Wandering around cobbled streets, sightseeing, sampling the local cuisine, and enjoying a different culture for a few days can make a city break an appealing proposition.

In fact, research by Travel Weekly found that city breaks are the most appealing type of holiday for Brits. The survey revealed that 57% of people favoured city breaks, compared to 42% for beach holidays and 37% for all-inclusive breaks.

But while city breaks are becoming increasingly popular and accessible, they can also be tiring, with people often trying to cram a lot of activity into a short space of time.

If you’re a city break fan, read on to discover five ways to get the best from your trip, taking in the sights and scenery without returning home exhausted.

A little planning goes a long way, turning your city break into an enjoyable and relaxing holiday

Have you ever returned from a city break and felt as though you needed another holiday? With all the planning, travelling, walking, and sightseeing, it can feel like a huge amount of effort for what generally amounts to three or four days away.

But with a little forward thinking and a careful approach, you can turn your short break into just that: a break.

1. Plan to do less

Cities have a lot to offer, and it’s understandable to want to see everything. But trying to fit in too much can mean you’re not actually getting the best out of what you are seeing.

Instead, try to cherry-pick one or two sights or experiences a day, so you can give them your full attention. You’ll often have to pay a sizeable entry fee, especially for renowned places, so you want to get your money’s worth, too.

It’s also worth remembering that many big tourist attractions now need to be pre-booked, so it’s a good idea to make this part of your planning before you travel.

2. Find the right place to stay

While you might not be there too much, having a good base can make all the difference to your trip. This might mean staying away from the main tourist areas, especially if you want to enjoy some quieter downtime. Alternatively, you might choose to stay right in the middle of the action, so you can quickly and easily access more of the main attractions.

Finding a place with good transport links will be helpful if you’re hoping to see any sights that are a little further away. This will also make your life easier when it’s time to return to the airport or main train station for your return journey, leaving more time for your holiday and less time for travelling.

3. Make time for breaks

It’s called a city break, but often that’s the last thing you get. However, part of the charm of visiting somewhere new is the downtime. In between the bigger stuff, remember to factor in time for sitting in a café and people watching, walking, and wandering with no real agenda.

4. Prepare for plenty of walking

It’s almost inevitable that you’ll end up doing lots of walking. Whether a planned hike or simply ambling around, you’ll be clocking up the daily steps much more than you’re likely to at home.

This can be one of the great pleasures of a city break. And walking is often a more pleasant way to get around than public transport.

To avoid returning home with tired, aching feet:

  • Pack your most comfortable footwear (and some blister plasters just in case!)
  • Show your feet some TLC at the end of the day by soaking them in warm water.
  • Walk at your own pace. There’s no point in tiring yourself out on the first day and then feeling exhausted for the rest of your break.
  • Try booking a guided walking tour if one is available. These can often show you the highlights and give you more insights and detail than you’d get by going it alone. Plus, you won’t end up covering unnecessary ground.

5. Enjoy the local cuisine

Eating well is another part of the enjoyment of your break, but if you’re only there for a short time, it can be tempting to eat on the go.

Plan your daily meals around your activity. If you’re out for the day, a good breakfast before you start will set you up and keep you going. Following that, a quick lunch might be all you need, but try to wind down in the evening with a leisurely dinner.

If you have evening activities planned, flip this around and enjoy a longer lunch and a quicker dinner.

Essentially, you need to make sure you’re eating enough to fuel your activities, but try to enjoy spending some time each day lingering over a good meal.

Get in touch

City breaks can be a really enjoyable part of your retirement. When we work with you, we’ll always make sure we have your goals in mind, whether that’s travelling the world or staying closer to home. Email hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.