30 GB eSIM
Portugal
+Roaming
Unlimited Local SMS
Lycamobile PT
Duration
15 Days
Plan
Data/Calls/SMS
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$21.50
Best Value
Language
Currency
The Sim Local Team’s Favourite Last-Minute Europe City Breaks
Looking to get away for a short city break in Europe but don’t know where to go? We’ve got you! Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend escape or a quick midweek breather, Europe is full of cities that are perfect for a last-minute adventure. The best part? All of these cities we recommend are perfect for a quick couple of days away in Europe to recharge and explore.
So, if you’re craving sunshine, history, or just a change of scenery, here are five of our favourite European cities for when wanderlust strikes and time is short.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is like a warm hug in city form. With its pastel-coloured houses tumbling down sun-drenched hillsides, tiled facades glistening in the light, and the constant hum of trams weaving through narrow streets, the city oozes charm at every turn. It’s the kind of place where mornings start with strong coffee and custard tarts, afternoons are spent wandering through neighbourhoods rich with history, and evenings bring golden sunsets over the Tagus River. Effortlessly blending a laid-back atmosphere with plenty to see and do, Lisbon is perfect for a chilled-out break with just the right amount of adventure.
Best things to do in Lisbon: Hop on the famous Tram 28, wander the Alfama’s winding alleys, and tuck into a fresh pastel de nata (trust us, one won’t be enough). For a sunset to remember, head up to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte where you’ll see the whole city glowing.
Hidden gem in Lisbon: Take the ferry across the river to Cacilhas. It’s quieter, full of great seafood restaurants, and gives you Lisbon views from a whole new angle.
Why our team loves Lisbon: “Lisbon is ideal for short escapes -every corner feels vibrant yet relaxed. It’s all about good food, great views, and easygoing energy.” - Niamh, ⭐ Senior Paid Media Manager at Sim Local ⭐
Best eSIM Plans for Short City Breaks in Lisbon:
40 GB eSIM
Portugal
+Roaming
Lycamobile PT
Duration
15 Days
Plan
Data/Calls/SMS
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$26.75
Top Seller
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a city that feels plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale. Its spires pierce the sky, cobblestone streets twist and turn beneath your feet, and the Vltava River glimmers as you cross one of its many romantic bridges. Wander through the Old Town Square and it’s easy to imagine you’ve stepped back in time, yet the city hums with a modern buzz, from lively beer halls to contemporary art spaces. Compact yet endlessly fascinating, Prague is the kind of destination where every corner reveals a new story. An ideal for a city break that feels both magical and manageable.
Best things to do in Prague: Watch the sunrise from Charles Bridge (worth the early alarm), climb up to Prague Castle, and reward yourself with a pint in one of the city’s legendary beer halls.
Hidden gem in Prague: Escape the tourist trail and head to Vyšehrad. It’s a historic fort with peaceful gardens and sweeping river views.
Why our team loves Prague: “Prague is so easy to get around and you can see a lot in just a couple of days. It’s great value too, with plenty of affordable food, drink, and things to do.” - Cait, ⭐ Paid Media Specialist at Sim Local⭐
Best eSIM Plans for Short City Breaks in Prague:
10 GB eSIM
Czech Republic
Smartroam
Duration
30 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$19.00
20 GB eSIM
Czech Republic
Smartroam
Duration
30 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$30.75
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city of contrasts, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. By day, grand boulevards and neo-gothic architecture tell tales of the past, while thermal baths invite you to slow down and unwind. By night, the city comes alive, with ruin bars tucked into crumbling courtyards and the Danube shimmering under the lights of Buda Castle. It’s a place where relaxation and revelry sit side by side, giving you the chance to soak up history, indulge in wellness, and dive into nightlife - all in one quick getaway.
Best things to do in Budapest: Spend a lazy afternoon soaking in the Széchenyi Baths, climb Fisherman’s Bastion for those Instagrammable views, and take a sunset cruise down the river.
Hidden gem in Budapest: The ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter are a must. Quirky, mismatched, and endlessly fun, they’re unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Why our team loves Budapest: “Budapest is wonderfully eclectic - I loved sinking into a thermal spa during the day and then hopping into a quirky ruin bar in the evening - all in one day.” – Shane, ⭐ Data Insights & Analytics Manager at Sim Local ⭐
Best eSIM Plans for Short City Breaks in Budapest:
10 GB eSIM
Hungary
Smartroam
Duration
30 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$19.00
5 GB eSIM
Hungary
Smartroam
Duration
30 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$11.25
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city that thrives on energy and creativity. From Gaudí’s surreal architecture rising high above the skyline to the golden sands of Barceloneta beach, it’s a destination that offers something for everyone. Spend your days exploring winding Gothic lanes, admiring world-class art, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine with a glass of sangria in hand. The city’s rhythm is infectious, laid-back yet full of life making it the perfect spot if you want your city break to be as vibrant as it is versatile.
Best things to do in Barcelona: Wander the Gothic Quarter’s narrow lanes, marvel at Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família, and graze your way through tapas at La Boqueria market.
Hidden gem in Barcelona: Forget the crowded viewpoints. Locals head up to Bunkers del Carmel for panoramic sunsets that will take your breath away.
Why our team loves Barcelona: “You can spend your morning on the beach and be in a world-class art museum by lunchtime. Barcelona balances chill and thrill like no other.” - Sarah, ⭐ Senior SEO Manager at Sim Local ⭐
Best eSIM Plans for Short City Breaks in Barcelona:
Unlimited eSIM
Spain
Smartroam
Duration
7 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$29.00
20 GB eSIM
Spain
Smartroam (VN)
Duration
30 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$22.00
Best Value
Rome, Italy
Few places in the world combine history, culture, and culinary delights quite like Rome. Every street feels like an open-air museum, where ancient ruins sit alongside bustling piazzas and buzzing trattorias. One moment you’ll be marvelling at the Colosseum, the next you’ll be sipping espresso in a tucked-away café, watching the world go by. And of course, no visit is complete without indulging in the city’s culinary treasures such as pizza, pasta, and gelato around every corner. Timeless and endlessly captivating, Rome is a city that sweeps you up in its charm from the moment you arrive.
Best things to do in Rome: Step inside the Colosseum, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and wander with gelato in hand through Piazza Navona.
Hidden gem in Rome: For a slower pace, explore Trastevere. Its cobbled streets are packed with character and trattorias that will make you want to stay longer than a weekend.
Why our team loves Rome: “Rome is endlessly captivating. The history, the gelato, the buzz - everything just feels timeless and alive.” - Andrea, ⭐ Content Manager at Sim Local ⭐
Best eSIM Plans for Short City Breaks in Rome:
10 GB eSIM
Italy
Smartroam
Duration
30 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$20.75
5 GB eSIM
Italy
Smartroam
Duration
30 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$12.50
With our best Europe eSIM plans, staying connected on a short city break couldn’t be easier even if your trip is booked at the last minute. When you choose Sim Local you’ll have instant data from the moment you land so you can find that hidden café, book a table on the go, or share your adventures in real time. It means you can travel freely while staying connected as you do at home so you have the confidence to explore Europe without missing a beat. Explore our best Unlimited Europe eSIM plan for short city breaks below:
Unlimited eSIM
Europe
+Roaming
Smartroam
Duration
7 Days
Plan
Data
Speed
4G / 5G
Price
$29.00
So, where will your next Europe city break take you?
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