Hotels in Krakow

Regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful hotspots, this stylish Czech Republic capital is brimming with grand historical and cultural sights. Combining cubist cafes with contemporary art and trendy nightclubs, Prague holidays are full of surprises. From its twist on relaxation at a beer spa to its fairytale-like castles and quirky puppet shows, this city gets top marks for creativity. 

Known as the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, no holiday to Prague is complete without climbing the 299 steps of the Petrin Tower to admire the magical skyline. Next up is the Jewish Quarter, here remains of the Second World War leave the most impressive relics. And for gothic and baroque architecture, the Old Town is waiting to be admired. If romance is on the cards, a lantern-lit walk across Charles Bridge is a must!

Weekend breaks to Prague

If you’re looking for a short getaway, weekend breaks to Prague offer the perfect blend of historic influence and the modern feel of a cosmopolitan city. Get lost through a labyrinth of cobbled walkways, where you’ll find cosy cocktail spots backed by magnificent cathedrals and ancient castles. Explore Prague’s historic Old Town and soak up its medieval grandeur in the Hradcany district. The modern enclave of Prague is where you’ll find all the best restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs. And shopaholics will be just as impressed by the spot’s line-up of retailers.

One of the best ways to see the city (especially at night) is with a boat tour down the Vltava River. Step back in time as you appreciate the soaring soviet structures from the water while sipping Champagne. And when your feet are firmly back on land, take a moment to recognise the beauty of John Lennon Wall. 

Prague Last Minute

Searching for a last-minute Prague holiday or city break? Check out this fantastic range of curated deals to help save money on your spur-of-the-moment getaway. Whether you’re hopping from one microbrewery to the next on a beer tour, or immersing yourself in the culture at one of its 280 museums, this action-packed capital is full of adventure. 

Dine al fresco at a traditional bohemian restaurant as you tap your foot to live musicians and talented street performers. Or, head along the backstreets of Mala Strana, where you’ll find classic Czech pubs whipping up local delights, such as pork knuckle. Head here at Christmas time, hot chocolate in hand, to discover stalls upon stalls of handmade crafts and hearty street food. 

Things to do

Every city has two faces

Prague is no exception. The first face it shows you is a perfect example of a wonderful historical city that is proud of its past. The second is a modern and pulsating capital that resembles the real life of the city. So put away that stuffy guidebook and enjoy the heart of the magical metropolis like a genuine Praguer!

Impressive Old Town 

Prague has a wonderful range of historical sights, and the best place to start is at the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Have your camera at the ready as you wander through a myriad of cobbled streets and gaze up at medieval architecture. Cross the River Vltava over the iconic Charles Bridge to the Lesser Quarter, but not before you’ve seen the almighty Church of Our Lady before Týn.

Great landmarks

You can see many churches including St. Vitus Cathedral, along with the incredible Prague Castle. One of the city’s most famous sights, it’s the largest ancient castle anywhere in the world. If that isn’t enough, book a tour and check out more wonderful buildings like the Old Royal Palace.

Fabulous culture

Prague is the perfect place to go if you love visiting museums and galleries. It has several world-class examples including the National Museum, the Jewish Museum and the National Gallery, which houses the Czech Republic’s largest collection of art. Continue your cultural journey by visiting a concert hall, such as the Rudolfinum to see the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. And don’t forget to sample one of the best things about Prague; the huge selection of fantastic local beers.

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With pretty pebbled streets, medieval architecture and terracotta-tiled houses, Dubrovnik holidays are charming and unique, with a piece of history hidden behind every stone. Lit up by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, holidays to Dubrovnik offer a warm and pleasant break with postcard-worthy views and endless cultural attractions.

The most picturesque of all Croatia's ancient cities, historic Dubrovnik is known for its impressive stone wall fortifications, which tower over the Adriatic Sea. Nearby, unspoiled beaches and soaring mountains complete the winning mix.

From exploring the capital’s fascinating history to toasting the sunset with a cocktail, Dubrovnik holidays are packed with incredible things to do. Take in the views of the ancient city walls, or escape the bustle of the old town and lose yourself in the fine-shingle sands of nearby Lokrum Island.

Take a walk through time 

It all starts with the Old Town in Dubrovnik. Packed with history and interesting landmarks, you can dive from the cobbled streets into centuries-old buildings like the Franciscan Monastery, before stopping at one of the many cafés for a drink and a spot of people watching.

