Amazing City Breaks Around The World To Add To Your Bucketlist

Fun fact: I wrote this blog post about city breaks back in March 2020 and then the world set on fire and it didn’t feel ~quite~ like the time to promote holidays, y’know? So I’ve had it squirrelled away in my Drafts for some time now. Well, I decided to share it with you because I do think it’s a great summary of wonderful city breaks I’ve been on, but please do check travel advice before you go booking things. I want us all to be safe, gang.

Amazing City Breaks Around The World To Add To Your Bucketlist

I’m been having a bit of a stand-back-and-look-at-my-blog kind of vibe lately. And what I’ve realised is that over the last 8 years (now 9!) of writing this blog o’ mine, my style of travel has really evolved. I mean, sure, I started this blog off by writing about backpacking and long-term travel and my favourite hostels, because that’s what I was doing at the time. But over the last 5 years or so, my style of travelling has definitely geared more towards city breaks.

City Breaks just fit in with my lifestyle a bit more. When you have a full time job and you’re trying to make your 24 days of annual leave stretch into as many trips as possible, city breaks are your best friend.

And now that I’m a mum and do the whole ~family travel~ thing, a city break offers a few days away with lots of different options of things to do with my young fam.

So, I decided to put together a little bit of a City Break index for you in the form of this post. I’ve listed out all of the city breaks I’ve been on that I really rate and think you should check out. I have omitted a few that I thought were shit. I’m looking at you, Pisa. But hopefully this will inspire your next long weekender. (Please do let me know if I’ve inspired any of your travels, I really do get a kick out of it, lads.)

The Best City Breaks Around The World

City Breaks in Europe

London

I’m starting closer to home with London town! Ok I’m biased because I grew up there, but I really think London is a fab city break weekender. It is on the pricier side compared to other European destinations, but it’s full of iconic landmarks, cool things to do and a melting pot of incredible food. From Covent Garden to Shoreditch, make sure you soak up the boutiques and unique bars!

If you’re looking for something a bit quirky to do in London, how about afternoon tea on a London bus? Or a butchery masterclass? Or a Drag Bingo Bottomless Brunch?!

Manchester

Most people that visit the UK from other countries, stick to London. But there’s a lot to be said for venturing up north to Manchester. It’s less about iconic landmarks and more about decent nightlife, live music and boutique shopping.

Head to the Northern Quarter for awesome vintage shops like COW, Pop Boutique, Blue Rinse and Afflecks. If you’re looking for something different, how about axe-throwing?! Oh and I totally recommend Ibis Styles Manchester for a budget hotel with a bit more going on.

Belfast

I’d never actually thought of venturing to Belfast for a city break until I went on a press trip to Northern Ireland for a Game Of Thrones Tour (it was pretty epic). We got a day to explore Belfast at the end of it and it turns out this is a pretty cool city!

There’s the Titanic museum and lots of street art and awesome pubs and bars. It’s a real treat. Oh and I massively recommend staying at House Belfast, if only for the Instagrammable decor.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the kind of city break that appeals to people that don’t like cities. In the centre you’ll find places like Dean Village and Arthur’s Seat which are a Scottish countryside dream! Of course there’s also the castle and The Royal Mile and multiple Harry Potter-based attractions. So there’s lots to do here (check out Camera Obscura for a bit of fun).

But my absolute favourite thing to do in Edinburgh is EAT. This is a foodie city for sure. You won’t go hungry. Check out a full list of my favourite places to eat in Edinburgh over here.

Barcelona

Barcelona is actually one of the cities I’ve visited the most. From a school trip as a teenager, to my first ever press trip, to a romantic getaway with Josh. I feel like I’ve seen all the different sides of this city, and they’re all gorge.

There are lots of things to do in Barcelona like wandering the iconic Sagrada Familia (go inside for the most amazing colours), visiting Park Guell with its beautiful tiles, and taking a tour of the city by bicycle. For football fans there’s Nou Camp Stadium, or for something a bit different head to the Carmel Bunkers for crazy-good views! Oh and obvs you need to grab some tapas and a glass of cava.

Stay at Casa Gracia if you can, it’s a very art deco hotel that used to be a bank. And they have incredible food there too.

Seville

Talking of Spain, I also recommend city breaks to beautiful Seville. We took our daughter to the Spanish city for her first ever holiday and it was such a great shout.

Seville has a great vibe and incredible food once again (isn’t tapas just awesome?). Wander around Plaza De Espana, take in the lush orange trees lining the streets and head up the Metropol Parasol for sunset views.

This is a really underrated city, folks. Oh and super family-friendly FYI.

Lisbon

Ok this is a bit of a cop-out as I’ve only ever visited Lisbon for work and haven’t really written about the Portuguese city on my the blog. But I just got such good vibes that I thought it was worth mentioning. I need to go back to visit colourful Sintra, ride the tram and go to rooftop bars.

