene next to the waters of Lake Geneva, this international city is a great place to mingle with models and millionaires, and a thriving student scene means backpackers can have fun too. Helen Parkinson tells all.

Helsinki City Break

Whether you prefer hanging around the city's design district and hip bars, or fuelling up on lingonberry porridge and going ice skating, Constance A. Dunn reveals a Helsinki well worth visiting.

Istanbul City Break

Sitting on the border between Europe and Asia, forget the cliched claims, Istanbul really is the city where East meets West. Revealing the low down on hammams, mosques and the dining and party scenes is Constance A. Dunn .

Krakow City Break

Polska-phile and self-confessed Krak-addict, Duncan Rhodes , reveals the romance of a city that long ago cast a spell on him... dragons, alchemists and giant cockerels await.

Lisbon City Break

Lisbon's seven hills are one of the hippest places to be in Europe right now, whether you prefer to hang out at the gin bars, on Pink Street or at the city beaches. Lucy Bryson describes a city in flux.

Ljubljana City Break

The ultra cute capital of Slovenia offers a wonderful change of pace from big city life, with drinks by the river, libraries under the treetops and views from the castle all on offer. John Bills is our guide.

Lodz City Break

David Lynch loves the former industrial city of Lodz, the Polish Hollywood that spawned directors such as Wajda, Kieslowski and Polanski. Stuart Wilson is your guide.

Lublin City Break

Poland's Eastern gem goes largely undiscovered by travellers, which of course is much of the appeal, says Stuart Wadsworth . Maybe you'll even be able to get a seat on the Rynek.

Luxembourg City Break

An oft-forgotten European gem, this super-rich capital is built around the imposing ruins of an improbably-large fortress. Sasha Arms discovers a scenic city with a love of fast cars and bottles of bubbly.

Lviv City Break

The Lion City's 21st century roars are still falling on deaf ears... which of course is all the better for those pioneering travellers who do make the journey to Ukraine's most beguiling city. Stuart Wadsworth tells us how best to spend a weekend in Lviv.

Lyon City Break

Once described as the "world capital of gastronomy" Lyon stick packs a hefty culinary punch with classic Lyonnaise cuisine and a galaxy of Michelin stars. A wonderful old town and festivals of cinema and light complete the package.

Madrid City Break

Dusk 'til dawn nightlife, museums chockful of priceless treasures, cafe-littered squares and surely the world's best city park. Just some of the reasons Emma Weinbren loves Madrid.

Mahon City Break

Menorca's capital city was built on one of the world's biggest natural harbours and retains a strong British influence from its days under colonial rule. Order a pomada (gin and lemon) and enjoy watching the boats go by...

Milan City Break

The world's famous fashion capital is less superficial than it looks... but this time it's you who needs to scratch beneath the surface. With the help of Guardian travel writer Margherita Ragg you'll find fantastic street food, authentically Italian aperitivo bars and old school bocce clubs...

Moscow City Break

The magnificent domes of St Basil’s cathedral, the imposing Kremlin walls, and Vladimir Lenin's embalmed body... those are just the sights on Red Square. Laura Gozzi reveals these and many more of the seductive, head-spinning charms of the Russian capital.

Olomouc City Break

Admit it... you've never even heard of Olomouc! Oft (unfairly) eclipsed by Prague, Stuart Wadsworth shines a light on this Moravian marvel, which offers lots of great beers, jazz music and Czech culture, minus the tourists.

Oslo City Break

The smallest of the Scandinavian capitals is bustling, bohemian and beautiful says Ben Norum, who also advises strapping on your skis for a run out in the Nordmarka forest with the locals.

Paris City Break

Who hasn't dreamed of living in Paris? Rich history, richer cuisine and the perfect stage for both the high - and low - life. Sophie Massie packs enough tips for the perfect long weekend in the City of Light.

Poznan City Break

The first capital of Poland has a real spring in its step these days, with a rich events calendar, lively nightlife scene and even a touch of hipsterism. Catch it before the tourists descend, says Kai Warmbold.

Prague City Break

Toy town architecture, hedonistic nightlife and a constant flow of delicious beer... no wonder Prague has been a mainstay on the tourist circuit ever since the Iron Curtain cracked. Some great festivals and quirky treasures make it easier to avoid the crowds than you think, says Hannah Carr .

Rome City Break

The Eternal City still resonates with the history of ancient Empires. Susana Cristalli reveals the ruins, along with the tastiest street food, more happening nightclubs and a dash of alternative/contemporary culture.

Rotterdam City Break

Europe's largest port is famous for its zany modern architecture and its colourful summer carnival. Local blogger Ina Scharun is our guide to this cosmopolitan party town.

Seville City Break

Flamenco, fiery passions and architectural flair: discover the secrets of Spain's most Spanish city with local blogger, Mary Biles , including of course the best tapas bars in town.

Split City Break

Croatia's second largest city sits resplendent on the Dalmatian coast, growing out of the ruins of the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. The sparkling sea, Zinfandel wines and delicious prsut ham may prompt you to make a Split decision, says The Editor.

Stockholm City Break

Royal architecture, beautiful islands, pagan traditions, Nordic design, strong coffee, rocking nightlife... and we didn't even mention the Abba Museum yet. Local journalist Wailana Kalana is our eye on Stockholm.

Tallinn City Break

With its fairytale medieval old town and city beaches, Tallinn long ago emerged from the shadows of its Soviet history to become a hip, go-to destination. Duncan Rhodes has some choice recommendations on attractions, restaurants and happening nightspots...

Timisoara City Break

Trace the history of Romania's 1989 revolution on your way to Transylvania, and don't forget to call by the local brewery too. Constance A. Dunn has the lowdown on theatres, cafes, sightseeing and accommodation in 'Timi'.

Trieste City Break

The one time home of James Joyce, Trieste is Italy's windswept Eastern outpost, a cosmopolitan town of many European influences. Gaia Zol invites you to marvel at seaside castles and indulge on some of the world's best coffee and cakes.

Valencia City Break

Spain's third biggest city lies on the Mediterranean coast, thus adding beaches to a long list of charms that include a medieval Old Town and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Anna Baranek reveals all.

Venice City Break

Utterly unique and rarely short of breathtaking, Venice is also unquestionably a victim of mass tourism. But you don't need to go far to escape the crowds - our expert insider, Alice Mulhearn, shares her tips and secrets.