If you’re a fan of the Game of Thrones TV series then you’ll probably have a familiar feeling as you gaze around at the sights and scenery. Some of the show is filmed in Dubrovnik, and you can even go on a Games Of Thrones walking tour that’ll take you to Fort Lovrijenac, which doubles up as the King’s Landing.

Beeline for blissful beaches

One of the best things about holidays to Dubrovnik is the beaches to relax on once all your sightseeing is done; there’s a part-shingle, part-pebble beach just a short walk from Ploče Gate, called Banje Beach. This is by far the busiest and most popular beach, and it’s a brilliant spot for families.

From here, you can soak up the sunshine, cool off in the sea, and admire the views over the lush green island of Lokrum. Locals tend to head down to Sveti Jakov, which is a 20-minute walk away, north of the Old Town. It’s perfect if you fancy a quieter beach away from the crowds.

Explore enchanting ruins

One of Dubrovnik’s most spectacular features is the ancient walls that surround the city. As well as giving you great photo opportunities, you can walk along the walls between historic towers and buildings. If you get tired of sightseeing, head to pretty Banje Beach near the Old Town and relax in the sunshine before sipping on a refreshing sundowner at the beach bar.

Drink up the atmosphere

Wait for the night to set in at Banje Beach when things liven up as the party gets started. Or sit down for an atmospheric seafood dinner in the Old Town before heading to a hidden bar for a tipple. Croatia produces some excellent wine, especially nearby in Korcula and Peljesac, which you can sip in a family-run bar as you toast a lovely day in Dubrovnik.

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Zagreb city breaks mean discovering a vibrant national capital, complete with superb gastronomic offerings and a lively bar scene. Historic sights dot the cobbled streets of the quaint Upper Town, while a cutting-edge Museum of Contemporary Art stands on the other side of the Sava river. All is connected by an affordable, user-friendly network of trams and buses.

 What might a day in Zagreb look like? Well, mornings start with top-quality coffee, ideally taken on a pretty terrace, and many local restaurants offer lunchtime deals. Sightseeing can be interspersed with relaxing walks amid city greenery, or a tram ride along atmospheric Ilica, the oldest street in town.

Arrive at the right time of year and you might also find street performances on every other corner or a Christmas market filling the city – there’s a year-round calendar of festivals in Zagreb. Dinner depends on you – fine dining at an ornate, heritage hotel or inventive cuisine concocted from what’s fresh at the market that day?

Nights run late in Zagreb and may involve an in-the-know haunt of alt-rock, top cocktails or a bar crawl with easy distances between drinking spots.

Take a tour of the city museums

Stately museums filled with art treasures line the Green Horseshoe, the tranquil network of parks and squares that’s a focal point of the Lower Town. It’s not all Grand Masters – the most popular museum in town displays the strange items left over from romantic break-ups.

Go bar-hopping

Bars of all stripes are concentrated along one downtown street – the Mediterranean-flavoured Tkalciceva, near the main square – and around the flower market nearby. Live music is staged at a top-notch concert hall and alternative venues across town.

Tuck into Michelin-star meals

Earning its first Michelin star in 2019, Zagreb can compete with the top culinary capitals in the region. Contemporary dining options complement the ornate, heritage restaurants on the city’s leafy slopes, with everything in between. Look forward to plenty of fresh, seasonal ingredients, much of it organic.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Brac Island | Dalmatian Coast | Dubrovnik | Hvar | Korcula | Makarska | Rovinj | Split | Zadar 

Outstanding architecture, illustrious history, and unbeatable culture: there’s so much to discover on Budapest holidays. Sliced in two by Europe’s second-longest river, Budapest is home to an impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums, and art galleries. Prepare to immerse yourself in learning and celebration across Hungary’s thriving capital.

Often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, this youthful city boasts a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors worldwide. Watch the world go by from former café hangouts of artists, poets and philosophers, and explore unique boutiques and design stores. After a scenic riverside bike ride, enjoy a muscle-soothing soak in one of the city’s famous thermal baths. Or dig deeper to discover a network of stalactite-covered caves for an unmissable adventure underground.

Things to do

Visiting the palace, parliament, and churches should be top of any list of things to do in Budapest. Whether you choose to travel by boat or bike, make sure to explore the lush banks of the mighty Danube River. To help you make the most of your holiday, we’ve picked out our top recommendations for your Budapest bucket list so you can choose what you’d like to do.

