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

Loews Regency New York

4.6

Excellent

New York, United States
  • 20 Nov 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Heathrow

Prices from

£1,708 pp

Vincci Selección Posada del Patio

4.7

Excellent

Malaga, Costa Del Sol, Spain
  • 10 Aug 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£2,285 pp

Sallés Hotel Málaga Centro

4.3

Excellent

Malaga, Costa Del Sol, Spain
  • 10 Aug 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£689 pp

Arthouse Hotel New York City

4.2

Very Good

New York, United States
  • 4 Dec 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Heathrow

Prices from

£1,199 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Our top 3 city breaks this winter

Prague

Think of the big cities in Europe and you’ll probably think of the classics; London, Paris and Rome (to name but a few). All are beautiful cities with bold architecture and a history that would take years to study, yet there are few capitals which can rival the greats of Europe until you mention Prague.

Amsterdam

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

Budapest

A city of two halves, Budapest has a rich history just waiting to be explored. Wander around the castle walls or along the banks of the Danube and end the day with a relaxing dip in one of the many thermal pools in this city.

Last-minute European city break deals

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Park Centraal Amsterdam

4.4

Excellent

Amsterdam, Amsterdam Area, Netherlands
  • 18 Feb 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£603 pp

Kolbe Hotel Rome

4.6

Excellent

Rome, Rome Area, Italy
  • 13 Feb 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Gatwick

Prices from

£1,237 pp

WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam

4.5

Excellent

Amsterdam, Amsterdam Area, Netherlands
  • 18 Feb 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£474 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Short breaks abroad

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Park Centraal Amsterdam

4.4

Excellent

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

Prices from

£439 pp

WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam

4.5

Excellent

Amsterdam, Amsterdam Area, Netherlands
  • 18 Feb 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£474 pp

Corendon Amsterdam New-West, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4.3

Excellent

Amsterdam, Amsterdam Area, Netherlands
  • 18 Feb 2026
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£482 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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