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Europe is calling – the best city breaks with a&o
The renowned Time Out magazine has published its list of the best city breaks for 2026 – and several cities with a&o Hostels feature right at the top. From the Olympic buzz in Milan to the festival magic in Edinburgh: we’re taking you on a journey through six of Europe’s most exciting cities – and revealing where you can stay in style without compromising on comfort.
No. 1 ‘Top trending’: Milan
Time Out says: Italy’s most stylish city hosts one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar this year: the 2026 Winter Olympics. Away from the arenas, Milan’s roster of historic landmarks, stylish streets, and unbeatable dining make it a fixture on any and all travel bucket lists.
Milan is more than just Fashion Weeks and football. The city on the Po Valley combines world-famous art – such as Leonardo’s “Last Supper” in Santa Maria delle Grazie – with a vibrant creative scene in the converted factory buildings along the Navigli canals. In 2026, the city will be in the spotlight for the Winter Olympics: speed skating, short track and, of course, ice hockey will be held in the city, whilst Cortina hosts the alpine skiing events. The Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the cool Brera district with its galleries and aperitivo bars make Milan a destination for anyone seeking style, history and a vibrant urban culture.
a&o Milano Ca Granda
The a&o Milano Ca Granda is located in the south-east of the city, near the historic Ospedale Maggiore – one of Italy’s most significant Renaissance buildings, now home to the University of Milan. The neighbourhood is lively, authentic and far less touristy than the city centre: perfect for experiencing the real Milan away from the tourist hotspots.
Take metro line 3 (Brenta or Lodi TIBB stations) and you’ll be in the city centre, at the Duomo, in the Navigli district or the Tortona design quarter in just a few minutes. The hostel is an ideal base, particularly during the Olympic Games – well-connected, with a relaxed atmosphere and fair prices.
2nd place “Top trending”: Vienna
Time Out says: Vienna is one of Europe’s most magical year-round destinations, and there’s never a bad time to head to the Austrian capital. The year is jam-packed with anniversaries, including Mozart’s 270th, and Eurovision heads to Vienna in 2026 to celebrate its 70th birthday.
Imperial palaces, world-class museums, coffee house culture and Central Europe’s liveliest club scene – Vienna is a city that cannot be pigeonholed. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, the State Opera, the Prater with its Giant Ferris Wheel and the MuseumsQuartier (which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026) are just a fraction of what the city has to offer. Add to that Mozart everywhere – 2026 marks his 270th birthday – and the Eurovision Song Contest, which returns to Vienna following JJ’s victory in Basel and will be hosted at the legendary Wiener Stadthalle. The city is dancing, singing and celebrating – and you should be there too.
a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof
Located right next to Vienna’s modern main station – the city’s most central transport hub – the a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof is ideally situated for anyone exploring Vienna by train. From the station, you can reach the Belvedere, the Naschmarkt or the First District in just a few minutes. The multicultural Favoriten district surrounding the hostel has developed into one of Vienna’s liveliest and most exciting neighbourhoods.
a&o Wien Stadthalle
For Eurovision fans, this hostel is the absolute jackpot: the a&o Wien Stadthalle is situated right next to the Wiener Stadthalle – the venue for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. At the same time, you’re within walking distance of Westbahnhof and the Museumsquartier. The neighbourhood around Mariahilfer Straße, one of Europe’s longest shopping streets, is right on your doorstep.
2nd place ‘Evergreen’: London
Time Out says: London continues to reign as one of the most culturally exciting cities to visit, and 2026 is no different. The Big Smoke is getting two major openings for literary lovers.
London needs no introduction – and yet the British capital never ceases to surprise. The Tate Modern, the Tower, the food scene at Borough Market, parks such as Greenwich or Hyde Park, the vibrant street art in Shoreditch, teatime in Knightsbridge: London is inexhaustible. Add to that theatre premieres in the West End, world-class museums (almost all free!) and a food scene that has long been ranked among the best in the world. In 2026, two new cultural highlights will draw literature enthusiasts to the city – and the new Bridgerton shoot in Greenwich Park will create a regal atmosphere.
a&o London Docklands Riverside
The a&o London Docklands Riverside is situated right on the Thames – offering one of the most impressive views you can get in London for this price range. The Docklands are not just a financial district, but a historically fascinating neighbourhood: this is where the ships of the British trading empire once docked; today, the restored warehouses and the Canada Water area are a modern highlight.
By Overground, DLR or even by boat (Thames Clipper), you can quickly reach the City, Shoreditch, Greenwich or Canary Wharf. The East End, with its street art culture around Brick Lane and Bethnal Green, is a must-see – and easily accessible from here.
6th place ‘Evergreen’: Berlin
Time Out says: Berlin continues to hurtle towards the future, and nowhere does creativity quite like the German capital. Berlin is a city of neighbourhoods, and each district offers something truly unique in 2026.
