Europe’s top 24 hour-city break destination is only an hour from Manchester Airport

Thanks to cheap flights and packed flying schedules, the trend for speedy trips away continues to grow. It’s not uncommon for travellers to embark on visits abroad that only last a day or two and it gives you a chance to get a feel for a place without having to spend loads of accommodation.

Now a new study has revealed the best cities in Europe for a 24-hour break, with Dublin bagging the number one spot. The Irish capital is only an hour’s flight away from Manchester Airport with the most affordable flights of all the cities in the top ten, so it couldn't be any easier to get to.

The city is known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals; step inside any bar and you’ll feel right at home. Researchers found that it ranked the best for restaurant options, while it came second for the most things to do, with the Kilmainham Gaol Museum and the Guinness Storehouse among its most popular attractions.

READ MORE: The ‘world's happiest travel destination’ is just 90 minutes from Greater Manchester

The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, looked at flight costs from major UK departure points, as well as the number of restaurants, things to do, and the average hotel cost for one night in each city to compile the list. Overall, Dublin received a score of 7.05 out of 10.

Amsterdam - just over an hours’ flight from Manchester - came in second with a score of 6.75. Often referred to as ‘the Venice of the North’ it scored high for the number of restaurants, which include Michelin restaurant’s De Silveren Spiegel and Mont Blanc. Amsterdam’s top things to do include the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

Rounding off the top three is Brussels, with a score of 6.73 out of 10, around a 90 minute