Winter Break gives you the chance to experience a country’s art, history, and culture, without you needing to spend an extended amount of time in one location.  They are ideal for couples, solo travellers, and families, and you will find that most European cities cater to every interest. However, with so many amazing cities to visit in Europe, it can be hard to know where to visit first. So, this article provides you with five excellent options to help your choice easier.

1. London

London offers enough attractions to keep an entire family entertained for weeks, never mind a short city break.  Have a good idea about what parts of the city you would like to discover before you arrive, so that you don’t waste any time after you get there.  View the entire city from the top of the London Eye, and then get a taste for all things royal at the Tower of London – there are places to go and things to do for all age groups whether the sun is shining or not. freediving Philippines in camotes island

2. Rome

Rome is a city for the great romantics, and makes the perfect place for that long sought after romantic escape.  The history and the architecture are awe inspiring, and when you think about all the greats that have walked these roads before you, you can’t help but feel humbled by the heritage of this amazing city.  Throw a few coins into the Trevi Fountain and pray that you will return again soon.

3. Paris

Paris is a city for those with a love of all things cosmopolitan.  Here, you will still find artists showing and selling their wares along the banks of the Seine just as they have done for centuries.  If you love the café lifestyle you can’t help but love Paris and all it has to offer. Sit with a coffee and a delicious French pastry in one of the many street cafes and just watch the world go by for a while.  The vibrancy and elegance of life in this city cannot help but enthral you and pull you in.

4.Brussels

Brussels is one of the best cities in Belgium, and one that is relatively easy to travel to from elsewhere in Europe.  The people are incredibly friendly and the levels of hospitality second to none.  The city is a mixture of the ancient and modern, and provides lots of places to visit and things to see for the inquisitive visitor.  Arrive at the right time of year and you could see one of the city’s incredible festivals and be part of the celebrations.  Also, be sure to check out some of the very new fine dining restaurants in the city.

5. Barcelona

Barcelona is a city ablaze with colour, the buildings and the fashions all reflecting the colours of the sun and the seeming joy of life that this city exudes.  The food will have you developing a passion for Spanish cuisine and the wines are so rich and full of flavour that you may find your tastes transform to accommodate all things Spanish.  Here the nightlife is just as vibrant as the daytime and there are lots of bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as clubs in which to spend your evenings.

If it’s your first time in any of these cities, it’s a great idea to connect with locals that can help you easily navigate and show you all the best places to shop, eat, and have fun.

To meet locals in any of these cities visit Citysurfing.com. On Citysurfing you can meet and book locals throughout Europe.

There are locals that will show you around; locals that offer tour guide services; locals that provide translation, photography, and videography services; and even locals that do pick ups, drop offs and drive-arounds.

It’s a great way to experience the best of each city with locals and make new friends at the same time.