Exciting City Breaks

Wander the enchanting streets of Krakow's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover its rich history and vibrant culture. Explore the majestic Wawel Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the Vistula River, and delve into the poignant history of the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), now a hub of artistic expression and trendy cafes. A sobering but essential experience is a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former Nazi concentration camp and now a museum and memorial, offering a powerful reminder of the atrocities of World War II. For a unique experience within Krakow, descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a stunning underground world of salt chambers and sculptures. If you're seeking a taste of local life, browse the bustling stalls of the Cloth Hall in the Main Market Square or escape the city buzz in the serene Planty Park, a green belt surrounding the Old Town.

Getting around Krakow is easy with its efficient public transport system. Trams and buses crisscross the city, and walking is a delightful way to experience the charm of the Old Town. Consider purchasing a Krakow Card for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.

Tips for your Krakow city break include booking your accommodation and tours in advance, especially during peak season. To truly appreciate the city's beauty, take a leisurely stroll along the Vistula River or enjoy a traditional Polish meal in one of the many atmospheric restaurants. Don't forget to try the local pierogi (dumplings)!

The best time to visit Krakow for most is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (June-August) is also popular, with warm weather and plenty of festivals, but expect more tourists. Winter (November-March) can be magical, with snow-dusted streets and Christmas markets, but be prepared for colder temperatures.

Walk the charming streets beside the canals of Amsterdam with an array of galleries, like the Van Gogh, and important historic sites like the Anne Frank house. If you’re looking for a hidden gem along the way, the second hand & rare market at Spui is perfect for finding a unique souvenir of the city, the secret art garden is a striking and colourful exhibition to visit or get your rollerblades on and head to the 70s inspired Roller Dreams for a date.  

To get around Amsterdam, we recommend the trams and metros as they’re frequent, fast, and safe, not to mention you can get a travel card for your short city break. 

Tips for this city break include booking ahead for all the museums you would like to visit as they’re exceedingly popular and to see the city from the canals. The canals offer some of the best views and the canal tours offer a wonderful opportunity to make the most of your time.  

The best time to visit for most people is June to September, the weather is warm but not overbearing, days are longest and there’s always events and festivals on. October to February is usually the best period for cheap city breaks and it’s perfect for seeing the city in its festive décor. March to May has pleasant weather, long days and is ideal for seeing the iconic Tulips.  

The sunny city of Barcelona is packed with sites to see like the iconic Sagrada Familia, the history packed Camp Nou for sports fans and of course the soft-sandy beaches that line the city. Barcelona is also packed with lesser-known gems, such as the Flooded Rainforest, the stunning and colourful architecture of Casa Vicens, and the surreal Van Gogh exhibition.  

To get around the city, the Metro service can take you everywhere during your short city break and you can get a travel card with unlimited use. Tips for visiting include booking tickets in advance for the sites and museums you wish to see as last-minute availability is hard to come by. If you’re able to eat at the later times of the locals, you’ll have much greater choice when booking restaurants or looking for lunch spots. Finally, try and get to the Parc del Turo for some green space and views of the whole city with the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.  

The best time to visit for most people is April to July to enjoy the best of weather, have the longest daylight hours to explore the city, and witness the festivals. However, if sightseeing is your focus, then March to May, and September to November is an enjoyable time to visit Barcelona as tourists the city is quieter and is a cheaper city break.  

There is plenty to appreciate and experience in Paris, from the stunning exhibitions in the Louvre, to the architectural marvels of the Eiffel Tour and Arc De Triomphe. But it’s also worth exploring the hidden gems of Paris, such as the Café Le Jardin du Petit Palais, Abbey bookshop, Montmartre's sinking house and Jazz at Parc Floral de Paris. To get around, try and avoid taxis or Ubers and save money by using the Metro, paying 22 euros will grant you unlimited travel during your short city break.  

A top tip for Paris is to wear comfortable shoes and don’t underestimate the amount of walking you’re likely to do. Another tip is to always greet people when entering a shop or restaurant in French, it shows respect and politeness which will make your interactions friendlier or service better, even if it changes to English speaking immediately after.  

The best time to visit Paris depends on how you would like to spend your time and money. Spring is a nice blend of sunny days with long daylight hours and smaller crowds for exploring the city. Summer provides the warmest and most reliable weather, perfect for relaxing in the parks after visiting sites, though is often the busiest.

Autumn is a great time to go if you prefer milder weather, typically lower prices and cultural events taking place during your stay, such as Art displays, Ballet, plays and plenty more. Winter is perfect for a festive getaway to see the city of romance decorated for Christmas. The colder months are ideal for cheap city breaks but also the easiest time of year to see incredible sunrises over the city.