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The Irish Sun
04-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore
From floating saunas to rooftop bars – discover why Europe's cities are calling you this summer SWAP SEA FOR CITY Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore SUMMER doesn't have to mean sun loungers by the seaside. This year, more travellers are swapping beach towels for city maps, discovering that short-haul city breaks offer their own summer magic — from floating saunas in Oslo to pierogi festivals in Krakow. 9 From palace tours to pedal-powered sightseeing, Copenhagen's vintage shops and café scene make it the ultimate chic summer escape Credit: Getty According to experts at Travel-Supermarket, summer city breaks are on the increase. Steph Marinkovic, its head of editorial, said: 'We're seeing a rise in interest for summer 2025 compared to the same period last year, based on relative monthly search traffic.' Here, Sun Travel digs out the best last-minute mini-breaks in cities this summer, with top tips from Steph. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK 'Copenhagen oozes Scandi cool, so pack your chicest threads for two days of cycling, cafe-hopping and palace exploration. "Make sure to leave space in your suitcase as the city has an excellent vintage shopping scene too,' says Steph. GO: Two nights' B&B at the 3* Best Western Hotel Hebron is from £438pp including flights from Stansted on August 17. See REYKJAVIK, ICELAND 9 From towering churches to steaming geysers, Reykjavik packs epic sights and natural wonders into one unforgettable weekend Credit: Getty 'You can squeeze a lot out of two nights in compact Reykjavik, so once you've seen the city highlights (the towering Hallgrímskirkja church is a must), book on to a Golden Circle tour to tick off natural wonders such as the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall,' notes Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 3* CenterHotel Arnarhvoll for £445pp including flights from Stansted on August 30. For details see Top 5 cheapest European city breaks DUBLIN, IRELAND 9 Just over an hour away, Dublin offers summer strolls and fantastic indoor attractions if you're caught in a shower Credit: Getty 'With flight times of around 70 minutes, Dublin proves you don't have to go far for a city break to remember. "This walkable city is at its loveliest in summer, though there are plenty of fantastic indoor attractions if you get caught in a shower,' says Steph. GO: Two nights' B&B at the 4* Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is from £202pp including flights from Birmingham on Aug 24. See OSLO, NORWAY 9 Oslo blends highbrow culture with wild swims and floating saunas – cool off in the fjord, then warm up in style Credit: Getty 'From the Nobel Peace Center to the Munch Museum, the Norwegian capital has tons of cultural clout. "For culture of another kind, join locals jumping into the fjord for a refreshingly icy swim. "You can warm up again in the city's floating saunas, which is a treat even in summer,' notes Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Scandic Victoria is from £298pp including flights from Stansted on August 23. For details see STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN 9 Beat the crowds in Stockholm this August with an island escape to Sandhamn, complete with beaches, spa hotels and a new archipelago trail Credit: Getty 'Swedish schools return by mid-August, so it's a brilliant time to visit Stockholm's islands without the family crowds,' explains Steph. 'Sandhamn is the perfect back-to-nature pick close to the city, with sandy beaches, lush spa hotels and the recently opened Stockholm Archipelago Trail that loops around the island.' GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Downtown Camper by Scandic is from £429pp including flights from Birmingham on August 15. See AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS 9 Steph's tip is to book ahead for museums such as the Anne Frank House as tickets can sell out weeks in advance 'Two days in Amsterdam won't be enough to get under the skin of the city, but you will certainly get through many of the must-sees. "Book ahead for museums such as the Anne Frank House as tickets can sell out weeks in advance,' advises Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 5* Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is from £358pp including flights from Liverpool on August 7. See BRUSSELS, BELGIUM 9 From world-class chocolate and beer to a city-wide Comic Strip Trail, Brussels packs a punch for a short summer break Credit: Getty 'It's impossible to be bored in the land of fries, chocolate and beer,' notes Steph. 'When you're not scoping out the best the city has to offer, make time to follow the Comic Strip Trail, an 80-strong collection of giant comic-inspired murals.' GO: Two nights' room-only at the 5* Hotel Le Plaza is from £200pp including flights from Manchester on August 16. See KRAKOW, POLAND 9 Krakow's August sizzles with the Pierogi Festival, so get ready to feast on Poland's famous dumplings - and to loosen your belt Credit: Getty 'Krakow's August highlight has to be the four-day Pierogi Festival on 14-17. "Join the celebration of Poland's humble dumpling and be prepared to loosen the belt a few notches — the filling options are delicious and endless!' says Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Aparthotel Santi is from £301pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on August 13. See BERLIN, GERMANY 9 Make a beeline for the city's lakes, where you can swim, sunbathe and rent boats and paddleboards Credit: Getty 'There's never a bad time to visit Berlin but it's hard to deny its allure in summer. "Make a beeline for the city's lakes, where you can swim, sunbathe and rent boats and paddleboards. 'There are also plenty of free street festivals showcasing theatre, dance, music and more,' notes Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie is from £247pp including flights from Stansted on August 24. See
