Spring is an ideal time for a European city break, providing an ideal stop-gap until summer and a pick-me-up after winter. Cities across Europe start to wake up after winter with dedicated, free festivals and street parties, celebrating warmer weather, longer days, and blossoms. Locals are excited to rediscover their cities in lighter months, with rooftop bars, amusement parks, and outdoor dining terraces reopening. The city-break bug first emerged at university, with the ability to travel easily and enjoy the city without the expense of fancy hotels or restaurants.

5 of  the most affordable cities break in Europe

Cordoba, Spain

Cordoba, a city of immense monumental wealth, is located in the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park in the north, surrounded by mountain ranges and fertile plains. The River Guadalquivir flows through the city, a vital part of its daily life and history. Cordoba is best known for its Mosque, Cathedral, Fortress of the Christian Monarchs, Roman Bridge, Albolafia, La Calahorra Tower, Jewish Quarter, patios, and El Potro Square. The outskirts of Cordoba are home to the ruins of Medina Azahara and Saint Jerome of Valparaí­so Monastery and Chapels. The city’s history dates back to ancient times, with its greatest glories during the Moslem occupation. It was reconquered by Ferdinand III in 1236.

Athens, Greece

Athens, the historical capital of Europe, is home to Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus. With a recorded history of around 3.400 years, Athens is known for its multicultural and modern personality. The city’s Mediterranean climate, high-standard hotel accommodation, modern transportation, and vibrant lifestyle make it an ideal all-year-round city break destination. Parthenon, an open-air museum, has converted a large part of the historic center into a 3 km pedestrian zone, leading to major archaeological sites.

Paris, France

Paris is renowned for being the most romantic vacation destination. But the city itself is what tourists are most enamoured with. The Seine’s winding riverbanks, the large stone and wrought-iron structures, and the walkways lined with welcoming cafés are all incredibly picturesque. But there is more to the city than meets the eye. The culinary landscape produces a never-ending list of French delicacies that are a must-try, such as golden buttery croissants. Try the creative foreign cuisine and trendy fusion here as well. (Believe us, the falafel in the city is exceptional.) The ethos of Paris also encourages perusing stores, loitering in museums, and scuttling down side alleyways. Visit the Champ-de-Mars at the end of the day for unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles into the night.

Lisbon, Portugal

Anytime you want is the ideal moment to visit Lisbon.  Burning sunshine and large gatherings draw many in the summer, but autumn and spring offer a softer charm, and even winter has its own understated allure.  Lisbon’s warmest seasons are spring and summer, when the city is at its liveliest with a plethora of outdoor events and music festivals, and costs grow in tandem with the everyday temperatures.  In the autumn and winter, when kids go back to school and Lisboetas go back to work, life slows down.  The shorter and colder days draw fewer visitors, and lodging costs decrease, making this an excellent time for vacationers on a tight budget who wish to see the Portuguese capital in a more subdued setting.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a city where every street, canal, and corner has a story to tell. To visit is to become fully immersed in the city. It is simple to become engrossed in its laid-back vibe and unique way of life due to its unique fusion of history, culture, and modernity. The truth is that exploring Amsterdam is more than just sightseeing; it’s about the complete experience, which includes aimlessly exploring the city, finding hidden gems, and taking in its relaxed pace.
There are surprises around every corner when exploring Amsterdam. When you turn a corner, cross a bridge, or observe the residents going about their daily lives, you may discover the most fascinating sights in Amsterdam that aren’t listed in the guidebooks. This city cannot be seen in a single glance, so whether you are visiting for the first time or again, there is always something new to discover.