Top European city breaks for 2025

A few ideas to inspire your next getaway

Where to visit first?

There’s no doubt that holidays can do wonders for your well-being, but if you’re short on time, or on a tight budget, a city break can be just as beneficial. If you're looking to jet off somewhere not too far away, Europe is packed with incredible destinations which are ideal for enjoying a few quality days away all year round. So why not lose yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of a new city? We've rounded up some popular European destinations only a short flight away from London Stansted Airport.

Alicante - Flight time 2hrs 40 mins

Alicante, in Spain’s Valencia region, is a contemporary city filled with glorious beaches, contemporary art, and lively festivals. The harbour is a great people-watching spot and you’ll be able to see the impressive yachts visiting from all over Europe. Most of Alicante's main shops are clustered around the Rambla de Mendez Nunez and the Maisonnave area, but if you're looking for a true taste of local life then head to the Merdaco Central on the Avenida de Alfonso el Sabio where you can pick up a souvenir or two. A combination of cosy local restaurants and beachside cafes dominate the food scene, and they specialise in tapas. Alicante's coastal location makes fresh seafood a favourite, so don’t miss trying some incredible paella while you’re here.

Athens - Flight time 3 hrs 45 mins

Soak up the culture in the historic Greek capital, home to some of the world’s most impressive ancient ruins and artefacts. Athens is easy to navigate, so you can easily cover its highlights in a day or two, and the Athens Metro connects all the major historical sites. The famous Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Parthenon is an architectural marvel, and the awe-inspiring Odeon of Herodes Atticus still hosts performances (you can save money on the entry fees with a combination ticket.)

You’ll find trendy open-air cocktail bars in the Gazi and Psirri districts, Exarchia is an enclave bustling with flea markets, record shops and bookstores, and Monastiraki is Athens’ street food centre where you can enjoy local specialities like spanakopita, souvlaki and gyro.

Gaziantep - Flight time 4hrs 30 mins

This hidden gem tucked away in Turkey’s southeast offers cultural exploration, a great culinary scene, and plenty of old-world charm throughout. Spend your city break exploring historic sites, bustling streets, and traditional marketplaces. Tuck into authentic kebabs, spicy lahmacun, tasty meze platters, and delicious desserts while sipping on freshly-made Turkish coffee or mint tea. Cafe culture is strong here and the city is filled with the aroma of spices, sweets, and freshly-baked pastries. Head over to Gaziantep’s museum, where you’ll learn all about the city’s fascinating history and get the opportunity to marvel at its impressive collection of ancient mosaics - one of the best preserved and largest in the world.

Kayseri - Flight time 1hr 15 mins

This ancient Turkish city is the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of the fascinating Cappadocia region. Kayseri’s historic Citadel, mosques and huge stone buildings reveal much of its past as a strategic point on the famous silk road trade route. The Erciyes mountain is one of the best ski resorts in Turkey, and just a 30-minute drive from the airport. It’s popular for sports in winter and serves as a cooler escape in the hot summer months. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a host of activities from hiking in the Göreme National Park, to paragliding in Mount Ali and water rafting on the Zamantı River. Thanks to its unique geological, historic and cultural highlights, Cappadocia is a popular destination for tourists looking for somewhere new to visit.

Münster - Flight time 1hr 15 mins

This historic German city may be small, but there’s a lot to see here. The Tourist Centre behind the striking Rathaus (Town Hall) is where you’ll find local information to help you choose where to visit. Most of Münster’s top attractions can be found near the Prinzipalmarkt (main street) which is packed with shops, cafés and pretty market squares. If you’d like to learn more about Münster’s art, history, culture, and architecture, head over to the Stadtmuseum Münster. The Promenade circles the entire old town/city centre, and you’ll find more bars and cafés lining the waterfront by Münster’s port - you can hire sailboats and paddle boats here too! On Lake Aasee you can even take a boat to the Allwetterzoo (All Weather Zoo) and the Museum für Naturkunde (Natural History Museum).

Oradea - Flight time 2hrs 25 mins

For a city break with a difference, check out this beautiful city in north western Romania. It’s packed with classic Art Nouveau buildings and ornate churches like the Palatul Vulturul Negru (Black Eagle Palace). If you’re keen to get your steps in, you can enjoy a panoramic view from the City Hall’s Tower. And a stroll along the Crisul Repede Promenade will take you to the attractions across the river. Oradea is famous for its thermal springs and there are several wellness resorts and public baths in the area. Make sure you pack your cozzie and trunks because the Nymphea Complex offers relaxation and pampering as well as wave pools and slides in the largest Aquapark in Western Romania.

Pula - Flight time 2hrs 15 mins

This historically-rich city is a haven for both culture vultures and sun-lovers alike. Its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, The Arena, is one of Croatia’s most iconic sights and still hosts events over the summer. Pula is great for sightseeing and most significant sites are within easy walking distance. There’s even a museum devoted to the local olive oil! Sergijevaca ulica is a charming pedestrianised street teeming with shops and cafes leading up to the Forum, or main square. The Zerostrasse Tunnels are a winding network of underground passages built during the first World War. The entrance ticket includes access to Pula Kastel which offers stunning views of the city. It’s easy to eat well in the Istria region and many local dishes feature seafood and fresh fish. You must try the local ice cream too!

Reus - Flight time 2hrs 10 mins

The birthplace of Gaudi is a great city break choice for those who love art and modernist architecture. Although none of his buildings can be found here, you can see how growing up amidst the surroundings must have influenced the young creative. And Reus has a Gaudi museum with exhibits devoted to his life and work. Beautiful buildings line the winding streets, creating points of interest everywhere you look, from bell towers to ornate details. Take a stroll around the charming narrow streets, cafes and boutiques of Reus Old Town to soak up the atmosphere. Reus is also famous for vermouth, the aromatic fortified wine that features in the famous negroni cocktail, and there are plenty of places here to stop and enjoy a drink or two.

Rome - Flight time 2hr 30 mins

Rome is a feast for all the senses in every respect with its ancient history, art, architecture, food and fashion. If you’re in search of high-quality designer goods, the streets around Piazza di Spagna are full of fashion houses and designer boutiques. At the other end of the scale, the Porta Portese flea market takes place each Sunday, with antiques, books, jewellery and plenty of other goods on sale. You can enjoy some memorable meals here from Michelin-star restaurants to family-run trattorias. And Italy is famous for its incredible ice-cream. Iconic landmarks can be found all over the city, from the still impressive Colosseum, to the spectacular ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the gates of the Vatican, and the beautiful Trevi Fountain.