Good City break - maybe somewhere a bit different?

Roxanne

Hi guy's I'm looking to take my hubby away for a long weekend break around March/April.

Ok the places to rule out as we've already been are: Barcelona, Madrid, Prague, Krakow. We loved all of those cities but would like somewhere new and different.

We are in our mid 20's and our interests are quite general- sightseeing, places of historical interest, lively enough nightlife with good food and drink - which is preferably cheap:p. Somewhere romantic would be nice.

Was thinking of maybe France - but it seems to be quite expensive to get around there.

Was also thinking around Paddy's day might be good but that's just a thought. Anywhere in particular with a good atmosphere for Paddy's day?

Any suggests very welcome. Thanks guys!

IamMetaldave

What about Berlin? It's suppose to be a super spot and will tick all the boxes you mentioned!

P. Breathnach

Berlin is a good suggestion, and the value for money there is fairly good.

Lyon is also a good desination for a short break. A large city that feels like a small one, and the foodie capital of France. http://www.en.lyon-france.com/

bills

How about budapest. Its a bit different with thermal baths etc. - Loads to see & do, good bars & restaurants & cheap. I can reccomend an apartment which is really good value if interested.

If looking at france- i would suggest carcassone.

p to the e

Berlin or Munich is an excellent suggestion. My choice would be Munich over Berlin but both are fantastic. another place i found to be quite beautiful is Budapest. you may not want to but i'll throw it out there...... Galway!

P. Breathnach

I'll happily add a vote for Budapest, one of my favourite cities in Europe.

I'd vote for Berlin ahead of Munich because there is so much more to see and do, But Munich is also good.

Let's face it, you are spoilt for choice of good city break destinations in Europe. Did I think to mention Bordeaux? Or Lisbon?

Roxanne

Wow thanks for all the suggestions there!

I did look at Berlin but the only thing is the flights seem to be expensive enough to get there, for the dates I was looking at anyway. Not many airlines seem to do direct flights.

Budapest sounds interesting, and somewhere we'd probably really like. Might have a look into that!

Lyon or Bordeaux - is there much to do in either of those cities? As I said I like the idea of France but wouldn't know about much where to start or what cities are the best. Though I also think France is v expensive and you can go to much nicer/or as nice places for more reasonable prices. I'm generalising a pretty big country there but you know what I mean!

Thanks for all the help, if anyone has anything else to add feel free! Cheers

P. Breathnach

First thing, Roxanne, is not to let the cost of flights have too big an influence on your choice. A difference of €20 per flight does matter a bit, but in proportion to the other costs it's not that much, and if it makes you decide on a good destination rather than a great one, it might be a false economy. I generally watch out for Aer Lingus seat sales, and you should be able to get good deals in March or April if you avoid the Easter peak. It's probably a good idea to hold off booking and watch for bargains.

I found lots to interest me in Lyon. It's an old city, with Roman bits, lots of medieval stuff, great food (not all of it expensive), good shopping, and the buzz you get in a major university centre. Good art gallery, which helped us pass a very cold December afternoon.

Bordeaux also has lots of interesting buildings and attractive bits. Great shopping. A really interesting museum in which we spent hours (another cold day, this one in February, with snow). We also did a return rail trip to Sarlat, passing through vineyards and stations that read like a wine list, to see some of the best medieval buildings in France.

But as you haven't yet been to Budapest, I think you are right to look into it. One suggestion: check out apartments rather than hotels. They are generally very good value, and hotels in Budapest are a little bit on the expensive side compared with the prices of everything else there.

raido9

I'd recommend Dusseldorf.

Flights from €10 inc taxes and charges with ryanair (to Weeze).

Cracking place at night. Not a whole lot in the sightseeing department though.

spurious

Dresden, if you can get there. Beautiful place.

ilovecake

Hi there!

Roxanne - Milan / Barcelona are deadly for a short stay! Defo see Barcelona before ya get old!!!

I am thinking of booking Berlin for New Years for my boyf.... Any advice on where is good for nightlife and getting in the festive spirit?? (and CHEAP - Flights / Accom x2 is DEAR!!)

Ta,
Mags