A bridge over a canal in Amsterdam downtown on a bright summer's day

City breaks

City breaks are all about escaping the stresses of daily life for a couple of days and swapping all of this to explore the local culture.

Many travellers venture on city breaks to enjoy a short but sweet holiday. After all, city breaks work around your schedule; giving you a taste of the location you’ve waited so long to visit.

Want to relax for a few days, explore a bustling city jam-packed with tourist attractions and enjoy a spot of shopping? Or, are you looking to get the best of both worlds with a city break by the beach? Well, we can find the perfect destination for you!

Cheap city break deals

Vincci Selección Posada del Patio

4.7

Excellent

Malaga, Costa Del Sol, Spain
  • 5 May 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,212 pp

Hotel Romanico Palace & Spa

4

Very Good

Rome, Rome Area, Italy
  • 28 May 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£831 pp

Arlo NoMad

New York, United States
  • 19 Dec 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Self-catering
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,320 pp

Kolbe Hotel Rome

4.6

Excellent

Rome, Rome Area, Italy
  • 28 May 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Half board
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,482 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Our top 3 city breaks for March

Amsterdam

There’s every reason to visit Netherlands’ quirky capital city – Amsterdam, with its impressive scenery, lively atmosphere and choice of adventure.

Paris

Whether you're looking for a romantic break with your loved one or a fun weekend with a group of friends, Paris city breaks are for you!

Porto

Steeped in history, Porto is an exciting mix of beautiful buildings, delicious food and intriguing museums, just waiting for you to discover. Just a 2-hour flight from the UK, it's a perfect option for a long weekend!

Last-minute European city break deals

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Hotel Romanico Palace & Spa

4

Very Good

Rome, Rome Area, Italy
  • 25 Mar 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£596 pp

Kolbe Hotel Rome

4.6

Excellent

Rome, Rome Area, Italy
  • 25 Mar 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Half board
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,050 pp

PURO Kraków Stare Miasto

4.7

Excellent

Krakow, Krakow Area, Poland
  • 6 Apr 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£339 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Short breaks abroad

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Room Mate Aitana

4.5

Excellent

Amsterdam, Amsterdam Area, Netherlands
  • 19 Dec 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£449 pp

As Janelas Verdes

4.8

Excellent

Lisbon, Lisbon Area, Portugal
  • 13 Jul 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£469 pp

XO Hotels Couture

4.5

Excellent

Amsterdam, Amsterdam Area, Netherlands
  • 19 Dec 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£488 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Why are city breaks popular?

City breaks are more popular now than ever before. A mini-break lets you explore different places all around the world, across a shorter period; without paying over the odds. A city break is a perfect choice for a brief escape. If you’re looking to discover the pulse of your desired city or explore the rich history and vibrant nightlife, a city break is the holiday for you. Even better, city breaks offer flexibility; you’re not waiting on scorching temperatures to ensure you have a good time, like on a sunbathing holiday. Instead, you can travel in or out of peak season and get your holiday fix!

Where to go for a cheap city break?

The best destinations for a cheap city break completely depend on your personal preferences, all of which we at icelolly.com will tailor to your holiday package. Planning a city break doesn’t mean you can’t get your sun fix for the year; there are plenty by the beach to choose from. Stroll over to Barceloneta Beach after a day of sightseeing in Barcelona. Or, enjoy the quirky Lummus Park Beach in Miami after stepping into history at the Art Deco Historic District. Meanwhile, enjoy the “city that never sleeps” in New York. Stroll down Fifth Avenue by day and embrace the magic of Broadway by night!

What are the best city breaks in Europe?

icelolly.com compares the best city breaks in Europe, from romantic Rome, scenic Prague and historical Amsterdam to bustling Barcelona. Not forgetting weekends away to the exciting cities of Lisbon, Venice and Milan. Whether you’re looking to embark on a romantic break to Paris, learn about Berlin’s intriguing history or spend a weekend away in Budapest, we have plenty of city breaks to choose from. Your city break doesn’t just have to be stretched across a weekend, either; we offer plenty of locations for you to enjoy the luxuries of a city stay, for longer. Brilliant!

How to book a city break

Select which airport you’re looking to fly from, the duration of your city break, your chosen holiday dates and whether you’re looking for a completely self-catered trip, or would prefer breakfast and dinner included in your package. Don’t worry about hold baggage; a cabin suitcase will suffice, ensuring you travel lightly on your city break. Plan the adventures you’ve always dreamed about and more importantly, budget ahead of your city break. This way, you know you’re not returning home to any unforeseen surprises in your bank account and have organised to squeeze in every sight possible during your time in your chosen city!

The Destination Finder

Know what you want from your holiday but don’t know where to get it? Just ask our Destination Finder! We’ll narrow it down to your perfect destinations and find the best deals to get you there!

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