Heathrow Airport, as one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, serves as a gateway to a multitude of captivating city break destinations. With multiple daily flights on offer to a vast array of cities it is really simple to take a nano break or weekend jaunt and maximise your time away without eating up your annual leave. Whether you are looking to stay within the UK, explore the major cities of Europe or go further afield to New York, LHR is likely to have flights that can help your short break become a reality.
Cheap City Breaks from Heathrow
If you are flexible, you can get still cheap city breaks from Heathrow. We continually see low prices to Dublin, Paris, Marseille, Madrid, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Prague and Warsaw. Don’t forget UK breaks as well to Newcastle, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast. If you have a specific date in mind for travel, we recommend using the Skycanner “explore everywhere” functionality. Simply add in London Heathrow as your “from airport” and type “everywhere” into the to field. Then put in your dates and you will see the cheapest flights for your city break dates.
When buying your fare, consider those extras which can add to the price. Could you buy the base fare and travel light without a suitcase or be happy to sit anywhere on the plane?
The beauty of a Nano break is that you stay only one night so look for accommodation with budget chains. We recommend looking for hotels near to the central station or point in the city where you arrive from the airport. Thus you can leave luggage with concierge, not have to lug it around and then pick up when you are finished.
Finally also consider the additional add-ons. Airport parking offsite is cheaper. Maple Parking for T5 is outside the ULEZ zone and cheaper than meet and greet. Public transport to Heathrow on the Tube, Elizabeth Line or by coach can reduce cost.
BA City Breaks from Heathrow
Unquestionably, the largest airline at Heathrow is British Airways. Their network opens up a plethora of one night break ideas and possibilities within continental Europe all departing from their magnificent base at Terminal 5. Many BA short haul flights are under three hours allowing you to spend more time exploring. And if you are after a more relaxing break, short breaks to beach destinations are also available. British Airways is part of the wider International Airlines Group so can offer flights with Aer Lingus and Iberia from other terminals.
Weekend Breaks from Heathrow
Although British Airways may have a dominant position at Heathrow, almost all the major scheduled airlines and flag carriers have a presence at Heathrow. Other British carriers such as Loganair, with their strong UK network, and Virgin Atlantic, with their transatlantic routes, offer city break alternatives. Air France/KLM, Lufthansa and TAP Air Portugal have great connections to European cities whilst United, JetBlue and American Airlines make a weekend break in New York more than possible.
City Breaks to Istanbul from Heathrow
Nestled between two continents, Istanbul offers city breaks from Heathrow combining both Eastern and Western cultures. Travel with either Turkish Airlines or British Airways to either of Istanbul’s airports. Turkish Airlines has the more flexible schedule for a short break. A nano break to Istanbul is possible if you fly overnight on Friday taking the last flight to Istanbul of the day and then return late on Sunday.
As the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, the city is adorned with architectural marvels that narrate its storied past. Visitors can lose themselves in the labyrinthine lanes of the Grand Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where fragrant spices mingle with the vibrant hues of textiles. The iconic Hagia Sophia and the majestic Blue Mosque stand as towering symbols of Istanbul’s religious heritage, while the Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lives of sultans.
Find out more about One Night Breaks to Istanbul
City Breaks to Barcelona from Heathrow
Renowned for its avant-garde architecture and artistic flair, Barcelona captivates those on a city break with its eclectic blend of tradition and innovation. The architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, including the iconic Sagrada Familia and the whimsical Park Güell, stand as testament to the city’s creative spirit. Stroll along the bustling promenade of La Rambla, where street performers entertain crowds against a backdrop of historic buildings and bustling cafes.
Art aficionados will find solace in the city’s myriad museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation, showcasing the works of Catalonia’s most celebrated artists. For a taste of Catalan cuisine, indulge in a gastronomic journey through the city’s tapas bars and seafood restaurants. For a weekend break from Heathrow to Barcelona, take the early Saturday flight with British Airways which will get you into the centre Barcelona before midday. There are two late evening flights returning to Heathrow on Sunday night.
City Breaks to Prague from Heathrow
Step into the pages of a fairytale as you explore the enchanting city of Prague, where medieval architecture and cobblestone streets transport visitors to another era. The iconic Prague Castle looms over the city, its spires piercing the sky, while the Charles Bridge beckons with its statuesque guardians and panoramic views of the Vltava River.
Wander through the narrow alleys of the Old Town, where Gothic cathedrals and Baroque palaces line the streets, and discover hidden gems around every corner. Marvel at the Prague Astronomical Clock, a masterpiece of medieval engineering that still mesmerizes crowds with its intricate mechanics. With so many city breaks from Heathrow, flights to Prague are best booked with British Airways.