Verona City Break

The very city where Romeo and Juliet fell in love is certainly ripe with romance, especially by the Ponte Pietra at sunset, best enjoying with a vermouth or spritzer. Both Venice and Lake Garda are nearby.

Vienna City Break

Imperial grandeur, great nosh and surprisingly happening nightlife - Britta Pichler dishes out tips on how best to spend a long weekend in the Austrian capital. You'll have a ball!

Vilnius City Break

East European adventurer Thymn Chase discovers that harder to find = harder to leave in the capital of Lithuania. This unspoiled Baltic great is bursting with the energy of urban renewal and a young partying population.

Warsaw City Break

A mini Berlin? Warsaw is certainly the most dynamic of Polish cities and with parks, palaces and plenty of hipster bars to visit it may well be the best for a wild weekend. Kamila Napora is our guide.

Wroclaw City Break

Editor and Wroclaw-lover, Duncan Rhodes , runs down the best of what was once Breslau, but is now one of Poland's most charming cities. It's all gnomes, waterways and hidden student bars.

NORTH AMERICAN CITY GUIDES

Chicago City Break

The Windy City has plenty to offer travellers, from seats in Soldier and Cellular Field, to 1930s skyscrapers, trips by Lake Michigan and the famous Chicago hot dog. Pola Henderson is our guide.

Indianapolis City Break

Famous for its high speed entertainment (the Indy 500!), Indianapolis also has a burgeoning slow food scene, plus nightlife that includes everything from blues to burlesque. Ashly Myers sings the praises of "Hoosier Hospitality".

Los Angeles City Break

Superficial? Not so says Vince Robbins as he guides us through his home town with gusto, stopping off at Holly Wood Reservoir, Venice Beach and Downtown LA en route.

New York City Break

Discover the city behind the film locations with this insider's guide to The Big Apple by actress Natalie Buster. Jazz, curry and cocktail bars are all on the menu.

San Francisco City Break

Considered America's most European - and hippest - city, it's almost impossible to be bored in San Fran, where beaches, art galleries and bars compete for your attention. Bike tour guide, Daniel Watson-Weller is our local expert.

Toronto City Break

Toronto's diversity is such that you might find yourself eating French Canadian fast food before a night out at a Japanese rockabilly bar. Factor in Lake Ontario (and Niagara Falls), the CN Tower and Rogers Center Stadium and you've got plenty of reasons to visit, Rachel Lissner .

SOUTH AMERICAN CITY GUIDES

Bogota City Break

Forget the scare stories about gun-toting cocaine gangs... the only danger in Bogota is of having a damn good time. James Pengelley explores the sights of Colombia's capital and dishes the dirt on disco buses and the national sport of tejo , aka explosive darts.

Cartagena City Break

The inspirational backdrop behind Gabriella Garcia Marquez's Love in the Time of Cholera , Cartagena brims with Colonial splendour and dances to the melodies of cumbia rhythms. James Pengelley is seduced by its charms.

Havana City Break

Whether you're investigating the revolutionary spirit, or the much-loved rum spirits, Havana is an intoxicating destination that will set your head spinning. Sasha Arms enjoys the salsa and cigars much more than the Communist customer service.

Lima City Break

Peru's gritty capital comes with smog, traffic and skyscrapers... but foodies will love the mix of high end restaurants and cheap cervicherias , which account for just some of Lima's many charms, says Caitlin Purdy .

Rio de Janeiro City Break

The Samba city is a must-see destination for any urban adventurer. From taking the sun on Ipanema to sinking caipirinhas in the Bohemian Lapa district, we get under the skin of Rio and her secrets.

ASIAN CITY GUIDES

Baku City Break

This port city may not always be pretty, but it is rarely less than compelling. Azerbaijan's oil-rich capital is part Soviet rust-heap, part glittering Dubai, and part museum to a medieval Islamlic culture. Stuart Wadsworth is on the ground.

Dubai City Break

Bigger is better, explains Cameron Mehrabanpour , in his guide to the UAE's bling capital. Look hard enough and you may even find some culture, amidst the shopping and sunbathing opportunities.

Singapore City Break

Long gone are the days when visitors to Singapore were given a compulsory haircut upon arrival but, whilst it's still too organised for some travel junkies, there's a polished charm to this economic giant. And great cuisine. Richard Tulloch explores.

Tbilisi City Break

The Georgian capital may be a little off-colour as it continues to recover from its post-Soviet hangover, but with the picturesque wooden houses of its Old Town, natural spas and fantastic cuisine Stuart Wadsworth finds plenty to commend Tbilisi.

Yerevan City Break

Not most people's vote for travel destination of the year, the Armenian capital nonetheless rewards those travellers intrepid enough to step this way. Stuart Wadsworth samples the local brandy, climbs the Soviet-era 'Cascade', takes a day trip to Lake Sevan and more.

AUSTRALIAN CITY GUIDES

Melbourne City Break

Considered to offer one of the best quality of life anywhere in the world, Melbourne is a hip, fun and manageable metropolis with loads of cool things to do, including visiting night markets and sighting penguins. Sophie Nellis is our guide.

Sydney City Break

Beautiful beaches, the Blue Mountains, and beer served in manageable measures (all hail the Schooner!)... Sydney has it all! Local boy Richard Tulloch takes us on a whirlwind tour full of tips on how to make the most of Australia's largest city.

AFRICAN CITY GUIDES

Cairo City Break

The Egyptian capital is much more than the gateway to the pyramids, where Pharonic, Coptic, Islamic and colonial influences come together. Suck on a shisha and digest our guide by Joelle Petrus .

Cape Town City Break

Sasha Arms reveals the very best of Cape Town in South Africa with its spectacular scenery, troubled history and kooky treasures.

Johannesburg City Break

Known for the Apartheid Museum, the Soweto township, and the nearby Lion Park, South Africa's largest city also boasts a burgeoning scene of hip bars, cafes and clubs. Francesca Lynagh is our guide.

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City Breaks

Let thorne travel plan your unique city escape..

It is hard to believe, but lying on a sunlounger on a warm sunny beach is not for everyone.

Not to worry! Our team of Travel Experts can arrange the ultimate memorable city break, full of culture, sightseeing and shopping.

You can indulge in some retail therapy in the ‘concrete jungle’ of New York, soak up the sights in the cosmopolitan hotspot that is Barcelona, cycle through the winding streets of Amsterdam or sail through the many canals of Venice.

