Weekend Breaks: Bank Holiday Deals

With May bank holiday (Part II) just around the corner, it’s not too late to plan a last-minute trip.

If you had enough barbeques, Pimms and lie-ins during the first long weekend this month, the second three-day one is a great excuse to flee the UK, and see a new city.

Paris

The good news about being in Britain is that you’re never too far from the French capital. Just an hour’s flight and you’ll be within glimpse of the Eiffel Tower – to name one of the hundreds of attractions.

Event of the Season: The French Open takes places in the city from 25 May – 8 June at Paris’s Roland Garros Stadium. To ensure you get a seat, book your ticket now.

Barcelona

From Gaudi’s phenomenal architecture to the city’s seven beaches, it’s a great time of year to visit Catalonia’s capital.

Event of the Season: Don’t miss the beer festival, Biergarten Barcelona, which takes place from 22-25 May at Poble Espanyol in the Poble Sec barrio. For more info, or to reserve a table, visit the official site.

Budapest

With so many bargain deals, it’s no wonder this Hungarian city is such a popular hotspot for a weekend break.

Event of the Season: If you’re in town for the long weekend, you can catch the city’s annual Pálinka Festival from 22-25 May. Pálinka is the local fruit brandy and this year’s event will be focusing on the pear versions of the drink. More info here.

New York

From the spring sales to picnics in the park, a three-day weekend is the perfect amount of time for a stint in the Big Apple – and it also coincides with Fleet Week.

Event of the Season: Don’t miss New York’s Memorial Day Parade on Monday May 26, which marks the official start of summer in the city. Taking place in uptown Manhattan from 12pm, the festivities kick off between Dyckman Street and Broadway.

Berlin

If you happen to be in Berlin this bank holiday, you won’t be short of landmarks to see and parks to explore.

Event of the Season: The International Air Show is going on from May 20-25 at Berlin ExpoCenter Airport. Featuring more than 200 different vintage and contemporary aircrafts, it’s the largest air show in the world.