Spring city breaks
European hotspots
It’s finally time: spring is here. To celebrate, we’re launching flights to four fantastic destinations. Each city has its own charm and makes for a great city break. With plenty of cool culture and inspiring sights, choosing one will be tricky. If you aren’t tempted enough already, these flights are all direct from Birmingham, making your trip that much easier.
Feeling inspired? Click here to book your spring city break now.
Driving to Birmingham Airport?
Driving is a convenient and flexible way to travel to the airport. You can travel in the comfort of your own space and when you return to Birmingham, you'll have your car ready to take you home! Car Parks 1, 2 & 3 are most convenient, just a 2-minute walk from the terminal building. Pre-book online to save up to 70% and guarantee a space.
Porto
Fly with Ryanair from April, flight time from 2 hours 20 mins
Known for being one of the oldest European centres, Porto has a thriving historical core. Its hilly, cobbled streets and bohemian character give it its alluring charm, and there is no better time to visit than in spring, when the temperature is mild. Don’t be fooled by its ghostly appearance – between the empty façades, art deco neons and quiet shop fronts, Porto is steadily coming back to life.
Explore Ribeira
The southern neighbourhood of Ribeira, on the banks of the river Duoro, is the life and soul of Porto. Explore the maze of alleyways, plazas and tiled townhouses to discover some of the best restaurants in town, serving traditional cuisine with spectacular views over the river. Ribeira’s laid-back vibe is echoed in the cool cafés, hipster bars and general pace of life. Don’t leave without sampling Portuguese wines and tapas.
Discover the city’s past
At first glance, Porto seems derelict and abandoned, but that is exactly what makes this city so mesmerising. The crumbling urban infrastructure gives Porto a surreal aura. Join a guided tour to explore all the architecture. Visit the 13th century tower house in Bairro de Barredo – one of Porto’s oldest civilian buildings. Marvel at the gothic São Francisco church and its detailed baroque interior, or the neoclassical Palácio da Bolsa, with its mosaic-filled Arabic room.
Soak up the culture
Enjoy the fun atmosphere and fresh produce at the Mercado do Bolhão. If you’re feeling creative, take part in a workshop with local artists, where you can enjoy anything from tile painting and seat weaving to printing and glass fusing. A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Port wine cellars, where you can sample the city’s namesake.
Budapest
Fly with Wizz Air, flight time from 2 hours 30 mins
Hungary's capital city is as hip as it is historic. A true European gem, Budapest boasts historic monuments, architectural wonders, healing thermal waters and an unbeatable nightlife. Split by the River Danube, Budapest has 2 districts- hilly Buda and flat Pest- connected by the 19th century Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The city draws you in with its picturesque beauty and quirky spirit. Whatever you want from a city break, you’ll find it here.
Bath in the thermal springs
Known as the ‘City of Baths’, Budapest is blessed with an abundance of hot springs and, as a result, ‘taking the waters’ has been an experience here since the Roman times. And whether you want to heal pains, chill out or party hard, there’s a bathhouse for you. From Turkish-era classics and Art Nouveau designs, to family-orientated baths and spas hosting all-day parties, Budapest’s baths have something for everyone. Make sure you pack your swimming costume!
Marvel at the flamboyant architecture
From Gothic Revival to Neoclassical, Budapest is bursting with a treasure trove of architectural delights. Arguably the most majestic building in Budapest, Parliament Building is a must-see on any trip to Budapest. Its Neo-Gothic architecture is awe-inspiring, and the ornate red-carpeted interior is just as impressive. Visit the Hungarian State Opera House for beautiful architecture and world-class performances and Fisherman’s Bastion for fairy-tale turrets and some of the best views of Budapest.
Explore the many markets
Budapest is well known for its market halls selling delicious local produce, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a range of Hungarian arts and crafts. The most famous is the Great Market Hall, one of Europe’s finest indoor markets covering three floors. You will discover traditional street food specialities, including Hungary’s most popular snack, lángos. For a more local experience, visit the Szimpla Farmers Market, open every Sunday inside Budapest’s most famous bar, where you can enjoy fresh food, live music and entertainment.