Scottish Sun
04-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore
From floating saunas to rooftop bars – discover why Europe's cities are calling you this summer SWAP SEA FOR CITY Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUMMER doesn't have to mean sun loungers by the seaside. This year, more travellers are swapping beach towels for city maps, discovering that short-haul city breaks offer their own summer magic — from floating saunas in Oslo to pierogi festivals in Krakow. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 From palace tours to pedal-powered sightseeing, Copenhagen's vintage shops and café scene make it the ultimate chic summer escape Credit: Getty According to experts at Travel-Supermarket, summer city breaks are on the increase. Steph Marinkovic, its head of editorial, said: 'We're seeing a rise in interest for summer 2025 compared to the same period last year, based on relative monthly search traffic.' Here, Sun Travel digs out the best last-minute mini-breaks in cities this summer, with top tips from Steph. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK 'Copenhagen oozes Scandi cool, so pack your chicest threads for two days of cycling, cafe-hopping and palace exploration. "Make sure to leave space in your suitcase as the city has an excellent vintage shopping scene too,' says Steph. GO: Two nights' B&B at the 3* Best Western Hotel Hebron is from £438pp including flights from Stansted on August 17. See REYKJAVIK, ICELAND 9 From towering churches to steaming geysers, Reykjavik packs epic sights and natural wonders into one unforgettable weekend Credit: Getty 'You can squeeze a lot out of two nights in compact Reykjavik, so once you've seen the city highlights (the towering Hallgrímskirkja church is a must), book on to a Golden Circle tour to tick off natural wonders such as the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall,' notes Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 3* CenterHotel Arnarhvoll for £445pp including flights from Stansted on August 30. For details see Top 5 cheapest European city breaks DUBLIN, IRELAND 9 Just over an hour away, Dublin offers summer strolls and fantastic indoor attractions if you're caught in a shower Credit: Getty 'With flight times of around 70 minutes, Dublin proves you don't have to go far for a city break to remember. "This walkable city is at its loveliest in summer, though there are plenty of fantastic indoor attractions if you get caught in a shower,' says Steph. GO: Two nights' B&B at the 4* Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is from £202pp including flights from Birmingham on Aug 24. See OSLO, NORWAY 9 Oslo blends highbrow culture with wild swims and floating saunas – cool off in the fjord, then warm up in style Credit: Getty 'From the Nobel Peace Center to the Munch Museum, the Norwegian capital has tons of cultural clout. "For culture of another kind, join locals jumping into the fjord for a refreshingly icy swim. "You can warm up again in the city's floating saunas, which is a treat even in summer,' notes Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Scandic Victoria is from £298pp including flights from Stansted on August 23. For details see STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN 9 Beat the crowds in Stockholm this August with an island escape to Sandhamn, complete with beaches, spa hotels and a new archipelago trail Credit: Getty 'Swedish schools return by mid-August, so it's a brilliant time to visit Stockholm's islands without the family crowds,' explains Steph. 'Sandhamn is the perfect back-to-nature pick close to the city, with sandy beaches, lush spa hotels and the recently opened Stockholm Archipelago Trail that loops around the island.' GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Downtown Camper by Scandic is from £429pp including flights from Birmingham on August 15. See AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS 9 Steph's tip is to book ahead for museums such as the Anne Frank House as tickets can sell out weeks in advance 'Two days in Amsterdam won't be enough to get under the skin of the city, but you will certainly get through many of the must-sees. "Book ahead for museums such as the Anne Frank House as tickets can sell out weeks in advance,' advises Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 5* Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is from £358pp including flights from Liverpool on August 7. See BRUSSELS, BELGIUM 9 From world-class chocolate and beer to a city-wide Comic Strip Trail, Brussels packs a punch for a short summer break Credit: Getty 'It's impossible to be bored in the land of fries, chocolate and beer,' notes Steph. 'When you're not scoping out the best the city has to offer, make time to follow the Comic Strip Trail, an 80-strong collection of giant comic-inspired murals.' GO: Two nights' room-only at the 5* Hotel Le Plaza is from £200pp including flights from Manchester on August 16. See KRAKOW, POLAND 9 Krakow's August sizzles with the Pierogi Festival, so get ready to feast on Poland's famous dumplings - and to loosen your belt Credit: Getty 'Krakow's August highlight has to be the four-day Pierogi Festival on 14-17. "Join the celebration of Poland's humble dumpling and be prepared to loosen the belt a few notches — the filling options are delicious and endless!' says Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Aparthotel Santi is from £301pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on August 13. See BERLIN, GERMANY 9 Make a beeline for the city's lakes, where you can swim, sunbathe and rent boats and paddleboards Credit: Getty 'There's never a bad time to visit Berlin but it's hard to deny its allure in summer. "Make a beeline for the city's lakes, where you can swim, sunbathe and rent boats and paddleboards. 'There are also plenty of free street festivals showcasing theatre, dance, music and more,' notes Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie is from £247pp including flights from Stansted on August 24. See
