Nine of Europe’s best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore

SUMMER doesn’t have to mean sun loungers by the seaside.

This year, more travellers are swapping beach towels for city maps, discovering that short-haul city breaks offer their own summer magic — from floating saunas in Oslo to pierogi festivals in Krakow.

From palace tours to pedal-powered sightseeing, Copenhagen’s vintage shops and café scene make it the ultimate chic summer escapeCredit: Getty

According to experts at Travel-Supermarket, summer city breaks are on the increase.

Steph Marinkovic, its head of editorial, said: “We’re seeing a rise in interest for summer 2025 compared to the same period last year, based on relative monthly search traffic.”

Here, Sun Travel digs out the best last-minute mini-breaks in cities this summer, with top tips from Steph.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

“Copenhagen oozes Scandi cool, so pack your chicest threads for two days of cycling, cafe-hopping and palace exploration.

“Make sure to leave space in your suitcase as the city has an excellent vintage shopping scene too,” says Steph.

GO: Two nights’ B&B at the 3* Best Western Hotel Hebron is from £438pp including flights from Stansted on August 17.

See travelsupermarket.com.

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

“You can squeeze a lot out of two nights in compact Reykjavik, so once you’ve seen the city highlights (the towering Hallgrímskirkja church is a must), book on to a Golden Circle tour to tick off natural wonders such as the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall,” notes Steph.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the 3* CenterHotel Arnarhvoll for £445pp including flights from Stansted on August 30.

For details see travelsupermarket.com.

Top 5 cheapest European city breaks

DUBLIN, IRELAND

Mellows Bridge reflecting in the Liffey River, Dublin. — Just over an hour away, Dublin offers summer strolls and fantastic indoor attractions if you’re caught in a showerCredit: Getty

“With flight times of around 70 minutes, Dublin proves you don’t have to go far for a city break to remember.

“This walkable city is at its loveliest in summer, though there are plenty of fantastic indoor attractions if you get caught in a shower,” says Steph.

GO: Two nights’ B&B at the 4* Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is from £202pp including flights from Birmingham on Aug 24.

See lastminute.com.

OSLO, NORWAY

“From the Nobel Peace Center to the Munch Museum, the Norwegian capital has tons of cultural clout.

“For culture of another kind, join locals jumping into the fjord for a refreshingly icy swim.

“You can warm up again in the city’s floating saunas, which is a treat even in summer,” notes Steph.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the 4* Scandic Victoria is from £298pp including flights from Stansted on August 23. For details

see travelsupermarket.com.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Aerial view of sailboats anchored near islands. — Beat the crowds in Stockholm this August with an island escape to Sandhamn, complete with beaches, spa hotels and a new archipelago trailCredit: Getty

“Swedish schools return by mid-August, so it’s a brilliant time to visit Stockholm’s islands without the family crowds,” explains Steph.

“Sandhamn is the perfect back-to-nature pick close to the city, with sandy beaches, lush spa hotels and the recently opened Stockholm Archipelago Trail that loops around the island.”

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the 4* Downtown Camper by Scandic is from £429pp including flights from Birmingham on August 15.

See loveholidays.com.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam canal with bicycles and flowers. — Steph’s tip is to book ahead for museums such as the Anne Frank House as tickets can sell out weeks in advance

“Two days in Amsterdam won’t be enough to get under the skin of the city, but you will certainly get through many of the must-sees.

“Book ahead for museums such as the Anne Frank House as tickets can sell out weeks in advance,” advises Steph.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the 5* Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is from £358pp including flights from Liverpool on August 7.

See icelolly.com.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

Brussels street scene with a comic book mural and restaurant. — From world-class chocolate and beer to a city-wide Comic Strip Trail, Brussels packs a punch for a short summer breakCredit: Getty

“It’s impossible to be bored in the land of fries, chocolate and beer,” notes Steph.

“When you’re not scoping out the best the city has to offer, make time to follow the Comic Strip Trail, an 80-strong collection of giant comic-inspired murals.”

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the 5* Hotel Le Plaza is from £200pp including flights from Manchester on August 16.

See travelsupermarket.com.

KRAKOW, POLAND

People enjoying pierogi at an Easter festival in Krakow's main square. — Krakow’s August sizzles with the Pierogi Festival, so get ready to feast on Poland’s famous dumplings – and to loosen your beltCredit: Getty

“Krakow’s August highlight has to be the four-day Pierogi Festival on 14-17.

“Join the celebration of Poland’s humble dumpling and be prepared to loosen the belt a few notches — the filling options are delicious and endless!” says Steph.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the 4* Aparthotel Santi is from £301pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on August 13.

See icelolly.com.

BERLIN, GERMANY

Crowded sandy lakeshore in Berlin with people swimming and sunbathing. — Make a beeline for the city’s lakes, where you can swim, sunbathe and rent boats and paddleboardsCredit: Getty

“There’s never a bad time to visit Berlin but it’s hard to deny its allure in summer.

“Make a beeline for the city’s lakes, where you can swim, sunbathe and rent boats and paddleboards.

“There are also plenty of free street festivals showcasing theatre, dance, music and more,” notes Steph.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the 4* Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie is from £247pp including flights from Stansted on August 24.

See tui.co.uk.