If you’re anything like me, you’ll love travelling to historic spots around the world. Throughout Europe, you can find city breaks that are bursting with history and culture. From Roman ruins to Viking-era structures to incredible architectural feats, there are so many European city breaks for history fans.
While this is just a handful of some of the incredible historical city breaks around Europe, there are so many more to discover. After all, it all depends on what era of history you’re interested in. So, let’s dive in and discover the six best historic city breaks in Europe.
Granada, Spain
In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Spain, you can find one of the most exquisite examples of Moorish architecture in the world, in the shape of the Alhambra Palace.
However, this is not the only historic wonder in Granada. You can also visit the 13th-century Generalife Palace, the Nasrid Palaces from the 14th century, and the stunning 18th-century Catedral de Granada.
To get to Granada, fly into Malaga Airport, get the train to Malaga’s main train station, and then you can get a direct train to Granada. You can find budget-friendly flights to Malaga all across the UK.
(Image: Getty)
Tallinn, Estonia
If you’re looking for a more northerly, cooler historic city break, head to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
The incredible Old Town was built between the 13th and 16th centuries, and this entire area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Toompea Castle was actually built by the Danish and served as the basis of what we now recognise as the Old Town.
However, Tallinn switched hands between the Danish, the Germans, the Swedish, the Tsarist Russians, and the Soviet Union, before gaining formal independence.
Again, this has had a significant impact on the history, culture, and overall vibe of Tallinn.
Whether you love medieval history or more modern history, there’s a lot to dig into in Estonia’s capital.
(Image: Getty)
Dubrovnik, Croatia
While Dubrovnik may be known as the filming site for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, the real history of this coastal Croatian favourite is equally as intriguing. The city was founded in the 7th century by Roman refugees under Byzantine protection, and it balanced between the Venetian and Ottoman Empires.
Over the years, Dubrovnik has had Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman, and Austrian influences before becoming a part of Yugoslavia, and consequently becoming a jewel in modern Croatia’s crown.
These centuries of varied history make Dubrovnik one of the most interesting historic cities in Europe.
(Image: Getty)
Brittany, France
If Medieval history is more your thing, consider a city break to Brittany in northwest France. You can base yourself in the university city of Rennes, famed for its historic half-timbered buildings in the main square.
Take a day trip to nearby Vannes, known for its Medieval walls that enclose the town, the colourful half-timber buildings of Place des Lices, and the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes.
You can fly into Rennes or nearby Nantes. From there, you can get the train or bus around wider Brittany and into Normandy. It’s also worth journeying from here to Mont St. Michel, which began construction way back in 1023.
(Image: Getty)
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