British holidaymakers are shaking up the city break scene with bookings to Riga, Porto, Rotterdam, and Seville surging, according to Superescapes.
Once overshadowed by traditional favourites like Prague and Budapest, these destinations are now capturing attention for their culture, cuisine, and unbeatable value. The rise of new favourites:
- RIGA, Latvia: The vibrant capital of Latvia offers a blend of medieval charm and Art Nouveau elegance. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, bustling markets, stylish cafes, and riverside promenade make it a captivating city break, with culture, history, and modern comforts all within easy reach.
- PORTO, Portugal: Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2023 combines affordability with culture. Its UNESCO-listed centre, lively neighbourhoods, world-famous Port wine cellars, and nearby Douro Valley vineyards make it a top choice for travellers.
- ROTTERDAM, Netherlands: Known for bold modern architecture, a buzzing cultural scene, and over 40 museums, Rotterdam’s accessibility is growing via The Hague Rotterdam Airport, making it a convenient short-break destination.
- SEVILLE, Spain: Rich in history and spectacle, the city draws visitors to the Cathedral, Alcázar, and annual highlights like Semana Santa and Feria de Sevilla. Plans to be climate-neutral by 2030 add to its forward-looking appeal.
Booking trends reflect the shift Superescapes reports a notable uplift in demand, with bookings to Porto up 58% year-on-year, Seville up 38%, Rotterdam up 30%, and Riga up 32% in the first half of 2025. These figures underline a clear shift towards cities that offer both authentic experiences and great value.
“Travellers aren’t just looking for cheaper alternatives, they want cities with their own energy, culture and story,” says Jason Waldron, spokesperson for Superescapes. “Porto, Seville, Rotterdam and Riga tick all those boxes.”
Handpicked City Break Offers RIGA: 3 nights stay at 4* Monika Centrum Hotels, Riga including daily breakfast. Stay in stylish air-conditioned rooms with minibar, free Wi-Fi and modern bathrooms.
Relax in the sauna, work out in the fitness centre, or enjoy drinks at the hotel bar. Perfect for a city escape just 500m from Riga Old Town. Departs London on 5th, 6th, 7th, and 17th October 2025.
PORTO: 3 nights stay at 4* Eurostars Porto Douro including flights. Explore historic Port wine cellars and optional Douro Valley tours. Perfect for a tasty city escape. Departs London Gatwick on 18th, 20th, 22nd, 26th October 2025.
ROTTERDAM: 3 nights stay at 3* The James Rotterdam including flights. Stay in the heart of the city, close to Markthal, Coolsingel, and Lijnbaan. Relax in modern rooms with king-size beds, rain showers, and free WiFi, or unwind in the 24/7 lounge and fitness area. Departs from London Stansted & London Southend on 11th, 12th, 13th, 26th, and 31st October 2025.
SEVILLE: 2 nights stay at 4* Hotel América, room only, including flights. Stay in the heart of Seville’s old town, close to the Cathedral, Giralda, and Santa Cruz district. Relax in air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms with free WiFi and satellite TV, and enjoy traditional Andalusian cuisine nearby. Departs from London on 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st October 2025.
Looking ahead, these emerging destinations are set to keep gaining momentum as travellers increasingly seek authentic experiences beyond Europe’s well-trodden favourites. With a range of handpicked deals across Superescapes and its sister brands, discovering Europe’s next favourite city break has never been easier - or more affordable.
