Europe is a huge continent. It receives almost half of the world’s tourists every year. Tourists visiting Europe from other continents usually want to explore as many places as possible on their trip. People living in Europe always look for short trips of 2-3 days to a certain place around so that they can explore it. If you are looking for the best weekend trips in Europe, look no further. Go through this list of highly recommended places in Europe by some of the most popular travel bloggers.
Best Weekend Trips In Europe
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
By Angie Kunze | We’re Not In Kansas Anymore
Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany is without a doubt one of the best weekend trips in Europe! This amazing town will charm the lederhosen right off of you! The draw is the town itself. Take a step back in time with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Explore the narrow winding lanes or walk the wall that has protected the city from invasion for centuries. Rothenburg has several museums with historic artifacts, but the most popular Rothenburg Museum is the Medieval Crime Museum. Interesting finds in this extensive museum include shame masks, torture devices, and a real Iron Maiden!
Don’t miss the informative Nightwatchman tour. The night watchman, dressed in traditional costume, leads guests through the historic core of town by lantern light and shares the secrets of Rothenburg. There are so many wonderful things to do to fill your time in Rothenburg that you may find a weekend just isn’t enough. Choose your favorites and plan to return! Rothenburg is easily reached by public transportation. The train station is within walking distance of the medieval city center.
2. Oslo, Norway
By Kristin D | Scotland Less Explored
Oslo is the capital of Norway and a perfect city for a weekend getaway with a mix of museums, history, art, and activities. It is possible to explore all the main sites by foot. In the city center visit the Munch Museum to see the Scream painting and take a walk on top of the Opera House. The best views of the Opera House are from the Havnepromenaden. Other neighborhoods which are popular with the locals are Majorstua and Grynerloekka. In these areas, you will find lots of cafes and restaurants. Majorstua is also close to Vigelandsparken, a park full of stone statues.
Until 2026 the Viking Ship Museum is closed. Currently, there are none of the boats on display that the Vikings used to travel to the beaches in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland and Ireland. However, the Viking Planet uses holograms, virtual reality, and interactive screens to bring the Vikings to life. At the Historical Museum, you can also see artifacts from this period in history. The weather is very different between winter and summer and the activities will therefore vary from swimming in the Oslo fjord to skiing in the forests outside the city. The best time to visit to enjoy better weather activities is between May and August or visit between January and March to enjoy the best that winter has to offer.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
By Josephine Remo | Josephine Remo
Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital, is a perfect destination for a European weekend getaway. Filled with historic charm, cultural treasures, and culinary experiences, the city offers many activities that suit different tastes. A must-visit is the iconic Tivoli Gardens. This historic amusement park offers great rides, scenic gardens, and atmospheric settings. For an alternative vibe, head to the free town of Christiania, a unique Freetown known for its creative community and vibrant street art. In addition, visitors should explore the city’s canals on a boat tour that offers a unique perspective of Copenhagen. As you glide through the waters, you’ll appreciate why this city is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.
Furthermore, Copenhagen is a haven for food lovers, and trying iconic foods is a must. Try the local hotdogs, a unique Danish twist on a fast-food favorite, and savor a traditional open sandwich known as “smørrebrød”. To experience the diverse food scene in its entirety, don’t miss the Reffen street food market in Copenhagen. This bustling hub offers a wide variety of cuisines from around the globe.
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
By Amber Hunt | Get Lost In Wanderlust
Dubrovnik is a perfect place for a weekend trip in Europe. Located in the southern tip of Croatia, the beautiful city of Dubrovnik is worth visiting. The city is famous for its historic old town, surrounded by impressive medieval walls. One of the best things to do is to walk along the top of the city walls, which provides incredible views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik was also the filming site for the tv series Game of Thrones, and another popular activity is to take a Game of Thrones tour in the old town.
For a more relaxing weekend in Dubrovnik, visit the popular beaches, such as Banje Beach, or take the ferry to Lokrum Island. When visiting Dubrovnik, make sure to also take the cable car up Mount Srd for incredible panoramic views. Transportation is easy in Dubrovnik as it is a very walkable city. While there is a public bus system, most attractions are within walking distance of the old town and surrounding neighborhoods.
