Guest post by Dakota Murphey
With Christmas celebrations and New Year holidays to look forward to, planning European breaks in a city is always an inviting prospect. Not only can you fit in some festive shopping but European cities are bursting with culture, events, and must-see attractions.
While there are fantastic weekend getaways close to home in Bath or Edinburgh, you might prefer to spend a few days exploring Paris, Nice, Florence, or Rome. Europe is brimming with amazing cities. With so much to see, cities can be a convenient base for planning additional excursions to visit popular spots outside the city but within easy reach of where you’re staying.
Whether you want to party under the stars, discover some hidden gems nearby, or get in the festive mood, here are some inspiring destinations for your next unbeatable European breaks.
If you’re travelling to the UK for the first time or you’re on a return trip, one of England’s must-see cities is Bath in the southwest of the country. This absolute gem is a historic UNESCO-listed Roman city that has an abundance of charm. A visit here isn’t complete without a trip to the Roman Baths (or ‘Aqua Sulis’ to give it its Latin name).
Allow additional time to meander around the cobbled streets and enjoy the wealth of Georgian architecture, a myriad of inviting pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops are all there to be enjoyed on your weekend trip.
If you’re already in a festive mood, don’t miss the Bath Christmas Market, set against the honey-coloured stone of the abbey, which ranks among Britain’s finest, with over 150 traditional wooden chalets offering artisanal gifts and local delicacies. If you have a car, head out to explore the quaint villages beyond Bath, stroll along the pretty towpaths, and see the ancient bridges that straddle the pretty Avon Canal.
While here, book an evening session at Thermae Bath Spa, where you can float in the rooftop pool while watching the city lights twinkle below in the gathering dusk. Make time for a visit to Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park, where the outdoor rink offers a magical skating experience surrounded by illuminated trees. End your day with an unforgettable performance of carols by candlelight at the abbey, where the acoustic perfection of the ancient stones enhances every note.
For a couple’s weekend trip, there are a number of options if you want to stay central, such as Bath’s Royal George Townhouse or Audrey House, both with spacious living areas and a convenient location. Select somewhere to stay near the Roman Baths to minimise travel time and enjoy early morning walks through the quiet streets before the crowds arrive. Organising somewhere to stay in the heart of Bath or within easy reach of attractions allows you to maximise your time in Bath without missing out.
Scotland’s capital truly comes into its own during the festive season although it’s always a great capital to see whenever you’re in the UK. Edinburgh transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating, traditional markets, and Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebrations that welcome in the new year.
For an instant festive feeling, Edinburgh’s Christmas markets line Princes Street and look lovely, especially at night. While here, enjoy shopping for traditional Scottish crafts, festive treats, and indulge in Christmassy mulled wine to really get you in the mood. The historic streets look beautiful on a brisk evening out, and many shops, streets, and eateries are exceptional. For a cosy place close to the Royal Mile and local attractions, you’ll be happy at the Bonnie Apartment.
Journey through history at the Real Mary King’s Close, which becomes particularly atmospheric especially if you explore the underground streets by lantern light. You might also be tempted to join one of the walking tours of the haunted underground vaults, where professional storytellers bring Edinburgh’s dark history to life or enjoy an evening stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
For exciting attractions to see outside Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel is in the village of Roslin about seven miles south of Edinburgh. This stunning 15th-century chapel is famous for its intricate stone carvings, mysterious symbolism, and connections to The Da Vinci Code. Or, head to the magnificent Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots about 15 miles west of Edinburgh, which sits beside a lovely loch and offers fascinating ruins of a grand royal residence.
If there’s time, the charming coastal town of North Berwick, about 25 miles east of Edinburgh, features the dramatic ruins of Tantallon Castle perched on seaside cliffs, the Scottish Seabird Centre, and excellent beaches with views of the Bass Rock’s famous gannet colony.
There are plenty of places to stay in Edinburgh in central locations that place you within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile while offering quick access to Princes Street’s shops. Outside the capital, you’ll find grander options like Kirkliston Castle, where you can sleep like a royal. For places close enough to explore the Scottish capital that are great for families, check out Argyll House.
For a memorable stay in Paris, any time is the perfect season to see the city light up and understand why it has become known as the “City of Light’’. Begin your trip with a romantic cruise on the Seine and glide past the iconic Eiffel Tower while looking out for other monumental sights along the river’s edge. Notre-Dame Cathedral is an architectural marvel of Gothic design on Île de la Cité, while the Musée d’Orsay’s original life was a former train station. Today, this beautiful building has been reinvented to showcase Impressionist art and many treasured pieces.
For fans of all things cultural, the Louvre Museum is home to countless masterpieces and offers stunning city views from its three levels. Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits atop Montmartre Hill, offering both remarkable architecture and panoramic views of Paris. The Centre Pompidou presents modern and contemporary art in a unique inside-out building with exposed colourful pipes and ducts.
