Thinking about heading abroad this summer, but want to do something different? Just because you fancy an escape doesn’t mean that you have to spend it up to your eyes in sand and sun cream. Pack your bags, grab your mates and fly away to one of these super-trendy city breaks:
Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city, located on the east coast. It’s super-cultural and home to a plethora of film festivals and musical events all year around, just perfect for all you artsy types.
Gothenburg, Sweden is home to Liseberg Park, one of the coolest amusement parks in Europe with tonnes of rides for you your mates.
If you fancy something a little more cultural, visit Gothenburg city museum, home to the only original Viking ship on display in Sweden.
A definite must is a trip to Universeum. Here you can experience life-size dinosaurs, a tropical rainforest, huge aquariums and lots of exciting experiments in this awesome fun-zone.
When it comes to hotels, there’s no better place to stay than the incredible Upper House Hotel.
Its right beside Liseberg Park, which means you have the shortest walk to fun. It’s got an indoor pool for the kids to splash around in, a tasty dinner menu with the best cocktails you’ve ever tasted, and best of all? It’s centrally located; most of Gothenburg’s attractions are within walking distance, so no need to rent a car.
Berlin, Germany
By now, everyone knows that Berlin is one of Europe’s coolest destinations for a city break – home to sprawling parks, museums and attractions, as well as a whole heap of the trendiest bars and restaurants on the continent.
You can fly there with Aerlingus from roughly €230 per person.
Treat your inner child to a trip to Legoland at the Potsdamer Platz – although, you might never want to leave. When you’ve had your fill of Star Wars, Fire Dragons and the famous Legoland Power Tower, the city has so much more to offer.
Museumsinsel is a must for any history buff.
It contains all five Berlin state museums and sits on an island in the middle of the Spree river. It’s like hopping in a time machine to pre-war Berlin.
One of the serious perks about Berlin is its quirky bars and restaurants. It’s easy to see why it’s known as one of the hippest spots in Europe. Visit Companion Coffee, Oranienstr. 24 and soak up the culture, as well sampling the best coffee you’ve ever tasted.
The ultimate family-friendly hotel is the Adina Apartment Hotel, right in the heart of the city. Spacious, comfortable apartments for your pals to flake out in after a day of fun with all the convenience of a hotel restaurant downstairs for those delicate mornings where you’re not quite up to venturing out to fill your tummy.
York, United Kingdom
If you’re looking for a simple, budget friendly break, try a trip across the Irish Sea to York. It’s just a 45-minutes from Dublin to Doncaster with Aerlingus Regional offering flights from around €24.99, then a 20-minute taxi trip to the bustling city.
York is a firm favourite with tourists thanks to its quaint feel and brimming with history. Team that with friendly locals and you have a match made in holiday heaven.
This cosy little city is ideal to navigate by foot and home to some award-winning attractions like the Jorvik Viking Centre built on 7th-Century Viking settlements.
Head to the National Railway Museum and learn about the massive part they played during the Second World War, and if you haven’t seen enough, hit up the Web Adventure Park too.
Almost every hotel in York is in a prime location, but for the best stay check out the hidden gem Middletons Hotel. Set within a private courtyard in York City, it has all the comforts of a quiet hideaway but it’s smack in the city centre.
