We asked loveEXPLORING readers to tell us their favourite and coolest European city and you voted in your thousands. Here we count down a dozen of Europe’s best to reveal the perfect city for a weekend break and what to do while you're there, whether you're travelling with the kids, friends or as a couple.

Bisected by the River Danube, Hungary’s picturesque capital is the weekend break of choice for those looking for a holiday that will revive mind, body and soul. Famed for its many thermal baths, holidaymakers can take a soak in the warming waters at stunning locations such as the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Whether you choose to spend your time in Buda or Pest – separated by the city’s 19th-century Chain Bridge – you'll never be stuck for ways to fill your travel itinerary.

Families can take a pause from soaking up the city’s arts and culture scene, and let the little ones blow off some steam. Take a trip on the Children's Railway (Gyermekvasút) – named so because children take on various roles including selling tickets under adult supervision. The seven-stop route includes popular sites such as János Hill, the highest peak in Budapest. For a free day out, head to Kopaszi-gát, a pretty riverside park complete with a playground and sandy beach.

Visit Budapest at its best in the spring, summer or autumn when temperatures are more mild than the icy winter. If you go in April, catch the Budapest Spring Festival which has a packed programme of arts events including jazz, dance, contemporary circus and much more. For those prepared to brave the chill, Budapest’s Christmas markets are a must, the most iconic of which is held each year in the magical St Stephen's Square.

Located just 450 yards from Budapest’s State Opera House, Stories Hotel boasts opulent furnishings that give a nod to 1970s style. For a truly luxe stay, opt for one of several suites on offer, which come complete with separate living and bar areas. The boutique hotel also offers a range of personalised services from yoga instruction to a gourmet meal prepared by a top Budapest chef.

Romantics and history buffs alike will love the charm of Venice's waterways and spectacular piazzas – none more famous than the Piazza San Marco, home to St. Mark’s Basilica. After gazing at the basilica's intricate Byzantine tiles, take a waterbus to Burano, a Venetian island lined with colourful fisherman's houses. It's also the ideal place to shop for traditional handmade Italian lace.

Venice is a great city to explore as a family. Hire bikes and head along Venice's canals until you reach Villa Pisani. It's a late Baroque rural palace home to Il Labirinto – known as the most difficult hedge maze in the world. Or book a private Venice for Kids tour, where one of Italy's most magical cities will be brought to life through stories, legends and little-known landmarks.

To beat the crowds in this watery Italian city, head to Venice between September and November. Visit towards the start of September and you'll catch the glamour of Venice Film Festival or in February, there's the annual Venice Carnival. It's marked by a riot of colours, elaborate masked processions and opulent balls for two weeks.

If it's an authentic slice of Venice you're after then things don't get more charming than B&B Le Marie. Housed in an 18th-century palazzo within Venice's historic Castello district, the B&B offers ensuite rooms decorated in traditional Venetian style, complete with beamed ceilings and parquet floors. Key attractions including the Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Square are just a five-minute walk away.

Easy to navigate by foot and public transport, Prague is an ideal city break choice for families, couples and groups of friends alike. Get a sweeping view of the city from the Gothic Charles Bridge and take time to explore both the Old Town and Lesser Town (Mala Strana) located on either side of it. In Lesser Town, take the funicular railway to the summit of Petrin Hill, where you'll find the Petrin Lookout Tower which bears a strong resemblance to Paris' Eiffel Tower.

Just a short distance away from Wenceslas Square is the Františkánská zahrada (Franciscan Garden), a public park complete with a well-equipped children's playground and pretty landscaped gardens. If a visit to Prague Castle is also on the itinerary then youngsters are bound to love watching the changing of the guard ceremony which takes place on the hour, every hour, from 7am to 8pm.

A weekend in Prague during the spring and early autumn provides an ideal mix of milder weather and quieter streets. For music buffs, the renowned Prague Spring International Music Festival is a must-visit (starting in early May for around a month). Visitors to the city in early summer will also want to make note of two public holidays – 5 July (Saints Cyril and Methodius Day) and 6 July (Jan Hus Day) – when some attractions may be closed.

For accommodation that ticks the boxes for style and substance you can't get much better than Hotel Unic. Located right in the city centre, it has modern en suite rooms and an on-site restaurant with a terrace and bar. The Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square are within an 11-minute walk of the hotel.

Foodies will love a stay in Portugal's capital city. Head to the Mercado da Ribeira market to sample tasty Portuguese specialities including bolinho de bacalhau (small cod fishcakes) and round off the meal with a delicious Portuguese custard tart. Hop on board the iconic yellow tram 28 to navigate your way through the popular tourist districts of Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela.

If you're travelling with kids, head to the Parque das Nações (Expo Park). It's home to both the Lisbon Oceanarium and the Pavilion of Knowledge, an interactive science and technology museum. The park itself also boasts a cable car that runs its full length and bike hire is also available to explore the grounds.