5. Nice, France
By Sarah Vanheel | CosmopoliClan
With its international airport situated just a 10-minute drive or tram ride from downtown Nice, this iconic French Riviera town makes for one of the best weekend trips in Europe. You’ll be able to soak up the atmosphere in Vieux-Nice, as the enchanting Old Town is called, in no time. Explore the maze of streets lined by colorful facades, smell the roses at the daily Cours Saleya flower market, or hang out near the Sun Fountain at the Place Masséna.
For a change of scenery, head to the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s palm-lined beach promenade, to admire the beautiful Art-deco façade of the Palais de la Méditerranée and the Belle-Époque architecture of the Negresco. These hotels are also some of the best places to stay in Nice. The Promenade des Anglais ends at Castle Hill. Climb the staircase to this former citadel and take in the views over the Baie des Anges on one side and over the Port Lympia on the other side. End your evening in the lively Rue Masséna. Art lovers will appreciate the city’s many art museums, the Matisse Museum and the Chagall Museum to name a few.”
6. Stockholm, Sweden
By Jack & Abbie | A Couples Calling
Stockholm is honestly one of the best weekend trips in Europe as this amazing city has so much to offer. It’s the capital of Sweden and stretches over 14 different islands, across Lake Mälaren. Stockholm is best explored over a couple of days, as this city has a lot to offer. What’s great about this destination is the variety of museums on offer, including the Nobel Prize Museum, the Skansen Open Air Museum, the Vasa Museum, and the Nordic Museum. During your time in the city, you’ll also want to head out on an archipelago tour, hike up to Vitabergsparken, and explore the Old Town (also known as Gamla Stan).
If you’ve got time, make sure you head to the Royal Palace too! There are tons of awesome places to visit in the city, so you’ll want to spend around 3 days in Stockholm if you can, so stretch your trip over a long weekend. Luckily, getting around the city is extremely easy thanks to Stockholm’s extensive public transport system. There’s a metro system, several bus routes, tram lines, and ferries, so you’ll have no problem getting about.
7. Bruges, Belgium
By Stella Jane | Around the World in 24 Hours
Bruges, Belgium is often called one of the most charming and beautiful cities in Europe. It was one of the most important port cities in medieval times, and it still has a staggering number of beautiful medieval buildings to explore. There’s no other city quite like it. Start your weekend trip in Bruges at the Historium, which is an interactive museum that will teach you about the history of the city. Then you can explore some of the historical buildings and museums like the Groeningemuseum, which is full of famous Flemish paintings.
You can also climb to the top of the Belfort to get the best views of the city. And don’t forget to sample some of the popular Belgian delicacies like locally made chocolate, waffles, beer, and fries! Finally, Bruges is famous for its beautiful canals. It’s even sometimes called the Venice of the North! So try and get on a canal boat tour at some point during your weekend. Bruges is easy to visit from Brussels, Amsterdam, or even Paris by train.
8. Istanbul, Turkey
By Kedi | Let’s Travel To Turkiye
If your weekend destination wish list includes a place with a vibrant atmosphere, grandeur remnants of bygone empires, mouthwatering local dishes, and a city that never sleeps, then you should buy a ticket to Istanbul, Turkey! Istanbul is the perfect weekend destination for a number of reasons. For starters, it’s extremely easy to visit thanks to its convenient tourist infrastructure. Istanbul has two airports (IST and SAW) as well as an excellent public transportation system. From the airport, you can easily reach the center via metro or airport shuttle bus.
Likewise, there are so many things to do in Istanbul that travelers can ‘choose their own adventure’ and completely customize their trip as they wish. History buffs should plan a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, and Rumeli Fortress, while the modern jet set crowd will feel at home strolling through Galataport (including a stop at Istanbul Modern!), going shopping in Şişli, or checking out an art gallery in Karaköy. Prefer to eat your way through a city? A trip to the street food neighborhoods of Kadıköy or Beşiktaş will definitely satisfy your cravings. While each of these experiences is great, there’s one activity that’s an absolute must-do for every visitor – enjoy a relaxing ferry ride around Istanbul!
