Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living! Spending all week with your nose to the grindstone staring at spreadsheets can leave you desperate for a few days away. Don’t waste the weekend; re-charge your batteries at one of our top 5 short-break spots.

Musical treat in Barcelona 

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Benefiting from stunning Gaudi architecture and an unspoilt beach – it’s a city for all tastes. To make your trip to Barcelona really special there are two very different musical treats on offer.

streets of Barcelona

Performing in March and July the legendary Madama Butterfly is at the Gran Teatre del Liceu off La Rambla. You can witness operatic history for between 12 Euros to 238 Euros. Bookings can be made at Ticketmaster.

For legend of a different type catch Rhianna on Saturday 1 June at the Palau Sant Jordi. Tickets are priced at 50 Euros. Jet2 provide cheap flights to Barcelona so how about a city break and this high-octane performance in stunning surroundings all in on weekend?

Party in Paris

Another musical treat the Villette Sonique festival will bring the Parc de la Villette to life on through May. The partisan crowd will go crazy for The Flaming Lips, the Melvins and numerous other electro-rock acts. These open-air events are not to be missed!

Be a culture vulture in Prague

Prague is rich in artistic heritage. You can sample the Czech lands at the City of Prague Museum. Easy to reach on the Metro the museum houses the history of Prague from prehistoric to present. It includes Langweil’s three dimensional model of Prague from early part of the 19th Century.  You can visit every day except Monday and admission is 120 Czech Crowns or 50 for concessions.

Amazed in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city of intrigue. The array of coffee and cake shops attracts thousands of visitors a year. But the wider city has plenty to offer. You can hire a bike, ride the canal, visit the Van Gogh or Anne Frank museums, sample the high end restaurants such as Pont 13 or the cheap but delicious cafes.  In Amsterdam you can do as much, or as little, as you like.

Berlin – boozy weekend with a difference

A weekend of beer and kebabs may not sound ideal. But do it in Berlin and you’ve got the makings of a brilliant city break. Sample the traditionally brewed beers and wash them down with curry wurst chopped sausage and curry powder – a Berlin specialty!

food in Berlin

So live for the weekend and book a few days away to enjoy a city break in Europe this spring!