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For many UAE travellers, Europe offers the perfect blend of cool weather, rich history, luxury shopping, and iconic sightseeing. Whether you’re planning a romantic long weekend, a sightseeing escape with the family, or a high-end luxury shopping getaway, a city break in Europe offers the right mix of ease and experience.

Whether you want the elegance of Paris and London or a sunny weekend in Milan or Barcelona, these are some of our favourite cities, along with a few recommendations of what to plan while you’re there. For more inspiration, make sure you check out our European cruise packages and our top holiday deals.

Paris, France

Paris remains an undisputed favourite among UAE travellers - combining romance, world-class shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and iconic landmarks. With direct flights and simple visa options for UAE citizens, it’s as convenient as it is unforgettable.

Shop the flagship stores on Avenue Montaigne, and relax in 5-star comfort at the Ritz or Plaza Athénée. We can help arrange dining in Paris’ finest restaurants, from Le Meurice Alain Ducasse to Epicure and even hard-to-get reservations like Plenitude.

If you’re travelling with kids, then Disneyland Paris is a family-friendly favourite just outside the city, and makes for a perfect day out. But no matter what you’re planning for your weekend break in Paris, DW Travel can arrange skip-the-line museum access, VIP transfers, and luxury shopping experiences that make your trip seamless.

Geneva, Switzerland

Cool, pristine, and surrounded by mountains, Geneva isn’t the first place you might think of for a city break, but it’s ideal if you’re looking for sophistication and relaxation.

Shop for the finest Swiss watches, relax on a lake cruise, or swim in the beautiful blue waters of the Bains des Paquis - public bath houses on a pier in Lake Geneva, which turn into saunas if you’re visiting in winter!

When you’ve explored to your heart’s content, head home to one of Geneva’s many 5-star hotels, and let the relaxation continue with in-room spa treatments and gourmet dining. The city is also a great base for scenic day trips to Mont Blanc, Chamonix, or the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Lavaux. Our experts at DW Travel can recommend exclusive dining and private chauffeur services for a fully personalised itinerary.

Istanbul, Türkiye

Istanbul is a firm favourite for travellers from the UAE, with a comparatively short flight time and a lovely, welcoming blend of cultures – there’s a reason our Turkey holiday packages are always popular.

Shop the Grand Bazaar or browse Turkish designer stores on Istiklal Avenue and Nisantasi, and dine by the Bosphorus with stunning views of the city’s skyline. Most restaurants and cafes in Istanbul are halal as default, and we can help arrange visits to fine dining establishments like the double Michelin-starred Turk Fatih Tutak or the deeply elegant Nicole.

Muslim travellers will especially find plenty to love in Istanbul, with hundreds of mosques – aside from the iconic Hagia Sophia, make sure you visit the Blue Mosque with its famous blue-tiled interiors, and the Camlica Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey, which also houses a museum and an art gallery.

Whether you want a luxury suite in Sultanahmet or a boutique hotel in Beyoğlu, DW Travel builds itineraries to suit every traveller’s style.

Milan, Italy

Want high-end galleries, and some of the best luxury fashion shopping in the world? Then Milan is a must-visit if you’re looking for a city break. Milan is known for its high-end shopping districts like the Quadrilatero d’Oro, opulent hotels, and stylish cafés.

Pair your shopping with gallery visits, rooftop meals overlooking the Duomo, or a private tour of La Scala opera house. Our travel experts can also arrange day trips to nearby Lake Como for a chic lakeside lunch.

Milan welcomes UAE travellers, and the chic cosmopolitan atmosphere is adapting even further to visitors from the Middle East – expect multilingual staff in the city’s luxury hotels, more halal dining options, and family-friendly rooms and amenities for multi-generational city breaks. With all of that in mind, we think that an Italian holiday with a trip to Milan makes a great fit for style-savvy and smart planning travellers.

London, United Kingdom

A multicultural capital with something for everyone, London is especially appealing to UAE residents thanks to its halal fine dining, luxury shopping, and strong Muslim community.

Spend your days exploring Harrods, Selfridges, and Bond Street, then dine at high-end restaurants like Benares or Chai Wu. Visit iconic sites like Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and the London Eye, or let DW Travel book private excursions, football tickets, and Thames cruises.

London is also a top pick for families - with parks, museums, and theatre shows that make it fun for all ages.

