Hi Fiona,
I was really taken with Prague - such a beautiful city compact yet with so much to see. And we were lucky with the weather so sitting by the Vlatva sipping a pilsner with the sun beating down - great. Would love to go back but I'm fancying a trip to Budapest now.

I agree Prague is a beautiful city! I've also had some fabulous weekend breaks in Edinburgh and Dublin.
Still think London takes some beating and i think that has to be my all time favourite...a nice sunny day sat on Old Compton Street, people watching, with a jug of Pimms and a group of friends

Madrid!!!!! yeh!!!!

I might be biased though!!

Hi

We did several city breaks last year - Paris in Feb (very cold, huge place, loads to see), Dublin in May (you can easily cover this city in a day and a half - which we did), Barcelona in September (fab, going back again this September) and Prague in December (beautiful, very Christmassy, loved the little cafes with mulled wine, etc.)

Still on my list - Budapest and Amsterdam. Going to Croatia in May for our Silver Wedding so popping over to Venice for a few hours on the hydrofoil.

Favourites - has to be Barcelona, so much to see and do.
2nd favourite - Prague, would like to go back in summer
3rd favourite - Paris, so elegant. Lots of walking though!!
4th favourite - Dublin, but great if you just want to relax and drink Guinness!!

Can anyone recommend any other cities worth a visit?

we are jetting off to krakow at the end of may for a long weekend- 5 nights in 4* hotel for 2 inc breakfast £160.00 a bargain .
from what we have seen on the tv and on the net it is a really historical place to visit and close to auschwitz which is a memorable place to go round
will post details after we have returned
we have been told to go now before it becomes commercialised and spoilt with all the stag parties

Our order of preference for non UK City breaks is:

Amsterdam
Las Vegas
New York
Barcelona
Prague
Paris (Wouldn't go again)
Dublin (Wouldn't go again - not even on an all expenses paid trip!)

Now, Amsterdam only beats Vegas & NY for us as it's a hell of alot closer, taking distance out of the equation and Vegas & NY win hands down. NY isn't too bad on distance and we usually only spend three nights there.

Amsterdam wins as it's so convenient for us to get to from a local airport. A very short flight. We know the city really well, it's super relaxed and chilled.

Our UK list is:-

Manchester
Leeds
London
Brum = YUK!

I would suggest out of the way places which I have visited the following as part of longer holidays but feel they could communicate their individualities well during a weekend's visit.

Spain- Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla (and I hope to do Santiago di Compostella in the near future!)

Latvia- Riga (but it can be very cold!! Wrap up well)

Germany- Cologne (Koln), Baden Baden

Slovenija- Ljubljana

Finland- Tampere (again wrap up warm!)

Places to avoid .... 'Frankfurt Hahn' ... in the middle of nowhere, but Mainz is ok (Ryanair bus), Prague (too many British beer addicts).

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I think I could get to like city breaks!

My number 1 has to be Prague. I've been several times at different times of year. It's wonderful at Christmas and Easter when there are markets and decorations in the Old Town Square and in summer when you can relax in the gardens. Charles bridge is magical at night when the castle is all floodlit. I'd go back again anytime.

My most recent city break was Venice which lived up to all expectations and is like walking into a Canaletto painting. It can be expensive but with cheap flights and care taken choosing a hotel and restaurant, it can be affordable and is well worth seeing.

I also enjoyed Budapest, bigger and more spread out than Prague but still plenty to see and do. Can be very cheap to eat out.

In the UK, don't forget Edinburgh, a beautiful city with lots of history.

Has to be Prague so far abroad and Edinburgh in the UK.

Both beautiful cities with lots to see.

I think we will visit Rome next year, direct flights with Easyjet from Belfast now - yippee!!

My favourite is Cape Town. Weather is glorious all year round, food and drink is reasonably priced and outstanding quality. The V&A Waterfront is spectacular, Table Mountain/Robben island/Kirstenbosch Botannical Gardens visits a must and the Winelands, Simonstown and Cape of Good Hope a short drive away.
2 hour time difference, no jet lag. For sports fans football, rugby and cricket in abundance and admission prices dirt cheap.

Trailfinders were recently offering flights & 6 nights accomm for £499, outstanding value.

New York was previously my city break favourite but the Cape Peninsula leaves it standing.

Cape Town
hopefully going there next Spring- but taking almost a fortnight and combining it with Durban - for the zulu sites. Have always fancied going
Prague
I am sure we will get there some time soon!
Budapest
haven't thought of it but I think I will research it. What are the "must dos"?
Dublin
another must do sometime!
Paris
other half doesn't fancy it (yet!)
Amsterdam
another one we will probalby end up going to sometime( because it so easy for us)
Spain
I loved Barcelona and would like to try other destinations.
Rome
we spent a day there and would love to return- Trevi Fountain was one of the most breathtaking sites.
Thanks again for all the suggestions- anyone tried a short break in Istanbul?

In my opinion one of the best city break would be Casablanca. I went there for a holiday and like it so much. I made a web site specially for the city with my own pictures. Can you please tell me what do u think about it?
http://www.casablanca-city.net

For some reason when I clicked the link it tells me I should install Korean!

no u dont have to install korean. It should normally work. Fiona does the website work?
http://www.casablanca-city.net

Las Vegas

New York

Florence

In that order.

I think I should give Toronto an honourable mention as well. Took my good lady there for her 40th. Good shopping, loads of restaurants and not to much to get too these days from our local airport.

I really want to visit Prague sometime - know Il love it!

Went to Barcalona and Paris last year - Loved Barca, i like Paris but its not a fave, went for a day trip as part of a trip to Disneyland.

Amsterdam - loved it - the culture/atmosphere excellent museums

Dublin - went when i was getting over a virus so unfair to say i didnt like it - but did feel parts were very run down and it wasnt everything i thought it would be?

Here I love York for a city break, also enjoy a trip to London. Keen to go to Edinburugh and Chester.

Am going to see bits of Venice and Athens and Dubrovnik this year on a cruise - am sure i will want to return to Venice....

Also always fancied an Xmas market but not got there yet......

I never find city breaks relaxing as i love to cram lots in - sights/shopping/eating/museums and wandering out of the main areas to soak up local atmosphere!

Given the choice I d prob go for a couple of city breaks than a weeks beach style break.............. thats why i like cruises - tons going on and different places to see

Alison

Alsacienne
I would love to hear more about your favourite Spanish cities. I can easily redeem my BA miles to any of the destinations you have mentioned. Why do you like them? What is there to see/do? Any info would be apprediated!