Travel by purpose
Best weekend trips
Short trips work best when the airport is close to the centre and the city can be walked. These picks give you a real change of scenery without a long journey.
Destinations that fit
Portugal
Lisbon
One of the easiest European capitals for a short trip: compact, affordable by Western European standards and pleasant even in winter.
Czech Republic
Prague
Among the best value city breaks in Europe, and small enough to enjoy properly in two or three days.
Netherlands
Amsterdam
One of the least stressful European cities for a first trip or a short weekend, with a train from the airport into the centre in 15 minutes.
Austria
Vienna
If you want a city break without friction, this is it: clean, safe, well signposted and effortless to move around.
Spain
Barcelona
If you cannot decide between a city break and the coast, this settles the argument without a second flight.
Worth reading first
Travel by Purpose
Where Should You Go for a Long Weekend in Europe?
Three nights is enough for one city, not two. Here is how to choose the one that fits the weekend you actually have.
6 min read
Travel by Purpose
Weekend City Breaks That Don't Require a Complicated Itinerary
Cities where doing very little still feels like a proper trip.
5 min read
Practical Travel Tips
Packing for a Weekend Trip Without Checking a Bag
Cabin bag only is faster, cheaper and, on three nights, genuinely easy.
4 min read
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