Brussels city breaks

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.

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Located in the northwest of Belgium, Bruges is a picture-perfect city of medieval architecture, winding canals and cobblestone lanes. Its cool climate adds a wintry air of romance, while horse-drawn carriages and cosy cafés make it the perfect city break for couples and scenery lovers. Spend your time strolling along the city’s bustling streets, explore its history on a visit to the Burg Square, then round off your day people-watching and sampling the local beer.

Picturesque scenery

Start your sightseeing with a trip to Bruges’ Historic Centre, and gaze up at the attractive architecture and old churches. Spend some time taking photos of the lovely old buildings in the Markt, before setting sail on a canal cruise. If you want to ramp up the romance then take to the water as the sun starts to set and enjoy a memorable meal for two.

Great food

There are lots of great dining opportunities in Bruges, whether you want to eat at a restaurant in an elegant converted mansion or try the city’s street food. If you have a sweet tooth then you’ll love your culinary journey in Bruges. Belgium is renowned for its fabulous chocolate, and there’s some incredible places where you can grab a quick dessert, waffles drenched in sweet treats or a chocolatey hot drink. Or take your time sampling melt in your mouth truffles and pralines at a world class chocolate shop. Take plenty home with you as you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Interesting sights

If you’re religious then a trip to the Basilica of the Holy Blood should be high on your list of things to do. You can see what’s believed to be the blood of Christ in the church, which is on a corner of Burg Square. Explore the rest of the square before spending the evening sipping Belgian beers on a terrace with canal views, as you reflect on a great day in Bruges.

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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.

And when you're ready to book your city break, you'll discover an array of quality hotels in Berlin for the perfect stay.

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.

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We also have travel guides available for lots more city breaks destinations, including: Amsterdam | Edinburgh | Krakow | Vienna