9. Rome, Italy
By Kim Swanson | Traveling Swansons
Rome makes for one of the best weekend trips in Europe. It’s a city with a rich history, lots of culture, delicious food, and many fun things to do. Rome also has some of the most beautiful architecture in the entire world. Wander the streets and admire all the buildings, fountains, and statues. The best way to start your weekend off in Rome is with a golf cart tour of the city. This is a great way to get acquainted with Rome and ensure you don’t miss any of the must-sees.
Some of the best things to do in Rome include exploring iconic sites such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. Squares are a popular spot to visit in Rome and one of the best ones is Piazza Navona. It’s a fun square with fountains, artists, and cafes. While in Rome you must also visit Vatican City to see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. And of course while in Rome you can indulge in some of the best food in the world: pizza, pasta and gelato! Since Rome is such a large city it’s very easy to travel there for the weekend. Rome has a convenient international airport and also many train stations.
10. Riga, Estonia
By Jakub Juszyński | Tymrazem
Is Riga a good idea for a weekend trip? Of course! The capital of Latvia is gaining popularity and attracting tourists from different countries. A weekend it’s enough to feel the atmosphere and get inspired. Riga is a city of many contrasts that you will notice in the architecture. Different styles mix here, which gives the city its charm. While in the city, it is worth taking a walk around the Old Town and taking a selfie at the Freedom Monument. Of course, it’s just an add-on. Interesting monuments and museums in Riga await you -Ethnographic Open Air Museum, the Museum of Motorization, Chocolate, Fashion, and Occupation. Each of them tells a different story, but together they build the image of Riga and Latvia.
While in Riga, be sure to try the local kvass – a characteristic drink and refreshing taste. It is also worth trying the local cuisine, and the meats, cheeses, and bread will surely captivate you as well. You can buy most of these products at the Central Market – an impressive facility. Riga is a big city, but it is very pleasant to move around it by public transport. A 3-day ticket will be perfect for a weekend trip.
11. Sibiu, Romania
By Joanna | The Romanian Cookbook
When it comes to the best weekend trips in Europe, Sibiu scores a place. Sibiu is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. Located in the heart of Transylvania, Sibiu is known for its beautiful architecture, its historic town center, as well as the legends surrounding it. Getting to Sibiu is very easy, either by train from Bucharest or by plane from other European destinations, as the city has its own international airport.
The main attraction in Sibiu is the old center, with its two large squares: the Big Square and the Little Square, located next to each other. To cross from one square to another, you will pass by the Council Tower, which you can climb up to, for a beautiful panorama of the city. Here there are a lot of typical restaurants where you can try the most traditional Romanian food, such as sarmale or papanasi.
Don’t miss the old city walls, which date from the Saxon times. Here there is a small museum where you can find out more about the city’s history. The walls are located on the “most beautiful street in Sibiu”, which features pretty and colorful houses decorated with flowers. Don’t miss looking up, to see the “eyes” of the houses, on the roofs.
12. Logar Valley, Slovenia
By Karen Warren | Outdoor Adventure Sampler
The Logar Valley of Slovenia is an exceptional place to spend the weekend if you like natural beauty and history. Surrounded by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in northern Slovenia near the Austrian border, it is an easy hour-and-a-half drive from the capital city of Ljubljana. Public transportation to the valley is possible with several buses per day in the summer. One of the highest waterfalls in Slovenia, Slap Rinka, is a pleasant 20-minute hike at the head of the valley. An easy 7-km trail through the entire valley is the best way to experience the astounding landscape park. Signs along the trail tell the history and culture of the valley.
