We all live busy lives, and it can be difficult sometimes to find an opportunity to get away on holiday. This is where a city break can provide the perfect solution, offering a short stay in some of the most beautiful cities in the world — what could be better? 

A city break allows for a last-minute trip with minimal baggage that still packs in plenty of activities and sights on a tight schedule. However, when you have limited time, choosing the right destination is essential to avoid disappointment during your stay.

Not all destinations live up to the hype, and this can turn your weekend away into a race to get home. Thankfully, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to make the most of your short break.

What is a city break?

A city break refers to a short holiday in a city or town destination. Unlike other holidays, city breaks focus on staying in one location and getting the most enjoyment out of a short trip that usually lasts two to three days. Many people opt to turn their city break into a weekend trip, making for the perfect way to slot in a getaway after a long week at work.

Why choose a city break?

City breaks have become increasingly popular, with around 32% of Brits jetting to a city destination in 2022. There are several benefits to choosing a city break, whether you're holidaying on a budget or working with limited time. 

With the rise in budget airlines, it’s never been easier to fly out for a weekend in a neighbouring country's capital city, with flights from Gatwick to Amsterdam booked a week in advance costing just £63 per person with Easyjet (correct as of April 2024).

Flights are just one budget-friendly aspect of heading on one of these trips. By staying in the city, you'll save money on your accommodation, transport, and food costs — all while allowing you to experience a melting pot of cultures and enjoy street food from vendors across the globe.

What can make a city breakover or underrated?

Like any other type of holiday, city breaks have popular and unpopular destinations. However, just because a location is a common choice for city-seekers, that doesn't necessarily mean you're guaranteed to have a great time during your trip. 

In contrast, some underrated destinations may not be popular, but can offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience guaranteed to get the most out of your limited time abroad.

What makes a location overrated?

• Excessive hype — It's far easier to feel disappointed about a destination with a high amount of hype, which is a common occurrence thanks to the abundance of travel content posted on social media that only shows an idyllic portrayal of a destination.

• High tourist density — Large crowds can quickly dampen the excitement for a destination, particularly when you're trying to photograph an iconic landmark, only to have to wait for the crowds to clear.

• Costly experiences — Although we typically expect to spend some money when we travel, overpriced attractions and experiences can hurt our overall enjoyment. The more popular a destination is, the higher these costs tend to be.
  
  
• Lack of unique offerings — Have you ever arrived at a location only to find that it's almost identical to somewhere you've already been? When working with a limited schedule, a lack of unique experiences to see and do can bring down the holiday mood.

What makes a location underrated?

• Lack of international recognition — Countries that haven't received much global praise are often considered 'underrated', as many travellers stick to popular destinations.

• Affordability — Less popular destinations are often cheaper due to a lack of gentrification and fewer specific tourist attractions.

• Local experiences — Some of the most thrilling holiday experiences come from learning the local customs and traditions. This often leads to a far more authentic experience and can also help you build connections with others.
  
  
• Less crowds — Being able to get up close and personal with beautiful architecture, animals, and beyond without waiting for the crowds to clear can make a destination feel far more worth your money and your time.

The top 5 overrated city breaks

While every city has its charms and appeal, some have grown drastically in popularity over the years and have now developed a reputation for being overrated, overpriced, and not worth the hype. 

Below are 5 of the most overrated holiday destinations, according to research conducted by Bounce:

1. Paris, France

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Known as the 'City of Love', Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, receiving over 40 million international tourists in 2022 alone. The city is known for its historic landmarks — including the world-famous Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe — alongside iconic cuisine, art galleries, and more. However, 

Paris has also come under fire in recent years for being overrated. In particular, visitors to the city have raised issues with high prices, hygiene issues (such as the 2023 bedbug infestations), and unfriendly locals.

2. London, United Kingdom

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The city of London is one of the most frequently-visited cities on the planet, seeing over 16 million tourists in the year between 2021 and 2022 alone. London is a hub for cultures from around the world, famous for its instantly recognisable architecture and famous landmarks — including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. London is also a paradise for food lovers, home to cuisines from across the globe. However, the city also has a reputation for being very expensive, with high attraction prices leading to lacklustre experiences for some visitors.

3. New York City, United States

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Another iconic destination that has gained a less-than-stellar reputation for city breaks is New York City. Although the Big Apple welcomes over 50 million tourists yearly and offers plenty to see and do — including bustling museums and art galleries, cafes, and more — many that visit the city find it far too crowded and pricey. The city is home to over 8 million people, meaning there’s sure to be lengthy queues wherever you choose to visit — especially if it’s blown up on TikTok. However, on the flip side, the city is home to sights that can't be seen anywhere else, including Times Square's energetic streets and Central Park's sprawling greenery.

4. Rome, Italy

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As one of the oldest cities in the world, Rome has appeared on travel wish lists for centuries. It's not difficult to see why, with the city's historic architecture and Roman landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon — two structures that date back to 125 AD! The city is also known for its food, from fresh pasta to pizza. However, Rome has developed a reputation for being overrated for a city break due to being expensive for tourists and even quite smelly (according to locals!).

5. Vienna, Austria

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Finally, concluding the top 5 most overrated city break destinations is Vienna. While this city may be home to unique, whimsical architecture and various beautiful churches to be toured, Vienna has unfortunately received some critique from its tourists. In particular, the city has built a reputation for being not-so-friendly to its visitors, with some tourists recounting that they have even been turned away from restaurants for not being local. Additionally, Vienna is known to be expensive, with a cup of coffee costing around 3.63 Euros on average — more costly than even London!

