I'm trying to organise a surprise weekend break for my boyfriend, for his birthday this August, but I'm having trouble deciding where to go!
We live in Lyon, so would prefer not to go anywhere in France, and we'll probably be in Spain earlier in the summer, so that's out too. As I'm from Scotland, the UK's not really an option either (would like to go somewhere new)...

Would like to be in or within easy access of a city, and as it'll be August, would prefer not to be too hot (or we'll not enjoy it!!).

I'd appreciate hearing your views on good "weekend" cities you've visited. Possibilities so far include Bruges, Lisbon, Innsbruck or Salzburg, but I'm open to all suggestions.
Thanks!!

Amsterdam...Prague...Vienna.

Hi hanl,

Copenhagen

I agree with Ira. I loved Copenhagen when I visited it in the spring a few years ago. It's pretty, green, walkable, with a lively waterside cafe culture. It has some interesting sights to see (e.g. the Resistance museum, relating to WW II, the workers' museum, the fortress on the waterfront), some great parks, and attractive architecture. I stayed at a hotel called 79 Nyhavn (a converted warehouse in the trendy waterfront neighbourhood, surrounded by cafes). Copenhagen tops the list of my favourite cities.

Thanks for the suggestions.
I hadn't thought of Copenhagen! But isn't it rather expensive (compared to other European cities) - or am I getting it confused with Stockholm?

Scandinavian countries are relatively expensive (eg compared with Spain), but Copenhagen is less expensive than Stockholm.

I would put Vienna ahead of Salzburg or Innsbruck as well as Copenhagen, which I think is a rip off. But beware Vienna can get very hot in summer - the past two summers have had a lot of 30 degrees - 2 years ago it was over 30 every day except 2- aircon was on all the time. Could consider St Petersburg - with its birthday celebrations there has been a big clean up with lots of events being put on.

Hum. I've already been to Vienna (though my boyfriend hasn't, and this trip's for him!) - I was there in the summer and, as you say, it was extremely hot. However, it's my dream to go back and visit the Hundertwasser house, which I didn't manage to see last time.
Would you say Salzburg is not worth bothering with then?
St Petersburg sounds like an interesting option too. Any recommendations for accommodation?

hi hanl,

consider Hamburg! It's currently the best time of the year for a visit- wheather is rather agreeable, the port is always interesting and nowhere so much part of a city as in Hamburg. The Alster lake offers boating right in the city centre and there's hardly a city with as much green in Germany.
You might want to obtain musical tickets for Titanic or the Lion King which both get good reviews or opt for a visit at the opera house.
There are currently quite a few of Germany's best restaurants in town (and they are compartively affordable).
And the best of all: Hamburg is lederhosen- free!!!
Furthermore, costs are not so much an issue as in Scandinavia, which certainly is quite agreeable, too. St. Petersburg on the other hand, is rather expensive when it comes to lodging. And it will be extremely crowded as they are currently celebrating the city's anniversary.
have good fun
hsv

Salzburg is very pretty and if it is really only for 2 days would satisfy most people. COuntryside is beautiful as well and will generally be cooler. Hamburg as suggested is another good idea - especially if cooler weather preferred. St P can be expensive as other person said, especially with celebrations - but then price for more things on offer.