Berlin

Berlin always feels like a grittier European city break. Maybe it’s the sad history or its penchant for street art, but it just feels like a moodier and more creative kinda city. There are lots of landmarks and things to do, but I particularly like doing the hipster things like going to cool coffee shops and checking out the flea market.

Oh and if you ever get the chance, check out Lollapalooza Festival, it’s awesome!

Copenhagen

City breaks to Copenhagen are like getting a big hug. Cosy hygge vibes from the coffee shops and pubs, scandi boutiques and the colourful Nyhavn to brighten up your insta feed. It’s just a lovely place. Tivoli Gardens are also a big attraction, although beware they’re closed for portions of the year (unfortunately that was when I visited!).

Oh and don’t worry if you’re travelling on a shoestring – I have a guide to budgeting in Copenhagen.

Helsinki

Another trip to Scandinavia, Helsinki is a chilled city break with an outdoorsy vibe. Head to Regatta cafe for a slice of cake overlooking the water or get a ferry ride around the islands on the coast. Oh and get a sauna at the infamous Loyly!

Although it has a pricey reputation, there are some cheap eats you can scout out, and stay at The Yard if you’re on a budget. Helsinki is also great for combining with a trip to Tallinn as you can get the ferry in between both cities. Got to love two-for-one city breaks!

Tallinn

Speaking of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia is SUCH an underrated city break destination. It has two very distinct sides. The Old Town is full of fairytale architecture, beautiful churches and medieval resaurants. Then Kalamaja is hipster paradise with boutique shopping, cool bars, street art and warehouse restaurants (shout-out to F-Hoone).

Riga

Riga can be a bit lads, lads, lads due to its cheap beer and underground bars, but it’s also a really pretty city worth exploring. Have a wander to take in the colourful architecture and check out Parunasim Cafe for a coffee in a courtyard surrounded by fairy lights.

Check out my 24 hours in Riga guide if you’re short on time, or why not combine with a trip to Tallin AND Helsinki in this 1 week itinerary?!

Ljubljana

I left my heart in Ljubljana. Actually, Slovenia in general is just a dream.

Ljubljana offers so much with beautiful buildings, a big castle to explore, food just as good as neighbouring Italy, and even an alternative scene at Metelkova. If you’re looking for something a bit different, why not go on a food tour of the city? Or take a day trip to STUNNING Lake Bled?

Florence

Moving on to Italy, my favourite city is definitely Florence. If you’re picturing Italy, chances are it’s what Florence looks like – cobblestone roads, renaissance statues, huge domes and gelato at every corner. It’s a great shout if you’re into art or sculptures, with lots of famous museums and galleries. Oh and obviously the food is amazing (check out Osteria Vecchio for some A+ bruschetta). There’s also italian gardens and lots of landmarks to see. If you’re on a budget, check out PLUS Florence, which is a kind of fancy hostel.

Oh and this is a great base if you want to visit Cinque Terre, AKA my favourite place in the world. It’s not on this list because it’s not a city but you could definitely combine it with a trip to Florence, lads.

Genoa

Aaaand not far away is Genoa. A total gem of a city that you never hear people talking about. Sure it’s a little rough around the edges with it’s maze of alleyways, but it’s definitely a diamond in the rough. There’s the marina with lots of cool activities for families, the ornate mansions to explore on Via Garibaldi, cute plazas full of tiny restaurants and views for days from Spianata di Castelletto.

But the best thing to do on a city break to Genoa is EAT PESTO. It’s insanely good. Check out Cavour 21 Trattoria where their pesto is the besto.

Oh and why not combine a trip to Genoa with Florence and Cinque Terre in this 1 week itinerary of Italy?

Rome

For a city break to Rome, get ready to put in a lot of steps, because there’s a LOT to see. Sure there’s the obvious, like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Spanish Steps, but there are also incredible restaurants and amazing nightlife. I didn’t fall in love with Rome on my first visit as I visited in the height of summer when it was busy and hot. But on my second visit (February) I loved it, so I’d definitely recommend going off-season.

If you’re on a budget, check out The Rome Hello for cheap and cheerful accomodation. And if you’re looking for something different, try the Big City Life Street Art Tour.

Amsterdam

I think Amsterdam gets a bad rap. Sometimes it’s seen as a stag do / drug scene kind of destination, but there’s so much more to it than that. I mean sure, the nightlife is good, but it is also a beautiful city in its own right. It has lovely canals and bikes and cool bars and restaurants. The Heineken Experience is a fun day out and you can take a nice boat ride with your pals. Oh and don’t forget to try local delicacies like poffertjes (mini pancakes) – so good!

