It’s not that long ago that we put together a list of five alternative city breaks for those who wanted to sample something different to the norm on a short break within Europe.

Whilst that seemed like a good idea at the time, we should really have also looked at those cities that are particularly popular given that not everyone will have had chance to pay them a visit themselves.

With that in mind, we’re going to use this week to count down ten European cities that are worth considering for a weekend break away from home, with two a day featuring between now and Friday.

So without further ado…

10: Venice


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Long regarded as one of the most romantic cities in the world, never mind Europe, Venice remains a popular choice for those wanting to enjoy a short break on Italian soil - or water...

Spread across a network of interlinked islands, Venice is famous for the canals that meander between them, with a trip on the waterways being seen as one of the ‘must do’ activities for anyone paying the city a visit.

Venice is about much more than just the canals however, with a myriad of impressive architectural treats such as the Basilica di San Marco, the Clock Tower and Doge’s Palace all being worthy of further exploration.

As a major player in the world of the arts, there is little surprise that you can find a range of museums and galleries within the city, whilst there is plenty to reward those who elect to head away from the water and take a stroll through the traffic free back streets.

If there is a downside to Venice however, you can expect it to be busy – especially if a cruise shop has docked in port and brought with it a huge influx of people.

9: Budapest


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The capital city of Hungary, Budapest is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe thanks to its scenic position alongside the banks of the Danube.

The city is home to a wide range of famous buildings, including the Danube Palace, the large parliament buildings and Buda Castle, which looks out across the river.

The castle itself is a key part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the banks of the Danube and Andrássy Avenue.

Budapest is also famous for its many geothermal springs as well as the network of caves that are to be found below the surface; some of which can now be explored by anyone visiting the city.

Alongside a packed list of museums and galleries, anyone visiting Budapest will have plenty of opportunities to take in a show at more than 40 theatres, to go shopping in everything from designer stores to local markets and to sample the best in Hungarian cuisine.