Perhaps you’d prefer to experience the state-of-the-art malls in Dubai, stroll around the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore or see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik. The possibilities are endless!

Wherever you choose, our city breaks are a great way to experience the best local cuisine, meet local people and perhaps even practice a new language.

Can’t decide where to go? Find inspiration from our list of popular destinations below:

What are you waiting for? Get in touch and let our team plan your perfect trip today.

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Call our experienced travel team on 0300 373 0800., visit our store, pop in at any of our 3 stores, 153 main street, kilwinning, ayrshire, 10 main street, largs ayrshire 66 - 68 main street, prestwick, ayrshire, email our team, email our team on [email protected], choose departure date, group booking form.

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City Breaks

Welcome to the City Breaks service. We have shown thousands of people over nearly 20 years, a way to gain access to some of the most beautiful cities that Europe has to offer at a fraction of the retail cost. Our service enables up to 6 people to travel to nearly all of the major cities in Europe with both flights and accommodation from just £119 per person plus tax and baggage. With luxury accommodation in centrally located hotels, this offer is one of the best that we have ever promoted and has consistently created referrals and repeat business for years.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 ....

You simply pay the activation fee for the amount of people that are travelling, then speak with one of our trained travel advisors who will navigate you through the multiple options of hotels available in the city that you desire. Our agents will work with you to supply flights that suit your needs and make sure that you have the holiday of a lifetime.

If you have purchased a city break, please call us on our free phone number so we can start working on your trip.

Alternatively, CLICK HERE to activate your break online.

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10 amazing last-minute Easter breaks

E aster is one of the trickiest times to plan a family break. In most of the Mediterranean, it’s too early for guaranteed sun. It’s getting a little late for skiing and it can also be expensive – because so much demand is funnelled into the two weeks when schools are on holiday.

But with some careful plotting and clever timing, it’s still possible to find good value and some attractive destinations – even during peak time.

We have sieved through the available options and picked out 10 great packages to suit different budgets and preferences – from a week in the countryside, to a cultural city break, or three nights at Disneyland Paris . With the school holidays fast approaching, airfares will only rise from now on. It’s time to get your Easter holiday chicks in a row.

Egg hunt in Somerset

National Trust properties across the UK offer plenty of family fun in the school holidays. From March 23 to April 7, Montacute House, a 16th-century mansion near Yeovil in Somerset , has an Easter Egg Hunt around its grounds with activities aimed at younger children dotted around the gardens (£3 per child). Book a stay at Odcombe Lodge, by the gates of the 260-acre estate, with an open fire, private garden and two bedrooms sleeping up to four, plus two dogs.

National Trust Holidays (0344 800 2070) offers a two-night stay at Odcombe Lodge from £233.50 per person, self-catering, based on full occupancy, including free entrance to Montacute House. Excludes travel. From April 1.     

Disney dash to France

Join Mickey and friends for an action-packed Easter break at Disneyland Paris. Special events include illuminations over Sleeping Beauty Castle and a night-time drone show and colourful pixie dust decorations in Main Street (until May 5). A three-day ticket for two adults and two children (aged three to 11 years) covering Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park costs from £899 over the Easter holiday period.

Paris Disney Magic Breaks (0330 880 5001) offers a three-night stay at four-star Paxton Hotel Spa Paris Marne la Vallée with spa, swimming pool, bowling alley and free shuttle to the Disney parks from £444 based on a family of four sharing a duplex room, travelling by Eurostar. Departing April 2.

City sights in Madrid

Soak up the Easter atmosphere in Spain’s capital , where events include street parades and partying alongside the traditional religious services. Check out the Velázquez and Goya collections in the Prado, stroll through Retiro Park, window-shop along the Gran Via and introduce the children to a traditional breakfast of churros dipped in chocolate.

EasyJet Holidays (0330 551 5165) offers a three-night stay at four-star Suites Barrio de Salamanca, near the shopping streets of Serrano and the Sorolla museum, from £501 room only, based on a family of four sharing a standard family room with separate living room. Excludes transfers. Departing April 1.

Easter ski in Italy

Snatch a quick Easter holiday break before the season winds up in April. A combination of short transfer (an hour from Geneva) and high, snow-sure pistes makes the traditional Alpine village of Courmayeur , on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, a good pick for maximising time on the slopes while minimising travel time. 

Although best suited to confident intermediates, the resort is good for all abilities with nursery slopes and some challenging off-piste. Plus points also include top-notch restaurants and lively nightlife, centred around the pedestrianised Via Roma.

Ski Solutions (020 3504 3411) offers stays at three-star Hotel Bouton d’Or in Courmayeur from £1,295. Departing March 30.

Beach bunnies in Fuerteventura

Soak up some early spring sunshine in the Canary Islands, where temperatures reach 22C in April. Fuerteventura, one of the largest in the archipelago, has some of the region’s best beaches – including long stretches of pale sand in the protected Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo on the island’s northern tip.

Sovereign Luxury Travel (01293 324 702) offers five nights at the Barcelo Corralejo Sands Hotel in the resort of Corralejo, with two pools and a kid’s club, from £1,070 half board, based a family of four sharing a room. Departs April 1.

Spa hotel in Marrakech

Maximise the four-day bank holiday by treating your older offspring to a short break to Morocco , departing on Maundy Thursday and returning on Easter Monday. The minimum age for guests is 16 years at Riu Tikida Garden hotel and it has four outdoor and one indoor pool and a choice of restaurants. Onsite facilities include a wellness centre with hammam, gym and steam room. There’s also a programme of games and activities, plus cooking classes and fitness sessions.

Tui (0203 451 2688)  offers a five-night break at four-star Riu Tikida Garden hotel from £1,083 all-inclusive. Departing March 28. 

Family fun in Tignes

Take advantage of longer days and warmer weather to introduce young children to skiing or snowboarding during the Easter holidays. Tignes is one of France’s most snow-sure resorts, with high altitude pistes and a season that doesn’t end until early May, so it makes a perfect pick for this time of year. Of the five villages which make up the resort, Val Claret at 2,100m, offers easiest access to the glacial slopes, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops to fill the time spent off the slopes.

Mark Warner (0845 322 5037) offers the slope-side, mid-range Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin in Val Claret, with heated pool, from £949, half board, based on two twin rooms, for families with two children aged up to 15 years. Five full days at Kidz Club costs £380 (including evening childcare). Departing April 7.

