How I plan my city breaks...

...in European cities.

Please hit the 🧡 button if you enjoy this article to help others find it. Thank you!

Planning a city break can either be:

• exciting and rewarding, or

• stressful and tiring,

…depending on your character, interests, budget, traveling company and so on.

I belong in the first group – I genuinely enjoy the mere planning and creating an itinerary, even though I don’t necessarily have travel dates. But I always have a ready-to-go plan 😊

Planning city breaks in European cities can be overwhelming and easy at the same time because there are so many countries to choose from, and different countries mean different cultures, cuisines, lifestyles, experiences and so on. Unless you prefer tourist agencies’ arrangements, you must plan your activities, transport choices, accommodation, insurance etc. And a well-planned itinerary helps you make the most of perhaps limited time. This is how I do it most of the time.

Budapest in spring

---

1. Choosing Your Destination

The first step in planning any city break is to choose the right destination. You can choose it according to:

• your interests: Are you a history buff, an art lover, a foodie, or a nature lover?

• travel options: For closer destinations consider taking the bus or the train, and for those further away choose the airplane.

• prices: Are you on a budget, and if so, what can you afford?

• the weather: How well do you handle weather extremes?

I love everything listed under a), and I try to combine everything in one trip, mostly for diversity. And I’m always on a budget 😊, so I try to use my funds according to my current needs and wishes.

I have a long-term relationship with GoogleMaps, where I just save various locations I come across, using hearts or other marks.

You can see I have many hearts for London – even though I’ve visited it 3 times – there’s always something left to see. I know there are numerous mobile apps for this, but I prefer Google Maps because I can easily combine those locations and create a mini map I can share with my phone, friends etc. (almost everyone has Google Maps). And it’s free to use.

Also, I choose my destinations by the price and availability of airplane tickets – I’m not too picky 😊 I’m only picky when it comes to weather extremes, so I try not to travel to scorching hot countries in July/August, or icy cold countries in December/January. I’m happy when my interests can take me to Andalusia in January or London in August.

Also, spring and fall are generally excellent for European city breaks due to mild weather and fewer tourists.

Fall in Paris

2. Tailoring Your Trip by Interest

My next step is deciding what to include in my city break. Here I need to consider my budget, locations and time frame.

For example, if I’m arriving to London on Friday morning, I will definitely try visiting one of the free museums open late on Fridays, like the British Museum, the National Gallery or Victoria & Albert Museum. And I will make sure I group sites by locations so I can save time and money on the commute.

If you’re a history buff, plan your city break around historical landmarks and cultural sites. There are many guided tours you can book for major sites to gain deeper insights and avoid long lines.

If you’re an art lover, remember to book tickets for popular museums in advance to avoid long lines, especially in high season.

If you’re a foodie, make reservations for popular restaurants in advance, and ask locals for lesser-known but highly recommended spots.

If shopping is on your agenda, keep an eye out for local markets, which often have unique products at better prices than tourist shops, and do your research on the shopping centers’ offers.

If you are a nature lover, pack accordingly and prepare for outdoor activities – some cities offer fantastic access to nature within or just outside the city.

Zagreb, Croatia in spring

---

3. Crafting the Itinerary

I usually create a packed itinerary if I travel solo, but I always leave some room for unexpected events. Sometimes I just don’t want to spend an hour in line, and sometimes I decide to do just that – once I spent an hour in the hottest possible sun waiting in line for the Verona Amphitheater. So, I guess the best advice would be to create a flexible itinerary that includes your must-see attractions, but also allows for spontaneous exploration or changes due to bad weather.

I would definitely not recommend booking anything expensive on the first day because you never know if your plane will arrive at the destination on time. Also, planning anything far away from the city on the day of your return is not advisable because you don’t want to get stuck on the other side of the town from your accommodation and/or the airport. But if you’re feeling adventurous, go for it! 😊

When crafting the itinerary, don’t forget the pit stops – you need to eat.

I use Notion for my daily planning, and here you can see the first draft of my simple itinerary for a weekend in London (you can copy it). This draft is just the first phase of my itinerary, and the next phase is looking into all distances, metro lines, weather forecast, open hours etc.

4. Planning the Essentials

Booking Accommodation

Your choice of accommodation can shape your experience. For convenience, try staying in the city center or near public transport hubs. Here are some options based on preferences:

• Budget-friendly: Look into hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb apartments.

• Mid-Range: Boutique hotels and guesthouses often provide good value with unique charm.

• Luxury: High-end hotels offer comfort, and may also have on-site amenities like spas or rooftop terraces.

I prefer Airbnb and Booking.com, but I also check Locktrip.com and Google Maps, in case something good pops out. I’m usually very cheap when it comes to accommodation, mostly because I just sleep there, and I just need cleanliness and windows. However, sometimes I cough out a lot just for the view :)

Getting Around

Public transport in Europe is efficient and easy to navigate. For example, cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Barcelona offer affordable public transport passes. Many cities are walkable, which allows you to soak in the atmosphere as you explore. It is smart to download offline maps or apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to easily find your way without constant internet access.

Lisbon trams

---

5. Final Tips for a Successful City Break

• Pack smart: Travel light, especially if you plan to walk a lot or use public transport. Essentials include comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, and weather-appropriate layers.

• Check local events: Many European cities host seasonal events like festivals, markets, and parades. Check what’s happening during your visit to add something unique to your itinerary.

• Stay safe: Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, especially near popular tourist spots.

• Print copies of your passport or ID: Especially if you’re not visiting a city with your country’s embassy.

With thoughtful planning tailored to your interests, a city break can be a refreshing, enriching escape. You can be diving into history, savoring local dishes, or soaking up city views – European cities offer endless possibilities for an extraordinary experience. Enjoy the journey!

---

And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕

---

MORE PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS:

• Staying Healthy on the Road

• Solo Female Travel Doesn't Have To Be a Scary Adventure

• How to Travel with Pets

• What can children learn during travel?

Plus, my “2025 Calendar: 12 Countries in 12 Months” is a gift for my free subscribers, so go and get your inspiration: