City Breaks: The Perfect Getaway for 2025 – Featuring Cordoba, Basel, and Other Must-Visit Destinations

City breaks are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to travel—and it’s easy to see why. They’re the perfect balance of culture, history, and food all packed into a short manageable trip. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend escape or a planned trip to unwind, city breaks allow you to dive straight into a new destination without the need for a long holiday. 

For 2025, several cities are standing out as top picks for urban exploration, and among them are Cordoba in Spain, Basel in Switzerland, and other hidden gems that offer rich experiences for travellers.

Top City Breaks for 2025 You Won’t Want to Miss

Cordoba, Spain: A Fusion of History and Culture

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through beautiful, sun-kissed streets filled with history, Cordoba might just be the city for you. Situated in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Cordoba offers the perfect blend of cultural experiences and laid-back charm. This city often flies under the radar, but once you’re there, you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.

The crown jewel of Cordoba is the Mezquita, a mosque-turned-cathedral that stands as a testament to the city’s rich Islamic and Christian past. Walking through the towering arches and intricate designs, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different time. After you’ve had your fill of historical marvels, take a leisurely stroll through the Jewish Quarter—narrow, winding streets that lead you to lovely courtyards and whitewashed buildings. In May, the city comes alive during the Patios Festival, where the streets are filled with colourful flowers and the air smells of fresh blooms. 

There are lots of places to enjoy some tapas in the city. Some popular dishes include salmorejo; a cold tomato puree with wine vinegar and Pastel cordobé, which is a sweetened squash jam filling between two layers of puff pastry and topped with sugar and cinnamon.

The Andalusian way of life is relaxed, making this an ideal destination for travellers who want a blend of history, relaxation, and culinary delights.

Basel, Switzerland: A Cultural Haven at the Heart of Europe

Switzerland’s third-largest city, Basel, sits at the crossroads of three countries—Switzerland, France, and Germany—and is often overlooked in favour of more famous Swiss cities like Zurich or Geneva. However, Basel is a cultural powerhouse, with a rich history, outstanding art scene, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a fantastic choice for a city break.

Basel is set to become super popular this year, being thrust into the limelight due to the Eurovision Song Contest taking place here in May. 

Basel is home to world-class museums such as the Kunstmuseum, Fondation Beyeler, and Vitra Design Museum, which attract art lovers from all over the world. But the city isn’t just for art enthusiasts—Basel’s Old Town is filled with charming medieval buildings and the iconic Basel Minster, a Gothic cathedral that offers stunning views of the city and the Rhine River. Basel’s location along the river makes it perfect for scenic walks or boat trips, and you can also enjoy the picturesque streets lined with cafes and shops.

The city’s festivals, such as Art Basel (one of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs) and Carnival Basel, add to its allure, making it a dynamic place to visit year-round. For those who love a combination of culture, art, and history with a touch of Swiss flair, Basel is a must-visit city.

Other Hidden Gems for Your Next City Break

While Cordoba and Basel are great places to start, there are plenty of other European cities you’ll want to discover in 2025. From charming streets to fantastic food, here are a few more destinations that will leave you wanting more.

Lisbon, Portugal: The City of Light and Charm

Lisbon’s mix of old-world charm and modern, cosmopolitan flair has earned it a spot as one of Europe’s most exciting city break destinations. The city is known for its colourful Azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles), trams that navigate its hilly streets, and iconic landmarks like the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. The historic Alfama District offers a maze of narrow alleys and Fado music, while Bairro Alto is the place to go for nightlife. Don’t forget to try the famous Pastel de Nata at a local café—you won’t regret it.

Budapest, Hungary: Where History and Nightlife Collide

Known as the "Paris of the East," Budapest is one of Europe’s most captivating cities, with its grand architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history. A city split by the Danube River, Buda and Pest offer a blend of historic landmarks, stunning bridges, and an incredible nightlife scene. Visit the Buda Castle and take in panoramic views from Fisherman’s Bastion or relax in the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Don’t forget to explore the ruin pubs in the Jewish Quarter for a unique experience.

Prague, Czech Republic: Fairytale Charm

With its fairy tale charm, Prague is always a popular choice for city breaks. The Old Town Square is home to beautiful medieval buildings and the famous Astronomical Clock, while the Charles Bridge offers stunning views of the Vltava River. Prague is also known for its beer culture, with countless pubs serving some of the best brews in Europe. Whether you're exploring historic sites like Prague Castle or enjoying the city’s café culture, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this magical city.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Canals, Art, and More

Amsterdam is renowned for its picturesque canals, world-class museums, and laid-back atmosphere. It is one of those cities that you could visit over and over again without ever getting bored.  Whether it’s cycling along its canals, visiting the Rijksmuseum to see works by Rembrandt, or enjoying a drink by the water, there’s something effortlessly charming about this Dutch capital. The combination of art, history, and a laid-back vibe makes Amsterdam the perfect spot for a quick getaway.

Why City Breaks Are Perfect for Your 2025 Getaway

City breaks give you the chance to dive deep into a city’s culture, history, and food scene—sometimes in just a weekend. These destinations, full of charm and personality, are perfect for those who crave a cultural fix, new experience or a little bit of adventure.