As the old adage goes, a change is as good as a rest, and nothing provides a shift in gear like exploring a new city. So it comes as no surprise that the European weekend away is a major draw.
“A break in one of Europe’s magical cities is as popular as ever, and the benefits of booking a holiday package through a trusted company such as Jet2CityBreaks means that we are seeing huge demand across a range of destinations,” says Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2CityBreaks.
Whether it’s food, history or culture that inspires you to visit a place, these trips offer a hit of newness and excitement. In many ways, city breaks are the perfect holiday fix, as they allow you to get away quickly and easily, ideal for recharging your batteries and boosting your general wellbeing.
Whether you’re after exciting exploration, fabulous food, captivating culture or simply the chance to hit the reset button, a weekend on the Continent has it all
A European city break is the perfect getaway
From Barcelona
to Budapest
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The hot destinations
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The glory of Gaudi
Enjoy the views over Barcelona from the fabulous Park Güell
When you book with Jet2CityBreaks you’ll enjoy a stress- free journey, with return flights, accommodation and 22kg baggage wrapped up in one ATOL-protected package. There are over 30 city break destinations to choose from, with a variety of flight times, for just a £60pp deposit.*
When it comes to holiday hot spots, lesser known cities often have their 15 minutes of fame, but this summer the classics are in the spotlight. And, frankly, who can blame travellers for choosing cities where a great break is guaranteed?
With its relaxed beach feel, great tapas and superb art and architecture, Barcelona continues to draw city breakers, and the five-star ME Barcelona hotel, with its rooftop pool and live music terrace, reigns supreme as the top spot to stay in.
The gorgeous south of France is also set to be popular again, with Nice, the chilled capital of the Côte d’Azur, offering the best in seafood, café-lined squares and super-yacht spotting. And the high life can be enjoyed on a reasonable budget, thanks to the Aston La Scala hotel, overlooking the Promenade du Paillon close to the old town.
If it’s history you’re after, Rome and Prague have it all. The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel Autograph Collection (a five-star hotel in the Italian capital) and the elegant Cosmopolitan Hotel, Prague, provide the perfect base for exploring these two spectacular cities.
Digging deeper into eastern Europe is proving a hit with those seeking the best value from their trip. Budapest has art, culture and wondrous architecture to spare, and hotels don’t come more beguiling than the art deco-art nouveau Continental Hotel Budapest.
*£60 per person deposit is applicable on holidays departing 10 weeks or more from booking date. Terms and conditions apply. For further details, please visit jet2holidays.com/part-payment
People are keen to really get the feel of a city these days – they want the inside scoop from someone who knows; for example, what and where to eat in the gastronomic haven that is Rome.
“Make sure you try the street food. Suppli is a real favourite of mine. These crispy yet gooey risotto balls with a melted mozzarella centre are to die for,” says Jamie Greenhough, non-elective operations executive at Jet2CityBreaks.
Or how about getting off the main tourist track in Barcelona? “The neighbourhoods of the city all offer something different. Laze on the beach at La Barceloneta, or discover stunning architecture in Gràcia. And L’Eixample is the place to be for shopaholics,” says Hazel Davison, product executive at Jet2CityBreaks.
In Budapest, make sure you visit one of the city’s famed thermal baths. “The iconic Széchenyi is a must-see and it’s great in any weather. Relax in warm waters in the winter, or take a refreshing dip in the sunshine,” says Sophie Gavins, senior content executive at Jet2CityBreaks.
Immersive experiences
We’re all watching our pennies at the moment. Rather than ditching holidays altogether, savvy travellers are looking for smart ways to get the most bang for their buck and short city breaks are one surefire way to get a travel hit without breaking the bank. Jet2CityBreaks wraps up your return flights, accommodation and 22kg baggage into an ABTA and ATOL-protected package, all for a low £60pp deposit.*
Budget breaks
City breaks of old meant hours of research, coordinating flights with the hunt for accommodation. For 2023, astute travellers are wrapping everything up in package deals, saving time and, often, money. Booking everything at once means no hidden extras down the line, giving you more time to plan your itineraries. The result is the city break you want – and maybe even need – from start to finish.
Pick a package
Pool with a view
Take a scenic swim on the rooftop at the five-star ME Barcelona
Greek odyssey
Immerse yourself in ancient history at Athens' incredible Acropolis
Nice to see you, to see you Nice
For laidback glamour and the best of beach and city life
Hungary for more
Beautiful Budapest has a lot to offer culture vultures
Balearic beauty
Chill out in the pretty Parc de la Mar in Mallorca's capital Palma
The city of a hundred spires
See how many you can count as you wander around picturesque Prague
Faro and away
The marina is just one of the many attractions of the Algarve's capital
Pole position
Visit Krakow's Wawel Cathedral, Poland's most important house of worship
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