Europe: the best city break for a cultural holiday

You want to travel but you only have a weekend for you? Discover our 12 best city break for a culture holiday!

Would you like to evade the day-to-day time of a weekend? Some of the most fascinating cities in Europe are only a few hours away from the hexagon by plane. Capitals or vibrant cultural cities, you will have so much to see that you will not be bored!

To help you in your adventures, we listed for you 12 of the best city breaks for a cultural stay . All you have to do is prepare your luggage!

1. Edinburgh (Scotland)

Edinburgh, Edinburgh... There is so much to say about this city too often forgotten! We're going to try to make a brief. First of all, it is certainly the most beautiful city in Scotland with its magnificent medieval city and its more modern neighbourhoods around. This mix of narrow alleys, arches and incredible buildings is obviously classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to surveying the Old Town, do not miss discovering the Castle , the Cathedral of Saint-Gilles and some of the museums of the city like Camera Obscura and World of Illusions . Also enjoy your stay to taste Scottish whiskies or to participate in the many local festivals!

2. Budapest (Hungary)

Known for reasons the pearl of the Danube, Budapest is certainly one of the best city breaks for a cultural holiday! The beautiful Hungarian capital is indeed rich in culture and history. You can discover a multitude of incredible sites, such as the Budavár Palace, thermes Széchenyi or the famous Hungarian parliament.

Designated recently best destination in Europe 2019 by a tourist organization, the beautiful Budapest can only leave you an unforgettable memory!

3. Krakow (Poland)

Krakow is a focus of the history of Central Europe and the ancient Polish traditions! A former capital of the country, this city was the cultural, scientific and traditional centre for a long time. You will discover an exceptional heritage, like the majestic Château du Wawel or the sublime buildings of the Place du Marché.

The city is also a place of memory. For before the Second World War, one third of the population of Krakow was Jewish. Today, many efforts are being made to preserve the Jewish heritage of the city, like the Kazimierz neighbourhood. In addition to these historic frescoes, don't miss out on the exceptional culinary traditions and the sweet festive atmosphere of Krakow.

4. Berlin (Germany)

Berlin is a modern, historical and surprising capital! We do not come to the German capital to chain monuments, but more to immerse ourselves in its particular atmosphere. Marked by its tragic history, Berlin is a city with disorderly architecture, where the strongest contrasts face, in a joyous mix. It comes for its clubs and bars that never close, or for its cultural and artistic exhibitions.

Among the essentials to visit, we obviously count the Berlin wall and Brandenburg Gate , but also the Kreuzberg district or the Pergame Museum, among others.

5. Prague (Czech Republic)

It is impossible to talk about the best city break for a cultural holiday without evokeing Prague. The Bohemian city is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world! It was before and after the glorious reign of Charles IV, one of the major cultural and economic poles of Europe. You will discover the many jewels of the Czech heritage, such as the magnificent Prague Castle or Charles Bridge.

Don’t miss surveying its delicious cafés, relaxing in its beautiful parks or losing you along Vltava quay ! You will definitely not be bored during your stay of a weekend in Prague.

6. London (United Kingdom)

For a cultural stay of a few days, London is obviously a destination not to be missed! Cosmopolite, lively and dynamic, the English capital does not lack activities or places to discover. Among them, we obviously count the Tower of London , Big Ben, the London Bridge, British Museum , the Tate Modern or the Camden Market.

In addition to numerous monuments and museums, you can also attend the guard's rotation, make the balances or simply celebrate. London's cultural wealth has made it its world fame!

7. Lisbon (Portugal)

Lisbon obviously stands among the best city breaks for a cultural holiday. The Portuguese capital has all the assets to seduce travellers. From its sweetness of living, to its lively and typical streets, to its colorful buildings and culinary specialties, Lisbon can only be a must for a weekend!

On site you can visit the Tour de Belém , the impressive Hieronymous monastery or Château Saint-Georges and his miradors. Whether you’re an amateur of history, a cheerful party or a long walk, you can only enjoy Lisbon!

8. Brussels (Belgium)

Modern, beautiful and cosmopolitan, we can only recommend this destination for your cultural stay. First, the Belgian capital has the ideal size for a city break in Europe. You can admire the Royal Palace, the Grand Place or the famous Manneken-Pis.

Then, the beautiful Brussels is full of exciting cultural activities: visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, discovering the Parlamentarium, a free museum dedicated to the European Union, or pursuit of the BD Course! Finally, you can combine the visit of Brussels to that of Bruges . This beautiful medieval city is distinguished by its canals, paved streets and ancient buildings!

9. Sofia " Plovdiv (Bulgaria)

Often crowded by tourists, who prefer coastal cities or ski resorts, Sofia is a pleasant, modern and dynamic city. On site, you can discover the fantastic Alexander-Nevski Cathedral, the largest of the Orthodox cathedrals in the world, or the oldest mosque in Europe, the Bania Bachi Mosque. During your stay you can also experience Bulgarian gastronomy, admire the ancient vestiges of the city or discover its many museums. Overlooking the city, Vitosha Mountain can also be visited. This natural park is home to a rich flora and fauna!

To complete your short stay in Bulgaria, you can also join Plovdiv, elected European Capital of Culture 2019. This city is one of the oldest cities in the world! It is full of sites and vestiges to visit. You will discover more than 6,000 years of history: thrace, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman have succeeded. Together, Sofia and Plovdiv certainly form one of the best city breaks for a cultural stay.

10. Hamburg (Germany)

Perfect destination for a weekend, Hamburg is also one of the best city breaks for a cultural stay. Less known than Berlin or Munich, the second city of Germany stands majesticly at the mouth of the Elbe, north of the country.

Founded by Charlemagne, the city has been a major economic centre since. Inspiring the third most important of Europe today, it has many wonders from its exciting history. You can admire the grandiose churches, an atypical architecture and above all, walk along its two thousand three hundred canals, much more than in Venice or Amsterdam! Its port is also worth a visit, especially for its warehouse district, the Speicherstadt.

11. Madrid (Spain)

Madrid is a must in Europe! Overflowing with energy, the capital of Spain obviously houses many sublime monuments and exciting museums. You can visit the famous Prado Museum , discover the Palacio Real , the official residence of the King of Spain, and its sumptuous gardens, or explore the alleys around the Plaza Mayor.

You will have understood, Madrid can only be among the best city breaks for a cultural stay. If you are thirsty for tapas, good mood and animation, don’t miss visiting it!

12. St. Petersburg (Russia)

Founded from nothing by Emperor Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg is the second city of Russia. Once the imperial capital, it now has an incredible and amazing heritage. Among the must-sees to visit are the famous Hermitage Museum, but also the sublime Saint-Sauveur-sur-le-Sang-Versé Cathedral or the magnificent Winter Palaces and Peterhof Palace .

These three attractions are just the top of the iceberg. The city is home to many other cultural wonders! His visit will gently introduce you to the Russian atmosphere and its particularities. The well-known Venice of the North, for its many canals and bridges, can only seduce you.