City Doubles – 5 city break pairs in Europe with hotel tips

Fancy a short break in a city that feels instantly familiar – yet is still new? Welcome to City Doubles: cities that share the same vibe as your favourite metropolis, but are often closer, cheaper and more relaxed to get to. 
From Hamburg to Vienna – we'll show you five city break pairs in Europe, including central hotel tips so you can get started right away.

Why you'll love it: Do you like Amsterdam for its canals, creative neighbourhoods and laid-back cycling culture? Then you'll love Hamburg. Here, you can sail on the Elbe instead of Amsterdam's canals, stroll through the Speicherstadt warehouse district as if it were an open-air museum, and discover the same rebellious energy in St. Pauli as in the Jordaan. Except that here, instead of bitterballen, you'll be handed a fish sandwich.
Hotel tip: Motel One Hamburg–Am Michel or Motel One Hamburg-Alster – ideal for a city break in Hamburg with harbour flair. 
Best time to visit: May–September for outdoor activities, November/December for Christmas markets. 

Why you'll love it: If Salzburg enchants you with its baroque charm, festivals and proximity to the Alps, then Zurich will also win your heart. Instead of Mozartkugeln, there's Swiss chocolate – Schoggi – and instead of the Festspielhaus, there's the elegant Tonhalle. Both cities offer clear mountain panoramas, a refined coffee house culture – and in Zurich, the relaxing sparkle of Lake Zurich.
Hotel tip: Motel One Zurich – perfectly located for your short break in the Alpine region.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn – culture and nature in balance.

Why you'll love it: Do you like London's mix of history, culture and pub culture? Edinburgh is its charismatic cousin in the north: denser, more mystical, with cobbled streets, castle views and a dash of Highlands romance. Here you'll find British humour, but without the rush hour hustle and bustle – and in August, the city transforms into a festival hotspot.
Hotel tip: Motel One Edinburgh-Princes oder Motel One Edinburgh-Royal – both centrally located for a city break in the UK.
Best time to visit: Spring for festivals, winter for the Christmas market.

Why you'll love it: If you love Paris for its boulevards, cafés and opera, you'll feel right at home in Vienna. Both cities are like an elegant waltz of culture, cuisine and classical architecture. In Vienna, you get French esprit – only with Viennese charm and Kaiserschmarrn instead of crêpes
Hotel tip: Motel One Vienna-Staatsoper, Motel One Vienna-Westbahnhof or Motel One Vienna-Prater – perfect for your city break in Vienna. 
Best time to visit: April–June for sunshine, December for Christmas romance. 

Why you'll love it: Does Copenhagen inspire you with its hygge, bicycle-friendliness and a fine blend of design and cosiness? Munich offers the same feel-good factor – just with a southern German twist. Instead of smørrebrød, there are pretzels; instead of Nyhavn, there are the banks of the Isar; and instead of a royal guard, there is the English Garden with its beer garden. Both cities have design and a relaxed attitude to life – only the weather is often friendlier in Munich.
Hotel tip: Motel One Munich-Sendlinger Tor, Motel One Munich-Deutsches Museum or Motel One Parkstadt Schwabing – ideal for your short trip to Munich.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for outdoor experiences, winter for the Christmas market.

Which cities are suitable as city doubles for city breaks? 
Amsterdam–Hamburg, Salzburg–Zurich, London–Edinburgh, Paris–Vienna, Copenhagen–Munich.

What is a city double? 
A city double is a pair of cities that share a similar vibe, cultural style or lifestyle – perfect for new impressions with a familiar feeling.

Why is a city double worth a short trip? 
You get the flair of your favourite city – without a long journey, often cheaper and with surprising new impressions.

Conclusion: double the vibe
Whether maritime in Hamburg, alpine in Zurich or imperial in Vienna – City Doubles are the ideal inspiration for your next short break in Europe. With Motel One, you're always right in the thick of things – central, stylish and ready for your next city adventure.