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This lesser-known gem is a rising star among travellers from the UAE. Sarajevo offers Ottoman architecture, a strong halal food scene, and a deeply welcoming local culture.

Sarajevo is a city of old bazaars and scenic mosques, with plenty to see and do. Shop for mementoes at Baščaršija, the busy central market that dates back to the 1400s, and make sure you pick up tasty Bosnian favourites like burek and cevapi. There are also tons of slasticarnas– cafes – serving sweet treats and fine Bosnian coffee, perfect for a midday break!

Ideal for travellers wanting a slower pace or somewhere off the beaten path, you can relax in one of Sarajevo’s five-star hotels, like the Hotel Hills Sarajevo Congress, which boasts an entire thermal spa complex.

To make the most of the dramatic landscape vistas, ride a cable car up to the mountains for gorgeous views of the city, or enjoy an evening meal with amazing views from restaurants like Kibe Mahala as the sun sets over Sarajevo’s red rooftops.

Munich, Germany

As a city, Munich is clean, scenic, effortlessly stylish, and steeped in Bavarian culture and charm. Whether you're planning a German holiday in summer for the beer gardens and lakes, or in winter for the twinkling charm of the traditional Christmas markets, there’s always something going on.

Explore the historic Marienplatz and the Residenz palace, shop high-end boutiques along Maximilianstraße, or enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the English Garden with traditional pretzels and sausages (halal options are increasingly available too).

Munich is also one of the most family-friendly cities in Germany, with interactive museums, green spaces, and day trips to the ‘original’ Disney castle at Neuschwanstein Castle, or fun-filled days on Lake Tegernsee.

If Munich sounds like your kind of city break, we can help you plan an unforgettable trip—whether you're after alpine views, luxury hotels, or simply a beautifully peaceful city to unwind in.

Barcelona, Spain

With its beach-meets-city feel and famous surreal Gaudí architecture, Barcelona is ideal for UAE travellers seeking a relaxed and colourful escape.

Luxury travellers can book ocean-view suites, personal stylists for shopping in Passeig de Gràcia, and rooftop dining experiences. For Muslim travellers, halal restaurants are increasingly common, especially in areas like El Raval.

Barcelona can suit both a weekend city break or a week-long trip, with lazy afternoons by the beach as well as luxury days out spent in Barcelona’s high-end boutiques and delicious restaurants. DW Travel can also arrange family-friendly activities, art tours, and seamless airport transfers for a stress-free trip.

Vienna, Austria

Elegant and walkable for a city trip without tons of travel, Vienna is a refined city break filled with Baroque palaces, classical music, and some seriously decadent desserts.

Visit Schönbrunn Palace, listen to a Mozart masterpiece in concert, or relax at a luxury café with Viennese coffee and a slice of Vienna’s famous Sachertorte chocolate cake. Luxury shopping is concentrated around Kohlmarkt and Goldenes Quartier, and your DW Travel expert can pair your visit with day trips to Salzburg or Hallstatt.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Charming, creative, and endlessly photogenic, Amsterdam is a brilliant choice for a Europe city break, especially in spring and early summer when the canals are blooming with flowers, and the city comes alive.

There’s so much to see here: cycle past canal houses and flower markets, visit world-famous galleries like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, or book a canal cruise for a sunset tour through the city’s historic waterways. The city is easy to explore by bike or on foot, and we can arrange luxury stays near the Museumplein or in the stylish Nine Streets district.

For those seeking halal-friendly travel, Amsterdam is home to a diverse population and has a growing range of halal restaurants and cafés, especially in De Baarsjes and Oud-West. Whether you're exploring the old town or looking for modern art and indie boutiques, Amsterdam is a city that rewards wandering. 

At DW Travel, we’re here to help take the stress out of planning your Europe city break. Our expert visa support covers everything from Schengen to UK applications, managing appointments, paperwork, and follow-ups on your behalf.

We craft tailored itineraries designed around your needs, whether you're travelling as a couple, with family, or seeking luxury options. From halal dining and prayer facilities to private drivers and exclusive shopping perks, we understand what matters most to UAE travellers. 

Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in Paris, retail therapy in Milan, or delicious Turkish food in Istanbul, DW Travel will design a city break that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Speak to our team today to start planning your next city escape!