Our Top 7 European City Breaks
Our Top 7 European City Breaks
Our Top 7 European City Breaks
Sometimes, the most unforgettable adventures are closer than you think.
Europe is filled with cities that brim with character - places where medieval streets meet modern creativity, where coastlines kiss café culture, and where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.
At Regent , we’ve curated a selection of seven incredible European city break destinations that offer all the charm, culture, and atmosphere of a long-haul trip - without the jet lag. From Estonia’s capital of cool to Iceland’s urban Arctic outpost, these are our favourite lesser-explored gems worth adding to your list.
1. Tallinn, Estonia
Where medieval charm meets cutting-edge cool
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Tallinn, Estonia
Despite its charming, red-roofed medieval exterior, Tallinn is arguably the most modern of the Baltic capitals, famed for its vibrant tech scene and forward-thinking spirit.
The city’s heart is its 13th-century Old Town, a captivating maze of cobbled streets and church spires, best enjoyed while people-watching over coffee in the bustling Town Hall Square. History lovers will delight in landmarks like the hilltop Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the 9th century Toompea Castle, now home to Estonia’s parliament. Mix tradition with modernity by exploring designer boutiques and sparkling new malls nestled just steps away.
For a taste of local culture, visit the Occupation Museum or the Baroque Kadriorg Park, Peter the Great’s summer palace. Don’t miss a trip to Rocca al Mare, a seaside open-air museum showcasing Estonia’s rural heritage. As night falls, Tallinn’s chic cafés, gourmet restaurants, and lively bars come alive, making it a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary buzz.
2. Split, Croatia
Coastal Croatia at its best
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Split, Croatia
Split’s ancient core buzzes with life - from Roman ruins to bustling markets and sea-view bars. The city is the largest in Dalmatia, with the biggest port, but its real treasures lie hidden within the walls of the impressive Diocletian’s Palace.
Wander the warm stone alleyways and you might just bump into Roman warriors or even the Emperor Diocletian himself! Trendy boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafés are often nestled into the ancient walls, blending history with modern charm. In the evening, the main square fills with the harmonious melodies of Dalmatian a cappella choirs, while you dine on freshly barbecued fish paired with delicious homemade wine.
For a touch of nature, explore the glorious wooded peninsula of Marjan, where secluded beaches lie among pine cones and olive groves. And don’t miss sailing to the nearby island of Brač for island charm and unforgettable Adriatic sunsets — a perfect city-and-sea combo.
3. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Quaint charm meets cultural riches
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s compact capital feels more like a quaint provincial town than a bustling city, making it wonderfully easy to explore on foot. Dominating the skyline is Ljubljana Castle, accessible via a funicular ride that offers stunning views of the city below.
Architectural gems such as the Cathedral of St Nicholas, with its iconic twin towers, add to the city’s charm. Wander through the enchanting streets to Presernov Trg, the lively main square dotted with cafés and bars—perfect for people-watching over a coffee.
For a peaceful retreat, rent a bike and cycle through the bucolic Tivoli Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city. Don’t miss a visit to the monumental arch of Zale Cemetery, one of Europe’s most beautiful and evocative cemeteries. Ljubljana’s growing reputation as a year-round destination is reflected in its vibrant calendar of festivals, including the summer-long Ljubljana Festival and the Medieval Fair, which fills the Old Town with market stalls, craft workshops, and historic reenactments.
4. Vilnius, Lithuania
The city of the iron wolf and unexpected quirks
Vilnius at Christmas, Lithuania
Vilnius boasts perhaps the best city nickname of all—“The City of the Iron Wolf”—and it certainly lives up to it. This small but thriving capital is where a delightful mix of architectural styles and cultural influences come together.
Its picturesque Baroque Old Town, with unspoiled winding streets and a church on nearly every corner, is a joy to explore. Take the funicular from the Lower Castle to the Higher Castle for breathtaking views across the city rooftops. To dive into Vilnius’ recent history, visit the Museum of Genocide Victims housed in the former KGB headquarters. Many of the city’s best eateries and watering holes hide in Old Town’s alleys, while the up-and-coming Snipiskes district offers fashionable bars and clubs for a livelier night out.
Keep an eye on the schedule at Congress Palace, and don’t miss the vibrant street theatre scattered around town. Vilnius perfectly captures a joyful quirkiness, symbolised by the statue of legendary US rocker Frank Zappa just outside the Old Town—a striking blend of eras and cultures.
5. Reykjavík, Iceland
Iceland’s cool and compact capital
Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík, the world’s most northerly capital, perfectly blends cosy cafés, innovative art, and steaming geothermal spas. This compact city offers a friendly welcome and a thriving culinary scene, with Icelandic cuisine evolving into a must-try experience.
Wander the lively streets in winter and, if you’re lucky, catch the northern lights dancing overhead—a magical bonus to any city break. Reykjavík’s proximity to the famous Golden Circle means you’re never far from natural wonders like Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park, making it an ideal base for combining urban charm with Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.
Whether you’re soaking in a geothermal lagoon or exploring black-sand beaches, Reykjavík offers an unforgettable city-and-nature combo just a short flight from the UK.
6. Belgrade, Serbia
A city on the rise with a warm welcome
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Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, the biggest city in the Balkans, greets you with a warmth best enjoyed over a glass or two of rakija. Start your visit at the impressive hilltop Kalemegdan Fortress, then unwind with coffee and cake in the surrounding park, watching locals soak up the early evening sun.
The compact Old Town, with many pedestrian-only streets, is perfect for a leisurely stroll, while Ada Ciganlija’s man-made beach offers a relaxing spot by the river, complete with restaurants and bars. By day, Belgrade charms with its riverside calm; by night, it transforms into a vibrant party capital, buzzing with underground bars, open-air cafés, and lively nightclubs.
Belgrade is a city very much on the up, full of energy and ready to welcome you.
7. Gothenburg, Sweden
Scandinavia’s sustainable harbour city
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Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city and busiest harbour, sits on the stunning southwest coast, offering the perfect mix of vibrant city life and wild nature just beyond its doorstep. Known for its cheerful, relaxed atmosphere, the city boasts a thriving food and craft beer scene, including several Michelin-starred restaurants.
Cafés, bars, and clubs—often filled with the city’s large student population—line its pleasant streets and boulevards, making for lively days and nights. Gothenburg is packed with fascinating museums, historical sites, galleries, and even Scandinavia’s largest amusement park, ensuring plenty to see and do.
A leader in sustainability, it was named European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2020 and Lonely Planet’s Best Sustainable City Stay in 2021, with nearly all public transport running on renewable energy and most hotels eco-certified. Whether you’re after an exciting city break or an outdoor adventure, Gothenburg delivers with style and conscience.