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Travel + Leisure
02-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Iceland's First Cascading Waterfall Lagoon Has a Hot Spring, Swim-up Bar, and Mountain Views
From unique hot springs to scenic hiking trails, Iceland's natural landscapes provide one-of-a-kind experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The country is also home to over 10,000 waterfalls and lagoons, and now exploring those famed waterways just got easier. This summer, a new wellness venue, Laugarás Lagoon, will open its doors to those looking to enjoy the variety of water-based experiences in Iceland. Located in the southern part of the country, and approximately an hour outside of Reykjavík, the new wellness center is home to a variety of activities including what the property calls the 'first cascading waterfall lagoon opening on The Golden Circle." From a hot spring, swim-up bar, on-site spa, and relaxing areas of lounging or sitting, the Laugarás Lagoon says it offers tranquility and peace with tons of areas for relaxation. "Bathe among a breathtaking landscape. Nestled among the mountains and overlooking the Hvítá River, the exquisite two-story lagoon envelopes guests in its warm geothermal water, perfectly balanced with the landscape," the website shares. The new Lagoon is accompanied by a restaurant which can accommodate over 80 diners, that has an Icelandic-themed menu curated from locally sourced ingredients under the helm of chef Gísli Matt. "This is cooking rooted in tradition but shaped by modern techniques, with many dishes prepared over open fire. Every element focuses on sustainability: fermentation and preservation minimize waste while supporting nearby farmers and producers in a circular food system that respects the land," the company told Travel + Leisure in a press release. While there is no official open date set, a spokesperson for the Lagoon shared a target date of midsummer, and travelers can make reservations starting Aug. 15. The new lagoon will have packages ranging from ISK 6,900 (approximately $56.34) to ISK 15,900 (or approximately $130.39). The standard admission provides unlimited access to the wellness, as well as a changing room, where the premium offering includes a two-course meal at the restaurant. Iceland has long been a popular destination among wellness travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was previously ranked as the most relaxing tourism attraction in the world, in 2023 and T+L contributor Rachel Chang reported that Sky Lagoon is a lesser-known gem in the country.
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Robbie Williams' Bath gig 'chaotic' premium ticket holders say
Premium ticket holders say they feel let down after paying double the price for a "chaotic" experience at a Robbie Williams sold-out event on Friday was the first of two performances to be held at the Royal Crescent in Bath, Somerset. The singer performed to 15,000 people in what was described as "the most intimate show of his tour".But those who splashed out on a Golden Circle ticket said they did not receive the VIP experience they were promised and were instead "crammed" into the promoters Senbla said the issue has been "rectified for this evening's concert by putting into place stronger communications lines between our security teams and event staff". A Golden Circle ticket cost about double the price of general claimed to offer a spacious standing experience, access to a VIP hospitality area, a dedicated entrance and food and drinks before the show. But Peter Hayes, from Gloucester, said the reality was "really disappointing"."We've paid £266 for the Golden Circle and were promised lots of different things," he said."We've come through pretty much the same entrance as everyone else, and the Golden Circle is currently inaccessible. "There's so many people crammed in, there's no way I want to go into that."I've actually found myself in the ordinary ticket area, just happy to be in a bit of space."Mr Hayes said he had to queue for more than 90 minutes to be served at the bars, one of which had run out of everything except soft drinks by 19:45 BST. Daisy, from Leicester, told the BBC on Friday: "It's absolutely packed, there's no staff anywhere and there's no directions for anything. "It was chaos, so I did not get searched or anything, which didn't really reassure me."Rina Pengilly said she had bought the premium tickets four months prior as a surprise for her father. "It was meant to be a very special occasion and we can't even get in," she said. "My dad needs special assistance so I wanted to be in the Golden Circle for his own safety, so that's why it's disappointing." A spokesperson for Senbla denied claims that the tickets for the Golden Circle section were oversold. "Last night Robbie Williams wowed the audience with a spectacular show, the first night of two he is performing in Bath," they said."There was a very small issue with Golden Circle ticket holders yesterday evening, where later into the concert there were pinch points causing delays to the entry of the Golden Circle section. This section was not oversold."We have ensured that this has been rectified for this evening's concert by putting into place stronger communications lines between our security teams and event staff."