Prague

Speaking of stags and hens – Prague is a big one for the party scene. What can I say, the beer is cheap and so are the flights. But there’s more to Prague of course. The architecture, the history and the street art to name a few! My fave thing to do though is to grab a trdelnik (delicious chimney cakes filled with nutella) and explore Petřín Hill Park, where you can get gorge views of the city.

Why not combine a trip to Prague with Berlin and Wroclaw using this 1 week itinerary?

Reykjavik

Eeeeee Iceland is up there as one of my favourite countries and no trip is complete without exploring Reykjavik. Sure the allure of Iceland is the nature and the mountains and the waterfalls and the geysers, but Reykjavik has a lot going for it too. I found it to be full to the brim with independant eats, vintage shops and cosy coffee shops. It’s a hipster dream. But of course, it’s a great base for taking day trips to explore the Golden Circle, go Horse Riding or visit the Blue Lagoon.

If you’re on a budget, stay at KEX (a very cool budget hotel/hostel) and check out these tips for budgeting whilst you’re there.

Wroclaw

One of the city breaks I was most surprised about was Wroclow, Poland. I went there to check out their epic Christmas Market (which is awesome by the way) but was so impressed by the city itself and how much it has to offer. The main square is so colourful and beautiful, including an ornate town hall and St Elizabeth’s church for pretty views. But the best part? THE FOOD. Both the brunch options and the range of dinner options were top knotch – all of it was delicious and affordable! Would deffo recommend a visit.

City Breaks in the USA

New York

Ahhh NYC. The ultimate city break. Although I will say there’s way too much to see and do in one visit, hence why I keep going back! It’s a great place to spend 4 or 5 days, taking in the sights and pretending you’re in every film you’ve ever seen. My favourite thing to do though is hang out in Brooklyn, go for brunch, eat everything you see and watch the sunset from rooftop bars. Dreamy.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a very cool city to visit. It’s quirky and bohemian with the best vintage shopping at Haight-Ashbury, charming cable cars and the pretty Painted Ladies at Alamo Square. Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Alcatraz and head for dinner at Chinatown for an all-round exceptional city break.

If you’re thinking of doing a big road trip across California, check out this Cali itinerary to pack lots into a two week holiday,

Los Angeles

I’m in two minds about LA. It’s nothing like I thought it would be and when I visited I found it a little disappointing. But actually there’s a lot to see and do so it’s worth a visit, especially as part of a larger California trip. Visit Hollywood for the obligatory glimpse of the Walk of Fame or a tacky tour of celeb houses in the area. There’s also lots of theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios (LOVED that one). But I think the appeal of LA is Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Total The OC vibes.

Memphis

Memphis is awesome. Insane BBQ food? Check. Cool brunch spots? Check. Colourful street art? Check. Amazing music scene? Check. The home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland as well as where he first recorded music at Sun Studio? CHECK CHECK CHECK. If you like music and you like food, Memphis is the place for you. I went as part of my Deep South Trek America trip and thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent in Memphis.

New Orleans

I knew I would like New Orleans but I hadn’t realised quite how much. There’s a big party scene here but not as you know it. There are brass bands playing in bars, hurricane cocktails, parades down the streets, revellers spilling out of bars, absinthe for god’s sake. It’s amazing.

But more than that there are swamp tours where you can spot real-life ‘gators, awesome cajun food, witchy/spiritual stuff going on, and of course, Mardi Gras. Ugh, take me back.

Nashville

One more city break for the Deep South! And it’s iconic Nashville. This is going to sound a bit wanky but Nashville feels more like an experience than a list of landmarks to go visit. Of course there’s the Country Music Hall of Fame if that’s your thing, but the appeal for me is awesome live music in bars and delicious Southern fried chicken. If you’re on a budget, check out their Downtown Hostel, it’s a good one.

City Breaks in Australia

Sydney

I lived in Sydney at one point so it’s hard to put all that this city break offers into a paragraph! I guess the beauty of Sydney is that it has a cosmopolitan city, scattered with landmarks, nearby to beautiful beaches as well as the gorgeous Blue Mountains. But there’s also a great food scene (cheese fiends, head to Buffalo Dining Club), the spectacular harbour and lots of cool neighbourhoods to explore. Although the Coogee to Bondi walk is my absolute fave thing to do in this A+ city.

Melbourne

People say you’re either a Sydney person or a Melbourne person, but I honestly love both. Melbourne feels cool. It has quirky bars, independent restaurants and lots of colourful street art. Its beach town, St Kilda, feels quite kitsch and laid back, plus is home to the retro theme park, Luna Park. Melbourne is also a great base for exploring the Great Ocean Road, one of the best tourist sights in Australia (it’s worth the drive).

Top tip: head to Shanghai Dragon Dumpling House for the best dumplings you’ve ever had.

