From England and France to Spain and Portugal, Europe is full of captivating cities where you can explore historic landmarks, museums, restaurants, nightlife and culture. From the iconic skyline of London to the fairytale ambiance of Prague, you can get a dose of these alluring destinations and their world-renown attractions in just a few days. Pack your carry-on bag for a trip of a lifetime, as these are some of the perfect weekend getaway destinations in Europe.
London, United Kingdom
London is one of the world’s most incredible cities, where you can take a few days to explore places like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square. Those looking for a dose of culture can visit the National Gallery, Tate Modern and the British Museum or browse Brick Lane and Camden markets. Pop into a pub for a pint or partake in afternoon tea, then head to West End to catch a top theatre show.
Paris, France
A romantic city that is stuffed with culture, it is possible to pack an itinerary full of restaurants, museums and art galleries. Make sure to tour the Louvre and see the Mona Lisa and take cheesy photos near the Eiffel Tower, then kick your weekend off with stops at Musee Rodin, Musée d’Orsay and Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. When you need a break stop at Shakespeare and Company, one of the world’s most famous independent bookstores.
Budapest, Hungary
A charming destination that makes a perfect spot for a weekend getaway, Budapest is a blend of history, culture and beautiful views. Start your journey with a stroll along the River Danube to spot the 19th-century Hungarian Parliament Building. Climb to the top of Buda Castle for stunning views, or head to the Neo-gothic Fisherman’s Bastion and its towers. Walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge that links Buda and Pest, and pack a picnic for an afternoon in the leafy City Park.
Florence, Italy
Perfect for a romantic getaway, a cultural weekend or a holiday with the kids, Florence is like a living museum with its beautiful architecture and captivating attractions. See Michelangelo’s David, then admire the work of Italian greats such as Botticelli and da Vinci at the Uffizi Gallery. Take a sunset walk along the River Arno to sit and have apéritifs, climb to the Tower of Arnolfo of Palazzo Vecchio for stunning views, then stroll down Via Pellicceria to browse the leather shops.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s winding alleyways and cobbled streets lead to trendy bars, restaurants and a beautiful castle perched above the city. Visit the Edinburgh Castle for panoramic views of the city, indulge in a whisky tasting or walk along the Royal Mile to see landmarks such as St. Giles’ Cathedral. Put on your walking shoes and trek to Arthur’s Seat, an 823-foot-high peak with views over the city that are particularly captivating at sunset and sunrise.
Copenhagen, Denmark
A city that is known for its architectural beauty, royal castles and picturesque canals, Copenhagen has plenty to offer for a weekend getaway. Get acquainted with the city’s landmarks with a climb to the top of Christiansborg Palace, then take a stroll along Stroget to browse the variety of shops or make your way to the famous Little Mermaid statue. Admire the colorful backdrop of houses at Nyhavn explore the hippie haven of Christiana.
Barcelona, Spain
The delightful Mediterranean climate of Barcelona will lure you in, while its stunning architecture, flavorful cuisine and cosmopolitan ambiance will have you wanting more. Make sure to see Gaudi’s Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, then gaze across the city at Parc Guell. Walk along the famous La Rambla promenade, explore the medieval maze of squares in the Gothic Quarter, then take a break in the tranquil Parc Ciutadella before indulging in the city’s famous nightlife scene.
Prague, Czech Republic
It’s hard not to be charmed by the “city of a thousand spires”, as Prague offers views of domed churches and has one of the best preserved historic city centers in Europe. Walk along the beautiful Charles Bridge, explore the Jewish Quarter and its collection of old synagogues, then step back in time at the Prague Castle that dates back to 970 AD. Before you leave, catch the hourly Astronomical Clock display in the Old Town Square.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam offers 800 years of history to explore, showcasing a beautiful collection of ancient churches, excellent museums and quaint cobbled streets. See the Old Masters at the Rijksmuseum, explore the Van Gogh Museum or admire modern and contemporary artwork at Stedelijk, while the Anne Frank House is a must-see for history enthusiasts. Walk along the postcard-perfect streets of Jordaan, take a canal cruise or stop and smell the flowers at Rembrandtpark.
Lisbon, Portugal
Get a dose of Portuguese culture with a weekend trip to Lisbon, where you can learn about its colonialist history, admire its ornate architecture and listen to traditional Fado music. Start your trip with a ride on the famous Tram 28, then admire the hilltop vistas in Alfama or at St. George’s Castle. Explore the waterfront neighborhood of Belem and sample pastel de nata at Pasteis de Belem, or take a day trip to see the colorful palace-filled city of Sintra.
Brussels, Belgium
A small city with plenty to see, Brussels is a fantastic weekend destination where you can spend your days exploring landmarks like the historic Palais Royal or stock up on its famous chocolate. See Manneken Pis, the city’s favorite fountain, then meander around the Grand Place to admire the dazzling architectural details. See the lavish interior of Saint-Michel Cathedral or Belgium’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts before relaxing on the green spaces of Parc du Cinquantenaire.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is one of Europe’s most walkable cities, which makes it a great place to explore for a long weekend. Start at Phoenix Park before making your way to the medieval streets of Temple Bar. Sip a pint of Guinness before heading to Trinity College or the shops along Grafton Street. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Guinness Storehouse, see the historic Book of Kells that dates back to 800 AD before admiring the colorful floral varieties in the National Botanic Gardens.
