Dublin ranks among the top 10 locations for the best "city break" for "maximalist travel," according to a new study.
With searches for “cheap city break” up 805% and “August city breaks 2025” surging by 1,500% in the last 12 months, it’s clear that travelers are looking to save money and maximize their time away, especially during peak summer holidays.
To help travelers who want to fit the most into the time they have, Planet Cruise has conducted a study ranking the top cities for "maximalist travel" - a rising trend focused on packing the most experiences into every trip.
From walkable cities and efficient public transport to dense clusters of landmarks, culture, and cuisine, these destinations are perfect for travellers who want more for less. With annual leave limited and budgets stretched, Planet Cruise set out to find the top cities where travellers can see, do, and eat the most in just a few days without breaking the bank.
The research considers key factors such as walkability, average elevation, city area size, average price of public transport, number of landmarks and restaurants per 10 sq km and the number of cycle paths in each city.
Phoenix Park, Dublin. (Tourism Ireland)
Dublin has earned a spot among the top ten destinations for ‘maximalist travel’
Ranking sixth overall, the Irish capital impresses with an 80% walkability score and a compact area of just 345.3 km², making it easy for travellers to explore on foot and pack more into a short stay. While it may not top the charts in terms of cycle paths or restaurant density, Dublin’s dense cluster of cultural landmarks, ease of navigation, and manageable size make it ideal for those seeking to experience history, charm, and local cuisine without the hassle. As city breaks surge in popularity, Dublin proves a smart choice for time- and budget-conscious travelers looking to get the most from every moment.
Athens, Greece, topped the list as the ultimate maximalist city break destination, combining affordability, culture, and density like nowhere else. Meanwhile, Porto, Portugal, came in second place thanks to its unbeatable mix of scenic charm, convenience, and cultural hotspots. Vienna, Austria, ranked third with a strong balance of accessibility, infrastructure, and sheer volume of things to do.
From Athens to Dublin, check out the list below for the top 10 locations for maximalist travel.
The top destinations for maximalist travel
- Athens, Greece
- Porto, Portugal
- Vienna, Austria
- Brussels, Belgium
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dublin, Ireland
- Milan, Italy
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Berlin, Germany
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you’d like to find out more about the best destinations for maximalist travel, please click here.
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