Some destinations never lose their charm. Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, and Rotterdam are among the best city breaks in Europe thanks to their unique mix of culture, food, and atmosphere.

• Amsterdam is known for its canals, museums, and vibrant café culture. It is perfect for couples, groups, and solo travellers. Discover Amsterdam city breaks and plan your ideal gateway.

• Brugesis a romantic city with cobbled streets, medieval squares, and Belgian chocolate shops.

• Parisis the city of love, packed with landmarks, world-class galleries, and stylish restaurants.

• Rotterdamis a modern port city offering bold architecture, shopping, and nightlife. Take the Hull to Rotterdam ferry for a hassle-free trip.

Europe shines in every season, making it easy to plan a city break in Europe whenever you want.

• Winter– Wander through Bruges and take in the charm of its Christmas markets, or see Paris at its most magical with streets and landmarks glowing under festive lights for the best winter city break in Europe.

• Spring– Experience Paris as the city bursts into bloom, or head to the Netherlands to stroll past the colourful tulip fields just outside Amsterdam.

• Summer– Make the most of Rotterdam’s lively music festivals, or spend long sunny days cycling through Amsterdam’s parks and canals.

• Autumn– Embrace cooler days with museum visits and cosy cafés across Belgium and France, where culture and comfort blend perfectly.

With flexible sailing options from P&O Ferries, it’s easy to book a last-minute city break to Europe or plan your European weekend break well in advance — giving you the freedom to travel the way you want.

If you’re planning a weekend city break in Europe, start by choosing a theme. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Romantic getaways – Paris and Bruges set the perfect stage for romance, whether you’re strolling hand-in-hand along the Seine or exploring cobbled squares lit by lanterns. For more inspiration, take a look at our French romantic getaway ideas.

• Food & drink lovers – From rich French cuisine and Belgian craft beers to the buzzing restaurant scene in Amsterdam, Europe is a feast for every taste. You can explore the top restaurants in Amsterdam to find what suits you.

• Cultural highlights – Discover Paris through its world-class museums, dive into Rotterdam’s thriving art scene, or enjoy Amsterdam’s nightlife and enjoy the city’s modern energy.

• Family-friendly trips – Kids will love Bruges’ chocolate museums and cycling adventures through Holland’s flat landscapes. Adults, whether travelling solo or in groups, will find just as much to enjoy. Explore our ideas for family city break ideas in the Netherlands.

It can be hard to decide where to go on your city break to Europe below is our top 10 city breaks in Europe to help make your decision a little easier: 

1. Amsterdam

2. Paris

3. Rotterdam

4. Bruges

5. Brussels

6. Antwerp

7. Ghent

8. Lille

9. Cologne

10. Hamburg

Many of these are easy to reach via the Dover to Calais ferry, while others, such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, are within easy reach through Hull to Rotterdam. The rest are just a short onward journey once you arrive at our ports, making your trip smooth and flexible.

• Budget wisely – Combine fine dining with cafés and street food for authentic flavour.

• Pack smart – Travelling with P&O makes packing simple, bring extra bags for shopping or family essentials with no luggage restrictions.

Make the most of time – Focus on two or three highlights in each city to avoid feeling rushed.

If you’re thinking about going on a city break in Europe, you'll find that your holiday truly starts the moment you step aboard with P&O Ferries. Instead of waiting in crowded airports, you can settle into spacious seating, explore a choice of restaurants, or simply relax in dedicated lounges as you sail across the sea.