Top 10 City Breaks - The Best You Can Find

Tags: #Rome ,   #Paris ,   #NewYork ,   #citylife ,   #citytrip

Alex O'Brien

Alex O'Brien

Last updated:  2023-09-19 09:52:35

If you only have a weekend to travel somewhere special, try city break destinations. There you can do many different things to quickly unwind and reset, especially if you purchase city cards. These are the places to blow up some steam and enjoy your time. So here they are, our top ten best city breaks in the world!

10. Dubai, Luxury at First Hand

Burj Al Arab luxury hotel during the sunset in Dubai
Burj Al Arab is the iconic, luxury hotel

Somehow, Dubai managed to make a luxury destination in the desert. If you wish to explore the world of the rich firsthand, this is the place to be. Although it's a bit pricey, you can enjoy lots of sun there. You can go on a desert safari, ride a camel or even ski. Naturally, snow is artificial, like many other things, but you should still try it!

No expense was spared to build the most luxurious and unusual hotels and resorts, the highest buildings, or the most luxurious designer shopping malls. Moreover, if you enjoy spending money, you'll find many ways to do it here and go on a shopping spree. Yet, whatever you do, keep your car clean!

9. Istanbul - History, Shopping, and Food

Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul during the night
Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque looks glorious during the night

If you wish to visit Europe and Asia, pack your bags and visit Istanbul, Turkey. By crossing the Bosporus strait, you'll quickly move between the continents. This old city is settled on the so-called Golden Horn and includes numerous historical places. You can visit Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman sultans' 15th and 16th-century administrative headquarters and their primary residence. Also, visit the Basilica Cistern, an underground cistern from the sixth century used to catch and store rainwater. 

Alternatively, explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets. Istanbul is full of mosques, and the most attractive is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Once you are done sightseeing, check the new part of Istanbul and Taksim square. This is an urban part of the town where you can find lots of shops, clubs, bars, and restaurants with delicious traditional food.

8. Venice - Love, and Romance

A look at the Bridge of Sights in Venice from a gondola
Everyone should cross the Bridge of Sighs

Venice, Italy, is the most romantic getaway you can imagine. OK, not everyone will agree, telling you that it's overrated or overcrowded. Yet, it's worth disregarding overcrowding and other complaints you might have heard of.

This city was built on 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. There's something unique about sitting and sipping a cappuccino on St Mark's Square while relaxing. You can also enjoy the ride in the gondola while listening to a serenade. One of the must-see city breaks indeed, but don't feed the pigeons!

7. Las Vegas - Fun and Luck

The Las Vegas strip during the night
Las Vegas shines during the night

If you don't like romance and history, you might hop on a plane to Las Vegas, USA, and roll the dice. If you dislike gambling, you can have a lot of fun visiting some of the great shows hosted by many hotels or casinos.

Alternatively, you can check in at one of the luxury hotels and enjoy by the pool or relax in a spa. Either way, there are many things to blow up steam in Las Vegas - you just need to find something that suits you.

6. Rome - History and Food

Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during the evening
Castel Sant'Angelo is open for tourists every day

A city break to Rome sounds perfect! Famous Spanish steps, Di Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum should never be missed. The same goes for visiting the Vatican, its museum and St Peters square within the St Peter's Cathedral. Explore the city and its fountains, churches, historical buildings, aqueducts, palaces, and monuments. Indeed, this puts it among the best city breaks in the world!

Visit Galleria Borghese, Castel Sant'Angelo, Roman Forum, and the Catacombs. If this isn't enough, let's mention pizza, spaghetti, gnocchi, and wine. Still need more? Then let's say luxury brands like Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace. 

5. Paris - Romance, Love, and History

Eiffel Tower in Paris
Eiffel Tower dominates over Paris

The City of Lights! One of the first things when you think of Paris, France, is romance. You can explore many museums, and a must-see is, of course, The Louvre. Go to the Il the Cite and take a closer look at the Notre Dame cathedral.

The magnificent view of the city is worth climbing the Eiffel Tower. You could also watch a cabaret show at The Moulin Rouge. In the evening, the perfect idea is a boat ride on the Seine. Alternatively, shop till you drop!

4. Berlin - The History, Clubs, and Beer

Illuminated Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany
Brandenburg Gate is one of the symbols of Berlin, Germany

If you like to combine sightseeing with vibrant nightlife, you are in the right place! Berlin, Germany, has a famously turbulent past and a lot of famous locations. You can relax in one of many parks and visit many historical places and museums with some of the best archeological finds in Europe.

Visit Checkpoint Charlie, Charlottenburg Palace, or the Berlin wall remains. Have fun visiting some of the clubs in the evening, as there is a buzzing nightlife scene. Beer is also excellent, making Berlin among the best city breaks!

3. Prague - The History, Food, and Beer

Hradcany Castle in Prague in the evening
Hradcany Castle is an important part of Prague history

Prague is a wonderfully preserved old town with a rich history. Visit Old Square and the astronomical clock, the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working. Also, cross the pedestrian Charles Bridge, an old and fascinating structure from the 14th century.

Visit Prague Castle, one of the world's largest ancient castles, built in the 9th century, or check out Kafka's museum. And when you get tired, don't worry, as this is where you won't be hungry or thirsty. You can try local food in restaurants, bars, pubs, or microbreweries across the city. And by the way, the beer is excellent!

2. Madrid - Fun, Food, and Clubs

Illuminated Cybele Palace in Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid
Cybele Palace dominates Plaza de Cibeles

Madrid, Spain, has a soul and a unique vibe, putting it among the best city breaks. It's siesta all the time in Madrid! There is no such rush that you can't sit and order a few tapas and Cerveza (beer)! Or you can visit the Prado Museum or Reina Sofia Museum with their extraordinary exhibitions.

Alternatively, enjoy nature in a great Retiro park, or watch all the fuss in the most vibrant square in the city - Puerta Del Sol. If that's your cup of tea, find a small cozy restaurant and enjoy great paella and a glass of wine.

1. New York City - The City That Never Sleeps

Skycrapers in New York during the night
Skyscrapers of the New York City look beautiful during the night

New York, New York! Stroll among luxurious shops on 5th and Madison Avenue, and then eat something delicious! Soak up the sun in Central Park or sit and observe the crowd in Times Square. Watch the show on Broadway. Take the best view of the city from the Empire State Building.

Visit some of the world's best-known museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Met, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History. Cross over the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn. Alternatively, hop on a ferry and visit Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. Possibilities in New York are endless, making it the best choice among city breaks!

We didn't mention all the places worth visiting on our top ten list, as we wanted you to discover something yourself! And one more piece of advice: try churros in Madrid, baklava in Istanbul, tiramisu in Rome, zaletti in Venice, käsekuchen in Berlin, valašský frgál in Prague, luqaimat in Dubai, Macarons in Paris, bagels in New York, 24-Layer Chocolate Cake at Strip House in Las Vegas. Bon Appétit!  

Do you have a favorite city break? We'd like to hear about it, so please write it in the comment section.

Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney


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Zolt Says:

I was only in Paris and Prague, but Prague would also be higher on my list. Both are beautiful though, although Paris is less safe and more expensive.

August 11 at 09:16:52 AM

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