Alternatively, if you’re here for a Christmas treat, why not experience the magic of ice skating at the Grand Palais? The Champs-Élysées sparkles with illuminations and you’ll want to step inside Galeries Lafayette on your travels or stay steps away at the Apartment Philippe while Maison de la Revolution is a year-round winner.
Base yourself in the Marais district for central access to major sights and charming walking routes. This historic neighbourhood offers a perfect blend of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions within easy walking distance.
Whether you’re on a mission to visit as many Christmas markets as possible in France or are hoping to see those city attractions and maximise every day of your trip by planning ahead and doing some local research so you don’t miss any sightseeing gems.
Beyond Paris, the prestigious Palace of Versailles, 12 miles outside the French capital, dazzles with its Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments, and immaculate gardens. Meanwhile, the Basilica of Saint-Denis, located in the northern suburbs, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the traditional resting place of French royalty. The charming town of Fontainebleau, about 40 miles southeast of Paris, features a grand Renaissance château surrounded by extensive forests that were once a royal hunting ground. There is a range of pretty chateaux to choose from wherever you find yourself.
While known for its summer appeal, Nice offers a different kind of charm in the pre-Christmas period, with mild temperatures perfect for exploring. Start your day exploring the Place Masséna Christmas village, where local artisans showcase Provençal crafts and seasonal delicacies in a festive atmosphere. If you stay in a central apartment such as Apartment Pasteque, take advantage of the mild weather with leisurely walks along the Promenade des Anglais, where the Mediterranean provides a stunning backdrop to the city.
You might want to indulge in the seasonal truffle menus at local restaurants where skilled chefs incorporate this delicacy into traditional Niçoise cuisine. Plan a day trip to the nearby mountain villages, where traditional craftsmen maintain centuries-old techniques in creating unique Christmas decorations and gifts.
If you’re staying in this idyllic part of the South of France for an extended weekend, The mediaeval village of Èze, perched dramatically on a hilltop about seven miles from Nice, offers breathtaking Mediterranean views and a famous exotic garden with stunning succulents and sculptures.
If imposing architectural gems are on your wish list, the elegant Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is surrounded by nine themed gardens. It also houses an impressive collection of art and antiques in a pink waterfront palace. Or, the historic town of Antibes, about 30 minutes from Nice, features the impressive Fort Carré, a stunning old town with the Picasso Museum, and one of the largest yacht harbours on the Côte d’Azur.
The Renaissance city becomes particularly magical in the colder months when fewer tourists are here. If you’re in Florence for a Christmas trip, head to the German-style Christmas market in Santa Croce, where traditional Alpine decorations contrast beautifully with Renaissance architecture. Visit the latest special exhibitions at the Palazzo Strozzi or walk along the stunning Ponte Vecchio, where the local jewellery shops glow over the Arno River.
If you want an incredible view from your window, then Pitti Palace View won’t disappoint. Many of the city’s most-visited and beautiful historic landmarks are on the doorstep, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace itself.
On the outskirts of Florence, wherever you’re staying, it’s worth venturing to the charming town of Fiesole, set on a hilltop just five miles from the city. Fiesole offers panoramic views of Florence, well-preserved Roman ruins including an amphitheatre, and the peaceful Monastery of San Francesco.
The Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano, about 11 miles west of Florence, is an elegant Renaissance villa with beautiful frescoes and manicured gardens that showcases the Medici family’s refined taste. The historic town of San Gimignano, though a bit further at about an hour’s drive, is famous for its mediaeval towers, stunning piazzas, and world-renowned gelato shops within its perfectly preserved walls.
The Eternal City of Rome is a great place to visit on a short trip. This rich city offers a unique charm and is oozing with culture, historic buildings, gardens, museums, art, and more. For foodies, there’s nowhere better to taste authentic pizza and pasta. Similarly, the Sistine Chapel and the Pantheon are two must-sees on any trip to Rome.
The remarkable Villa d’Este in Tivoli, about 20 miles east of Rome, is a stunning Renaissance villa famous for its elaborate terraced gardens and hundreds of fountains, including the magnificent Fountain of the Organ. The ancient ruins of Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient port city about 15 miles southwest of the centre, offer incredibly well-preserved streets, houses, temples, and a theatre that rivals Pompeii but with fewer crowds.
In addition, the beautiful Lake Bracciano is roughly 30 miles north of Rome and features the perfectly preserved mediaeval Orsini-Odescalchi Castle. Close by, you can pop into charming lakeside towns where you can enjoy traditional cuisine and stay somewhere away from the city’s bustle.
If you’re planning a romantic pre-Christmas trip or want to buy presents at the best Christmas markets in Europe, organising a trip before the year ends always makes sense. Destinations for European breaks offer unique experiences during the festive period if you’re staying in the city or exploring the wider area.
Which of these European breaks takes your fancy? Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or looking for a magical escape and need advice on making your getaway that bit more special, you’ll find your ideal getaway home with Oliver’s Travels. For any extras to make your holiday pop, contact our friendly concierge team.
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