There’s no denying the perks of enjoying a city break, but sometimes they can be so hectic that it feels like we need a holiday to get over the trip you just took.
However, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, exploring a new city whilst taking it easy.
Relaxation and city breaks needn’t necessarily be mutually exclusive and relaxing city breaks do exist and we are here to help you choose the right destinations to add to your relaxing city breaks hit list.
There’s even a Serene Cities Index report which has been created by MoneySuperMarket Travel Insurance which has analysed a wide selection of relaxing city breaks which took into consideration a myriad of factors such as noise pollution, traffic congestion, friendliness of the locals and more.
So, where are the most relaxing city breaks in Europe?
From zen-like Swiss sensations to under-the-radar Scandinavian gems, let’s discover the most relaxing city breaks in Europe to unwind in 2024?
Reykjavik, Iceland
Coming in at number 1 for the most relaxing city breaks in the world is the mesmerising city of Reykjavik.
When it comes to relaxing city breaks that come with a vibrant city and lots of nature combined, the Icelandic capital is second-to-none.
Not only does it have lots of stunning green spaces, it has low pollution and traffic levels as well as excellent air quality.
For those looking for a rejuvenating and relaxing break, Iceland ticks all the boxes and remains a perennial favourite for those seeking a nature-packed retreat.
Tallinn, Estonia
Not only is Tallinn one of the best places to enjoy relaxing city breaks, but it’s also one of the prettiest cities in Europe.
For those in the know, Tallinn is fast becoming a firm favourite when it comes to a fantastic European city break destination.
Its ancient winding streets and colourful historic buildings are like something out of a fairytale.
It’s also one of the most cost-effective destinations for a city break as there’s ample options for budget-friendly accommodation and food.
Bergen, Norway
This under-the-radar Scandinavian gem is one of three in our relaxing city breaks roundup.
Norway is one of the most delightful countries in the world and is renowned for being one of the happiest too.
This Norwegian city is chock-full of glimmering fjords, lush greenery and some of the cleanest air in the country.
If you are looking for relaxing city breaks that also have jaw-dropping landscapes and have a wealth of history, then Bergen definitely has your name on it.
It’s one of the oldest port cities in northern Europe and its UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf is a standout attraction that will have you in a zen-like state in no time.
Vienna, Austria
World-class art and architecture coupled with some of the most amazing scenery, you will be hard pressed to find a city that despite being one of the busiest European cities in the world, as
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a city quite as spectacular as Vienna, a place renowned for its world-class art and architecture.
Austria was also named as one of the world’s safest countries, which is also a huge plus and its capital Vienna has plenty of cultural things for travellers to do on their next trip.
So why not consider taking a deep dive into the music scene where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of classical music in the shape of a visit to watch the Vienna State Opera orchestra at the world-renowned Opera House?
Stockholm, Sweden
What can we say about the sophisticated city of Stockholm?
The Swedish capital is made up of a smorgasbord of breathtaking islands, all of which are connected by pretty bridges that are made for wandering over.
When it comes to relaxing city breaks, Stockholm offers so much for any discerning traveller and not only offers super cool, chilled out vibes, but it also offers a fantastic culinary scene.
Stockholm is one of the most sought-after foodie destinations in Europe.
Its restaurant scene is varied, eclectic and innovative with a superb selection of chefs both experienced and up-and-coming that are making waves worldwide.
Vilnius, Lithuania
The under-the-radar city of Chemnitz is one of the upcoming cultural destinations to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond.
Steeped in culture and history, this vibrant German city is often overshadowed by other cultural destinations in Germany like Berlin and Leipzig.
However as cultural city breaks go, there’s no doubt that the spotlight will be on Chemnitz which has been named as the European Capital of Culture for 2025.
Located in the Saxony region which is chock-full of extravagant baroque palaces and castles, expect to enjoy a wide range of exhibitions showcasing paintings,sculptures, and more.
These effortlessly sit alongside some exciting music and arts festivals that are hosted in this pretty city.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Small, but perfectly formed, not only is Ljubljana one of the most relaxing city breaks in Europe, it’s also one of the friendliest cities in the world.
Slovenia’s capital is renowned for its happy residents and visitors to this tranquil city also enjoy unsurpassed levels of serotonin too!
Ljubljana is also a car-free zone in the city centre which goes a long way to help with combating pollution and traffic levels making it a super-relaxing destination for a city break.
Its stunning green spaces are ideal for nature lovers looking for a city break that isn’t just full of high rises and bustling streets and it easily demonstrates why it has been named as Europe’s Green Capital.
With its chocolate box-pretty cityscape and beautiful river setting, this tranquil, relaxing city is chock-full of culture, cuisine and exciting things to see and do.
Munich, Germany
Munich offers a peaceful haven for those looking to unwind.
There are some busy periods to avoid such as during the summer this year when the European championships will take place and during Oktoberfest which makes the city so much more busy.
Outside of those times is ideal for exploring the city’s more sedate cultural offerings such as museums, art galleries, and green spaces that’ll leave you feeling both refreshed and enlightened.
Zurich, Switzerland
There’s no doubt that Zurich is the epitome of zen and whilst it’s known for its luxury and commerce credentials, Zurich is still an ideal place for relaxing city breaks.
