Top 10 European City Breaks You Cannot Miss in 2023

Have you ever wanted to explore the buzzing metropolises of Europe? To wander through quaint cobblestone alleys, explore vibrant cultures, and try out new cuisines? As a traveler, there is nothing more exciting than planning a unique city break.

And what better time to plan your next trip than 2023? With more liberalized travel routes and exciting new attractions popping up all over Europe, it's the perfect opportunity to explore some of the continent's most captivating cities. From dazzling Paris to secret Prague, here are the top 10 European city breaks you won't want to miss in 2023!

Barcelona, Spain: A Cultural Wonderland

Are you looking for a European city break that won't be forgotten any time soon? Look no further than Barcelona, Spain. This bilingual city has both Catalan and Spanish as its official languages, making for a unique blend of culture. The influence can be seen throughout Barcelona's buildings and street art, making it the perfect place to explore Modernisme—a unique cultural movement specific to the city.

Exploring Barcelona will keep you busy day and night. From museums and monuments, to boutiques and cafes—you can easily fill your days with sightseeing and souvenir shopping. At night, there’s always something going on; with bars, restaurants and clubs offering a variety of events. Plus, don’t forget Tibidabo Amusement Park —the oldest amusement park in Spain and third oldest in Europe! Take in the stunning views from the top of their Ferris wheel or enjoy some thrilling rides that provide an adrenaline rush for the whole family

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Biking and Canals Galore

Exploring Amsterdam is a must-do. With its world-famous canals, 165 in total, and the many bridges along it, it's a city steeped in history and culture that you won't want to miss. The canals are so popular that they even have their own name—the Grachtengordel.

The city is also well-known for its bike culture—with between 12,000 and 15,000 bicycles recovered from the canals each year. That's enough to make anyone think twice before taking their bike out on one of Amsterdam's many bridges! But if you feel inspired by all the scenes of happy bikers riding along the canals and want to join them, there are plenty of rental companies in the city where you can pick up a sturdy two-wheeler for your city break exploration.

Prague, Czech Republic: Fairytale City With Gothic Charm

Prague has an undeniable charm that is hard to resist. This fairy tale city, nestled in the heart of Europe, makes for one of the most romantic city breaks. With its Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets, it's the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a cultural getaway alike.

When in Prague, you can explore the majestic Prague castle, take a leisurely stroll along the river and admire the incredible sights of Charles Bridge,or take a boat cruise down the Vltava River. There's plenty to see and do in this beautiful European city!

Take your time wandering around Prague. There are plenty of hidden gems to find in its winding streets and bustling markets—from charming cafés and funky bars to atmospheric alleyways and grandiose churches. As you explore more of this European capital, you'll be amazed at how much culture it has to offer!

If you have more time on your hands, why not explore some of Prague's nearby towns like Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov? Both of these places are filled with culture and history waiting to be discovered. Whether you're into foodie experiences or photography excursions, these towns are sure to give you an unforgettable city break experience!

Venice, Italy: Romantic Gondola Rides on Canals

Head to Venice, Italy for an unforgettable city break—just make sure to bring your camera! Here you can stroll through streets designed centuries ago and snap picturesque views of the city from its bridges. You could even take it one step further and book a romantic gondola ride on the canals.

The canals of Venice are famous all around the world, so it would be a shame to miss the experience! You can watch in awe as your gondolier propels you past centuries-old palazzi, churches, and other buildings situated alongside the waterfront. Plus, with the Italian sun painting a picture-perfect backdrop and a glass of chianti in hand, you’ll have a glorious day gliding through this grand canal system.

And if you want to take home more than just memories from your trip to Venice, there are plenty of unique souvenirs on offer. From intricate Carnival masks to handmade paper goods—all traditional Venetian items—pick up something special for yourself or as a gift for someone back home.

Edinburgh, Scotland: Majestic Castles and Lush Green Hills

If you're looking for a bit of magic and adventure, Edinburgh is the place for you. You'll find grand castles, lush green hills, winding cobblestone streets, stunning historic architecture and scenery that's out of this world.

One of the most renowned attractions in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle, which overlooks the city from its high vantage point and offers fascinating views of the surrounding area. Be sure to take a tour to get the full experience — it's like stepping back in time! You can also visit other majestic castles throughout Scotland, like Stirling Castle and Dunnottar Castle. There's something truly captivating about exploring these historical sites — you feel as though you're living history!

And there's much more than just impressive castles to see in Edinburgh. The city is rich with cultural events such as theater performances, art galleries, delicious restaurants and even traditional festivals. From music festivals to comedy shows to markets where you can find delicious local eats — there's something for everyone!

Plus, with its stunning landscapes and rolling green hillsides, it's no wonder why Edinburgh is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's walking up Arthur’s Seat or racing down nearby ski slopes — there are plenty of activities that will get your adrenaline pumping! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Edinburgh today!

Budapest, Hungary: Architectural Marvels and Thermal Baths

When you think about a memorable vacation, Budapest, Hungary should be at the top of your list. Budapest is bustling with life and packed to the brim with jaw-dropping architecture. From its iconic Chain Bridge and Parliament buildings to the awe-inspiring thermal baths, this city is a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

Historical marvels

Budapest’s Old Town is dotted with churches, castles, and monuments that will take your breath away. That's why UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1987—it's just that good! Spend an afternoon walking through the cobblestone streets of the palace district, taking in sights like St Stephen’s Basilica and Heroes Square. There are tributes to Hungarian leaders from the past, plus impromptu music performances guaranteed to make you feel right at home.

Thermal baths

For something completely different, Budapest's famously therapeutic thermal baths are not to be missed! Lined with towering pillars and richly painted walls, these baths give new meaning to relaxation. In fact, many of these bathhouses have been around for centuries! Whether you're looking for some serious pampering or just some light splashing about in hot water--this experience has something for everyone.

Between its stunning architecture and healthful attractions, Budapest is quickly becoming one of Europe's top cities for city breaks--and now you know why!

FAQ

So, you may have a few questions about city breaks in 2023 and what to expect. Here are some of the most common questions:

What Covid protocols should I expect?

Due to the ongoing situation with Covid, it's likely that many cities will still have protocols in place that you should abide by, such as social distancing, wearing a mask in crowded areas and observing any curfews. Check out the local government websites for each city to keep up-to-date on any regulations you'll need to follow while there.

Will I need to get a visa before traveling?

Depending on where you're traveling from and where you're going within Europe, it's possible that you'll need a visa. Check with the country's embassy online for any relevant information. It's important to remember that entry requirements may change at short notice so make sure to regularly check updates and plan ahead!

How can I find the best deals?

To get the most bang for your buck, research online and take advantage of travel packages or offers when planning your trip. Don't be afraid to put together an itinerary yourself either—compare prices of flights and hotels, shop around for deals and use airline miles or hotel points if possible—to craft a city break that won't break the bank!

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for high culture, excellent food and wine, or simply beautiful views, Europe's cities offer it all. From Barcelona to Berlin, Lisbon to Prague, these cities are vibrant, diverse, and have something for everyone.

Picking the best places for city breaks is never an easy task - but these 10 destinations offer something unique with history, romance, culture, and entertainment. From the cobbled lanes of Vienna to the sun-drenched beauty of the Cote d'Azur, there’s absolutely no shortage of amazing places to explore.

So pack your bags and take off to some of the world's greatest cities in 2023 - you won't regret it!