Walk ’n’ talk in Cyprus

Make the most of pleasant early spring temperatures – usually around 19C – to explore the quiet and undeveloped northwestern coast of Cyprus . Trails are mostly on paths and tracks, through vineyards, olive groves and orchards, and past beaches, medieval churches and small fishing villages. Choose from longer or shorter routes for each day, depending on energy levels, with accommodation provided in comfortable three-star hotels.

Headwater (01606 218 838) offers the self-guided Walking the Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus from £1,299. Daily departures in March and April.

Feluccas and Pharaohs in Egypt

Bring the classroom to life – and make new friends – on a small group tour to Egypt, with a choice of two Easter holidays organised by Families Worldwide, aimed at adults travelling with children aged 10 and over. The action-packed itinerary from Cairo takes in the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the temples of Abu Simbel and Philae, and an overnight felucca voyage along the Nile. Winding up in Luxor, there’s an opportunity to visit Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

Families Worldwide (01962 302 062) offers a six-night Pharaohs, Feluccas and Pyramids tour from £1,745 per adult, £1,445 per child aged up to 11, full board. Departing March 23, 30 and April 6.

Adventure in Cuba

Create some standout memories this Easter with a tour of Cuba in the company of other like-minded families. Adventure operator Explore offers an active fortnight for an escorted group, comprising up to 20 adults and children aged from seven years. 

After a city tour of Havana in 1950s American cars and a salsa lesson, the tour takes in the spectacular Viñales Valley, white sand beaches of Cayo Levisa island, a zip-wire course in Las Terrazas, the colonial cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, and the Topes de Collantes nature reserve. Accommodation is mainly in comfortable hotels, often with swimming pools.

Explore (01252 240 703) offers the 14-night Family Cuba Discovery from £1,679 per adult, £1,499 per child aged up to 11 years (prices include a saving of £120 per person), including some meals. Excludes flights. Departing March 30.

Prices quoted are per person for a seven-night stay including breakfast, flights (from London airports) and transfers, unless otherwise stated, and are subject to availability.

This story was first published in March 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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Light fantastique: Paris through the eyes of the impressionists

From Monet to Degas, the luminosity of Paris has inspired countless artists. As the city celebrates 150 years of impressionism it’s still shining bright

P aris is called the City of Light, possibly because of its early adoption of gas street lighting. But that would not explain why, as I approach Gare du Nord on Eurostar during daytime, I experience a soft dazzle, similar to when I see a pebbly beach. This is not a meteorological phenomenon; the weather in Paris is only slightly better than London’s. Instead, the luminosity owes something to the buff or light-grey limestone of the older buildings (including the Sacré Coeur, rearing like a great ghost to my right), its pallor perpetuated by the whitewashed exteriors of newer buildings.

The light in Paris was a concern of the impressionists, the movement whose 150th anniversary is marked by the Musée d’Orsay’s forthcoming Inventing Impressionism exhibition. On 15 April 1874, a group of 31 artists, including Monet, Pissarro, Degas and Renoir, “hungry for independence” (as the Musée d’Orsay website has it) from the strictures of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, staged their own exhibition. Inventing Impressionism will feature works from that show and others of the time: “Painted scenes of modern life, and landscapes sketched in the open air, in pale hues and with the lightest of touches.”

The new movement got its name from Claude Monet’s Impression, Sunrise , a blurry view of Le Havre in Normandy, where he grew up. But, as Stephen Clarke writes in his book Paris Revealed, “Paris is the spiritual home of impressionism”, and their work is often discussed in relation to the remaking of the city by Baron Haussmann, commissioned by Napoleon III to “ aérer, unifier et embellir ” (open up, connect, beautify).

Historian Andrew Hussey writes in his book Paris: The Secret History of “an urban infrastructure that had barely been touched or improved since the late-medieval period … There were no straight roads through Paris, whose centre, Île de la Cité, was a dark and muddy labyrinth.” Haussmann created a network of boulevards, light by virtue of their width, the limestone he employed, zinc or slate roofs that shine when wet, and the pale trunks of the plane trees.

The Grands Boulevards of the Right Bank were especially important to the impressionists. The 1874 exhibition was held on Boulevard des Capucines, in an upper storey at number 35. Monet painted the view from his rooms there, depicting a boulevard full of light (enhanced by reflections off snow) and full of people. The Grands Boulevards were pleasure zones, the haunt of flâneurs , and lined with restaurants, theatres and, later, cinemas. (The Grand Rex , on Boulevard Poissonnière, makes its own contribution to the City of Light with its neon blaze.)

Another place important to the impressionists was Batignolles, a northern district annexed to Paris on Haussmann’s suggestion. Monet made numerous studies of nearby Saint-Lazare station, following the injunction of Émile Zola to find the “poetry” in stations. In Zola’s novel La Bête Humaine, Saint-Lazare is “immense, dreary, drenched with rain, pierced here and there with a blood-red light, vaguely peopled by opaque masses … ”

It was this opacity that the painter sought. Obscure and broke at this point, he marched up to the station master, introducing himself as “the painter, Claude Monet” with such authority that his request that all the engine drivers generate as much steam as possible was granted.

In Édouard Manet’s The Railway , a young woman and a girl are depicted on a bridge overlooking Saint-Lazare. A gout of steam rises behind them, looking like something that shouldn’t be there, a great smudge. It’s still interesting to watch the trains from that bridge (I speak as a rail enthusiast) but they are now electric, and the sky above them seems empty.

Batignolles is off the tourist trail and has been called Paris’s hippest neighbourhood, but there’s something sleepy about it, a sense of having wide streets to oneself. That’s the mood of Gustave Caillebotte’s painting Peintres en bâtiment . Workmen paint a shop front, and the long, empty street stretches away, with one of those white Parisian skies overhead. It has been suggested that the workmen represent painters of the more artistic sort, coming to terms with the scale of the new Paris.

But let’s circle back to that original heart of darkness: the Île de la Cité. Haussmann made it a zone of grand buildings, with a luminosity of their own – the gilding on the gates of the Palais de Justice can dazzle on a sunny day. In the novels of Georges Simenon, Inspector Maigret works at 36 Quai des Orfèvres on the island: it’s a whitish, castle-like building that housed the detectives of the Paris police until they recently relocated. The detective is a connoisseur of the changing light over the river, and in Maigret’s Pickpocket , he observes “a haze hanging over the Seine, less dense than mist, made up of thousands of tiny, brilliant, living particles peculiar to Paris”.

