City breaks can be hard to plan. You want it all – art, culture, quirky hotels, top restaurants – but also the chance to relax. Fortunately, there some cities where you can find both. These eight European city break destinations don’t skimp on urban culture, and have nature on their doorstep for when you need a breath of fresh air.
Catch a ferry out to the islands of
You can also use Reykjavík as your base before embarking on the famous
Back in the city, make time for Reykjavík's growing number of innovative restaurants, many of which use locally sourced ingredients such as cloudberries or lamb. Try Michelin-starred DILL or the more affordable Sjávarbarinn for freshly caught seafood.
For a city break with rural escape, it's hard to beat Iceland © Diana Jarvis
You’ll find some of Germany's most beautiful architecture in
Other worthwhile sights include the
Munich’s green heart is the
Alternatively, head north and you’ll find yourself on more rugged trails through forested areas. All S-Bahn, underground and regional railways take bikes, so you don’t have to worry too much about the return journey.
Munich's picturesque city squares are delightful to explore ©
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The best way to explore this island-studded channel is on a kayak tour, taking you close to lighthouses, nesting birds and small beaches from which you can swim or picnic before paddling back to the marina.
Off the water, make time for Oslo's world-class restaurants – Maaemo has three Michelin stars – and some excellent museums, including the fascinating Nobel Center and National Museum, home of Edvard Munch’s Scream. For a central location Scandic Grand Oslo puts you in the heart of it all. Oslo can hardly said to be a cheap city break (a glass of wine can set you back £10), but the setting more than makes up for it.
© Diana Jarvis
A European Capital of Culture in 2017,
Head down to Åarhus Ø (Aarhus East), the recently redeveloped harbour area, to wander among landscaped gardens, stop at the canalside coffee shops and admire the striking architecture of the new public library, DOKK1. Open-water swimming fans can even take a dip in the icy bay; a dedicated channel is cordoned off from harbour traffic (if you dare!)
When you want to get away, Denmark's Lake District, Søhøjlandet, is less than an hour out of the city. Hire a bike to cycle a portion of Hærvejen, known as the ancient road, or learn to canoe on the River Gudenå.
For a city break with peace and quiet, head to Søhøjlandet in Denmark © Pixabay/CC0
Home to some of Gaudí's finest architecture, one of the world's best city beaches and the country's top cava bars,
Head north from the centre and in less than 45 minutes you’ll find yourself in the
During September and October, head to Margola Peak where you can watch thousands of birds of prey – including honey buzzards, goshawks, kestrels, marsh harriers and sparrow hawks – as they migrate south for the winter.
© Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock
With architectural styles running the gamut from neoclassical grandeur to contemporary modern minimalism,
This year, the city also celebrates one hundred years of independence. Visit the Helsinki Art Museum to mark the occasion, where a major exhibition on Finnish modernism covers national contributions to the world of art, architecture, design and photography.
Summer is one of the best times to visit, particularly if you plan to visit Nuuksio National Park, just 40 minutes away. Rock climb at Kolmoislammit and Romvuori; hike one of the many trails, keeping an eye out for nightjars, woodlarks and flying squirrels; and spot waterbirds from the Lake Matalajärvi observation tower.
Guided tours can teach you how to forage for bilberries, lingonberries and yellowfoot chanterelle mushrooms, while at night you can stay at one of the designated campsites. Make sure you try a "tent sauna" (a real sauna in a tent, not just your own very hot tent), followed by a swim in the ice-cool freshwater lakes.
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Thanks to a large student population, there’s lots going on in
The rest of Ljubljana is compact and easily explored foot. The city was crowned Europe’s Green Capital in 2016, and is encircled by the 35km Path of Remembrance and Comradeship, built for walkers and runners. It's even possible to cross-country ski several sections on snowy winter days. Ljubljana might even be the best destination on our list of city breaks with rural escapes.
For adventure sports, a half-hour bus ride from the city centre takes you to the village of Tacen where there are adrenalin-inducing options aplenty, including whitewater rafting. Head an hour northwest and you'll reach
Ljubljana offers plenty of culture as well as adventure sports like whitewater rafting © Pixabay/CC0
Top image: Ljubljana © Shutterstock