Adelaide

I never really intended to visit Adelaide. It felt like it didn’t really have much going on compared to Sydney or Melbourne, y’know? But I ended up visiting in 2016 for a friend’s wedding and actually had a quite nice time. It’s definitely more chilled out and has suburban vibes, but you’re a stone’s throw from decent wine country and I would recommend touring the Barossa Valley. It also has lovely brunch and nice people.

Tag onto a trip to Melbourne by driving between both cities via the Great Ocean Road!

Brisbane

I used to live in Brisbane so I got to explore more of the city than I probably would have on a city break. And it has a lot going for it, especially in terms of art and culture (definitely have a wander around South Bank, it’s lovely). It also has a man-made beach in the middle of the city, botanical gardens and some fun nightlife.

But I think it’s main appeal is it’s location. You can visit the Gold Coast and take days trips to Australia Zoo or the Koala Sanctuary. Plus you’re in Queensland so there are a ton of outdoorsy things you can get involved in, like hiking and rock-climbing.

City Breaks in Asia

Bangkok

The hub of Southeast Asia, I’ve visited Bangkok more than any other Asian city. And it really has a lot to offer. For the full backpacker experience, head to Khao San Road for authentic Pad Thai, Chang beers in tucked away bars and all sorts of eccentric items for sale at the market. But you can also have a culture-filled escape with the floating market, beautiful temples and the Grand Palace.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has a lot to offer in terms of history and culture, steeped in modern history surrounding the Vietnam War. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a great day trip to learn about this, or the War Remnants Museum will really open your eyes to what went down in the war. Head to Pham Ngu Lao Street for a good night out, and don’t forget to try a big warming bowl of Pho.

There a lot of seemingly random buildings included in day tours of HCMC so I won’t list them out as they sound weird without context (for example, there’s a Post Office that’s a big deal in town). But a couple I liked were the colourful Phoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda and beautiful Cha Tam Church.

If you’re staying a while, make sure you include a trip to the Mekong Delta. There’s nowhere else like it.

Hong Kong

I haven’t written much about Hong Kong on this blog as it was a few years pre-Heels In My Backpack. But I really recommend it. The cliche saying is that it’s combination of East meets West, and that’s really the best way to describe it. On Kowloon it’s all temples and markets and tiny cafes and proper culture shock. Then over the water on a ferry and Hong Kong Island is glitz and glam and shiny skycrapers.

Number 1 thing to do is head up Victoria’s Peak for the most insane views of the city. But there’s also the 10,000 Buddhas monastery (you can guess why it’s called that right?), check out the Big Buddha, eat all the street food and take the longest escalator in the world. Don’t forget to party in Lan Kwai Fong, it’s an A+ night out.

Singapore

Singapore is a funny one. I’ve been twice and I’m still not exactly sold on the place. Not because it’s not awesome, it is. It’s just not very me. But it’s a cool city break regardless so I felt it warranted a spot on this list. I mean the supertrees at the Garden By The Bay are reason alone to check out Singapore. But it also has an epic zoo that does night tours so you can see the nocturnal animals, as well as the city skyline of dreams. Make sure you try a Singapore Sling (doesn’t have to be at Raffles, folks) and check out the insane shopping malls.

Oh and if you’re looking to stay somewhere cheap that’s also a bit different, I recommend a night at Met A Space Hostel!

Luang Prabang

When I backpacked Southeast Asia back in the day, Luang Prabang was one of my favourite visits. The northern Laos gem is just so chill and laid back. I mean it’s not really a city. “Laos time” is very much a thing here, so everything is slow. But in a good way. Here you’ll find gorgeous temples (Wat Xieng Thong is a stunner), wonderful night markets and lovely little restaurants. You can take the slow boat ride down the Mekong river to see the local villages and intricate cave formations. And best of all, visit Kuang Si Falls for the most gorgeous turquoise blue waterfalls. Honestly, they’re amazing. And there’s even a little bear sanctuary there.

Siem Reap

I considered not including Siem Reap in this list as really, you only visit Siem Reap to go to Angkor Wat. But Angkor Wat is worth it. There are various ways to explore the temples but I loved cycling between them. It’s not just Angkor Wat, there are loads of different monuments; I recommend Ta Prohm and Bayon. Also check out Pub Street for a decent night out in Siem Reap.

City Breaks in Africa

Marrakesh

I still need to visit more of Africa, so I only have one African city break on this list. The treasure trove that is Marrakesh!

I visited quite a while ago so there aren’t many posts about it on this blog, but it’s a great place to visit for a bit of culture shock. You experience sounds and smells in the medina that you won’t find anywhere else, plus the shopping is awesome. Especially for homeware. You’ll also find the gorgeous Jardin Marjorelle, the YSL museum, spice souks and restaurants full of tasty tagine cuisine.