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Not all the luminosity is down to Haussmann. Anyone who walks through the gilded gateway between the Tuileries Garden (rendered ambiguous, in soft green and pinkish tones, by Monet in Les Tuileries) and Place de la Concorde is in a pre-Haussmann world. In Henry James’s novel The Tragic Muse, artist Nick Dormer looks over “the great square, the opposite bank of the Seine, the steep blue roofs of the quay, the bright immensity of Paris”.

Place de la Concorde is being embellished for this summer’s Olympic Games, and I recently saw a lorry there, loaded with typically ornate lamp-posts. In any other town, this would have looked like a delivery of theatrical props, but in Paris it was just a job lot of streetlights.

They would be too big for the parts of the city Haussmann didn’t touch, like the Marais or Montmartre. There, lamps tend to be fitted to the walls of the narrow streets which, for some, are the most characterful in Paris. I love the little bars of Montmartre especially. But the care with which they are lit – often with fairy lights around windows or mirrors – may reflect a lesson learned from Haussmann, in whose favour it could also be said that without him we might not have had the impressionists.

Impressionist exhibitions

Normandy The Normandy impressionist festival , which started this week and runs until 22 September, examines connections between the region and the art movement. Events include an exhibition at the Rouen Fine Arts Museum contrasting works by James McNeill Whistler with those of his impressionist contemporaries; Robert Wilson’s light projections on the facade of Rouen Cathedral (24 May-end September); and Impressionism and the Sea at the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny (29 March-30 June).

Monet and London: Views of the Thames at the Courtauld in Somerset House (27 September–19 January 2025) exhibits some of the artist’s prolific output from his time in the capital between 1899 and 1901. The Houses of Parliament, Charing Cross Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Houses of Parliament are depicted “full of evocative atmosphere, mysterious light and radiant colour”. Although Monet wanted to show these paintings in London, plans fell through and this is the first time they have been the subject of a UK exhibition.

Andrew Martin is the author of the Reading on Trains Substack. Train travel to Paris was provided by Eurostar . Inventing Impressionism is at the Musée d’Orsay from 26 March–14 July

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City breaks.

City breaks are perfect for quick escape and provide many options for a beautiful relaxing getaway. Our city breaks offer a fantastic, hassle-free way to discover the wonderful areas of Europe and beyond at great-value prices.

City Breaks in Europe

With a wealth of world-renowned cities just a short plane ride away, our city breaks in Europe are a great opportunity to take advantage of that proximity and explore a new destination or revisit old favourites.

From Rome to Budapest , Krakow to Istanbul and Marrakech , we offer a selection of European destinations as well as further afield. No matter what, every location provides our guests with the chance to immerse themselves in an entirely new place. Whether that be soaking up the city’s history, sampling its culinary delicacies or taking in its culture with visits to galleries or museums.

Our tour begins as soon as we arrive at our short city break destination where we’ll be whisked to the hotel by one of our English-speaking local guides. We’ll then take a half day city tour to get a feel for the location and our expert guide will be on hand to answer questions and help us decide how to spend the rest of our holiday.

If you’re looking for city breaks in Europe for 2024, make sure to travel with us to maximise your time away. Our holidays include flights, transfers, hotel accommodation and a guided city tour so we get the most out of our time wherever we go.

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€519pp €499 pp

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Istanbul City Break

€579pp €569 pp

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Marrakech City Break

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Why choose a travel department city break.

Get A Lay Of The Land

All cities have their own landscapes and layouts. Getting accustomed to a new one can be tricky, especially in a relatively short space of time. However, on all of our City Breaks, we offer a half-day city tour, given by an English-speaking local guide, to help us find our bearings. We’ll see the main highlights of the city and learn the history that has made it what it is today. As well as showing us some of the must-see attractions, our experienced guides will be happy to answer any questions we might have and recommend other places in the city that we might enjoy visiting.

Taste Local Flavours

One of the most exciting things about visiting a new place is the chance to try some of its particular delicacies. Sometimes you may already be familiar with the food from a particular place, such as Spanish tapas or Roman spaghetti alla carbonara but, even in the most famous culinary destinations, our expert guides will be able to point us to new tastes to explore. What about pa amb tomàquet (bread, rubbed with ripe tomatoes, salt and olive oil) in Barcelona or fiori di zucca (battered courgette flowers, stuffed with anchovies and mozzarella) in Rome?

Take In New Scenery

A City Break offers the chance to have a change of scenery for a few days. On these short holidays, for example, we’ll visit the fantastical buildings of Barcelona or the Gothic facades of Prague. Of course, there is much more to a city than its buildings. We’ll also have the opportunity to take in the beautiful natural scenery in beach-front cities like Lisbon and Valencia or stroll along winding rivers in Bruges and Budapest. In other cities, we have the opportunity to take in incredible urban parks, like those in Berlin or Krakow, which has 42 to choose from.

Explore Art & Culture

On each of our City Breaks, we’ll have the opportunity to experience the culture of a new place. A great way to get under the skin of a city is to experience its art by visiting galleries, museums or other cultural attractions. With tips from our expert local guides and plenty of free time, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the art and culture of whatever city we travel to. Imagine viewing paintings by Raphael, Caravaggio, Bosch and Brueghel in the splendid surroundings of Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, or admiring Gaudi's artistry in his adopted city of Barcelona!

City Break Tour Highlights

• Take an optional excursion to Sintra from Lisbon.
• Visit the Vatican and admire Michelangelo's most famous masterpiece in the Sistine chapel. 
• Relax in one of the many thermal baths in Budapest.   
• Enjoy wine tasting in Porto.
• Discover the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. 
• Explore the Eastside Gallery, an open air art gallery on a section of the Berlin Wall.  

Top European City Break Attractions

Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest is home to the third largest Parliament building in the world. Located on the bank of the River Danube, this impressive neo-Gothic building is one of the city's most iconic sights.

A trip to Rome isn’t complete without seeing Ancient Rome’s most famous site, the Colosseum. The 50,000-seat arena was used to stage spectacular gladiatorial games in front of bloodthirsty spectators. The name Colosseum refers to the Colosso di Nerone, a giant statue of Nero that stood nearby.

Belem Tower

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a symbol for the ‘Age of Exploration’ and a landmark of Lisbon. Built to protect the city from invaders, Belem Tower is a 16th century fortress located on the bank of the river Tagus.

