10 European city breaks from Ireland this Easter
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona can make a solid claim for being Spain‘s most attractive city break destination. Here you can stroll through Gaudi’s iconic modernist architecture. Shop at the colourful Mercat de la Boqueria. And hit a beach lined with cool bars and restaurants. Base yourself in the lesser-known Raval, a place where local businesses thrive and urban culture, music and good food is plentiful. Here you will find the Museum of Modern Art (MACBA) and the Centre of Contemporary Culture (CCCB), as well as the chic Barceló Raval, home to one of the city’s finest rooftop terraces that offer 360° views of Barcelona’s skyline.
Berlin, Germany
Modern architecture and a thoroughly modern nightlife make Berlin a very cool Easter city break indeed. Snap a selfie at the Brandenburg Gate, see the remnants of the Berlin Wall, visit Checkpoint Charlie and chow down on a currywurst before hitting the streets in search of the hippest bars and next-big-thing boutiques. Stay near the Tiergarten for springtime strolls through the city’s largest park. You’ll get some decent deals on accommodation at Motel One Berlin-Tiergarten.
In Germany’s largest city, there is an abundance of things to do. Check out the top things to do in Berlin.
Lisbon, Portugal
You can’t fail to fall in love with Lisbon, an easy-going, sun-drenched city that is known for its café culture and haunting fado music. This is a city to slow down in, so stop at whatever café table takes your fancy and simply enjoy the view as you enjoy some of Europe’s best – and most affordable – cuisine. It’s not far out of town to the beach either, at Cascais or Estoril. Just don’t come back without sampling a pasteis de nata, a dreamily delicious custard tart. The chic central hotel Memmo Alfama comes with stunning sea views.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Porto, Portugal’s tradition-soaked second city.
Rome, Italy
Rome is in many ways the ultimate city break destination. Here you’ll find major world sights (the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon) among the ancient cobbled streets. World-leading shopping in designer boutiques. And – of course – the world’s best pizza, gelato and spaghetti. Allow plenty of time just to wander, you’ll find something beautiful around every corner here. 1880 Atypical Rooms offers chic accommodation in a beautiful 19th-century building on the bustling Via Nazionale.
Paris, France
Ah Paris, the world’s most romantic city. City breaks here are the stuff of legend – from trips along the Seine to the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Everyone has their favourite Parisian moment. Perhaps it’s sunset at Sacre Coeur, standing beneath the stately Notre Dame, or just soaking up the street life from the perfect pavement café table. And that’s before we even get on to the stylish shopping, the cosy wine bars, the wonderful museums… The five-star spa hotel Hotel de la Trémoille is perfect for pampering yourself after a long day taking in all the sights.
Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian capital of Budapest is a laid-back place for an Easter city break. This is less a city of big-hitting sights and more a city to soak up, both on the streets lined with quirky cafés and bars, and in the thermal baths the city is perhaps best known for. Head to Gellert baths right by the Danube for an authentic soak. And don’t miss Buda Castle, presiding over the city and offering gorgeous views – and the country’s major art collection. The art’otel budapest is located opposite the Hungarian Parliament building on the Danube and has more than 600 works by controversial artist Donald Sultan.
Check out our guide to the best Budapest bath houses.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital of Copenhagen is fast becoming one of Europe’s leading city break destinations – and it’s not difficult to see why. Here you’ll find a mix of historic buildings and chic modern architecture, the ancient pleasure gardens of Tivoli, and an utterly contemporary café and bar scene. Plus, plenty of lovely canals to stroll. Nyhavn is our favourite, and a great spot for dinner. Wakeup Copenhagen has stylish budget rooms in the centre of Copenhagen.
Looking exclusively for warm Easter escapes? We’ve picked out the best European city breaks, value-for-money family getaways and long-haul Easter holidays – from Spain and Greece to Thailand.
Prague, Czech Republic
Few European cities are as fun as Prague. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There’s much more to the Czech capital than beer and clubs, though. From a moonlit stroll across the medieval Charles Bridge to a tour of the vast Prague castle complex, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. Check out Old Town Square and the chiming of the astronomical clock. And head to funky Zizkov for alternative cafés, bars and restaurants – and to climb the Petrin Lookout Tower. Vienna House Andel ́s hotel is a stylish choice for accommodation close to the historic centre of Prague.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
It’s an easy hop across the water to Amsterdam, a stylish city break destination that combines culture with some very, erm, lively nightlife. Visit Museumplein for the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Check out the best brown bars for locally brewed beers. And stroll the canals and flower markets to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. The Hoxton has stylish canal-side rooms for when you decide to retreat from the Dutch capital’s hustle and bustle.
Amsterdam is popular for its canals, its coffee shops and its arty hangouts. But there’s plenty more to keep you entertained: Here are the 9 best things to do in Amsterdam.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Few European cities are as chocolate box perfect as Ljubljana. And in the spring the city really blooms. Take a cruise along the Ljubljanica river, passing beneath the drooping willow trees and the Dragon Bridge. Walk around the city’s cobbled pedestrianised streets, ice-cream in hand, and summon up an appetite suitable to eat a horse – seen on many a local restaurant menu. Don’t miss the funicular railway ride up to the castle, high above the city and with stonking views of the skyline. The Vander Urbani Resort offers Easter packages, including a three-course dinner, breakfast, parking and a free ride on the funicular railway to the castle.
Easter in Ireland is an egg-cellent time of year to egg-splore! Check out where to go for Easter in Ireland.
10 best city breaks from Ireland for the Easter holidays
| 1. Barcelona, Spain |
| 2. Berlin, Germany |
| 3. Lisbon, Portugal |
| 4. Rome, Italy |
| 5. Paris, France |
| 6. Budapest, Hungary |
| 7. Copenhagen, Denmark |
| 8. Prague, Czech Republic |
| 9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
| 10. Ljubljana, Slovenia |
*Updated April 2019. Information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
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