Even just walking around the city’s fairytale streets and cosy corners is enough to amp up this charming Swiss city’s relaxation credentials which is ideal for those seeking a rejuvenating break.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Croatian city of Dubrovnik has been attracting visitors seeking relaxing city breaks for decades now.
As soon as you enter the beautiful Old Town with its storied walls which date back to the 16th century, you immediately feel a sense of relaxation.
As well as having a fantastic foodie scene, great beaches, interesting things to see and do, one of the best things to do is to enjoy a chilled out boat trip where you can explore the fantastic beaches that surround this mesmerising city.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Coming in at number 1 for the most relaxing city breaks in the world is the mesmerising city of Reykjavik.
When it comes to relaxing city breaks that come with a vibrant city and lots of nature combined, the Icelandic capital is second-to-none.
Not only does it have lots of stunning green spaces, it has low pollution and traffic levels as well as excellent air quality.
For those looking for a rejuvenating and relaxing break, Iceland ticks all the boxes and remains a perennial favourite for those seeking a nature-packed retreat.
Tallinn, Estonia
Not only is Tallinn one of the best places to enjoy relaxing city breaks, but it’s also one of the prettiest cities in Europe.
For those in the know, Tallinn is fast becoming a firm favourite when it comes to a fantastic European city break destination.
Its ancient winding streets and colourful historic buildings are like something out of a fairytale.
It’s also one of the most cost-effective destinations for a city break as there’s ample options for budget-friendly accommodation and food.
Bergen, Norway
This under-the-radar Scandinavian gem is one of three in our relaxing city breaks roundup.
Norway is one of the most delightful countries in the world and is renowned for being one of the happiest too. This Norwegian city is chock-full of glimmering fjords, lush greenery and some of the cleanest air in the country.
If you are looking for relaxing city breaks that also have jaw-dropping landscapes and have a wealth of history, then Bergen definitely has your name on it.
It’s one of the oldest port cities in northern Europe and its UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf is a standout attraction that will have you in a zen-like state in no time.
Vienna, Austria
World-class art and architecture coupled with some of the most amazing scenery, you will be hard pressed to find a city that despite being one of the busiest European cities in the world, as spectacular as Vienna, a place renowned for its world-class art and architecture.
Austria was also named as one of the world’s safest countries, which is also a huge plus and its capital Vienna has plenty of cultural things for travellers to do on their next trip.
Why not consider taking a deep dive into the music scene where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of classical music in the shape of a visit to watch the Vienna State Opera orchestra at the world-renowned Opera House?
Stockholm, Sweden
What can we say about the sophisticated city of Stockholm?
The Swedish capital is made up of a smorgasbord of breathtaking islands, all of which are connected by pretty bridges that are made for wandering over.
When it comes to relaxing city breaks, Stockholm offers so much for any discerning traveller and not only offers super cool, chilled out vibes, but it also offers a fantastic culinary scene.
Stockholm is one of the most sought-after foodie destinations in Europe. Its restaurant scene is varied, eclectic and innovative with a superb selection of chefs both experienced and up-and-coming that are making waves worldwide.
Vilnius, Lithuania
It’s compact, but cool. It’s easy to see why Vilnius is slowly garnering a reputation as one of the most desirable places to take a city break in Europe.
The Lithuanian capital is one of the best and most affordable places in Europe to enjoy relaxing city breaks.
This underrated Eastern European capital is certainly one to add to your travel hit list before it becomes more of a mainstream destination.
Vilnius is an incredibly pretty city with cobblestone streets, colourful buildings and historic attractions. It’s also one of the safest cities in Europe where ancient history and modern culture work in perfect harmony.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Small, but perfectly formed, not only is Ljubljana one of the most relaxing city breaks in Europe, it’s also one of the friendliest cities in the world.
Slovenia’s capital is renowned for its happy residents and visitors to this tranquil city also enjoy unsurpassed levels of serotonin too!
Ljubljana is also a car-free zone in the city centre which goes a long way to help with combating pollution and traffic levels making it a super-relaxing destination for a city break.
Its stunning green spaces are ideal for nature lovers looking for a city break that isn’t just full of high rises and bustling streets and it easily demonstrates why it has been named as Europe’s Green Capital.
With its chocolate box-pretty cityscape and beautiful river setting, this tranquil, relaxing city is chock-full of culture, cuisine and exciting things to see and do.
Munich, Germany
Munich offers a peaceful haven for those looking to unwind.
There are some busy periods to avoid such as during the summer this year when the European championships will take place and during Oktoberfest which makes the city so much more busy.
Outside of those times is ideal for exploring the city’s more sedate cultural offerings such as museums, art galleries, and green spaces that’ll leave you feeling both refreshed and enlightened.
Zurich, Switzerland
There’s no doubt that Zurich is the epitome of zen and whilst it’s known for its luxury and commerce credentials,
Zurich is still an ideal place for relaxing city breaks.
Even just walking around the city’s fairytale streets and cosy corners is enough to amp up this charming Swiss city’s relaxation credentials which is ideal for those seeking a rejuvenating break.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Croatian city of Dubrovnik has been attracting visitors seeking relaxing city breaks for decades now.
As soon as you enter the beautiful Old Town with its storied walls which date back to the 16th century, you immediately feel a sense of relaxation.
As well as having a fantastic foodie scene, great beaches, interesting things to see and do, one of the best things to do is to enjoy a chilled out boat trip where you can explore the fantastic beaches that surround this mesmerising city.