Prague Astronomical Clock

First installed in 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the world's oldest fully functional astronomical clocks. It's attached to the Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square, a historic quarter of Prague as it dates back to the 10th century. 

Schönbrunn Palace

The summer residence of the Habsburg family, this baroque palace is one of Vienna's most popular attractions. It has 2000-rooms-worth of splendour complete with a classically landscaped garden. 

Checkpoint Charlie

The infamous border crossing point in the wall that divided West and East Berlin has now become a shrine to the wall's memory. Between 1961 and 1990, Checkpoint Charlie was the only crossing point between East and West Berlin.

City Breaks FAQs

Where are the best city breaks in europe.

Europe has a wide range of city destinations and each one can suit various interests. For history buffs, you can step back to ancient times with a trip to Rome and explore the Roman Forum. See how royalty lived with a visit to the palaces in the opulent capital of Vienna. For food lovers, each city offers its own unique dishes, enjoy a Pastel de nata in Lisbon or experience the best tapas in Madrid. If you’re looking to take things easy, you can easily relax with a drink and watch the world go by in the Old Towns of Prague, Riga and Tallinn. It’s not just capital cities that offer a quick escape, you can also unwind in Nice or you can even go beyond Europe and discover Marrakech to get a taste of North Africa. 

What’s included on my city break?

With Travel Department, return flights, airport transfers, hand-picked hotel accommodation and a guided city tour are all included.

Do you offer short breaks in Europe?

If you’re looking to stay a little longer, we also offer some other short breaks in Europe from 4 - 6 days, such as Malta, Athens, Munich, Lake Garda, Salamanca and Gdansk.

Do you offer Christmas City Breaks?

Yes, you can experience the best Christmas markets in Europe and see the top sights of your chosen destination during a winter city break.

What if there is an emergency?

We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

Reviews, Travel Tips & Advice To Inspire Your Next City Break

Company news special interests, 5 reasons to take a city break with travel department.

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• 18 February 2022

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Top 8 highlights of istanbul.

Formerly known as Constantinople and was once seen as the capital of the world, Istanbul is the fusion point of where East meets W...

5 reasons to fall in love with Vienna

The capital of Austria, Vienna has majestic monuments and palaces, elegant avenues, splendid museums and much more…

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Vacation Rentals in Elektrostal

Elektrostal vacation rental travel info, other types of properties in elektrostal you may be interested in.

Everything you need to know about Elektrostal vacation rentals

Whether you’re excited for the perfect family vacation, a romantic getaway for two, or the ultimate city break, we’ve got the Elektrostal vacation rental for you. At Expedia, you can take your pick from private vacation homes, apartments, condos, resorts, cabins, villas, motels. The list goes on, and on …and on.

There’s just as wide a choice of amenities, too. Maybe you’re dreaming of your own pool, long evenings in a hot tub, or watching the kids laugh through the day at a waterpark. Maybe you just want a quiet retreat in a pet-friendly apartment. Well, we can help you find it. Hunt out the perfect Elektrostal vacation rental for you by simply entering your desired dates. Then check your favorite filters to narrow down your search.

Elektrostal vacation rentals: An excellent choice for every season

Whenever you want to travel, a warm welcome awaits you in Elektrostal. If you’re looking for a little peace, consider booking during the quieter low season months. For more hustle and bustle, you may prefer to visit Elektrostal in high season.

Prices vary throughout the year. Your chosen location, property type, and amenities will impact the cost of your trip, too. The selection of properties we have chosen for you start as low as per night. Rates vary depending on your travel dates, location, and amenities so make a search and you might find even better deals!

How to find incredible deals on Elektrostal rentals

At Expedia, we put the best Elektrostal vacation rentals in one place. All you need to do is take your pick. And as we offer book now, pay later options, as well as free cancellation on some properties, you can plan your trip with total peace of mind. You’ll always find a great deal with Expedia.

To find some top Elektrostal rental deals, enter your travel dates, and sort your search results by price. You can also filter by budget, so you only see accommodation in your ballpark. Next, add any filters you want—and just like that, you’ve built your dream Elektrostal vacation.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration, browse our latest incredible offers, or use the map to view all accommodation in and around Elektrostal. And to unlock even more fantastic deals, bundle your accommodation, flights, and car rental together to save and book with Expedia in complete confidence.

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Yes, we give you a choice of vacation rentals near popular attractions in Elektrostal, or you can choose a more remote option if you'd like a relaxing place to stay. Elektrostal is known for its museums.

Explore the area and cultural attractions such as Electrostal History and Art Museum, or visit a family-friendly sight such as Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum and Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino are a couple of places you'll find in the larger area.

A vacation rental is a private property where you can stay for a couple of days or more in Elektrostal. Vacation rentals provide amenities such as patios, hot tubs, and fire pits so you'll have a home away from home. If you're concerned about cleanliness, a vacation rental can provide a sense of seclusion away from shared hotel elevators and lobbies packed with people while still allowing you to travel. You'll also get more space in a vacation rental than in a standard hotel, which makes a vacation rental a great choice for family trips.

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Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Miami Beach doesn't want spring breakers, but they don't want Miami Beach either. Here are the new top 3 spring break destinations.

• Miami Beach announced it's "breaking up" with spring break tourism.
• But data shows that Miami Beach wasn't among the three trending destinations this March anyway.
• Las Vegas, New York City, and Orlando snagged the highest spots. 

Miami Beach is done with spring break tourists. But those tourists were already looking elsewhere.

The City of Miami Beach announced that it's "breaking up" with spring breakers after "unruly crowds, lawless behavior, and a string of violent acts in recent years," a press release in February said.

Hey Spring Break, we're over. 👋 #SpringBreakUp https://t.co/CjCyrLwkPD pic.twitter.com/vxmVtxd7MO — City of Miami Beach (@MiamiBeachNews) March 1, 2024

Young revelers typically flock to Miami Beach in March for weeklong vacations. Some residents have complained about the behavior of those tourists . As a result, this year, local officials implemented "tough" new measures, including bag checks, DUI checkpoints, restricted beach access, license plate readers, and a heightened police force to dissuade rowdy conduct.

But Miami Beach wasn't at the top of tourists' minds this year anyway, according to travel company Booking Holdings.

Data shared by Booking Holdings showed the top 10 trending travel destinations for Americans from March 2 to March 30. Here's the breakdown.

