The BEST Weekend Getaways in Europe + Where to Stay

Looking for the best weekend trips in Europe? These are the best weekend getaways in Europe — each equipped with an international airport!

Best Weekend Trips in Europe

Deciding where to spend a weekend on a continent as vast and varied as Europe can be a difficult task. Are you interested in strolling around cobblestone streets with a gelato in hand, are you set on seeing all the museums, or are you simply ready to bask in the sun? We’ve covered all the options with these European weekend getaways.
 

Paris, France

While Paris may seem like an enormous city with endless sites and opportunities, it is indeed possible to experience its grandeur in a weekend. In order to hit all the sites important to you, our recommendation is to come prepared and route out your stops.

Want to see Moulin Rouge, Champs Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, Musée D’Orsay, and Shakespeare and Company? Map it out! The metro is your friend.

Dublin, Ireland

While Dublin is Ireland’s capital city as well as its largest, given the walkability of the downtown and the easy-to-use transit system, hitting all the major sites in Dublin is absolutely achievable in a weekend. For the ultimate Dublin experience, check out the Guinness Storehouse, a traditional Irish music pub of your choice, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and take a tour through Kilmainham Gaol.

Where to Stay in Dublin

For a great mid-range option, try out Blooms Hotel. For a more luxury experience, consider Dublin Skylon Hotel.

Read more: How to Spend a Layover in Dublin, Ireland

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Sitting on the shores of sunny Southern Croatia, Dubrovnik is a city known for its incomparable beauty. To capture the essence of it in a weekend, make sure you walk the city walls, take the cable car up Mount Srd, shop for some lavender, and eat tons of the local grub.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

For accommodations in Dubrovnik, we recommend either Scalini Palace or Sun Gardens Dubrovnik.

Venice, Italy

Constructed on more than 100 islands in northern Italy, Venice is a dream destination for casual tourists and honeymooners alike. During your weekend in Venice, be sure to spend time in St. Mark’s Square, people watch in Piazza San Marco, wander along the canals, and be sure to treat yourself to a Gondola ride.

Where to Stay in Venice

For a great mid-range option in Venice, consider Hotel Montecarlo, for something more luxurious, look into Hotel Danieli.

Read more: Venice Travel Tips: What You Need to Know Before Visiting

London, UK

Given London’s vast size and number of sites, in order to not burn yourself out we recommend choosing a neighborhood in London (or two) to focus on during your weekend trip. Whether your style is more Soho, Kensington, Greenwich, Camden, Shoreditch, Westminster, or any of dozens of others, pick out your must-sees and take in London at your own pace.

Where to Stay in London

For great accommodations in London, consider either Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel or Central Park Hotel. 

Brussels, Belgium

A city as regal as it is quirky, Brussels is the perfect weekend trip for those looking for a well-rounded experience. Spend your time eating a chocolate waffle while expressing confusion at Mannekin Pis, take a stroll around the Mini-Europe Park, discover the beauty of Grand Place, go on a beer tour, and learn the history of the Smurf’s.

Where to Stay in Brussels

For a great mid-range option, check out Hotel Saint Nicolas. For something more luxurious, consider Warwick Brussels.

Read more: Must-Visit Beer Pubs in Brussels

Cinque Terre, Italy

The villages that make up Cinque Terre are as picturesque as they come, and visiting this region makes an excellent weekend trip. However, while it is possible to fit all the villages into a weekend, if you are keen for a slower pace, pick your top two or three, and plan from there. Hiking, kayaking, noodle eating, and photography are all great Cinque Terre activities to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

For great mid-range options in Cinque Terre, try out Hotel Villa Argentina in Riomaggiore or Affittacamere San Giorgio in Manarola.

Read more: Where to Stay in Cinque Terre (And Which Town is Best for You)

Bergen, Norway

If you’re looking for both urban and natural beauty for your weekend getaway, then Bergen is the way to go. In Bergen, enjoy the fresh seafood from the Old Market Square, visit the Bergenhus Fortress, discover Bergen’s history by visiting a museum, and get out in nature and kayak through the fjords.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is an awesome city for a weekend getaway in that it’s extremely walkable and has tons of great sites. Check out Prague Castle, stroll across Charles Bridge, wander the Old Town, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, have a drink at an Absintherie.

Where to Stay in Prague

For a five-star option in Prague, check out Grandior Hotel Prague, or for something more modest, try Andante Hotel.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a cool blend of artsy, sleek, historical, and contemporary all rolled into one brilliant package. What you plan to do in Berlin totally depends on your interests, as there is truly an activity here for all styles.

For a historical weekend, check out either the Jewish Museum or New Museum, for an artsy weekend, visit the districts of Kreuzberg or Neukolln, or, if you like your experience more refined, head to Mitte.

Where to Stay in Berlin

For great central options in Berlin, check out Hotel Augusta Am Kurfürstendamm or H4 Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz.

Read more: Visiting Lake Eibsee & Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is easily one of the most pedestrian and bike friendly cities in all of Europe, not to mention picturesque. With so much to offer, it’s one of the coolest places to go in Europe on a weekend trip!

When planning your stay in Amsterdam, opt to take in one of the many museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, and Resistance museums are all great choices), visit the Anne Frank House, wander around the artsy district of Jordaan, take a canal cruise, and take a tour around the Old Town.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

For great accommodation options in Amsterdam, check out mid-range Urban Lodge Hotel or luxury NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg, Sweden’s largest port city, truly has it all; it’s home to some of Sweden’s most iconic art and design, Volvo’s manufacturing, and a great foodie scene. If you find yourself with a hankering for nature while in Gothenburg, head out to the Archipelago of Gothenburg, where you’ll find scenic, car-free islands waiting to be explored.

Where to Stay in Gothenburg

For great central accommodations in Gothenburg, try out Gothia Towers Hotel or STF Göteborg City Hotel.

Read more: 10 Reasons to Visit Gothenburg, Sweden

Edinburgh, Scotland

The gorgeous, elegant capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is an epicentre of history and culture. In Edinburgh, do some shopping on Princes Street, wander around the Old Town, hike up to Edinburgh Castle, and visit Holyrood Palace.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

For a great budget place in Edinburgh, check out Haymarket Hub Hotel. For something more upscale, try The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Not only is the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik home to the iconic Blue Lagoon, it also boasts a fabulous arts scene, lots of historical attractions, wild nightlife, and drool-worthy cuisine. During your weekend in Reykjavik, plan on taking a food tour, hit up one of the renowned jazz café’s, sign up for a whale watching or puffin tour, and for awesome views, stop in at the Hallgrimskirkja Church.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

For great central accommodations in Reykjavik, try out either Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura or Fosshotel Baron.

Istanbul, Turkey

A city straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is both a major cultural and commercial hub. Over your weekend, make sure to visit the Blue Mosque (there are some excellent views from the top), do some shopping at Grand Bazaar, visit the Hagia Sophia Museum, visit a Turkish Bath, and don’t forget to try the coffee!

Where to Stay in Istanbul

For a great five-star option in Istanbul, check out Lazzoni Hotel. For something a little more budget-friendly, try Niconya Port Suite & Hotel.

Read more: A Step-By-Step Guide To Backpacking Europe

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