Berlin is the city that never stops reinventing itself – and that is precisely what makes it so fascinating. Museum Island and the Brandenburg Gate on one side, the electronic club scene at Berghain and the street art wall of the East Side Gallery on the other. In between: galleries, flea markets, Turkish cuisine in Neukölln, organic shops in Prenzlauer Berg and the best currywurst stalls in the world. In January 2026, the NBA came to Berlin for the first time – the Grizzlies versus the Magic at the Uber Arena. Berlin is thus demonstrating that the city embraces every major event and makes it even bigger.
a&o Berlin Friedrichshain
Right in the heart of Berlin’s most creative district: Friedrichshain is the beating heart of Berlin’s club and subculture scene. The East Side Gallery – the most famous surviving section of the Berlin Wall – is just a few minutes’ walk away. The RAW site, Boxhagener Platz and Simon-Dach-Straße with its bars and cafés make the a&o Berlin Friedrichshain the perfect base for anyone wanting to experience the real, unfiltered Berlin.
a&o Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Berlin Central Station is Europe’s largest junction station – and the a&o Berlin Hauptbahnhof, right next to it, is the perfect choice for those passing through and for anyone wanting to get anywhere in the city quickly. The Reichstag, the government district and Tiergarten are all within walking distance, whilst the rest of the city can be reached in minutes by S-Bahn or U-Bahn.
a&o Berlin Kolumbus
The a&o Berlin Kolumbus is located in Lichtenberg – a Berlin district that is currently reinventing itself. Honest, affordable and with a direct tram link to the city centre. If you want to stay away from the tourist hustle and bustle and experience everyday life in Berlin up close, this is the place for you.
a&o Berlin Mitte
It doesn’t get much more central than this: the a&o Berlin Mitte is situated in the historic heart of the city, not far from Alexanderplatz. Museum Island, Hackescher Markt, the Nikolaiviertel and the famous Karl-Marx-Allee are right on your doorstep. For anyone who doesn’t want to waste time travelling and wants to be right in the thick of things straight away.
7th place ‘Evergreen’: Edinburgh
Time Out says: If you’ve only got one month to visit Edinburgh, make it August. The Fringe (the world’s largest arts festival) headlines, but there’s also massive book festivals, art extravaganzas, classical music, and more.
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world – and yet it is surprisingly compact. The Old Town with the castle perched on its rock, the elegant 18th-century New Town, the Royal Mile, Calton Hill with its panoramic views across the whole city, and the lively Grassmarket district: Edinburgh is a city walk that never ends. In August, the city comes alive with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – the world’s largest arts festival. There are also book festivals, classical concerts and art exhibitions. For whisky lovers: the Scotch Whisky Experience awaits at the foot of the Castle.
a&o Edinburgh City
The a&o Edinburgh City is centrally located in the Scottish capital and is the ideal base from which to explore the city on foot. From here, you can reach Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town with its maze of alleyways and hidden courtyards in just a few minutes.
Especially during the Fringe Festival in August, a room booked in advance here is worth its weight in gold: artists are performing all over the city, and in the evenings you can simply wander off and soak up the atmosphere before strolling back to your hostel.
No. 11 ‘Evergreen’: Florence
Time Out says: Does it get any more romantic than Florence? Almost certainly not. The birthplace of the Renaissance is another living museum, a city where ambition and creativity collide, surrounded by sumptuous architecture, bustling piazzas, elegant cafes, and some of the best galleries on the planet.
Florence is proof that beauty knows no bounds. Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia, Botticelli’s *The Birth of Venus* in the Uffizi, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s dome, the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno – in no other city on this planet is art so closely interwoven with everyday life. Add to that the Tuscan cuisine (Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, Schiacciata!) and the Chianti from the surrounding vineyards. If you’re staying an extra day, head to Siena, San Gimignano or the Chianti region. Florence isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience.
a&o Firenze Campo di Marte
The a&o Firenze Campo di Marte is located in the district of the same name, east of the city centre – a lively, authentic neighbourhood characterised by Florentine families, small trattorias and local markets. Campo di Marte station is right next door: from here, trains run to the surrounding Tuscan countryside and into the city centre.
You can reach the historic centre on foot or by bus in 20–25 minutes. If you want to experience everyday life in Florence away from the main tourist routes – authentic trattorias, local markets, quiet evenings – this is the perfect base. The Stadio Artemio Franchi, home to AC Fiorentina, is conveniently just around the corner for football fans.
Ready for your next city break?
All a&o Hostels offer smart accommodation in prime locations – ideal for anyone who wants to experience more and spend less. Book your room now and make 2026 unforgettable. Book now with a&o Hostels and travel on a budget!
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