Las Vegas scored the No. 1 spot for most of March, followed by Orlando and New York City

The Nevada city — known for its lavish tourism sector — ranked No. 1 for three out of the four weeks, specifically between March 2 and 23.

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The only time Las Vegas slipped to the No. 2 spot was from March 23 to March 30.

Las Vegas might be attracting travelers' attention for several reasons, including the Sphere concert venue and the return of F1 racing to the city late last year . There are also celebrity residencies , casinos , lush resorts , and other attractions.

Orlando, located in central Florida, snagged the No. 2 spot from March 2 to March 23. It sailed into the top trending destination spot from March 23 to March 30.

Like Las Vegas, Orlando is a popular American tourist spot for several reasons. The city is near amusement parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, as well as other attractions like the John F. Kennedy Space Center . Although Orlando is not coastal, it's a skip away from beaches like Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach.

New York City consistently ranked No. 3 throughout March.

New York City is a beacon for American tourists and tourists across the globe. Local sites like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty are popular stops, while the collection of art museums and famed restaurants often draw attention. Depending on the season, there are also several sports teams to watch.

Miami Beach never ranked above No. 4

Based on Booking Holdings' data, Miami Beach peaked at No. 4 among trending destinations from March 2 to March 23. The city then dropped behind South Carolina's Myrtle Beach and Cancún, Mexico, to the sixth spot from March 23 to March 30.

The City of Miami didn't fare much better, ranking sixth for the first two weeks of March before peaking at No. 5 from the 16th to the 23rd.

Miami fell to the 11th most trending destination between March 23 and March 30.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region

Table of contents:, history of the city, park of culture and leisure, historical and art museum, october cultural center, kristall ice palace, memorial complex, museum and exhibition complex.

2024 Author : Harold Hamphrey | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

In the Moscow region there is a small cozy town Elektrostal. Its sights for the most part have no historical value due to the fact that the city has a relatively small history. But for a visiting tourist or city dweller, they will be of interest. There is something to see, where to go to have an exciting leisure time.

Today the population of the city is 158 thousand people. Until the beginning of the 20th century there were several small workers' settlements here. After the opening of the electrometallurgical and equipment factories, the place began to be called the natural boundary of Calm. The construction of the railway made this settlement accessible, and workers and families flocked here to earn money. In 1925, the station was named Elektrostal, and the rapid increase in population allowed the village to receive the status of a city.

The founder of the city is a prominent Russian industrialist Nikolai Vtorov. It was he who opened the plant here, creating, in fact, a city-forming enterprise that is still operating. In Soviet times, it was a closed facility, and it was not easy to get to work here.

Today Elektrostal is a promising industrial city with a great future and a heroic past. It bears the proud name "City of Military and Labor Glory".

You can learn about the sights of Elektrostal with descriptions and photos here. There are places for walking, outdoor activities and cultural development.

Those who come to the city by train are met by a monument to the metallurgist. It was installed in November 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the Elektrostal plant. The attraction is made in the style of constructivism. The monument quickly won the love of the townspeople, because this city is supported by ordinary workers.

Elektrost altsy and the founding father of the plant, Nikolai Vtorov, are honored. In 2002, a monument was opened in honor of him, which became a landmark of the city of Elektrostal. The bronze sculpture is installed on the site where once stood a monument to the leader of the world proletariat, V. I. Lenin. Times change, characters change. Today, the plant, founded a century ago, is the largest in Russia. Vtorov himself, whose fortune was estimated at 60 million rubles in gold, according to Forbes magazine, was the owner of the largest capital at the beginning of the century. He was a banker, an industrialist, an entrepreneur, a man of action.

The monument was erected byinitiative of the townspeople who wished to perpetuate the monument to the great man.

One of the popular places for spending weekends and evenings among citizens and guests of the city is the Park of Culture and Leisure. Here you can ride attractions for children and adults, play slot machines, rollerblade or bike. The park is divided into two zones. Fans of unhurried walks in the fresh air make a promenade on the Quiet Alley, and those who prefer outdoor activities flock to the Entertainment Alley. The park has a summer stage, where concerts and cafes are regularly held.

Until 1999, there was no central museum among the attractions of Elektrostal in the Moscow Region. The expositions were exhibited in schools, the house of culture, in factory museums. The city was closed, so there was no large influx of tourists and visitors. The appearance of the historical and art museum made it possible for residents and guests of the city to learn a lot of useful information about their native land, the formation of the production process, and the difficult years of the war. The exposition consists of paintings by local artists, historical artifacts, household items, documents, books and much more. The collection is updated regularly. It also hosts outdoor exhibitions, which are always popular with the townspeople.

One of the main attractions of Elektrostal, the photo of which is available to almost every resident or visitor, is the Main Alley. On herpassers-by like to stroll along shady paths, townspeople rest by the fountain after a hard shift at the plant. Flower beds are the decoration of the alley. In 2006, a flower festival was held here for the first time, which has become traditional. Each enterprise of the city and private individuals give residents a real composition of fresh flowers, which pleases with bright colors all summer long. A riot of colors, aromas and a flight of fantasy reigns here. Walking through the park, you can see Snow White with a basket, a bright well, a multi-tiered cake made from fresh flowers, hearts of lovers or a fabulous house. It is almost impossible not to take a photo against the background of these compositions.

There is a cultural center in the city. It hosts performances by local creative teams and visiting stars, performances and circus performances.

In 1971, the ice palace "Crystal" was opened in the city. Almost immediately, a children's and youth hockey team was organized, which gained sports fame. This is the home sports arena for the Elektrostal hockey team. Matches of different levels are held on the ice.

There are sections for children who go in for hockey or figure skating. Citizens come here with their families to cheer for their favorite team or go ice skating.

Elektrostal is a city with a heroic past. During the war years, more than 12 thousand citizens came to the recruiting station and went to the front to defend their homeland. Almost 4 thousand of them did not return from the battle. To these heroesdedicated to the memorial complex with the inextinguishable Eternal Flame, opened in 1968

But the electricians took part in the war in Afghanistan and Chechnya. By decision of the city authorities, their memory is also immortalized in the memorial complex.

It has become a good tradition for newlyweds to lay flowers at this monument.

In 1999, a museum and exhibition complex was opened in the city, where, in addition to the exhibition hall, there are numerous circles for children, classes for young people, and a creative workshop. Various festivals, exhibitions, city holidays and other events are held within the walls and on the territory of the complex, which attract many spectators.

