A night away is a great way to explore somewhere new, but when you're short on time, travelling outside the UK might seem out of the question.
This doesn't need to be the case, however. Even if you only have one night to spare, new research found there are plenty of places worth visiting in Europe.
Holiday rental search engine, Holidu, created an index of Europe's best cities for a one-night break, with Rennes in France coming in first.
This is based on the average flight time from London, airport connectivity, the time between three main attractions and general walkability.
Rennes in France topped the list, with the main attractions a short walk from each other
|GETTY
Best cities for one-night trip
French cities did particularly well due to their proximity to London
|HOLIDU
Rennes, France
Not only is this a great place to learn about history and art, sample local delicacies, such as crepes and galettes, and take a peaceful stroll through the local park, but it is easy to reach from the UK.
The experts said: "Taking first place for the best one-night European city break is France’s Breton capital. The city scored very well for how quickly you can get there from the UK, with flights taking just 59 minutes from London and the journey from the airport to the city centre taking less than 15 minutes.
"Spending a night in Rennes is likely to set you back around £69 for central accommodation, making it the most affordable option in our top rankings.
"The city’s layout means you can walk between all the main attractions in less than an hour, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to spare to enjoy the local food and drink that Brittany’s former capital is renowned for."
Nantes, France
Home to the medieval Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Nantes is definitely somewhere worth adding to your list. With quick flights and short transfer times, holidaymakers will have plenty of time to soak it in within a weekend.
The experts added: "In second position is another French destination, Nantes. The city ranked well for its short flight time of around 1 hour and 6 minutes from London, as well as a very short airport transfer time of just 14 minutes to the city centre. Nantes is also highly walkable, with all major attractions sitting within a 39-minute walk.
"Nantes offers great value whilst delivering a rich cultural experience, with central accommodation averaging around £79 per night. Known for its impressive château, art installations and food scene, Nantes provides a great blend of history and culture for anyone looking for a quick overnight stay."
Bremen, Germany
Bremen in Germany was the most highly recommended outside of France. It is perfect for history-lovers, with dozens of galleries and museums, and it is very walkable.
The experts said: "Completing the top three is Germany’s charming Hanseatic city, Bremen. Whilst the flight time is longer than the previous cities at 1 hour and 25 minutes, Bremen more than makes up for this by having just a five-minute transfer time between the airport and the city centre.
"It also scored well for walkability, with all major attractions clustered within an 11-minute walk of each other. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers fairytale architecture, maritime history and authentic German culture, with accommodation averaging £124.04 per night in the city centre."
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
The Hague offers an excellent alternative to Amsterdam’s crowds
| PEXELSBasel, Switzerland
In Switzerland, Basel is an incredibly beautiful city where you can not only walk around easily, but also float from A to B. Drift down the Rhine by putting your belongings in a "Wickelfisch" swim bag. This will keep everything dry and also act as a float.
"Switzerland’s cultural capital takes fourth place, offering a unique experience where three countries meet. Basel ranked highly thanks to its compact city centre, with major attractions within a 22-minute walk," the experts continued.
"Whilst accommodation is more expensive at around £270 per night, Basel delivers great experiences with world-class museums, beautiful Rhine riverfront dining and the very unique opportunity to experience Swiss, French, and German influences all in one destination."
The Hague, Netherlands
This is another great option for history buffs, with museums and the building that houses the Dutch parliament. It is also good for shopping or spending time by the seaside.
The experts concluded: "Rounding up the top five is the Netherlands’ political capital. The Hague offers an excellent alternative to Amsterdam’s crowds, and a flight time of 55 minutes from London and just an extra 17 minutes from the airport to the city centre.
"Home to the International Court of Justice, numerous world-class museums and impressive architecture, you can explore the main attractions within a 20-minute walk, making it perfect for those seeking culture in their one-night escape. At £138 per night for central accommodation, The Hague provides good value for a high-quality experience."