Forbes
01-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
For Authentic Iceland, Look Beyond The Golden Circle
The Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region is one of many highlights of Iceland far beyond the Golden Circle. getty There's a reason Iceland's Golden Circle is so famous. Just a short drive from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is advertised as an ideal route for first-time visitors or anyone short on time. The trio of Thingvellir National Park, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area form a compact, dramatic showcase of Iceland's natural power. But popularity has its downside. In 2024, Iceland welcomed almost 2.3 million international visitors. While that number might not seem excessive at first glance, it's striking when set against the country's population of just 380,000. One of the biggest overtourism issues facing Iceland is that almost 99% of those visitors arrive at Keflavik International Airport, with many heading straight for the island's most popular sightseeing route. A big proportion of visitiors head straight for the Golden Circle, a route that attracts coachloads of tourists throughout the year. During peak season, queues form at car parks and trails fill with chatter and selfie sticks, putting the wild sense of isolation that Iceland promises out of reach. Yet beyond this heavily trafficked loop, there are other landscapes just as spectacular, and possibly even more rewarding because of their solitude. Peaceful villages of the Eastfjords sit between steep mountains and calm bays, while the waters of the north are rich with whales and seabirds. Elsewhere, the Reykjanes Peninsula is shaped by recent volcanic activity, while the highlands remain raw and untamed, offering gravel roads, steaming vents, glacial rivers and vast empty plateaus that feel far removed from the modern world. Despite an expanded airport and new direct flights, the north of Iceland remains one of the country's best-kept secrets. From the harbor town of Husavik, travelers can join tours to spot humpback whales and puffins in near silence, far from the crowds of the south. Many of the boats here use electric motors, making for a peaceful and sustainable experience on the water. Husavik is a wonderful base in Northern Iceland, whether for whale watching or simply enjoying the long summer nights. getty Nearby Akureyri is Iceland's biggest city outside the Reykjavik capital region, but it feels more like a well-kept village. It makes an excellent base for day trips into the surrounding fjords or inland toward Goðafoss, one of Iceland's most photogenic waterfalls. Although knitting is a cherished tradition throughout Iceland, it holds a special place in the north. Each year, the region hosts a beloved knitting festival that brings together yarn lovers from across the country for workshops and a lively marketplace. History buffs should detour to Sauðarkrokur to explore Iceland's medieval sagas at the immersive 1238: The Battle of Iceland exhibit. Reaching the Eastfjords takes time, but those who make the journey are rewarded with raw landscapes and a slower pace of life. Tiny towns like Seyðisfjorður feel like they've been plucked from a postcard, complete with colorful wooden houses and a curious local art scene. The region is ideal for hikers and nature lovers, with dramatic coastal paths, waterfalls, and far fewer tourists than the south coast. The drive itself is part of the appeal with grazing reindeer sharing the winding roads with the handful of vehicles. If eastern Iceland appeals, you might consider arriving the traditional way: by sea. The Smyril Line ferry travels from Denmark, stopping in the Faroe Islands before reaching Seyðisfjörður. This approach offers a slower, more reflective beginning to your Icelandic journey, far removed from the bustle of Keflavík Airport. While the voyage can be long and the seas occasionally rough, it rewards patient travellers with a strong sense of place, as Iceland looms out of the wild Atlantic. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula packs black sand beaches, lava fields, waterfalls, and the glacier-capped Snaefellsjokull volcano into a single day's drive. It's more accessible than the Westfjords or Eastfjords but still far quieter than the Golden Circle. Svodufoss waterfall and Snaefellsjokull glacier are popular attractions in Iceland, yet without the mass crowds of the Golden Circle. getty This region is rich in folklore and literary history. Snaefellsjokull inspired Journey to the Center of the Earth, and many villages in the area are closely tied to Iceland's sagas. For a cultural detour, stop by the Settlement Center in Borgarnes to learn about the country's early days and the stories that shaped its identity. Farther north, the Westfjords offer some of Iceland's most remote and dramatic scenery. Towering cliffs, winding roads, and little in the way of infrastructure give this region a wild, end-of-the-world feel. One of the highlights is Dynjandi, a majestic tiered waterfall that cascades down a mountainside. Despite the isolation, the town of Isafjorður provides modern comforts, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. You don't need to abandon the south entirely, just shift your focus. Instead of the packed paths of Gullfoss or Geysir, drive east of Vik to the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon or explore the serpentine Fjaðrargljufur canyon. Even along the Ring Road, it's possible to escape the crowd with a little planning. For something even more offbeat, take a detour to the Katla Geopark for ice cave adventures in near solitude. The southern region, as with the rest of Iceland, has far more to offer than the Golden Circle, especially for travelers willing to look beyond the obvious.