Keen wanderers will love exploring this vibrant city. Hire a bike and cycle along the river between the best of the sights, or take a walking tour of the iconic Castle Hill. This is where you’ll find the Royal Palace with its museum, gallery, and library and some excellent opportunities for getting great pictures to treasure long after your holiday is over. Walk over the famous Chain Bridge to Széchenyi Square on the Pest side, stopping to take in the view back to Castle Hill.

Impressive landmarks

Just as impressive as the Royal Palace is the Hungarian Parliament Building, the largest building in Hungary and Budapest’s tallest. Embark on a tour and wander through the grand interior before heading to Heroes’ Square or St. Stephen’s Basilica. While you’re exploring the city, don’t miss out on a tour of Halászbástya. Situated in the Buda Castle District, this iconic landmark boasts striking architecture and panoramic views of the Danube.

And if your legs start to feel a little weary, head to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a spot of relaxation. Or sit back and enjoy a dinner cruise down the river as the evening draws in.

Food and drink

Budapest city breaks mean outstanding food and drink that is sure to satisfy even the most hard‐to‐please foodies. Defined by rich flavour and exquisite taste, traditional Hungarian cuisine has been shaped by thousands of years of Magyar history. Today, it remains an essential aspect of the country’s cultural heritage.

When you visit Budapest, be sure to sample one of the city’s most famous dishes, goulash. A traditional stew consisting of meats, vegetables and heaps and paprika, goulash is rich, enticing and utterly delicious. During the 1800s, goulash became a national symbol across the country. Other popular dishes include chicken lángos (deep-fried flatbread) and somlói galuska (a delectable sponge cake dessert).

For the best goulash in the city, head to Budapest Bisztró. Situated a stone’s throw from the famous Parliament building, this restaurant boasts a modern interior and impeccable service. If you’re looking to eat out on a budget, try Borkonyha Winekitchen, one of three Michelin-starred restaurants in Budapest. Offering an affordable menu packed full of authentic Hungarian dishes, it boasts skillfully executed food and over 200 wines to choose from.

Thermal baths

Commonly referred to as the ‘City of Spas’, Budapest has hosted a rich thermal bath culture for over 2,000 years. Fed by natural hot springs, the city’s thermal spas continue to attract visitors from far and wide today.

Historically, Budapest’s natural thermal springs have been utilised since Roman rule when a major bathing complex became an important landmark. By the turn of the 21st century, the city had established itself as the home of therapeutic medicinal waters. ‘Taking the waters’ became a significant pastime. People across the city used the healing properties and other health benefits that the natural springs supposedly provided.

When holidaying in Budapest, be sure to take a dip in a thermal bath and feel your troubles slowly slip away. For a truly memorable experience, pay a visit to Király Bath, the city’s oldest thermal spa. Constructed during Ottoman rule, it features an octagonal pool set beneath a light punctured dome – the perfect place for a relaxing swim. Or spend a day down at Szechenyi Bath, one of the more popular thermal bath locations. With 18 pools to choose from, you can also enjoy various massage treatments, make use of the saunas, or try out the gym.

Interesting nightlife

Unique, bohemian, lively: these are just some of the words to describe Budapest’s nightlife. When the sun begins to set, the Hungarian capital comes alive with the bustle of restaurants, ruin clubs, and wine bars scattered across the landscape.

Ruin bars are all the rage in this compelling city. Built into the remains of pre‐war shops, car parks and buildings, they were born from the decay of Budapest’s old District VII neighbourhood. These unique spots boast an impossibly relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy cheap alcohol and thudding music from dusk ‘til dawn within the sprawling interiors of these quirky venues.

First opened in 2002, Szimpla Kert is one of the most famous ruin bars in the city. Here, partygoers can throw on their dancing shoes and soak up the electric atmosphere while enjoying a tasty local beer. Located in the Jewish Quarter, Mazel Tov Budapest is another famous haunt, considered one of the more upscale ruin bars of the city. Head here to sample delicious cocktails and mezze platters while relaxing on modern furnishings.

It’s no secret that Budapest is a celebrated destination for wine‐lovers. Those looking to enjoy a glass of vino should wander into one of the city’s wine bars to sample a range of traditional and natural beverages. From Cultivini to Cintanyeros, Budapest is home to a wealth of atmospheric bars to take your fancy. Cheap, cheerful and quirky, this city offers an unbeatable night out to round off a day packed full of sightseeing and exploring.

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We also have travel guides available for City Breaks destinations, including: Bruges | Istanbul | Nice | Venice