3 Day City Breaks
When a long weekend welcomes itself into our schedule many of us decide it’s time to book a short city break to mainland Europe. Being just an hour away by plane, mainland Europe offers plenty of holiday options without the jetlag making it easy to nip across for a few days.
A problem that can arise with city breaks however is choosing what to do in a bustling city and fitting it all into three days. Europe’s cities aren’t short of things to do (our recent blog post on what to do in Paris clocked in at 37 suggestions) and an extra bit of planning goes a long way in ensuring your time is used wisely. Below we’ve rounded-up ten pieces of advice to help you make the most of your next city break.
1. Prioritise what’s important
Is it trying all the local food? Visiting every museum? Maybe it’s walking around and seeing all the sights you’ve only ever seen photos of. Whether the Ann Frank Museum in Amsterdam is on your bucket list or you’ve always dreamed of exploring the Colosseum in Rome, make it a priority to stop by your must-sees then fill in the blanks.
2. Buy tickets in advance
Once you’ve decided which attractions are priorities, make sure you book tickets in advance. Not only does it guarantee entry, but many advanced tickets also have queue-jumping benefits.
3. Book a hotel near the attractions you want to visit
When you begin researching places to stay, sense check all options against a map with your must-see attractions circled. It’s a common myth that hotels right beside top attractions are always pricier – if you research well enough you can find yourself a bargain. If you really can’t find a good deal within close proximity then the next piece of advice is for you.
4. Research the public transport system beforehand
Some major European cities have modern and world-renowned public transport systems. If you choose to stay out-with the main area – or the attractions you want to see are spread out – look up beforehand how the trains, buses and trams work – and see if you can purchase any advanced travel cards.
5. Get up and explore when it feels natural to you
Many travel guides would advise waking up early and using the whole day, however this is probably only appealing if you’re a type A morning person. Perhaps you’re a night owl (who’s itinerary is more restaurants and pubs rather than museums and walks in the park), or even an afternoon-person who would rather get up late and pack as much into six hours as possible. There’s no set rules, you’ll enjoy you trip more if you listen to your own body clock.
6. Choose your travel partner wisely
Some holidaymakers use a holiday to relax and take it slow, while others prefer to get up and explore absolutely everything. There’s no right or wrong approach but choosing a travel buddy who owns a similar level of holiday energy will make things easier. Alternatively, you can try the next piece of advice.
7. Consider solo travel, or split up and do your own thing
While solo travel can feel a bit daunting, it’s main benefit is that you can do exactly what you want without negotiation and don’t need to wait on anyone. If you are travelling with someone and you have conflicting to-do lists, split up for the afternoon so neither of you miss out on something you really want to see.
8. Exchange your money in advance
Make sure you visit a money exchange service to get your currency in advance. You’ll save time when you arrive at your destination, and you’ll dodge any exchange charges.
9. Research when the quieter time to go is
Not only can it be cheaper to travel during the quieter times but queues will be smaller and attractions less crowded. If you aren’t travelling with kids, book a holiday during the term time or take a few days off work rather than waiting for a long weekend.
10. Pack lightly but wisely
When you’re only on holiday for a few days, standing in the airport waiting on the luggage carousel is time that can be spent walking around a new city. Ditch the hold luggage and invest in a sturdy cabin bag and write a strict packing list. Look up the weather forecast and pack weather-appropriate clothes, narrow down your toiletries to the essentials (are you really going to need an eye serum?) and decide that your laptop can stay at home.