Hotels in Copenhagen

If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing city break with tasty food, stunning scenery and plenty of atmosphere, Brussels is the destination for you. This quaint city will impress you with its Art Nouveau architecture, relaxed cafe culture and cool art scene. Take in the magnificent buildings at Grand Palace, stop off for a glass of Gulden Draak, and be sure to purchase a box of homemade Belgian chocolates to take home.

Things to do

Whether you’re sampling the local chocolate, taking in the sights and sounds of the Grand Palace or enjoying a glass of Belgian beer, there’s plenty of activities in Brussels to keep you entertained. End your city break with a plate of mussels and a cold glass of Gulden Draak.

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The capital and cultural centre of Sweden, Stockholm is an elegant city where cutting-edge fashion and high-profile nightclubs jostle with cosy cafes and historical towns. The best time to visit is during the summer when temperatures are at their highest. Spend your afternoons wandering the cobbled streets of the old town, explore the city’s cultural history at the many museums and galleries, or prepare for a night of velvet ropes in the glamorous Stureplan district.

Things to do

Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic break or a hipster searching for the coolest art and nightlife, a city break in Stockholm will not disappoint. Spend your days exploring the museums and quirky cafes in the old town, then get dressed up and head out for some celebrity-spotting in glamorous Stureplan.

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Jam-packed with history, culture and those iconic urban backdrops, it’s no surprise Amsterdam city breaks are so popular. Of course, it helps that the capital of the Netherlands is just a short hop across the North Sea from the UK!

But don’t be fooled into thinking this famously chilled-out destination is only for short breaks and weekends away. There’s more than enough to do in and around Amsterdam for a longer getaway, from exploring sun-dappled canals and losing yourself in world-famous art to indulging in the lively night scene and mouthwateringly eclectic eats.

6 reasons to visit Amsterdam

The warm welcome: From its cosy pubs (aka ‘brown cafes’), welcoming gay bars and buzzing clubs, to the family vibes of Amsterdam’s super-friendly Noord district, this laid-back city has its arms open to everyone.
Museums of every stripe: Art, history and more are all in the mix – see Rembrandts at the Rijksmuseum, discover the sobering secrets of Anne Frank House, or immerse yourself in the living history of Zaanse Schans village.
Eye-candy cityscapes: Think picturesque canals lined with quaint old houses, gorgeous green parks in every neighbourhood, colourful flower gardens (visit Keukenhof in spring!) and grand Dam Square with its jaw-dropping Royal Palace.
Moreish street food: Snack your way around Amsterdam with a delectable supply of patat (Dutch fries) smothered in mayonnaise (ask for patatje met), cheesy kaassouffle pastries, beefy kroketten and deep-fried cod (kibbeling). Don’t forget the caramel-filled stroopwafels!
Independent shopping: From the intriguing little shops that line De Negen Straatjes in Jordaan to the famous floating flower market on the Singel canal, Amsterdam’s a fantastic place for a browse.
Romantic moments: Amsterdam’s such a beautiful city, it can certainly give Paris a run for its money. Top tips for couples include the spectacular views from the A’DAM LOOKOUT, candlelit dinner cruises on the canals, and leisurely bike rides in Flevopark.

Things to do

With much more to offer than just Dam Square, old paintings and pretty canals, Amsterdam holidays are a treasure trove of places to explore and things to do. Make like a local and sip coffee in a cosy cafe. Grab a tray of haring (raw herring with pickles) from a street stall for an on-the-go lunch. Head out of the centre to districts such as De Pijp, Amsterdam Oost and Zuidoost, where you can catch Ajax FC at home at Johan Cruyff ArenA. Or hop on a train to nearby Rotterdam, Utrecht or Haarlem.

Go sightseeing

Top of the must-visit list for a spot of culture is Museumplein, where you’ll find the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum (fine art), Stedelijk Museum (modern art) and the Royal Concertgebouw concert hall. Or if it’s alfresco attractions you’re after, check out the panorama from A’DAM LOOKOUT (will you dare try Europe’s highest swing?) and the tree-framed lakes and lawns of beautiful Vondelpark.

You should also lose yourself in the quaint alleyways of the Jordaan district, dip into Amsterdam’s history at spots like the Joods Historisch Museum and Anne Frank House, and stroll the cobbles of De Wallen, the oldest part of the city. But be warned, De Wallen is not a place to take the kids, as it’s also Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District.

And of course, for the quintessential Amsterdam sightseeing experience, you have to book a canal tour.

Get a taste of city life

Foodies, music lovers, shoppers and beer drinkers alike are in for a real treat on Amsterdam city breaks. The Dam’s social scene is an eclectic mix of live music venues, buzzing restaurants and inviting pubs, bars and cafes, while shopping ranges from fascinating flea markets to the luxury retailers in Oud Zuid.

Try homely dishes like suddervlees (beef stew) from a traditional Dutch eatery, such as Moeders in the city centre. Go beer tasting at a craft brewery or immerse yourself in the Heineken Experience. Pick a cocktail joint to suit your style, from the chilled vibes of Bar Mokum to the super swish Twenty Third. Throw yourself into the famous nightlife of Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein and the LGBTQ+ focused Reguliersdwarsstraat. Or check what’s on at one of the city’s hugely popular gig spots, led by the famous Paradiso and Melkweg – which is basically three live music venues in one!

