The Best European City Break Destinations To Visit In 2022

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From France to Slovenia, these urban spots are ripe for exploring...

Looking for 2022 travel inspiration? Time Out has revealed its top city break tips for Europe, highlighting places that are ready for a resurgence after tourism was largely put on hold during the pandemic.

“For the past 18 months, travellers have largely explored closer to home, with trips to the countryside especially popular, but in 2022 we’re predicting that the city break will make a triumphant return,” says Time Out’s global editor-in-chief Caroline McGinn.

From cosy winter weekends to sunny summer escapes, these cities are waiting to welcome you…

Arles, France

Synonymous with Vincent van Gogh, who painted one of his famous sunflowers series in the city, Arles is an art-lovers’ paradise. Located on the Rhone River in the South of France, the city is Provence’s Capital of Culture 2022 and will be hosting Les Rencontres de la Photographie festival, the Carrières des Lumières immersive art experience and a variety of exhibitions in the new LUMA arts district.

Brno, Czech Republic

Overlooked by Spilberk Castle and the historic Cathedral of St Peter and Paul, the second largest city in the Czech Republic has undergone a modern revamp in recent years. In 2022, the Industrial Project will see several former manufacturing building reopening to the public, and notorious former prison Kaznice is being redeveloped.

Kaunas, Lithuania

Famous for its modernist architecture, Kaunas has been named European Capital of Culture 2022 and will play host to exhibitions from artists including Marina Abramović, Yoko Ono and William Kentridge. To discover the city’s many brilliant buildings, grab a Modernist’s Guide to Kaunas (free online or at the Tourist Information Centre) and head out on foot.

Odense, Denmark

Opening in December, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is the new jewel in Odense’s cultural crown, celebrating the life and works of the much-loved fairy-tale author. Denmark’s third-largest city, just 90 minutes by train from capital Copenhagen, is home to the Danish Railway Museum and in 2022 a new light railway will link the picturesque old town and newer neighbourhoods.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Already a firm favourite with European city breakers, Ljubljana is worth a repeat visit in 2022, when it will host Velo-City, the annual World Cycling Summit, with free bike hire in the city centre. Culture vultures will find plenty to satisfy their appetites with the return of Festival Ljubljana after year off due to the pandemic, featuring dance, classical and opera concerts; street theatre festival Ana Desetnica starting at the end of June; and the annual jazz festival in July.

Check out the full list on the Time Out website.