MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry recommends three historical cities you should try for a Bank Holiday weekend getaway this summer
If you want to treat yourself to a little getaway at the end of this month, why not go on a city break? Cities are perfect for experiencing new things, without feeling intrepid and needing to make a lot of advance plans.
With so much on your doorstep, there’s always something to do and easy ways to get there.
But working out which Bank Holiday city break is right for you – and your budget – can feel overwhelming. Check out these suggestions, with three budget options for each, to be inspired.
York
Famous for being steeped in millennia of history, York is an ideal destination if you want to stay in the UK for your Bank Holiday city break. It’s less than 2.5 hours by train from London, Edinburgh, and Manchester, making it a perfect location to meet up with friends from around the UK.
Filled with museums, bars, shops, and of course the famous Shambles street, it’s a walkable city that you can pack with activities for a long weekend. Leave the car at home and travel by rail, and when you get here, book either a sightseeing tour bus or a walking tour (free tours leave every day from outside the Art Gallery) to get your bearings.
Budget: Safestay York Micklegate, from £22 per night
A hostel just inside the city walls, and a short five-minute walk from the train station, this accommodation has great reviews and is an ideal location. You can easily walk straight down Micklegate, over the bridge, and be in the city centre within a five-minute walk, but you’re away from the bustle of the city noise for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Mid-range: Radisson Hotel York, from £72 per night
A reliable brand, the Radisson has hotels all around the country and Europe, and you know you’re going to have a great experience. The York Hotel is located a three-minute walk from the city centre, with river views, and is located between the two main bridges into town, making it easy to access attractions and venues, like the Museum Gardens, sightseeing tours, and boat tours.
Blowout: The Grand York, from £199 per night
York’s famous five-star hotel, only a three-minute walk from the railway station and city centre, this is a pure luxury experience. The spa offers treatments for a pampering session, or you could enjoy their famous afternoon tea for a treat.
Lisbon
A three-day weekend in Lisbon, Portgual is plenty of time to see many of the incredible sights and activities on offer. A beautiful city sprawling around the Tagus river, it’s a stunning place to walk around and discover hidden secrets in colourful side streets. If the hills get too much to manage, hop on one of the iconic yellow trams for a tour (try tram 28 for the best route). If you want to use trams to get around during the weekend, load a Viva Viagem travel card at a metro station for cheaper prices.
You can’t go to Lisbon and not visit the cathedral, Praça do Comércio, which is €4 to enter. If the hustle and bustle of the main square and cathedral gets too much, the riverside quay offers some city-centre calm. You’ll not be short of finding delicious restaurants and cute cafés, and it’s worth taking time just wandering to take in the stunning buildings and cityscape.
Budget: Lisbon Central Hostel, from £28 per night
In the middle of Lisbon, you don’t need to spend a fortune if you want somewhere to put your head at the end of a long day. A ten-bed dorm bunk starts at €34.44 per night, or you can choose a smaller dorm for a slightly higher fee – moving up to a private twin room with shared bathroom at €106.25, or ensuite at €114.75. The facilities at this family-run hostel are basic but clean, friendly, and it’s right in the middle of the city so perfect if you want to do a lot of sightseeing.
Mid-range: Rossio Garden Hotel, from £127 per night
Located in the historical city centre, you have only a few metres to walk to Rossio Square and into the heart of Lisbon. It’s also only ten minutes from the airport! Rooms are equipped with all the standard hotel amenities, a surprisingly modern feel for the unmissable red-painted building that dates from the 18th Century.
Blow-out: Convent Square Lisbon, from £302 per night
While this is an IHG hotel, it’s part of the Vignette Collections, meaning you won’t see standard IHG décor. Instead, it has been tastefully designed around the stunning building: a former convent within the middle of the city’s historical landmarks and a stone’s throw from the station.
Prague
Known for its imposing Gothic architecture, walkable centre, and cheap prices, Prague is a favourite destination for those wanting to get away for a weekend on their own, as a couple, or even with friends. It’s an easy city to get around on foot, but you might want to consider a motorised form of transport to get up to the UNESCO World Heritage site of 1000-year-old Prague Castle.
A tour-heavy city, there is bound to be one that suits you. Try a bicycle tour (or the electric trike tour for a more accessible way to get around), a river cruise, an organised pub crawl or even a ghost tour if you want to be spooked. Head to New Town quarter for some shopping, or wander the streets to find eateries away from the main square and tourist areas.
Budget: Best Spot Hostel, from £19.11 per night
A hostel with a more central location never existed: Best Spot is in an original 13th Century building only 100m from Old Town Square and the famous Charles Bridge. Right in the heart of the city, dorm rooms start from just over £19 per night, or opt for more privacy for £69 for a twin room with a shared bathroom.
Mid-range : Old Town Square Apartment, from £144 per night
If you want to keep costs down by self-catering, or simply fancy a bit more room than a bog-standard hotel double, consider an apartment. The Old Town Square Apartments are, unsurprisingly, in the Old Town city centre. This puts you in the middle of all the tourist activities, tours, and amazing architecture, with your own home to relax in after a long day sightseeing.
Blow-out: Four Seasons Hotel Prague, from £635 per night
Go for all-out luxe at the central Four Seasons, with river view rooms and five-star service. Located in the heart of the city, you can easily walk to your weekend activities – but you might want to spend half of your time relaxing in the spacious, classically-designed rooms. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, add a private boat ride on the Vlatava River (from £370).
Budget travel tips
Even if you’ve got a big budget for your Bank Holiday city break, saving money where you can is always a good idea! Remember these tips:
- You can pack all you need in a single cabin bag – don’t pay for checked luggage fees
- Use a prepaid foreign currency card or no-fee multi-currency card to limit fraud and theft risks
- Book airport transfers in advance instead of jumping in a taxi on arrival
- Look online for airport and rail parking discounts before you travel
- Book hotels direct as it is usually cheapest
- Arrange travel insurance the second you decide to go on a break – it could save you a lot of money.
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