Listing the sights of Elektrostal, it is impossible not to mention the temples. There are several of them in the city: the church of St. John of Kronstadt, St. Andrew's Church, the hospital church of St. Panteleimon. Another new church is being built. In appearance, the temples look ancient, monumental, in the Novgorod style. But they were all built at the end of the 20th century.

Let there be no ancient artifacts among the sights of Elektrostal. But on the other hand, all of them are connected with the history of the city, with everyday work and military exploits of ordinary residents.

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8 Incidents in 2 Weeks: What’s Going on With United’s Planes?

While no one was injured, most of the mishaps required emergency landings or diversions. One safety expert said the incidents were not the result of “systemic problems.”

By Christine Chung

An engine fire sparked by plastic packaging wrap , a tire lost shortly after takeoff and a plane veering off the runway : These are among the eight incidents that have occurred over the past two weeks on flights operated by United Airlines. While no injuries — or worse — have been reported, the mishaps have generated headlines and stoked rising anxiety about aviation safety among federal officials and passengers alike.

All of the incidents happened on flights that took off from or were headed to airports in the United States, and five involved airplanes made by Boeing, a manufacturer already under intense scrutiny. In January, a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner in mid-flight, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing.

United, one of the world’s largest airlines, flies aircraft manufactured mainly by Boeing and Airbus. In an email United began sending to customers on Monday, the company’s chief executive, Scott Kirby, wrote that while the recent incidents were unrelated, they were “reminders of the importance of safety.”

“I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus,” he continued, adding that every case was being reviewed by the airline and would influence its safety training and procedures.

Here’s what travelers should know about the latest in airplane woes.

What exactly happened on or to the planes?

Most of the incidents reported in the last two weeks required emergency landings or diversions.

March 4: A Boeing 737-900 departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston returned to the airport to make an emergency landing after one of the plane engines ingested and burned plastic wrap .

March 7: A Boeing 777 leaving San Francisco for Osaka, Japan, made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after the aircraft lost a tire .

March 8: A Boeing 737 Max 8 veered off the runway upon landing at George Bush Airport in Houston and tilted onto the grass .

Later that day, a flight leaving San Francisco for Mexico City was diverted to Los Angeles after the Airbus A320 experienced issues with its hydraulic system.

March 9: An Airbus A320 heading to Salt Lake City turned back to Chicago O’Hare International Airport after it reported maintenance issues .

March 11: A Boeing 777, flying from Sydney, Australia , to San Francisco, turned back after takeoff because the plane had a hydraulic leak.

March 14: An Airbus A320 that departed from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport had a hydraulic leak shortly before it landed in its scheduled destination, San Francisco.

Later that day, a Boeing 737-800 that took off from San Francisco landed at Rogue Valley International Medford Airport in Oregon missing an external panel .

Are the recent issues typical, or cause for concern?

The mishaps were not the result of “systemic problems,” said Robert Sumwalt, a former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board who now heads a new aviation safety center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“Some of these issues are things that happen occasionally, but often don’t get reported in media,” Mr. Sumwalt said, though he emphasized that none were acceptable.

Kyra Dempsey, who writes about aviation accidents in a blog called Admiral Cloudberg, said that United’s recent issues were being “falsely conflated with Boeing’s troubles.”

“While it’s bad luck that United had so many incidents in such a short period, in general such incidents happen frequently around the world and they aren’t on the rise overall,” Ms. Dempsey said.

How has United responded?

Mr. Kirby’s 270-word message to United customers, including to members of the airline’s frequent flier program, started to be sent on Monday morning, said Josh Freed, a spokesman for United.

Starting in May, United pilots will have an extra day of in-person training, a change that was already planned before the incidents, Mr. Kirby wrote. The airline will also use a “centralized training curriculum for our new hire maintenance technicians” and will dedicate additional resources to the carrier’s supply chain.

What government agencies oversee these issues, and how are they responding?

The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the country’s aviation system and investigates safety incidents on U.S. airlines, while the N.T.S.B. investigates the causes of accidents, collisions and crashes involving planes flown by U.S. carriers, in addition to other accidents involving commercial and mass transit operators. Both agencies have discretion on what they investigate, Mr. Sumwalt said.

Currently, the N.T.S.B. is investigating the incident that occurred on March 8 in Houston, when the plane veered off the runway, an agency spokesperson said. The N.T.S.B. is also looking into a Feb. 10 Los Angeles-to-Newark flight , operated by United, that experienced severe turbulence, leading to injuries among more than a dozen passengers. (The Boeing 777 landed normally, but the flight was met by medical personnel.)

Safety experts said some issues don’t necessarily rise to the level of an investigation by either agency.

For example, partial loss of some of an airplane’s multiple hydraulics systems is common, said Michael McCormick, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a former F.A.A. control tower operator. The F.A.A. may or may not get involved for this kind of issue, unless there’s a pattern, Mr. Sumwalt said.

The January episode involving the blown door plug aboard the Alaska Airlines jet is under investigation by the N.T.S.B. and the Justice Department.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Boeing: A Company in Turmoil

Boeing is weathering a particularly difficult period: two fatal crashes, a loose panel that blew out during a flight, quality concerns and production slowdowns..

United’s Planes : An engine fire sparked by plastic packaging wrap, a tire lost shortly after takeoff and a plane veering off the runway: These are among several incidents that have occurred over two weeks  on Boeing flights operated by United Airlines.

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282: After a section of a plane headed for Ontario, Calif., blew out  10 minutes after it took off , there was increased scrutiny  on the plane’s manufacturer: Boeing . The Justice Department has since launched a criminal investigation .

Quality Control Issues: An audit that was initiated by the Federal Aviation Administration after the Alaska Airlines incident found dozens of problems  throughout Boeing’s manufacturing process and one of its key suppliers.

Whistleblower’s Death: John Barnett, a former quality manager for the company, was found dead in Charleston  in March with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was set to testify in a lawsuit in which he accused Boeing of retaliation for his complaints about quality and safety.

At Fault: A report released in February by the Federal Aviation Administration said that Boeing’s safety culture remains flawed , despite improvements made after two fatal crashes  in 2018 and 2019.

Solving an Enduring Crisis: The Federal Aviation Administration has asked Boeing to produce an action plan  to address quality control issues. We asked experts how Boeing should try and fix its longstanding problems .