We know that keen travellers are starting to get itchy feet. Hampered by travel restrictions, lockdown, and the risk of coronavirus, your plans have had to go on hold. Banish the blues of cancelled holidays by looking forward and planning a city break for when travel is possible. We’ve identified the European cities that you should consider for a post-lockdown getaway.
1. London
If you’re a UK citizen in lockdown, then London is likely to be the first European capital you’ll be able to travel to, so it makes our top spot. However, it’s not just for that reason we’re suggesting it. London is a fantastic destination for a city break. Bursting with world-class attractions and museums, from the London Eye to the Natural History Museum, it’s also world-renowned for theatre, dining, night life and more.
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However, if you’re feeling a little wary still then London is also surprisingly green and awash with open spaces. Indeed, 18% of London is green space, and there are around 3000 parks! Famous ones worth making it onto the itinerary of your London city break include Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Don’t forget to book your London serviced apartment.
2. Paris
With the airline industry hit hard by the global pandemic, no one is quite sure how tourist flights will bounce back. Instead, opt for a city break that can be arrived at by train. The Eurostar takes you directly from London to Paris. Wander along the Seine, climb the Eiffel Tower, marvel at the Mona Lisa, or simply sit at a Parisian café with coffee and a croissant. Paris is easy to reach for a weekend making it ideal for a city break.
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3. Venice
If you’ve felt inspired since seeing how the coronavirus quarantine led to cleaner canals in Venice, then take to a gondola and plan to experience this watery city’s canals for yourself. Venice is a simply incredible city to visit, with the impressive St Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, and its masquerade atmosphere. Just make sure you cool down with some gelato when it gets too hot! What’s great about Venice is that you can still enjoy the traffic-free city streets you learned to love in lockdown!
4. Florence
Italy has been hit notoriously hard by coronavirus. As such, as its tourism industry gets going again, you can likely expect some good deals on city breaks. The perfect size for a 3-4 day city break is Florence. Famous the world over for its outstanding art, here you can find Michelangelo’s David, works by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, and that’s just in the Uffizi Gallery. Plan a city break to Florence to enjoy history, art and classical music.
5. Barcelona
Barcelona has long appealed for a city break because you can spend the day exploring the city’s crazy architecture, which ranges from the Gothic to the bizarre, and then head to one of the many beaches for a sundowner.
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Barcelona is also increasingly becoming known as a gastronomic highlight on the European map, with a clutch of Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as an immeasurable number of low-key but fantastic tapas bars.
6. Amsterdam
Whether you fly or go by train or boat, Amsterdam is easy to reach from London. A relatively small city, Amsterdam is brilliant for a city break. Either wander the pavements by foot, or hire a classically Dutch bike, and make plans to explore this capital. Highlights to put on your post-coronavirus itinerary should include Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Of course, there’s also the Amsterdam nightlife to help you celebrate being able to travel again.
7. Dublin
A hop, skip and a jump away is Dublin, perfect for a super-quick post-coronavirus getaway. Here is where you come for some great craic to banish the lockdown gloom, as well as a chance to enjoy the pub scene once again. If Guinness isn’t your thing, then Dublin has plenty more to offer. The city itself is beautiful to amble around with its Georgian architecture, and there are a range of historic sites to explore including Dublin Castle.
8. Krakow
Krakow, once known only for stag weekends, needs to be a contender for your post-lockdown travel planning. Few European cities can rival this Polish city for its stunning architecture. You’ll want to spend a good few hours simply sitting in a café overlooking the Square, watching the world go by and absorbing the atmosphere. Within reach you can also make a trip to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Auschwitz-Birkenau. If nothing else, a trip here will soberly put 2020 into some perspective.
9. Rome
You can’t argue with Rome as a wonderful destination for a city break. Whether your plans will include a trip to the arena of the gladiators at the Colosseum, or St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, or hushed wonder at Michelangelo’s painting in the Sistine Chapel, it’s a glorious place to visit.
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Rome also offers outstanding shopping opportunities, so if your post-lockdown wardrobe is in need of attention, then here’s the place to pick out some new pieces.
10. Edinburgh
Another city on UK soil which makes for an ideal weekend break is Edinburgh. Without needing to take a flight, you can explore the Royal Mile, take a hike up Arthur’s Seat, enjoy the views from Edinburgh Castle, or immerse yourself in plenty of Harry Potter opportunities. There are lots of things to explore in Edinburgh and you’re almost certain to be able to enjoy some uniquely Scottish experiences from Highland pipers in the street, to the chance to try out haggis in a local restaurant, or Scottish salmon if you prefer!
Get excited and get planning!
We know that it’s tough not being able to travel right now, but a great deal of the fun is in the anticipation. Make the most of now to plan your perfect European city break so that, as soon as you can, you know exactly what you want to do. Use our live chat to book an apartment, or search luxury apartments here.
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