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When it comes to city break destinations, you can’t climb much higher than Reykjavik. Europe’s most northerly capital invites its visitors to enjoy a laid-back way of life and nightlife to rival some of the world’s best – against a backdrop of mountains, volcanoes, geysers and glaciers. Visit thought-provoking historical sites and get your bearings from the dominating spire of Hallgrímskirkja Church. 

Things to do

You’ll find a wide range of activities in Reykjavik, including visits to interesting geothermal, historical and natural sites. Friendly and sometimes eccentric, this vibrant city is equally well placed for picturesque glacier walks as it is partying until sunrise. Here are just some of our favourite things to do in Reykjavik.

Northern lights

The northern lights will undoubtedly be at the front of your mind when you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik. Go over winter and gaze up into the night sky as the stunning natural phenomenon illuminates the darkness. As with any natural event, the aurora aren’t entirely predictable, so there’s an element of adventure as you head away from the city and bid to get the best view.

Wonderful activities

If you’re going during summer then you can turn your attention to the wonders of the deep as you set sail on a whale watching tour. Look out for minke whale as you glide across Faxaflói Bay, and keep your eye out for other interesting wildlife as you try and snap some memorable photos. Back on dry land you can saddle up on another magnificent beast and go horse riding through striking landscapes, visit the Gullfoss waterfall and Hallgrimskirkja Church, or indulge in some laid back pampering with an afternoon at the Geysir geothermal area.

Great nightlife

Head back into the city and go for a wander around the Old Harbour before settling down for an intriguing Icelandic meal. Don’t forget to leave plenty of room for trying the local schnapps before continuing your evening out with some live music and a trip to one of Reykjavik’s contemporary nightclubs for a bit of dancing.

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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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Germany’s once-divided capital city is now a multicultural melting pot of vibrant music, international cuisine, and progressive attitudes. Home to a vast collection of art and antiquities from across the world, Berlin boasts a rich fusion of creativity and culture. When the sun begins to set, the city welcomes visitors from across the globe with its offering of live music, bustling bars and lively dance clubs.

Fascinating and solemn reminders of Nazi rule remain scattered across the landscape. From Checkpoint Charlie to the Holocaust Museum, Berlin’s historical notes are sobering evidence of the city’s tumultuous past. Today, the capital boasts a distinctly urban feel and plenty to discover.

Things to do

Berlin city breaks boast things to do for one and all: the art-lover, the foodie, and the party animal. Explore the past on a guided tour of its historical architecture and diverse neighbourhoods before sampling the exquisite cuisine on offer. To avoid getting lost in the sprawling metropolis, be sure to have a game plan before you head out.

The city is home to several exciting landmarks. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of hope and unity, to the Reichstag, the home of Germany’s parliament, Berlin boasts historical points of interest that are sure to captivate you. Remember to take your camera when you go up the Berlin Television Tower, which offers stunning views across the city, or when you go for a relaxing stroll in the Tiergarten Park.

History and culture

Berlin’s history is, of course, intertwined with the two world wars, and there are poignant reminders of this across the city. A visit to the Berlin War Memorial is a must while you’re in town as it’s the last part of the infamous wall still standing. The Holocaust Memorial, located in Mitte, is a touching tribute to Jewish victims of the Nazi regime.

Not all of Berlin’s museums are sombre. The city is also home to various iconic galleries that deserve a visit. Museum Island offers many options. The Gemäldegalerie that celebrates art from the 13th century to the 18th century is a must-visit. For fans of modern art, head to Neue Nationalgalerie, where you can witness exquisite pieces from the 20th century. After your dose of culture, sample local delicacies, sip some of Berlin’s famous beer and party the night away at an all-night techno club.

Food and drink

A city break to Berlin is a real treat for food-lovers. Home to Michelin­starred restaurants and a renowned sustainable eating scene, Germany’s capital boasts varied cuisine to satisfy all tastes. While the city offers a rich plant-based dining experience popular among vegan gourmets, tourists are always delighted by the many options for meat-eaters too.

Considered nothing less than a national pride by locals across the city, ‘Currywurst’ is one of the most popular foods to try. This humble grilled-sausage dish is so well-loved that it even has a museum dedicated to it – the Deutsches Currywurst Museum. Made up of a traditional German sausage topped with tomato sauce and curry powder, ‘Currywurst’ is warming, hearty, and delicious. Other traditional foods include ‘Spätzle’, a vegetarian dish consisting of egg-based pasta, and ‘Apfelstrudel’, a mouthwatering Austrian dessert dish.

Those looking to enjoy traditional German beer should head to Berlin during Oktoberfest. Set over two weeks in October, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and an essential aspect of Bavarian culture. During this unique event, a significant quantity of Oktoberfest beer is consumed. Visitors come dressed in traditional Bavarian attire to enjoy colourful parades, exciting funfair rides and a cheerful atmosphere.

Nightlife

Home to countless bars, lively events, and one of the best club scenes in the world, Berlin’s nightlife is hard to beat. Nestled in the city’s nooks and crannies, the bars are bursting with creativity and offer the perfect place for a drink or two. Look closely, and you’ll discover funky beach bars with strategically designed interiors made to imitate a beach­like atmosphere. From Capital Beach to YAAM, these venues will make you feel like you’re enjoying a relaxing tipple at the seaside.

Berlin’s club scene can be described as avant-garde and progressive, with indie and rock-pop venues open to partygoers every day of the week. In this unique city that never seems to sleep, clubs don’t get busy until around 2am. Head to the neighbourhood of Mitte in the city centre to sample the best of Berlin’s nightlife.

For stunning panoramic views of the city and a bustling rooftop terrace, check out The House of Weekend in the centre of Berlin. Sisyphos Nightclub is another popular haunt, boasting a lively festival atmosphere and large outdoor area. For fans of live music, wander over to Hangar 49 club, where you can enjoy everything from heavy metal to indie rock while taking in breathtaking views of the Spree River.

East and West

The city of Berlin has a long history of being divided into two parts: East and West. A few years after the Second World War, large numbers of skilled workers began heading away from Soviet-ruled East Berlin to West Germany in search of better job opportunities. In response to this, the Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 to prohibit entry into West Berlin. The Berlin Wall stood until 1989 when it was torn down by ecstatic crowds responding to the news that citizens of the GDR (German Demographic Republic) could once again cross the border freely.

Since the Berlin Wall fell over 30 years ago, the city has slowly come back together. However, some evidence that Berlin was once divided still remains today. If you happen to spot a tram, you’ll know that you’re standing in the former Eastern part of the capital. However, while the streetcar system almost wholly vanished in West Berlin at one stage, tram lines have extended into that part of the city in recent years.

And if you come across an ‘Ampelmännchen’ figure (meaning little traffic light man), you’ll know that you’re in former East Berlin. This famous green icon was historically used to instruct citizens on when to cross the street and has since become a tourist-favourite character. Over in West Berlin, a more sombre-looking counterpart was traditionally incorporated into the traffic light system.

More City Breaks

We also have travel guides available for City Breaks destinations, including: Amsterdam | Edinburgh | Krakow | Vienna