There are over cities to choose from, and many can be reached within a few hours, whether you prefer to travel by plane or train. But perhaps even better is the diversity they offer. Not just culturally — every interest and budget is catered for too. Looking for a dash of culture and style? Try Paris or Madrid. In search of nature and adventure? Split and Reykjavik are among the top picks.
And then there are the cities home to show-stopping architecture, fascinating history and some of the best restaurants in the world: our favourites for this are Berlin and Prague.
Need more inspiration? Here are the best city break destinations in Europe. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue. A Roman city that became a centre of Islam in the Middle Ages, Cordoba is a fascinating meeting point of cultures. See this in the majestic architecture strewn around its cobbled streets, with a particular highlight being the Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba, a Unesco world heritage site that began life as a mosque before becoming a cathedral.
Equally interesting is the food scene, which borrows from the Muslim, Jewish and Spanish heritage of the people who now call this city home. Base yourself at La Ermita Suites, a boutique hotel in the heart of the old town and just a short stroll from Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba. Flight time 2hr 40min from London to Seville and then 50min by train to Cordoba. Beyond the photogenic spots there are picnic-friendly parks dotted with sculptures and water features, and handsome streets lined with architecture ranging from extravagant art nouveau to Soviet-style utilitarianism.
Right on the border of both France and Germany, this Swiss city is the perfect tri-nation pitstop. How many other cities have an airport in one country, museums in another and public transport to seamlessly connect them all? Summer and winter are the best seasons to visit. The Rhine cuts through the city and a favourite summer activity is to stuff your belongings in a Wickelfisch swim bag and use it as a float to gently drift down the river.
