5 city breaks for less than £190pp – the price of a train ticket between Manchester and London

1. Krakow, Poland - from £129pp

Whether you visit for old town charm, fascinating historical sites or hip-and-happening nightlife, a city break to Krakow will fill your culture cravings.

Sightseeing takes in the medieval Rynek Główny market square, gothic St Florian’s Gate and the synagogues of the historic Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz. For a deeper historical dive, the sobering memorial and museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau are just an hour away.

When it comes to food, eat your way through pierogi dumplings and obwarzanek pretzels from bustling food vendors or take your pick of artisan cafés lining the streets of the old town. Come nightfall, go in search of an underground beer hall to party until dawn.

What’s the deal? Two nights departing London on 17 March staying in the four-star Q Hotel. The hotel sits just across the river from the historic centre and is a short 15-minute walk away from Wawel Castle and the buzzing Kazimierz district.

2. Budapest, Hungary – from £129pp

Combine a classic city break with a touch of luxury in the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Hit up city sights such as the remarkable Parliament Building, the 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion fortress and the central market in the morning then melt away all your stresses at the thermal spas of Szechenyi Baths.

If you fancy sightseeing from a different angle, treat yourself to a boat cruise down the River Danube. Go in the evening to see the city’s lights at their most magical.

Into your food? Hungarian cuisine is a delight. Tuck into hearty portions of goulash and satisfy your sweet tooth with a traditional chimney cake. For evening tipples, opt for one of the city’s ruin bars.

What’s the deal? Two nights departing London on 2 March staying in the three-star ibis Budapest Heroes Square. Located next to City Park, the hotel is perfectly positioned for the Széchenyi Baths, with the historic M1 metro line whisking you to the Parliament and Castle District in minutes.

3. Prague, Czech Republic – from £129pp

A pint or two of Prague’s famously cheap beer is essential on a city break to the Czech capital. Get cosy in a cellar bar or head to the rooftop terrace of Hotel U Prince for views of the city’s iconic Church of Our Lady before Týn.

The city centre can easily be explored on foot – and with its pretty, cobbled streets and fairy-tale spires, you’ll hardly notice the steps adding up. But if you’re short on time (or just want to rest your legs), Prague’s wallet-friendly e-bike services are fun ways to get around.

Prefer quieter days discovering the city’s sights? Visit the serene Old Jewish Cemetery or take a guided tour of the exquisite Klementinum library.

What’s the deal? Two nights departing Manchester on 2 March staying in the three-star ibis Praha Wenceslas Square. Right at the top of Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the action, you're a 15-minute stroll from the Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands – from £189pp

Picture yourself walking hand-in-hand down Amsterdam’s waterways, past centuries-old gabled buildings. These are now cosy cafes, trendy bars and hip shops which you can dip into as you stroll.

Anne Frank House is a must on a city break in Amsterdam. It’s extremely popular, so book before a visit to the attic where Anne and her family hid. For an arty afternoon, head to the Rijksmuseum, to admire works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and to view some of the finest Dutch art and design through the centuries.

Want to see the city from the water? Look out for the hop-on-hop-off canal boats and sightsee from another angle.

What’s the deal? Two nights departing Manchester on 3 March staying at the four-star XO Hotels Blue Tower. Located in Amsterdam West, this hotel offers excellent value in a city where accommodation can be pricey. A 20-minute tram ride connects you to the canal-lined centre.

5. Barcelona, Spain – from £189pp

With world-famous landmarks and excellent tapas bars, a city break to Barcelona hits the spot for sightseers and foodies alike.

The city centre is packed with incredible architecture to explore – think the stunning spires of the Sagrada Familia and the gothic church towers of Santa Maria del Mar – while along the coast, you can take your pick from waterfront restaurants and trendy bars.

There’s plenty for art lovers here too. Take some time to appreciate dazzling Gaudí designs at the fantastical Park Güell or visit one of the city’s thought-provoking art museums. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is a top pick.

What’s the deal? Two nights departing Edinburgh on 10 March staying in the three-star NH Barcelona Diagonal Center. The beach is just a 15-minute walk away in the trendy Poblenou district while the metro will whisk you to the Gothic Quarter and Sagrada Família in minutes.

Please note: All prices and deals were correct at the time of writing (12 February 2026) and are subject to change.