Travel expert reveals the best city breaks for each month of the year

A travel expert has revealed the best city breaks for each month of the year.

Rob, a holiday expert who shares travel tips on his TikTok account @robonthebeach, posted a video giving a rundown of the top spot each month.

Rob said in the clip: 'I get asked on a weekly basis, "where's best for a city break in February? 

'"Where's best for a city break in June, or March, or September?"

'So for the next time someone asks, I thought I'd just make a video and then send them this.'

He presents his 'city break calendar for 2026', based on weather, what's going on in each place, as well as his own experiences.

Here's the full list of Rob's best suggestions by month... 

January - Budapest, Hungary

The Szechenyi Chain Bridge, a famous symbol of Budapest, Hungary

Rob said: 'Start the year with a cold but consistent cracker. This place is around three to five degrees in January, but that's also what kind of makes it brilliant.

'I've definitely said this before on here but the Thermal baths, no crowds and rock bottom hotel prices make Budapest perfect in January.'

We found return flights to Budapest from London Stansted for as little as £30 with Ryanair in January, making this a budget-friendly break.

February - Venice, Italy

If you're seeking festivities and fun, the carnival period in Venice is a great choice

For February, Rob recommends Venice - to soak up the experiences during the city's carnival season.

The Venice Carnival runs every year in the lead-up to Lent, beginning every year two weeks before Ash Wednesday and finishing on Shrove Tuesday.

Beautiful costumes and typical Venetian masks transform the city during this month.

Return flights to Venice in February start from as little as £30 with Ryanair, flying from Stansted.

March - Amsterdam, Netherlands

The historic city centre of Amsterdam, with raditional houses and bridges

Rob added: 'With temperatures around 10 to 12 degrees in March, tulip season starting, prices still nice and low, this is the month the city wakes up before the tourists arrive.

'For March, I can recommend a break in Amsterdam.'

Plus, you can get cheap return flights to Amsterdam - from £68 with easyJet, flying from Manchester Airport.

April - Athens, Greece

View of the Acropolis, a hugely impressive landmark in Athens

In April, the expert suggests Athens - and advises you make sure to visit the Acropolis while you're there.

Last year, Time Out crowned Athens the most underrated winter European city break this week, saying that the best time of year to visit the ancient site is during the coldest months of the year. 

The UNESCO World Heritage site city welcomes up to 7 million tourists each year thanks to its world famous 5th century Acropolis, Parthenon temple, bustling shops and host of museums. 

We found return flights for just £58 in April, flying with Wizz Air from Luton Airport, and returning to London Gatwick with easyJet.

May - Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey is one of the best places to visit during May

As for May, Rob recommends a 'massively underrated' spot. 

With warm temperatures and buzzing temperatures, Istanbul is the best pick for this month.

Good news for your purse, too - with Wizz Air offering return flights from London Gatwick to Istanbul in May from just £54. 

June - Boston, USA

Boston's city skyline over the Charles River in Massachusetts, US

Rob went on to say: 'June means one thing to me - the World Cup - and this place is perfect for a World Cup summer, with England playing and the city buzzing.

'Temperatures are around 22 to 26 degrees, it has long days and an unreal atmosphere. 

'June in 2026 has to be Boston.'

We found return flights for £390 in June, flying from Gatwick with Swiss, and back to Heathrow with Lufthansa.

July - Krakow, Poland

The central market square of Krakow in Poland draws in many tourists

For July, the best pick is Krakow - with food that Rob dubs 'stupidly cheap'.

Just last year, Krakow was revealed to be Europe's 'most stress-free' city break.

Hotels here start from just £72 per night - and its picturesque Old Town is fabulous to explore.

In July, Ryanair has return flights from Luton, starting at £83. 

August - Edinburgh, Scotland

The beautiful buildings along the streets of Edinbugh in Scotland

August's festival season in Edinburgh means it's the best pick for the month.

This year, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run from August 7-31, offering huge amounts of entertainment for anyone visiting at this time.

Artists and performers present shows from cabaret to children's shows, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, music, musicals, opera and theatre.

But you'll have to get in there early if you want to save some money on flights and hotels - the cheapest return flights we could find across the UK were from Belfast, for £55, flying with Ryanair.

September - Munich, Germany

Traditional Bavarian celebrations during the festival of Oktoberfest 

Rob said: 'September means one thing in Germany - Oktoberfest. 

'Beer tents, sunshine, and around 18 to 20 degree heat. September kind of picks itself, and I've gone for Munich.'

In 2026, the 191th Oktoberfest will take place from September 19 to October 4 on the Theresienwiese.

Return flights from Manchester start at £86, flying with easyJet.

October - Seville, Spain

Plaza de Espana in Seville, Spain - perfect for an off-season getaway

In October, you should try Seville.

Seville sits at the heart of Spain's Andalucian region in the south of the country. It's a popular tourist destination with 'plenty of al fresco entertainment' - although it gets overcrowded in the summer.

But in October, it's still warm, and much quieter - and Wizz Air flies there from Luton for just £40 return.

November - Naples, Italy

Naples city and the Gulf of Naples in Itally are perfect for foodies

For November, Rob suggests a 'wildcard' - Naples.

As of 2025, it ranks as Italy's third-most visited city after Rome and Florence, according to Napoli Sotterranea.

For cheap return flights, easyJet flies from Gatwick for just £72.

December - Cologne, Germany

Cologne's Christmas market is renowned for its historic backdrop

Rob said: 'For December, I've gone chasing Christmas markets. 

'And with a cathedral backdrop and cheap mulled wine on tap, it's hard to look past Cologne in December.'

Cologne, situated just an hour and a half from the UK by plane, is home to several distinct and popular Christmas markets, each with a unique theme. 

Ryanair flies to Cologne from Stansted, for just £69 return.

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