Naples
Fly with Jet2.com from April, flight times from 3 hours
With one of the biggest historical centres in the world, housing over 400 churches as well as the iconic gulf and Mount Vesuvius, it’s a wonder Naples hasn’t received more attention. Despite its slightly shabby exterior, the city has a thriving contemporary art scene, energetic street life and exquisite cuisine. It enjoys a mild southern climate and temperatures reach 18°C in spring, allowing you to stroll the city’s streets without layering up.
Explore the city’s past
For an immersive experience of Naples’ history, join the Holy Mile walking tour, where you’ll get an insider’s perspective of the cosmopolitan Rione Sanità district. Visit the 12th century Norman Castle dell’Ovo at Porto Santa Lucia and watch the sun set from the top, admiring the breathtaking panoramic views over the city. And a trip to Naples wouldn’t be the same without a stop at the Museum of Archaeology, housing a collection that includes Greco-Roman art and artefacts.
Admire the spectacular geology
Visit Lake Agnano – what was once a lake on top of the Agnano volcano, is now home to steamy sulphur baths and picturesque walks. Take a trip to the Gulf of Naples, where you can admire the scenic beauty of the volcanic hills, the coastline and the Bay of Naples’ Islands. From here you are within easy reach of Pompeii, the Herculaneum ruins and the Amalfi Coast.
Take a relaxing stroll
Kick back and soak up the warm weather and sunshine in one of Naples’ green spaces. Stroll along the urban oasis of Villa Comunale, a leafy seaside strip dotted with gorgeous fountains and home to the Anton Dohrn aquarium. Also worth a visit is the neoclassical residence of Villa Floridiana, housing the magnificent National Museum of Ceramics. The beautifully landscaped land and botanical gardens surrounding the villa provide a haven away from the busy city streets.
Copenhagen
Fly with SAS, flight time from 1 hour 45 mins
Copenhagen truly perfects the art of urban living. The Danes take quality of life seriously and it really shows. From cosy cafés dealing you your daily hygge fix in the winter to beaches and harbour pools full to the brim in the summer, Copenhagen is something special. There’s cool design wherever you look, the food scene is buzzing, and the locals speak excellent English. With an inviting culture that values work-life balance and the environment, Copenhagen captures the hearts of all those who visit.
Explore the city on two wheels
Copenhagen is the city of cyclists. Whether they’re going to work, school, or a night out on the town,, Copenhageners travel everywhere by bike. The streets are mostly flat and there are dedicated bike highways, like Cykelslangen, The Bicycle Snake. This takes you on a fun ride criss-crossing 7 meters above one of the beautiful harbour baths. You can rent an official city bike or most hotels and hostels keep bikes for guests to borrow or hire. Get pedalling!
Shop ‘til you drop
Experience the real hustle and bustle of the city on Avenyn Boulevard. At one end of the boulevard stands the Gothenburg Museum of Art, and at the other, the oldest part of the city, surrounded by a moat. Lined with glitzy boutiques, restaurants and bars, you won’t be short of options. Make sure to check out the side streets and street art jazzing up the walk.
Discover Tivoli Gardens
Whenever you visit Tivoli, you’ll have a special experience, but it’s most magical after dark. The amusement park (which celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2018) sparkles with fairy lights, lanterns and soft-glow bulbs as soon as darkness falls. Tivoli Gardens has something for everyone – rides, fairground stalls, candy floss, high-end restaurants, blooming flower gardens, exotic architecture and live entertainment from major international artists.
Paddle on Copenhagen’s waterways
From canal tours and harbour ferries to pedalos and kayaks, there’s an abundance of options when it comes to exploring Copenhagen’s waterways. You will take in many of Copenhagen’s main sights including Nyhavn, the Opera House, the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, the old Stock Exchange, and the National Museum. In between, you’ll pass through quiet residential neighbourhoods where locals relax along the canal banks or on the many boats tied up alongside.
Explore the suburbs
Once a hippie hang-out in the 60s and 70s, Haga, Gothenburg’s oldest suburb, is now a creative hub. It harbours fair-trade fashionistas and cool boutiques. Wander the cobbled streets and discover the array of independent shops and eateries, buying and tasting as you go.