As for shopping, classic Amsterdam souvenirs include wooden clogs, tasty local cheeses (there are tons of specialist shops, or you could visit a cheese farm!), and pretty Delftware porcelain. You can also pick up vintage bargains at the Waterlooplein market, hop between record stores and designer boutiques in De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) and buy flower bulbs from the barges of the floating Bloemenmarkt.

Explore outside Amsterdam Centrum

If you’ve got more than a couple of days for your Amsterdam city break, or if you’ve been before, make sure you head out to some of the neighbourhoods outside the city centre. De Pijp’s perfect for free spirits, Amsterdam’s answer to Paris’ bohemian Latin Quarter. It’s home to the huge Albert Cuyp street market and all sorts of lively bars and cafes. Over to the east, explore the refined boulevards of De Plantage, tuck into melt-in-the-mouth Turkish pastries in Amsterdam Oost, and soak up the classy vibes of the city’s newest neighbourhood, IJburg.

Zuidoost is the place to go for big-name entertainment, from football to arena shows in venues like AFAS Live and Ziggo Dome, and sailing on tranquil Gaasperplas lake. And then there’s Amsterdam Noord, with its combo of cutting-edge architecture, waterfront terraces, flea markets and the NDSM Wharf culture hotspot. 

Plus Amsterdam holidays are perfect for bike rides to rural villages, such as Ransdorp, a day trip to the idyllic Zaanse Schans living museum (windmills, clog makers, and more), and train rides to Rotterdam, Utrecht and Haarlem. Planning Amsterdam holidays for the summer? Pack your beach gear for a day in clubbers’ favourite Bloemedaal aan Zee or chilled-out Zandvoort, an old fishing village (you can get to both by train). And don’t miss your chance to visit the incredible Muiderslot castle!
 

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Got the travel bug? Check out our guides to an array of other exciting cities in Europe and beyond, including: Barcelona | Copenhagen | London | New York | Paris | Rome | Singapore | Venice

Iceland holidays will transport you to a place of natural wonders, home to hot springs, mountains and lava fields. Located just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland’s geological features are truly remarkable.   

There’s plenty to see and do in this captivating country. Take a trip to Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city. Boasting vibrant cafés and bars, Reykjavik also offers the ideal base for exploring the Golden Circle – a popular itinerary that involves visiting fascinating geysers and spectacular waterfalls.  

Further afield in the remote Highlands, there’s the opportunity to hike up mountains and wander through ice caves. Whatever you get up to, holidays in Iceland promise a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 

Natural Beauty and Uniqueness  

Iceland isn’t short of natural beauty. This is a country shaped by dramatic landscapes and unspoiled scenery that make it a truly unique place to visit. From its glaciers to its lagoons, Iceland’s natural wonders are illuminated season after season by the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun.  

11% of the country’s landscape is covered by ice, so there’s ample opportunity to walk across some of its most extraordinary glaciers. Enjoy a hike on Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland. Also known as ‘the water glacier’, Vatnajökull offers an unforgettable experience and endless beautiful views. 

Or head over to Thingvellir National Park and walk between the tectonic plates at the Almannagja gorge. Adventurous travellers can also try snorkelling or scuba diving in the Silfra Fissure or go horse-riding through the park.  

And of course, spotting the Northern Lights should be right at the top of your Iceland bucket list. This awe-inspiring ethereal light show is not to be missed. Visitors can join a Northern Lights guided tour to witness this phenomenon from the best viewing locations across Iceland.  

Amazing Attractions

Holidays to Iceland guarantee amazing attractions wherever you go. One of its most popular places to visit is the Blue Lagoon, just half an hour south of Reykjavik. This outdoor geothermal spa boasts brilliantly blue waters said to contain unique healing properties. The waters are nice and warm, averaging temperatures of 37 to 39°C (98–102°F). 

Whale-watching is another much-loved activity in Iceland – perfect for nature-lovers. Catch a glimpse of these gentle giants splashing around in the water under the Northern Lights. Whale-watching tours depart all year round from Reykjavik and other locations across Iceland.  

Iceland is also home to some pretty incredible geysers, including Strokkur, located in the Geysir Geothermal Area. Strokkur is an active geyser that blasts water to a height of 20 metres every 5 to 10 minutes. It’s well worth a visit if you want to learn more about the country’s geological highlights.   

Reykjavik Sights  

Reykjavik is a cosmopolitan coastal city full of personality. Here, quaint, colourful houses line the streets, giving the cityscape a picture-perfect look. Reykjavik’s Old Town features impressive ancient buildings full of history, while stylish boutiques and restaurants add a contemporary edge to the city’s traditional Nordic character.  

Stroll around Reykjavik’s idyllic city streets and catch glimpses of the surrounding mountains and sea. There’s lots to explore, from its National Museum and Saga Museum to the Harpa arts centre. 

Relax in the city’s geothermal-heated pool, Laugardalslaug. This is the largest pool in Reykjavik and is very popular with the locals. You can also take a 20-minute ferry ride to the neighbouring Viðey Island, where you can explore walking trails and enjoy scenic views over Iceland’s capital city.