Not only are city breaks affordable and accessible, but you also often experience the heart of a country. From capital cities like Reykjavik and Dublin to the whimsical charm of Barcelona and Venice, city breaks come with all the exploring, arts and culture, night outs and sightseeing you could wish for.

European cities have some of the best transport networks, excellent accommodation, plenty of interesting walking tours, a lot of day trips and many friendly travellers. Read on as some of the best destinations for city breaks in Europe are shared.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a popular place for tourists in Ireland. Dublin is the capital of Ireland and the largest city. The welcoming nature of the residents will immediately make you feel like the city is also your home, making it easier to make new friends. Leave your stress behind, as you explore the centuries-old Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the city is an amazing destination for city breaks, in one of the safest cities (ranked in 2015). Are you a Game of Thrones fan? Visiting the filming locations at your own leisure or on a guided day tour where you can also see the Giants Causeway. Immerse yourself in the unique history, heart, and soul of Ireland and its most iconic beer at the Guinness Storehouse. Learn how your favourite beer is brewed from grain to glass.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Since at least 2008, Iceland has been named as the most peaceful country in the world, according to Global Peace Index, which makes safety a rare concern. Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, is so compact it’s a breeze to navigate on foot. With friendly people and the home to two-thirds of Iceland’s population of 350,000, you can explore and get to know the city with relative ease. It’s a great base from which to explore southern Iceland, including the famed Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. It’s easy enough to rent a car and take in the sights in your own self-guided tour however, you can never run out of fantastic group day trips in Reykjavik alone. Whether you want to visit the Northern Lights, the glaciers, waterfalls, or any of the other unique attractions that Iceland has to offer, Reykjavik should absolutely be on your travel bucket list.

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Barcelona, Spain

Considered a top destination and amongst the best places to travel in Europe, there are opportunities to meet other travellers and the locals at events that occur every day. Whether you want to participate in the volleyball games on the beach all-year round or experience many of the attractions on guided tours or a bike tour through Barcelona, you will never feel bored in this city.

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Venice, Italy

Venice is such a small city; you can walk it in several hours. This means you can enjoy a walking city tour, explore the city canals, coloured houses of Burano and learn about the city’s history and culture. Experience a Gondola rowing boat ride or learn how to row one yourself, enjoy an Italian art class and partake in trying the street foods. Venice is famous for its beautiful churches and basilicas, don’t miss the San Marco Basilica, which is a magnificent cathedral. At the heart of Venice, spend time people watching and feed the pigeons.

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