Find out more about One Night Breaks to Prague
City Breaks to Lisbon from Heathrow
The Lisbon flight schedule from Heathrow gives you the option to take a weekend city break without taking any leave. If you are looking for Nano Break, one of the first flights of the day from Heathrow is to Lisbon with TAP Portugal. Later morning flights are available also with BA. Evening return flights with both airlines are available the next day making a one night break possible with maximum time spent in the city.
Perched on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon exudes a captivating blend of old-world charm and coastal allure. Meander through the winding streets of Alfama, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, where colourful facades and intricate azulejos adorn every corner. Ascend to the hilltop fortress of São Jorge Castle, where panoramic views of the city unfold before you. Indulge in the flavours of Portugal’s culinary heritage, from fresh seafood delicacies to hearty bacalhau dishes, accompanied by the country’s renowned wines.
Find out more about One Night Breaks to Lisbon
City Breaks to Paris from Heathrow
With a short flight time from Heathrow, a Paris weekend city break is extremely easy to put together. If you are looking to maximise your time in the City of Lights then Air France has the best flight times with a very early Saturday flight and return on Sunday in the evening. British Airways also has options. You will fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport which gives you metro connections into the centre of Paris. If you are flexible, do also consider travelling from London to Paris on the train.
The French capital beckons with iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, home to timeless masterpieces including the Mona Lisa. Stroll along the Seine River, savouring the picturesque views of historic bridges and charming riverside cafes. Whether you’re admiring the city’s architectural marvels or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through its enchanting neighbourhoods, Paris promises an unforgettable romantic city break experience.
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City Breaks to Amsterdam from Heathrow
Throughout this website, we continually suggest Amsterdam is the best city for a one night break. Flight connections with KLM make a city break extremely easy and connections from Schiphol to the centre of Amsterdam are straightforward, Early flight times from Heathrow before 7am and returning late the next day, you can maximise your time in the city whether it is enjoying its picturesque canals, historic architecture, or vibrant cultural scene.
Find out more about One Night Breaks to Amsterdam
City Breaks to Rome from Heathrow
A early flight from Heathrow with British Airways transports you to Rome for weekend city break you will not forget, the eternal city whose rich history and timeless beauty captivate visitors from around the globe. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, each a testament to the city’s ancient heritage.
Explore the Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, where priceless works of art and religious artifacts await. Wander through Rome’s labyrinthine streets, stumbling upon hidden piazzas, ornate fountains, and charming trattorias serving authentic Italian cuisine. Return the next day on a late night flight, again with British Airways returning into Heathrow just after 10:30pm.
Other Short Breaks from Heathrow
If you are looking for short break ideas from Heathrow that ensure you spend the majority of the time in the centre of the city rather than wafting at the airport, the following list should give you the inspiration you need. The first flights out of Heathrow everyday are at 6am to Vienna, Zurich and Lisbon but in reality there are many destinations to get that early flight out of LHR. Some are even possible to visit in a day. Here are some recommendations:
| Destination | Airline |
| Amsterdam | KLM, British Airways |
| Jersey | British Airways |
| Paris | Air France (CDG), British Airways (CDG) |
| Frankfurt | Lufthansa, British Airways |
| Vienna | Austrian, British Airways |
| Zurich | Swiss, British Airways |
| Dublin | British Airways, Aer Lingus |
| Brussels | Brussels Airlines, British Airways |
| Manchester | British Airways |
| Malaga* | British Airways |
| Geneva | British Airways, Swiss |
| Belfast | British Airways (BHD), Aer Lingus (BHD) |
| Nice | British Airways |
| Berlin | British Airways |
| Dusseldorf | Eurowings |
| Palma* | British Airways |
| Prague | British Airways |
| Munich | Lufthansa, British Airways |
| Cork | Aer Lingus |
| Derry | Loganair |
| Madrid | British Airways, Iberia |
| New York | JetBlue, United, American, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic |
| Boston | JetBlue, American, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic |
| Warsaw | LOT |
| Milan | British Airways |
| Glasgow | British Airways |
| Aberdeen | British Airways |
| Edinburgh | British Airways |
| Lisbon | British Airways, TAP Air Portugal |
| Istanbul | Turkish Airlines |
| Barcelona | British Airways |
| Copenhagen | British Airways |
| Marseille | British Airways |
- Denotes seasonal service
The destinations highlighted in the table above show the major cities reachable from Heathrow for a city break. However, if you have exhausted that list or looking to be more adventurous then do consider towns and cities with close proximity to these airports. For example, Cannes is a straightforward weekend break from Nice Airport and Utrecht, Rotterdam and the Hague can be reached by train from Schiphol.
Image of Terminal 5 by Rachel Moore
Image of British Airways Planes by Wael
