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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.

More Travel Guides

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

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.

More Travel Guides

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

Madrid is a modern capital city that dances to its own rhythm, often until the sun comes up. If you’re looking for people-watching opportunities, find them at one of many scenic pavement cafes. Along the Paseo del Arte, discover more collections of fine and modern art than you can squeeze into one visit. Wander stylish shopping streets, and visit the home ground of one of Europe’s most famous football teams.

Things to do

There are lots of fantastic things to do in Madrid. Visit one of Europe's most famous football grounds, spend an afternoon among beautiful nature in one of the hidden gardens and explore the beautiful designed buildings, iconic artwork and spectacular churches. You're bound to find something interesting to see and do in this vibrant city.

World class art

Madrid is famous for its arts scene, and if this is the reason for your visit then the only place to start is at the Museo del Prado. This historic museum is one of the world’s foremost art galleries, and you can excitedly browse both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Continue discovering the other components of the Golden Triangle of Art and head to the Museo Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

Great for exploring

Dip into another aspect of Madrid’s culture and make for the famous El Rastro flea market. You might want to leave some space in your suitcase for the fantastic buys you can pick up from the myriad of stalls, especially as the Mercado de San Miguel is another must-see. If all that shopping leaves you needing a dose of peace and quiet then head to the alluring El Retiro Park, and lose yourself in the pretty gardens as you stroll between historic statues and towering trees.

Wonderful nightlife

Madrid has an excellent dining scene that’s perfect if you love eating out. There are countless restaurants to choose from, and you can spend a leisurely evening trying local delicacies or taking your time over some tapas as you sip on Spanish wine. Dance away your meal with a night at a salsa club, before heading to a discoteca to party until the early hours.

More travel guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca

Nicknamed the City of Light, Paris is an elegant and time-honoured city with a rich cultural history and classic spirit. Everything about France's capital oozes elegance, from its world-famous landmarks and fine dining to those stylish Paris hotels and luxury fashion. Discover iconic artefacts at the Musée du Louvre, enjoy a picnic lunch at Luxembourg Gardens, or fall in love with the city’s moonlit landscape from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Paris city breaks will take you to a vibrant haven with plenty to explore. Don’t be fooled into thinking this city’s attraction revolves solely around its history – Paris has so much more to offer. From cruising the canals to floating in a hot air balloon over the city’s rooftops, adventure and relaxation await you when you visit this must-see destination.

Things to do

Whether you’re enjoying a romantic getaway with your significant other or a cultural retreat with friends, a trip to Paris caters for one and all. Breaks to Paris mean getting lost in the rich cultural history that the city is so renowned for. From the many museums and monuments scattered across the landscape to the vibrant shopping scene and wealth of restaurants and cafes, Paris’s streets are a maze of wonder and enchantment.

Visit the museums

Paris is home to many magnificent museums which showcase evidence of the city’s illustrious history. Wander down to the Centre Pompidou, where you’ll find the Musée National d’Art Moderne. Globally renowned for its 20th and 21st-century art collections, this museum features iconic artists such as Matisse and Picasso, to name a few.

Join a tour

If you don’t feel like uncovering the secrets of Paris solo, consider joining one of the many guided tours around the city. From gourmet French food walking tours to skip-the-line tours of the Louvre, learn about Paris with in-depth knowledge and information from the experts. And if you don’t fancy exploring by foot, take a ride on one of the hop-on, hop-off buses where you can experience panoramic views of the world’s most romantic city.

World-class attractions

When it comes to attractions in Paris, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice. This wonderful city offers an array of fabulous architecture that enchants visitors from all over the globe.

The Eiffel Tower

It doesn’t get much more iconic than the Eiffel Tower. One of the world’s most famous landmarks, this architectural masterpiece soars to an impressive height of 324 metres.

Climb to the top and witness picturesque panoramas of the city’s outstanding monuments. You’ll snap plenty of pictures from the tower alone. But be sure to save some room on your camera for other picture-perfect spots across the city, like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Montmartre.

Notre Dame

A trip to Notre Dame de Paris will simply take your breath away. This majestic 14th-century cathedral is situated right in the city’s historical and geographical heart. Despite the fire damage from 2019, you can still see most of the cathedral from the outside – including the stunning gothic façade. And you can also visit the archaeological crypt, with the rest of Notre Dame expected to reopen in 2024.

The Louvre

Located on the Right Bank of the Seine, the Louvre stands as the world’s largest museum, home to some of Western civilisation’s most renowned masterpieces. Stroll around at your leisure and witness Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Veronese’s Les Noces de Cana, among other works.

Romantic reputation

Often referred to as the ‘City of Love’, Paris has a world-renowned reputation for romance – and with good reason. The Seine winds its way through the heart of the city, which gives it an alluring charm. You can stroll along the river and browse the street stalls for one-off buys before crisscrossing the water and stumbling across landmarks like the Champs-Élysées and the Jardins du Trocadéro.

Meander through the alleys and side streets and find a quiet corner in a cosy café or settle down for a candlelit meal for two. Whether you’re exploring the city with a partner or sharing the experience with a cherished friend, the wonder of Paris is sure to capture your heart.

Delicious cuisine

Parisian cuisine is undoubtedly something to savour while you’re in town. Whether you have a set meal in a traditional eatery or push the boat out with an opulent dinner cruise along the river, the food in Paris is sure to delight.

Dinner in Paris means a hearty steak frites or a fresh seafood plate, among other delicious dishes. Book a table at iconic bistro Le Dome in Montparnasse for exquisite seafood menus that will tantalise your tastebuds. And for an appetiser that is sure to impress, give escargot (snails) a try. Typically cooked with chicken stock, garlic butter, or wine, it's a beloved French delicacy celebrated by locals all over the city. For the best in Paris, pay a visit to L’Escargot Montorgueil for an evening of outstanding authentic French cuisine.

Those with a sweet tooth can savour ‘baba au rhum’ after their main meal, a sumptuous sponge cake soaked in rum and filled with raisins and whipped cream. And when you’ve indulged in all you can eat, head out for some cocktails in the Pigalle Quarter before a show at the spectacular Moulin Rouge.

Shopping

As the global centre of fashion and style, Paris is home to a vibrant shopping scene that attracts millions of visitors year after year. From reasonably priced clothing collections at vintage shops to many designer stores, Paris shopping has something to suit every budget.

If you’re a lover of all things designer, head to the Triangle d’Or, where you can dip in and out of some of the most fabulous Haute Couture shops, including Chanel, Prada, and Dior. Or make your way to Boulevard Haussmann, where you can sample Parisian department stores selling everything from gourmet food to designer clothing ranges for men and women.

More City Breaks

Check out our other city breaks guides for more inspo, including: Amsterdam | Budapest | Lisbon | New York | Rome