The quieter seasons in Lisbon are between March and May, and September to October. It's worth noting that Lisbon's annual carnival takes place between February and March, and the busy Santo Antonio Festival – celebrating the city's patron saint – is marked with a series of parties and celebrations on 12 and 13 June.

The walls of the Lisbon Style guesthouse are decorated with images of Lisbon's key locations and landmarks, giving travellers a taste of the city from the comfort of their rooms. Guests have a choice between en suite bedrooms or full apartments. Anjos Metro Station, which offers connections to several parts of the city, is just 650 feet away. Read our full guide to Lisbon here.

Fans of the great outdoors will feel right at home in the land of hot springs and geysers. The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa around a 50-minute drive from Reykjavík, is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. At the other end of the spectrum, Reykjavík is also known for its nightlife, with popular bars and eateries centred around the main shopping street of Laugavegur.

Pack a picnic and head to the uninhabited Videy island, a 20-minute boat ride from the city which is included for free on a Reykjavík City Card. Children can let their imaginations run wild as they explore this haven of natural beauty. For another experience to remember, parents and children aged six and up can take a sailing tour in an authentic Icelandic Viking ship.

Those hoping to get a glimpse of the stunning natural light display that is the aurora borealis (northern lights) may want to plan their visit between September and mid-April. For summer stays, June offers 24 hours of daylight while hotter temperatures peak in July and August.

Mid-century modern decor and impressive communal facilities including a lounge, on-site restaurant, bar and a heated outdoor terrace make Kex Hostel ideal for those keen on a sociable stay in the city. Private and dorm rooms are available, catering to a wide range of budgets. The property is 250 yards from Laugarvegur shopping street and a 20-minute walk from Reykjavík harbour for whale watching trips. Discover more about what to do, see and eat in Reykjavík here.

Copenhagen is a city the oozes cosmopolitan cool. Head to the trendy area of Vesterbro to people watch from its sidewalk cafes and spend time in one of its many independent art galleries. Take a guided tour of the Royal Library – one the largest in the world – where you'll see The Black Diamond, an impressive extension to the building which looks like the precious stone.

Adults and children alike will love Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens amusement park. Located in the city centre, it has rides including a traditional wooden roller coaster and the thrilling Vertigo, as well as bars, restaurants and lush gardens. In summer, splash about in one of five outdoor pools at the Harbour Bath Islands Brygge.

Copenhagen has something to offer visitors year round, but May and September offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Each July the Copenhagen Jazz Festival attracts more than 250,000 music fans for events throughout the capital and has previously featured big name artists including Jamie Cullum.

Designed by Danish architect Kim Utzon, the compact yet comfortable rooms at the Wakeup Copenhagen hotel are budget-friendly. The property is located just 750 yards from Copenhagen Central Station and within walking distinct of the bars, restaurants and cultural hubs of the city's trendy Meatpacking District. Bikes can also be rented from the hotel to explore Copenhagen's key attractions.

Stuffed full of iconic attractions including the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum and Pantheon among many more Rome doesn't need an introduction. But make time just to soak in the gorgeous city with a coffee on a café terrace, cocktail at aperitivo hour or a gelato while wandering the cobbled streets.

Children will love testing their battle mettle at the Gruppo Storico Romano (Rome Gladiator School) where they can take part in a two-hour 'How to Be a Gladiator' course and get the chance to handle genuine artefacts. If the weather's fair, there's no better way to spend a few hours than chuckling at the shows on offer at the Teatrino di Pulcinella al Gianicolo, a traditional open-air puppet theatre.

Rome and crowds go hand in hand so for a more relaxed stay, head to the city off season between November and March. One period visitors may want to avoid is Settimana Santa (Holy Week), which starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Saturday, as religious devotees from around the globe descend on Italy's capital and Vatican City to hear addresses from the Pope.

Welcoming owners create a home-from-home atmosphere at the Eterna Roma B&B. It's located in the Central Station district and the spot is a great choice for those keen to take in Rome's spectacular architecture and historic ruins. Discover more of Rome's secret spots here. 

The French capital might be a popular destination for lovebirds but away from tourist hot spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, there's also a thriving cultural scene with fantastic food, independent boutiques and the city's bustling theatre district known as Broadway à la Parisienne.

No stay in the French capital would be complete without a visit to Disneyland Resort Paris. It's best to book in advance of your trip – look online for deals on day passes. Don't miss a visit to the 17th-century Jardin du Luxembourg Garden, home to one of the biggest playgrounds in Paris. Attractions here include pony rides, puppet shows and a traditional carousel. Check out our insider Disney hacks here. 

As Paris is famed for being one of Europe's most romantic cities, Valentine's Day (14 February) and the days surrounding it are likely to be busy. The period between June and August offers warmer summer weather, but is also the busiest season for tourists. While spring in the city is gorgeous, we think winter is a magical season to visit – think crisp walks, steaming mugs of hot chocolate and quieter museums.

