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Hull - Rotterdam
Rotterdam - Hull
Dover - Calais
Calais - Dover
Cairnryan - Larne
Larne - Cairnryan
Number of Passengers
Please enter the number of passengers, if you have more than 9 passengers Click here
Dover To Calais
Adult 16+
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Pets
Calais To Dover
Adult 16+
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Pets
Number of Passengers
Please enter the number of passengers, if you have more than 9 passengers Click here
Hull To Rotterdam
Adult 16+
Infant 0-1
Toddler 2-3
Child 4-15
Small dog
Large dog
Extra large dog
Small Pet
Other pet
Rotterdam To Hull
Adult 16+
Infant 0-1
Toddler 2-3
Child 4-15
Small dog
Large dog
Extra large dog
Small Pet
Other pet
Number of Passengers
Please enter the number of passengers, if you have more than 9 passengers Click here
Cairnryan To Larne
Adult 16-59
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Student 16-25
Senior 60+
Pet Staying in Car
Larne To Cairnryan
Adult 16-59
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Student 16-25
Senior 60+
Pet Staying in Car
Vehicle Details
Please select your vehicle type. Please note: Vehicles of any type carrying commercial goods must be booked on our freight website. Please include roof boxes and bikes in your vehicles total height.
Dover To Calais
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8m height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Calais To Dover
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8m height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Vehicle Details
Please select your vehicle type. Please note: Vehicles of any type carrying commercial goods must be booked on our freight website. Please include roof boxes and bikes in your vehicles total height.
Hull To Rotterdam
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8 height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Rotterdam To Hull
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8 height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Vehicle Details
Please select your vehicle type. Please note: Vehicles of any type carrying commercial goods must be booked on our freight website. Please include roof boxes and bikes in your vehicles total height.
Cairnryan To Larne
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8 height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Larne To Cairnryan
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8 height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Departure time
Returning time
Day trip
From: Dover
To: Calais
 
 
Day trip
 
Day trip
Exploring the Best City Breaks in Europe

Kick off your adventure with P&O Ferries and leave the stress behind. Settle into roomy lounges, treat yourself to a meal onboard, and pack as much or as little as you want. Travelling by ferry is a relaxed and easy way to reach some of Europe’s best city break spots.

Looking for the best city breaks in Europe? Here is a list of our best European City breaks to help you make a decision on which city is best to visit.

  1. Amsterdam for its canal ring and extensive bike culture.
  2. Paris for its world class art museum and rich culinary history. 
  3. Rotterdam for its contemporary architecture and iconic sights
  4. Bruges for its medieval architecture and romantic winding canals.
  5. Brussels for its historic square and world renowned chocolates.
  6. Antwerp for being the diamond capital of the world and home to master painter Peter Paul Rubens.
  7. Ghent for its picturesque canals and vibrant atmosphere.
  8. Lille for its Flemish influenced architecture and massive annual flea market.
  9. Cologne for its twin spired gothic cologne cathedral.
  10. Hamburg for its historic port and UNESCO listed Speicherstadt warehouse district.

Many of these are easy to reach via the Dover to Calais ferry, while others, such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, are within easy reach through Hull to Rotterdam ferry. The rest are just a short onward journey once you arrive at our ports, making your trip smooth and flexible.

Book your Ferry Crossing with P&O Today!
Book your Ferry Crossing with P&O Today!
City Breaks in Europe

How to Find the Best City Break in Europe for You

city break

Choosing the Best City Break Based on Season

Europe shines in every season, making it easy to plan a city break in Europe whenever you want.

  • Winter City Breaks

Wander through Bruges and take in the charm of its Christmas markets, or see Paris at its most magical with streets and landmarks glowing under festive lights for the best winter city break in Europe.

  • Spring City Breaks 

Experience Paris as the city bursts into bloom, or head to the Netherlands to stroll past the colourful tulip fields just outside Amsterdam.

  • Summer City Breaks

Make the most of Rotterdam’s lively music festivals, or spend long sunny days cycling through Amsterdam’s parks and canals.

  • Autumn City Breaks

Embrace cooler days with museum visits and cosy cafés across Belgium and France, where culture and comfort blend perfectly.

