July marks an excellent opportunity for a city escape. As vacationers flock to Mediterranean destinations, prices in northern Europe often remain appealingly affordable, and the pleasant weather enhances experiences of sightseeing, dining al fresco, and enjoying leisurely picnics in urban parks. Just under two hours by flight, Berlin boasts warm temperatures in the mid-20s, perfect for exploring the capital’s beach bars, lakeside swimming spots, and beer gardens.

You can enjoy luxurious accommodations at the privately owned Hotel Palace Berlin located in the vibrant heart of City West. For just £338 per person, you can stay for three nights including flights from Luton, with travel scheduled for July 13. The fare includes a small carry-on bag; however, you can opt for a 15kg checked bag for an additional £57 return as well as add breakfast at £50 per person. The S-Bahn S9 train operates every 20 minutes from Berlin Brandenburg airport and takes about an hour to reach the Zoologischer Garten station, which is just a five-minute stroll from the hotel (£4; sbahn.berlin).

The hotel features an upscale restaurant focused on meat dishes, an in-house patisserie, and a lobby lounge that presents local specialties like Wiener schnitzel, along with a gin bar offering 150 varieties of gin paired with weekend DJ performances. The expansive spa covers 800 square meters and includes a Finnish sauna and a large swimming pool, while modern guest rooms are elegantly decorated in blue-grey and chocolate brown hues with striking leather headboards, spacious work desks, and stylish tiled bathrooms.

Nearby attractions include the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Bikini Berlin shopping center, which boasts emerging brands, an international food market, and ongoing art exhibitions, both easily accessible from the hotel’s location. Additionally, all major attractions are within a 45-minute walking distance. The Line 100 bus can take you to Alexanderplatz, where you can visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate (£10 for a day’s travel; bvg.de). From there, you can also walk to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the opulent Berlin Cathedral, and the Fernsehturm, the city’s distinctive TV tower (£21; tv-turm.de).

The impressive Reichstag Building, designed by Norman Foster, offers stunning views of the city, but it is recommended to book visits in advance (free; bundestag.de). After visiting, take a stroll down Unter den Linden boulevard to the UNESCO-listed Museum Island, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year and contains five museums, including the Alte Nationalgalerie, housing works by Monet and Renoir (£10; smb.museum).

If the heat becomes overwhelming, pick up refreshments from Fredericks deli (fredericksberlin.com) and find a shady spot in the expansive 519-acre Tiergarten Park, where you can rent rowing boats or enjoy a German lager in the lakeside beer garden adorned with fairy lights. Other popular sun-soaked locations in the city include Ku’damm Beach on Halensee Lake, offering cocktails, sun loungers, and swimming opportunities, as well as Badeschiff, a 30-meter long barge-turned-outdoor pool located on the Spree River, complete with city views, hammocks, and a sandy beach (£7; en.arena.berlin).

Your £338 Per Person Package

• Return flights from Luton to Berlin, departing on July 13
• Three nights at Hotel Palace Berlin on a room-only basis (easyjet.com)

If you’re seeking more luxurious options, consider these alternatives:

The £600 Getaway

Located within a restored 19th-century bank on a tranquil street in Mitte, Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte property, exudes character with features like a spa and a 20-meter lap pool in the former bank vaults, along with an opulent ballroom in the cashier’s hall. Guestrooms are simply appointed, embodying dark wood furnishings, navy undertones, and exquisite mosaic-tiled showers. The hotel also houses an acclaimed Italian restaurant with a candlelit terrace and one of the city’s finest rooftop bars (weather permitting) offering breathtaking views over the river and urban skyline. Both Museum Island and the Brandenburg Gate are within a 15-minute walking distance. Details reflect three nights on a room-only basis from £637 per person, including flights and checked luggage (britishairways.com).

The £900 Option

The exclusive 41-room boutique hotel Orania.Berlin, situated in the lively Kreuzberg district known for its artistic heritage, features its own stage and literary salon, providing nightly performances from local Berlin artists. Rooms are adorned with hardwood floors, silk curtains, and traditional Iranian rugs, with some offering views of Oranienplatz. An all-day restaurant with a cozy fireplace and open kitchen is favored by locals, while the bar serves soulful dishes and spirits sourced from local distilleries. Details provide for three nights’ B&B, starting from £905 per person, including flights and checked luggage (booking.com).