The top 5 underrated city breaks

So, now that we've broken down the cities that have been most commonly deemed 'overrated', let's take a look at some of the destinations that can quite often be overlooked, but that offer visitors a unique experience that's guaranteed to be a good value for money and time. 

According to Bounce's research, the 5 most underrated holiday destinations are:

1. Rhodes, Greece

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Popular cities — such as Athens and Santorini — may spring to mind when you think of Greece. However, according to tourists who have visited the country, the real dream city break destination lies in the city of Rhodes, located on the Greek island of the same name. This city is home to historical monuments, including the Lindos Acropolis and the Archaeological Site of Kamiros, which date back thousands of years and offer visitors an opportunity to get close to some fantastically preserved ancient Greek landmarks. 

The city receives just 2.41 million visitors each year. However, attractions and restaurants in the town have consistently high reviews, indicating that tourists who visit have plenty of nice things to say.

2. Marrakesh, Morocco

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Marrakesh is undoubtedly one of the destinations that is up and coming with tourists, receiving around 3 million visitors each year. The city is perfect for short breaks, with everything you need on your doorstep. Famed for its bustling street markets and vibrant culture, Marrakesh has plenty to see and do. Stroll through palm groves or explore the Bahia Palace; this city has many activities and attractions to entertain you during your short stay.

3. Porto, Portugal

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While Portugal is certainly no stranger to tourists, receiving 46.6 million tourists annually, the most commonly visited city is undoubtedly hilly Lisbon — with far fewer tourists expanding outside of this city. However, according to reviews left for tourist attractions and restaurants in the country's capital city, Porto, this up-and-coming destination is the one to visit during your city break. Porto is known for its vibrant architecture, with rows of rainbow homes adorning the streets. The Douro River runs through the city, providing plenty of opportunities for water sports or even just a relaxing boat ride.

4. Nice, France

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Although Paris isn't a hit with tourists, France's Nice has proven to be an underrated gem of a city break destination. From its various museums and art galleries to its unique architecture and historic Old Town medieval village, Nice has plenty to offer those staying for a short trip — with attractions and activities right on your doorstep. If a day at the beach is what you're looking for, this Mediterranean city has got you covered. Although Nice sees just 5 million tourists annually, those who visit the city say it's well worth the trip.

5. Lima, Peru

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Seen initially as just a layover destination on the way to Cebu, Lima has proven itself worthy of a visit alone. The city sees around 2.7 million tourists per year, with many having high praise for the city's attractions. Those visiting will be treated to vibrant architecture, spectacular water features, and the intriguing Huaca Pucllana ruins. Popular food options in the city include Lomo Saltado and Ceviche, with plenty of options for even the fussiest eaters.

What should I pack for a city break?

One of the benefits of booking a city break is that you'll only be away for a short time, taking some of the stress out of packing for your holiday. Many who jet off on a city stay choose to travel with only hand luggage, which is a great way to save money on additional baggage costs, simplify your holiday wardrobe, and keep all your essentials on hand.

As liberating as it can be to travel with such limited luggage, carefully choosing what you're packing is essential. After all, the last thing you want is to be stuck in an airport layover without your must-have toiletries!

Some of the essentials to bring on your city break include:

• Documents — Keep any tickets, travel documents, Passports and Visas you'll need during your stay in an easy-to-find location.

• Cash — In your currency and the currency you'll need abroad.

• Toiletries — Including shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, shower gel, and deodorant.

• Cosmetics — Including SPF sun protection.

• Clothing — 2x T-shirts, trousers or skirts, shorts, socks, underwear, pyjamas, a jumper, and a rain jacket (just in case!).

• Travel accessories — A sleep mask and a travel pillow are must-haves during your flight. The Trtl Pillow is designed to keep you comfortable wherever you are, ensuring you never compromise your sleep during your trip.

If you're looking for a simple and effective way to pack your essentials, our Trtl Packing Pods offer the perfect solution to keep your belongings organised while travelling with hand luggage.

How can you find underrated city break destinations?

Whether you're looking for an underrated city break to escape the crowds or a unique experience that can't be found elsewhere, knowing where to start when seeking a lesser-known destination can be challenging. 

Thankfully, with a small amount of research, it's easy to identify destinations that are up and coming. Looking at the number of tourists that visit a city each year will give you a good indication of how popular your destination is, and comparing this to the number of positive reviews for attractions in the area can help you determine whether or not a location is worth visiting.

Can seasonality affect whether a city is overrated?

Weather can play a big part in whether we have a great time or feel disappointed. As a result, some cities may be more worth a visit in certain seasons, which may contribute to the belief that they are 'overrated' if people's holidays fall at the wrong time. 

For example, European countries can have drastic weather changes throughout the year, with the summer months (May-August) offering the most enjoyment for tourists looking to soak up the sun and winter (November-February) being the best time to visit countries that are known for their snow sports.

Can overrated cities still offer hidden gems?

Many cities considered to be overrated may have developed their reputation based on negative experiences with significant tourist attractions. However, that's not to say that each city isn't home to its hidden gems that can still make your trip enjoyable. Each city is home to its own local culture and traditions, and the best experiences can often come from talking to the local people and listening to their stories and recommendations.

Enjoy your city break with Trtl Travel

Heading on a city break can be the perfect way to spend time soaking up the culture in another country, even if you're working with a tight budget and schedule.

As with any holiday, it's important to ensure you stay well-rested during your trip, especially since you're trying to fit as many activities into a few days as possible. That's where our travel pillows come in handy, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the city — even after a long flight.

Check out our blog page to learn more helpful tips and tricks for all things flying.