Weekend Trips: Five Incredible City Breaks To Start Planning This Summer

There's something very special about indulging in a city break. Spending a few short days in a brand new town awakens our interest in the world around us in a way that's otherwise hard to achieve. We jam-pack as much as we can into a few days, and drink in the sights, sounds and people of our surroundings.  Lucky for us, we've got some of the most intriguing cities in the world right on our doorstep. Here's our pick of five great cities to put on your travel wishlist this summer. 1. Amsterdam The cosy atmosphere of this gorgeous city is hard to capture in words; it's a very special place that needs to be experienced first-hand. Tree-lined canals, elegant cafés and beautiful ancient architecture dominates the postcard perfect centre of Amsterdam. Easily explored on foot over a long weekend, the Dutch capital is another great choice for a cheeky few days away. Or if you're feeling adventurous, rent bikes and take on the locals at their own game. Highlights: From the newly reopened Rembrandt Museum and the incredible Van Gogh Msuem, to Anne Frank's secret annex, there is so much to see and do in Amsterdam. Explore the Stadelijk Modern Art Museum, taste the local brew in the Heineken Museum and pick out your favourite diamond in the Coster Museum. Take in an early morning visit to the Flower Market, head to the Nine Streets for gorgeous boutique shopping and catch a concert at the stunning Concert Hall (and enjoy free drinks at the bar). By night: You can't visit Amsterdam without a visit to one of its world-famous coffee shops; Melkweg is an awesome music venue, and Paradiso, formerly a church, is the place to go for a seriously good night out. 2. Bath A city so beautiful it's been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. And what a worthy title. A visit to this ancient city will take your breath away. Packed full of iconic landmarks, this is the perfect choice for a quick weekend away. Highlights: Tour the ancient Roman Baths in the heart of the city, explore the stunning Royal Crescent and take a step back in time for afternoon tea in Sally Lunn's, one of the oldest houses in Bath - no mean feat. Book lovers can get a glimpse into the life of the lady behind Pride and Prejudice at the Jane Austen Centre. Bath is also a haven for spa lovers; it's the only place in the UK where you can bathe in naturally hot spa water and original Roman-style baths. Accomodation tip: If you fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle and seeing a bit of the English countryside, try the nearby village of Batheaston for an affordable holiday rental. The public bus runs directly from Batheaston to the centre of Bath in a matter of minutes. 3. Edinburgh Hands down one of the world's prettiest capital cities, Edinburgh is bursting with incredible culture and history. Climb Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill, stroll along the majestic Royal Mile (or take the lesser known underground tour) and pay your respects to Dolly the sheep in the National Museum. Explore the string of great bars on Cowgate, and pop in a for a coffee in The Elephant House where JK Rowling worked her magic on Harry Potter. Summer fun: The annual Fringe Festival sees the city spring to life with artists from all over the world arriving to strut their stuff on stage throughout August. Soak in the buzzing atmosphere along the gorgeous cobbled streets before firing up a barbecue in The Meadows. Good eats: The Baked Potato Shop on Cockburn Street is a must-visit; Brunch lovers will love Urban Angel on Hanover Street. 4. Krakow Legend has it that the city of Krakow was founded after the defeat of a dragon, and this mythical spirit can be felt through its gorgeous streets and squares. The Royal Wawel Castle is the major landmark, and the Old Town contains beautiful churches and museums. The city represents the perfect blend of Poland past and present. Home to a vast array of great restaurants, bars and clubs, Krakow is the perfect spot to enjoy a weekend away from it all. Step away from the hustle and bustle of the market square and explroe the winding back streets. Day trip: Take a tour to nearby Auschwitz Birkenau and experience first-hand the site of so much devastation during World War Two. 5. Valencia Sitting pretty on the coastline, Valencia is Spain's third-largest city. And it tends to fly under the radar. It's a dazzling town with a vibrant Mediterranean cultural scene and thriving nightlife. A fantastic place to chill out and explore for a weekend. Hit the beach, sample the local Paella and explore the Bioparc, the Museo de Bellas Artes and much more. Highlights: Valencia converted its former riverbed into a beautiful green ribbon of park which now twists and turns throughout the heart of the city. Pack a picnic, rent bikes and cycle your way through the gorgeous green space before arriving at the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (pictured above). Planning your next city break? Then be sure to check out GrabOne's fantastic travel deals. And for a chance to win the GrabOne €25,000 #GOlifestyle ultimate prize click here.