Planning a City Break: 6 Steps to the Perfect Weekend
From choosing a destination to picking the right neighborhood: how to plan a city break that stays relaxed and on budget -- with a checklist and hotel tips.
A great city break isn't the one with the busiest itinerary -- it's the one with the smartest planning. Six steps that save you time and money.
1. Choose your destination based on the season
Don't just ask "Where to?" -- ask "Where to right now?" Rome in spring, Milan in fall, Dubai in winter, Tokyo during cherry blossom season, or London in the quiet of February: thinking about destination and time of year together gets you better weather and better prices.
2. Three nights instead of two
Two nights are too tight for most cities: your arrival and departure days are only half-days. With three nights you get two full days and a relaxed send-off. The third night is often cheaper per night as well, since hotels tend to favor longer stays.
3. Choose your hotel for connectivity, not proximity to sights
The best location is the one with the best connections: a metro station with multiple lines within a five-minute walk. From there you can reach any attraction in the city -- and you'll enjoy a quieter stay than if you're right in the thick of things. Our destination pages highlight the best neighborhoods for every city.
4. Budget realistically
- Hotel: total price including taxes, plus any charges payable on-site such as a city tax.
- Transfer: train connections from the airport are almost always cheaper and faster than taxis.
- Food: set lunch menus at midday, and for dinner head one or two streets back from the main squares.
- Admission: booking online in advance saves time and often money; many museums offer free evenings or free Sundays.
5. Keep the itinerary loose
Plan one highlight for the morning and one for the afternoon each day -- no more. The rest takes care of itself: a neighborhood on foot, a café, a market. The best memories rarely follow a schedule.
6. Book flexibly
Book your hotel with free cancellation as soon as you have a date locked in. If prices drop later or your plans change, you can cancel at no cost. As a 2Travel member, you'll see the member price below the public hotel rate right from the start.