Europe’s best short-transfer city breaks

The French capital consistently ranks as the top European city people wish to visit. And that’s no surprise considering its wealth of world-famous sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Beyond iconic landmarks such as the Louvre, Paris delights at every turn with breathtaking architecture, romantic historic quarters, chic boutiques and world-renowned gastronomy. Much of this charm lies in its compact footprint – just 40 square miles divided into 20 distinct arrondissements, each one like a self-contained village where everyday life unfolds. A walk along the Seine, through the historic arcades of Le Marais, or up the cobblestone hills of Montmartre, is unforgettable.

Where to stay: Set within a magnificent 14th-century building, luxurious Le Grand Mazarin is centrally located yet provides a serene base, not to mention a pool and a sumptuous restaurant and bars.

This is Tuscany at its very best. Culturally outstanding – it was the birthplace of the Renaissance, after all – Florence allows you to enjoy masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. With sights such as the Uffizi Gallery, the stunning Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio mediaeval stone bridge spanning the Arno River, you’ll never run out of wonderful things to discover. Walking along the charming streets and beautiful piazzas, gastronomes will appreciate the great choice of restaurants, and shoppers the many boutiques and local stores. The tremendous views during sunset at the Piazzale Michelangelo are not to be missed.

Where to stay: The swish La Gemma hotel, located in the heart of the historic centre, is housed within a romantic 19th-century palazzo and has elegant Art Deco-inspired interiors.

British Airways flies direct to 18 Italian cities*

Strolling or cycling along the historic canals of Amsterdam, lined by their striking tall, narrow, gabled 17th-century buildings, is one of Europe’s great pleasures. This compact capital isn’t overwhelming for the first-time visitor and is easy to navigate – a fascinating boat tour will help you to find your bearings. There’s something for everyone, with world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, tranquil parks and lively nightlife. Discovering the many cosy cafés, markets and independent shops is an endless pleasure. Don’t miss the centuries-old brown bars, so-named for their dim lighting, dark wood panelling and walls that were once stained sepia by centuries of candle soot and tobacco smoke.

Where to stay: Enviably housed in 17th-century buildings on Amsterdam’s oldest major canal, Hotel Estherea is colourful, plush and supremely comfortable.

Home of the world’s oldest university, Bologna offers a heady mix of culture, history, food and buzzing city life. Being less crowded than cities such as Rome or Venice, experiencing authentic Italian life is easier than ever here. Take in sights as the Piazza Maggiore and its grand mediaeval and Renaissance palaces, and Bologna’s famous arcades – ideal for strolling in all weathers – that stretch for 62km across the city. Be sure to check out the historic Quadrilatero market area, with its enticing produce and cafés. Bologna is an excellent base for exploring the Emilia-Romagna region, and it’s easy to take day trips to nearby fascinating cities such as Parma and Modena.

Where to stay: Housed in a palazzo and situated by Bologna Central Station, the Social Hub Bologna is a slickly designed hotel with a courtyard pool, a stylish restaurant, a bar and lounges.

British Airways flies direct to 18 Italian cities*

The capital of Catalonia has it all: glorious architecture, a fabulous array of restaurants serving tapas, paella and seafood, vibrant nightlife, beaches, museums and galleries. Supremely walkable, it’s easy to discover its different neighbourhoods with their distinct personalities, such as the mediaeval Old Town with its maze of cafés, artisan shops and boutiques, and El Born with its great nightlife and cultural must-sees such as the Picasso Museum. The Eixample district has an orderly 19th-century grid system with wide boulevards and architectural masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí such as the Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló.

Where to stay: The H10 Marina Hotel is just a short walk to the Gothic Quarter and the beach and boasts a spa and a rooftop terrace and pool with city and sea views.

Dubliners are known for their friendliness and sense of fun, so expect a hearty welcome at this relatively compact and walkable capital. As well as historic landmarks such as Dublin Castle, Trinity College and St Patrick’s Cathedral, be sure to check out the characterful bars, where you may be treated to some fine traditional Irish music. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse will unravel the history of Ireland’s best-known stout and a stroll through huge Phoenix Park offers woodland walking trails and ornate flower gardens. There are even roaming herds of wild fallow deer.

Where to stay: The elegant Wilder Townhouse is on the quieter south side of the city amid fine Georgian mansions, with St Stephen’s Green just a ten-minute walk away.

Sweden’s second city may not be so well known, but that doesn’t prevent it offering much to the visitor, such as attractive historic neighbourhoods, serene canals and a lively waterfront. Its enviable selection of restaurants and cafés serve excellent seafood, and nature lovers will find easy access to tranquil islands, rocky coastlines and picturesque villages reached by ferry. As well as museums and galleries, you can explore historic districts such as car-free cobblestoned Haga, dating from 1648, with its picturesque 17th-century wooden houses and independent shops. Families will love Liseberg amusement parks.

Where to stay: Centrally located boutique Hotel Pigalle is housed in a building dating from 1751, yet its bold and colourful interiors sit very much in the 21st century.