With flexible sailing options from P&O Ferries, it’s easy to book a last-minute city break to Europe or plan your European weekend break well in advance — giving you the freedom to travel the way you want.

Weekend City Breaks in Europe

If you’re planning a weekend city break in Europe, start by choosing a theme. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Romantic getaways in Europe

Paris and Bruges set the perfect stage for romance, whether you’re strolling hand-in-hand along the Seine or exploring cobbled squares lit by lanterns. For more inspiration, take a look at our French romantic getaway ideas.

  • Food & drink lovers 

From rich French cuisine and Belgian craft beers to the buzzing restaurant scene in Amsterdam, Europe is a feast for every taste. You can explore the top restaurants in Amsterdam to find what suits you.

  • Cultural City Breaks in Europe

Discover Paris through its world-class museums, dive into Rotterdam’s thriving art scene, or enjoy Amsterdam’s nightlife and enjoy the city’s modern energy.

  • Family-friendly City Breaks in Europe

Kids will love Bruges’ chocolate museums and cycling adventures through Holland’s flat landscapes. Adults, whether travelling solo or in groups, will find just as much to enjoy. Explore more ideas for family holidays in the Netherlands.

Planning Your City Break to Europe

Top Tips for Planning a City Break in Europe

  • Budget wisely – Combine fine dining with cafés and street food for authentic flavour.

  • Pack smart – Travelling with P&O makes packing simple, bring extra bags for shopping or family essentials with no luggage restrictions.

Make the most of time – Focus on two or three highlights in each city to avoid feeling rushed.

Book your city break with P&O Ferries

If you’re thinking about going on a city break in Europe, you'll find that your holiday truly starts the moment you step aboard with P&O Ferries. Instead of waiting in crowded airports, you can settle into spacious seating, explore a choice of restaurants, or simply relax in dedicated lounges as you sail across the sea.

The freedom to bring more luggage than on a flight makes travelling easier too, whether you’re packing for a family break, carrying shopping bags home, or bringing along sporting equipment. With flexible routes and a calm start to your journey, every city break destination in Europe feels smoother, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable with P&O.

Friends on deck looking to sea

Why Travel with P&O Ferries

Sailing with P&O Ferries makes the trip as enjoyable as the destination:

  • Comfortable cabins and lounges: Perfect for relaxing or preparing for the day ahead.
  • Onboard dining: Snacks and sit-down meals cater to all tastes.
  • Stress-free travel: No airport queues or luggage limits.
  • Flexible luggage: Pack freely with space for Halloween outfits, accessories, and all your festive finds.
  • Groups: Travelling with family or friends is easy, with plenty of space on board to relax together before heading to your event.

Whether you’re travelling to France, Ireland, or the Netherlands, P&O Ferries offers plenty of activities to do onboard that make the whole trip even more fun before the Halloween festivities start ashore.

Book your crossing today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 What are the best city breaks in Europe?
Some of the best European city breaks include Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, and Rotterdam. Each offers a unique mix of romance, culture, and food. Canal-side walks in Amsterdam, Christmas markets in Bruges, art and history in Paris, or festivals in Rotterdam there really is something for everyone. These destinations are ideal for weekend getaways or longer city breaks across Europe.
2 How much should a city break to Europe cost?
The cost of a city break in Europe depends on your travel style, accommodation, and activities. Choosing to travel by ferry can make your trip more affordable, since you’ll save on luggage fees and have the flexibility to bring more without extra costs. With careful planning, you can enjoy both European city breaks and more indulgent escapes whilst still being on a budget. Plus, if you book your ferry tickets in advance directly with P&O, you’ll get the best ferry price for your European city break.
3 Which are the top ten city breaks in Europe?
The top ten city breaks in Europe often include Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, and Rotterdam, along with Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Lille, Cologne, and Hamburg. These cities are popular for their mix of history, culture, and vibrant food scenes, making them some of the most rewarding European city break destinations to explore. Why not also explore some of the most underrated city breaks in Europe and get away from the crowds and enjoy more authentic culture like the Lyon or Galway. Whatever you decide, make sure to book your ferry to Europe now and start planning your next trip today!