These city breaks with a difference go beyond the usual two-night escape
Put the guidebooks away – our pick of captivating city escapes come with classical musical shows, luxurious train journeys and more
City breaks are exciting, whether spending a weekend in Paris, taking a splurgy shopping trip to New York, or not venturing far at all and dedicating a little time to get to know York or Manchester.
It's easy to book your flights and two nights at a hotel, and then wing the activities when you get there, but for 2025 we're championing the city break with a difference. We're talking about visiting a city for its extraordinary experiences and once-in-a-lifetime events for unforgettable holiday.
Going beyond the usual two nights, our pick of exciting city escapes to the likes of Maastricht, Venice and Edinburgh include thrilling journeys on iconic sleeper trains, classical music concerts with legendary artists and more.
So if you're mulling over ideas to make your next city break extra special, you'll want to browse our pick of amazing trips. Whether you'd like to witness the spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland's capital city or take a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, these are our favourite city breaks with a difference...
A luxurious four-night immersion in Florence
Florence makes an incredible city break. It’s a small, walkable city where you can stroll the streets, admiring the beautiful buildings and happily stumble upon gorgeous piazzas. Of course, you’ll want to familiarise yourself with the major sights, like the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the world-famous galleries, but with Good Housekeeping’s offer for a four-night stay at the incredible Helvetia & Bristol (one of our favourite Florence hotels), you’re given a head start with some of the things you’ll do.
The offer includes a negroni and mixology masterclass at the hotel and a soothing stretching class in the incredible spa—the largest in Florence—which features Roman baths.
A three-night classical music break in Holland
Amsterdam is beautiful but if you want an unusual city break in 2025, try a different Dutch city, like Maastricht. It will host a very special classical music concert in 2025 when André Rieu takes to the stage. Seeing the legendary Dutch violinist perform is a memorable way to experience the pretty city.
Good Housekeeping’s four-day city break not only gives you the incredible chance to see André Rieu perform, but also time to explore Brussels when you first arrive (how's that for two countries in one trip?) and explore picturesque Utrecht, one of our favourite places in Holland.
A three-night Scottish jaunt for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Timing a visit with a city’s cultural calendar can be a fantastic way to see it at its best. For instance, the chance to witness the spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is not one to miss when over a thousand musicians come together to perform in front of an illuminated Edinburgh Castle.
Good Housekeeping has a special city break in Glasgow in August to coincide with the show. You’ll be based in Glasgow for three nights, but your visit to Edinburgh, seats for the performance, and bonus city tours of Glasgow and Edinburgh are all taken care of.
The finest five-day adventure in Venice
We all have our favourite famous cities, perhaps London, New York, Paris, or Rome. Returning to our much-loved hotels, restaurants, and sights and finding new favourites can all be part of the joy of travel. Which is why we love this new way to visit Venice. If you’ve been before, you’ll have time to revisit your favourite places during three nights in the city. But your experience is guaranteed to be different this time, as it includes meeting journalist and broadcaster Michael Portillo. He’ll entertain guests with conversation over dinner, then join you as you step aboard the magnificent Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to travel from Venice to Paris.
A four-day Jane Austen-themed city break in Bath
Instead of self-guiding around Bath wondering whether you've really seen all the best bits, leave the planning to the experts. On a three-night Good Housekeeping city break in June, your time in Bath is maximised thanks to a carefully planned itinerary, which includes a walking tour of Bath with historian Lucy Worsley.
Lucy will show you the places that inspired Jane Austen when the author lived and wrote her novels in the city. But the inclusions don’t stop there – you’ll also take a cruise along the River Avon and explore Jane Austen’s House, Chawton House, and the Jane Austen Centre.
A six-day no-fly city break to Rotterdam and Amsterdam
No-fly cruises are a brilliant, hassle-free way to visit cities like Amsterdam. Whether it’s because you’re not a fan of flying or because you want to maximise every moment of a holiday (so no standing in airport queues, thanks very much), choosing a cruise from the UK has lots of perks.
We love this five-night cruise that sails aboard Borealis from Newcastle to visit Amsterdam, spending two days docked there to give you ample time to explore the city. But you’ll also sail to Rotterdam, where futuristic architecture dominates the cityscape — two city breaks in one trip!
If you're eyeing a great value deal, this is an ideal one to consider. All your food onboard is included, with credit to put towards drinks. You'll be surprised how reasonable the holiday price is, too.
Browse more extraordinary journeys in the latest Good Housekeeping Holidays brochure.
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