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The holiday journal

Explore the guides

A destination to consider, a stay to compare, or one useful question to settle before you go.

View of Gran Madre di Dio Church in Turin, Italy, showcasing its neoclassical architecture and public square.

City Breaks

Turin as an Alternative to a Multi-City Italian Weekend

Two nights in Italy can disappear into hotel check-ins and train stations if every famous city becomes a requirement.

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Bustling street market in Palermo, Sicily showcasing fresh produce and local life.

City Breaks

Palermo for a Short Stay with Markets and Historic Streets

Palermo rewards a short stay that leaves room between its major interiors.

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Scenic view of Marseille harbor with historic buildings and moored boats under a cloudy sky.

City Breaks

Marseille with a Harbor Base and Realistic Day Trips

Marseille's Old Port is a useful reference point for a short visit, but staying near the water does not put every coastal excursion within effortless reach.

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Beautiful sunset view over the Saone River in Lyon, France, showcasing urban townhouses and reflections.

City Breaks

Lyon for a Food-Focused Break Without Booking Every Meal

A food-focused trip to Lyon needs appetite, time, and a few decisions about where money matters.

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Lively city square in Lille with historic architecture and people enjoying a sunny day.

City Breaks

Lille for a Compact Weekend with an Easy Arrival

Lille can make a short European rail break feel like a stay rather than a sequence of transfers.

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Crowds enjoying the historic architecture of Grand Place in Brussels during the day.

City Breaks

Brussels with One Day Trip Rather Than Three

Brussels is often presented as a convenient place to sleep while visiting several other Belgian cities.

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Charming canal scene in Ghent, Belgium, featuring boats and historic buildings.

City Breaks

Ghent for a Slower Alternative to a Capital-City Weekend

Ghent works well when the point of a weekend is to settle into one city rather than collect several capitals.

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Bustling scene at Kraków's historic Market Square with Cloth Hall and statue.

City Breaks

Krakow with a Balanced Budget for History and Everyday Meals

Kraków's historic center can support a full city break without an excursion every morning.

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Charming waterfront view of Gdansk Old Town showcasing historic architecture along the river.

City Breaks

Gdansk for a Waterfront City Break with Time Indoors

Gdańsk offers a waterfront setting alongside museums whose subjects deserve more than a quick rainy-day visit.

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Vibrant historical tenements in Wrocław's Old Market Square with people strolling by.

City Breaks

Wroclaw with Short Walks and Room for Spontaneous Stops

Wrocław is a good candidate for a weekend built from short walks rather than a single ambitious circuit.

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Majestic view of the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest under clear blue skies.

City Breaks

Budapest Without Buying Every Bath, Tour and Cruise

Budapest offers enough paid experiences to fill a week before you have chosen a room: baths, cruises, guided walks, viewpoints, and combined tickets.

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Charming historic street scene in Prague, showcasing classic architecture and daily life.

City Breaks

Prague with Neighborhood Time Beyond the Main Photo Route

You can enjoy Prague's famous historic route without spending the entire weekend repeating it.

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