Located in the Bourse, the city's 2nd arrondissement, Hotel Vivienne epitomises understated Parisian chic. Rooms are furnished in a contemporary style and feature soundproofing for an uninterrupted night's sleep. Nearby attractions include the Paris Opera and the Passage de Panoramas, widely considered to be the first covered walkway in Paris. Find our full guide to Paris here.

Amsterdam attracts a real mix of tourists. There are youngsters who want to sample the cafés of the city's 'Green Light District' and travellers of all ages who want a taste of authentic Amsterdam. There's Dutch architecture to admire, beautiful churches, flower markets and historically significant attractions including the Anne Frank House Museum.

Give kids an authentic Dutch experience with a visit to Zaanse Schans, a neighbourhood less than 30 minutes from Amsterdam, dotted with historic windmills and home to a museum where children can learn how clogs and cheese are made. Another fun activity the whole family will enjoy is a Pancake Cruise along Amsterdam's canals, where you can eat as much of this more-ish dessert while you sight-see.

For stunning flora, tulip season in Amsterdam runs from around mid-March to early May and you can find out more about the Netherlands' tulip trail here. If flowers aren't your thing, visiting during this time will also give you the chance to join the King's Day celebrations (on 27 April in 2019). This annual tribute to the reigning monarch is billed as Amsterdam's biggest street party. A stay between September and November is ideal for tourists who want to explore Netherlands' capital crowd-free.

Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein is a great option whether you're in the city for business or pleasure. An on-site bar is the perfect spot for a nightcap after a day of sightseeing nearby attractions including the Dam Square, Royal Palace Amsterdam and the Rembrandt House Museum.

With 32 boroughs in the city, each with their own distinctive look and feel, London truly has something for everyone. Head to the London's South Bank for a scenic walk beside the River Thames before crossing the Millennium Bridge to Embankment Station. From here it's just a 10-minute stroll to the iconic Trafalgar Square, home to the much snapped lion statues, and flanked by the impressive National Gallery.

With a staggering 3,000 parks, families will be spoilt for choice when it comes green spaces to explore in the capital. From taking a pedalo out onto the water in Hyde Park to spotting the resident deer in Richmond Park, the possibilities are endless. For a day out to remember, head to Kidzania London, an indoor city "run by kids" with more than 60 real-life activities. Housed in Westfield Shopping Centre, you can stock up on souvenirs afterwards too.

London attracts visitors year round, so doesn't have a true low season. For milder temperatures, a visit between May and September is ideal. Dates for the diary also include the summer opening of Buckingham Palace to visitors (July to September) and the Mayor of London's New Year's Eve Fireworks, although booking in advance is required.

Located just 800 metres from Victoria station, the Sidney-Hotel London Victoria is perfectly placed for exploring iconic London attractions including Buckingham Palace and Oxford Circus. Housed in a beautiful Victorian buliding, it's a great base to recharge after a day out. Read our full guide to London here.

Berlin ticks all the city break boxes: a buzzing arts scene, great food and rich history. Reflect on the city's past with a visit to the Brandenburg Gate and the remains of the Berlin Wall, then stop by Revaler Street for a taste of its underground music scene.

Tiergarten, Berlin's largest and most frequented inner-city park, is a great base for those looking for family day out. There are numerous play areas and family-friendly cafés, plus it's also a short distance away from Berlin Zoo, home to more than 1,200 different species from across the globe.

To make the most of the city's café culture and parks, head to Berlin during May to September when temperatures are warmer. Between November and January, Germany's capital also has a spectacular Christmas Garden which attracts as many as 145,000 visitors.

The industrial interiors at the Meininger Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery make it a cool hangout and place to stay. It's located opposite the longest open-air gallery in the world so any art-lovers will be in their element. Discover more of what Berlin has to offer with our guide.

Colour, culture and cuisine – three words that sum up Spain's tourist-friendly city and voted your favourite in Europe. Barcelona's popularity mean that streets are busy and attractions packed however, those willing to persist will find many marvels: the impressive Sagrada Família designed by Antoni Gaudí, La Boqueria food market and the Museu Picasso – home to one of the most extensive collections of work by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.

Away from the tourist path, there are a host of attractions in the city that kids will love. Built in 1889, the Tibidabo Amusement Park continues to entertain youngsters more than a century on with its winning formula of thrilling rides and street theatre. Little ones will love the 20-minute Magic Fountain show which is held a regular intervals throughout the day at the foot of the stunning Palacio Nacional.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) draws crowds from Spain and beyond for a host of religious celebrations including the famed street processions where participants don distinctive cloaks and hoods (capirotes). Catalan National Day (11 September) which commemorates the loss of Catalonia's laws and institutions following the 1714 Siege of Barcelona is also widely celebrated. The shoulder seasons – April to June, and September to October – offer milder temperatures and quieter streets.

Centrally located in the Eixample District, Hostalin Barcelona Gran offers sleek, modern rooms. There are two metro stations and bus connections to Girona Costa Brava Airport within walking distance, making it easy to zip in and out of the city. Read our guide for the best things to do, see and eat in Barcelona.