City escapes don’t have to mean racing between landmarks or following the same well worn routes. Some of the best short breaks are in cities that are easy to explore, rewarding without being overwhelming, and packed with things you can do at your own pace. From food led old towns to walkable waterfronts and neighbourhoods worth lingering in, these cities are ideal for a few days away when you want variety, good atmosphere and time to actually enjoy where you are.
Base yourself inside the old town and spend days walking between the main square, castle and riverside paths. Eat pierogi in local restaurants, explore underground cellars and take a half day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz. It’s compact, good value and easy to navigate.
Start mornings with coffee by the harbour, cycle between neighbourhoods and stop at food halls like Torvehallerne for lunch. Swim from the harbour baths, stroll Nyhavn in the evening and spend a night sampling the city’s casual but excellent dining scene.
Dubrovnik draws in travellers who love scenery and atmosphere. Walk the old city walls early in the morning, swim from the rocks or take a boat to nearby islands during the day, then return to the old town in the evening once cruise crowds have gone. For Game of Thrones fans, many key scenes were filmed here, making it especially rewarding to explore on foot.
Spend mornings moving between palaces and museums, then slow things down with coffee and cake in traditional cafés. Walk through market areas like Naschmarkt, catch a classical concert in the evening and enjoy how calm the city feels once the shops close.
Climb Arthur’s Seat for views across the city, wander between the Old Town and New Town, then finish the day in a whisky bar or modern bistro. Add a half day trip to the coast or Highlands if you want to stretch the break.
Spend fourteen nights in the south of France on this relaxed family holiday at La Sirène in Argelès-sur-Mer. With direct flights from Dublin, private transfers and a spacious three bedroom Ultimate mobile home, this trip is designed to make family travel easy from start to finish. La Sirène is one of the region’s best known family resorts, offering a mix of pools, activities and space to unwind, all within easy reach of the Mediterranean coast.
This fourteen night journey links two contrasting parts of Southeast Asia, combining a food focused city stay with time inland in Bali and a relaxed coastal finish. The route works well for travellers who enjoy variety without overplanning, moving from walkable neighbourhoods and hands on experiences to countryside views and beachside days, with private transfers and well chosen hotels throughout.
Spend seven nights in Dubai on a relaxed couples break that combines beachfront calm with one of the city’s most iconic resorts. Fly from Dublin with Emirates and split your stay between the tranquil gardens of One&Only Royal Mirage and the oceanfront setting of Atlantis The Palm. With private transfers, curated experiences and strong early booking offers included, this itinerary is designed for couples who want warmth, comfort and variety without over planning.
