If you want a mix of adventure, food, culture, entertainment and history, there are dozens of cities in Europe which can provide all of these in great quantity. Whatever your interest, these cities are only a flight away…
Prague: historic party capital of Europe
One of several cities where the beer is, famously/infamously, even cheaper than water (although both are quite fantastically cheap), Prague in the Czech Republic offers an amazing amount for a city break on a budget. The home to Kafka for much of his life, these picturesque streets feel like somewhere you could get lost in forever, and the Charles Bridge, which began construction in 1357 and has survived an incredible array of history, seems to stretch forever – offering a perfect panorama of the Vltava River and the city.
Prague is also famous for its clubbing scene, and home to the super club Karvovy Lazne, which is open 9 – 5 every night and boasts five floors of music and DJs. Be sure to understand the public transport and know when it stops running, and have the address where you are staying and the number for a recommended local taxi company written down if you do choose to go there.
London: a slice of everything
The British capital offers some of the best dining on the planet, vibrant musical and cultural scenes, and the world-famous West End as the place to catch the latest shows. The whole city is awash with history, and the spectacle of the palaces is worth looking at to see if the queen is in. If you choose to stay somewhere like the Dorsett Hotel, City of London, you can be assured of a relaxing and comfortable stay. With the world-famous London Tube nowhere is too far away.
Do be advised that the tube does not run all night, and this is definitely one city where you do not want to have to pay for a taxi across from one side to the other. With three airports around the city, Heathrow to the west, Gatwick to the south, and London City Airport east of the centre, the city is incredibly well-connected to the international community, as befits a business and cultural hub of the world.
Dubrovnik: Sun and sand and city walls
Dubrovnik, the capital of Croatia, offers a city break with the option of Mediterranean sun, sea and sand. The old town walls can make for a nice relaxing walk on a day which is not too hot, while a great range of water sports are available along the waterfront. Tours along the coast to get a sense of the natural beauty of Croatia should also be a serious consideration.
Rome: From the coliseum to the Vatican, with plenty of food in between
Rome has been at the heart of one of the world’s most powerful empires and is now the home to the world’s largest church, so a look around all these wonders cannot be recommended strongly enough. The Roman Capitol Hill and Colosseum are huge tourist attractions, and the Vatican gives an incredible chance to see centuries of rt and faith in one place. However, if you have the chance, also consider the catacombs, one piece of gory Roman history not to be missed.
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