For incredible views of the Logar Valley from above, travel the ridges of the Solčava Panoramic Route. This 39 km scenic route can be traversed by car or bicycle. Enjoy a comfy stay for the weekend in one of the charming tourist farms in the Logar Valley. Fresh, homemade meals from the alpine farms are a highlight of a vacation in the Logar Valley. These things together make a trip to Logar Valley one of the best weekend trips in Europe.
13. Gibraltar
By Kelsea O’Donnell | Out Of Office Mindset
Gibraltar is one of our favorite places to spend a weekend exploring. At only 2.6 square miles, it’s a small but dynamic city with plenty to do and explore – especially for a weekend! Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula that uses the Gibraltar pound for its currency.
The Rock of Gibraltar is a must-see attraction that defines the town’s identity. With its ancient caves, stunning views, war tunnels, and the Barbary macaques (monkeys), this magnificent landmark will take up a full day of your weekend trip. We recommend using the second day of your weekend trip to explore the city down at sea level and the southernmost point at the Europa Point Lighthouse. Our favorite experiences have been a walking tour to learn about the history and battles of the city and a boat tour to explore the Mediterranean coastline and see dolphins. The best way to arrive is by plane at the Gibraltar International Airport. Expect to go through customs if coming from anywhere other than the UK since Gibraltar is not part of the EU.
14. Drumnadrochit, Scotland
By Larch Gauld | The Silver Nomad
If you are visiting the Highlands of Scotland, one place you have to visit is Loch Ness. The village of Drumnadrochit is right on the banks and the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the area. One of the main draws is, of course, the Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, is a legendary sea creature that is said to be swimming in the depths of Loch Ness. Visit the Loch Ness Centre to find out more about their 1-hour immersive experience.
Just along the road is Nessieland. Ideal for kids with a playground, model railway, and 11 Nessie caves to explore. You can buy your fill of Nessie goodies in the Loch Ness Gifts from cuddly toys, mugs, t-shirts, magnets, and much more. Just outside Drumnadrochit, overlooking Loch Ness is Urquhart Castle. With 1,000 years of history and drama, the castle ruins give an insight into what medieval life was like.
There are plenty of walks around the area including The Great Glen Way which passed through Drumnadrochit. For a gentler walk try Urquhart Bay Woods which winds through to the shores of the loch. Coming from Inverness, the number 17 bus passes through Drumnadrochit; the journey takes around 30 minutes.
15. Hallstatt, Austria
By Jessica Schmit | Uprooted Traveler
For a magical weekend getaway in Europe, consider a stop in Hallstatt, tucked away on the shores of a turquoise lake at the base of the towering Austrian Alps. Hallstatt simply looks like something out of a fairytale, with colorful houses, tucked between endless pine trees that carpet the mountains’ slopes.
There are plenty of things to do in Hallstatt to experience the magic of this storybook town. For example, stroll around its Old Town, taking in the views of its gingerbread houses and gazing out onto Lake Hallstatt. If you’re visiting on a pleasant and warm day, you can even consider renting a boat and enjoying a picnic lunch, out on the crystal clear water, as the swans glide around you.
For a more unique activity, consider visiting the 7,000-year-old Salzwelten Hallstatt, which is rumored to be the oldest salt mine on the planet and the home of the longest wooden slide in Europe (which just so happens to be completely underground!). Alternatively, Dachstein Krippenstein is an alpine park, perched high in the mountains, with activities ranging from ice caves to via Ferrata excursions, depending on the time of year and how adventurous you are. Regardless of which activities you choose, it’s undeniable that Hallstatt is one of the best weekend trips in Europe.
16. Monaco
By Kristin | Global Travel Escapades
For those looking for a weekend full of glitz and glamour, the perfect place to splurge is in Monaco! Here, you’ll find some of the most luxurious hotels that offer every amenity you need for a blissful escape! Not to mention, there are plenty of things to do in the tiny principality to fill your weekend stay. For example, a must-do activity is to admire the architecture inside and outside of the iconic Monte Carlo Casino! And those willing to pay a relatively affordable entrance fee can test their luck at the various games and machines within the casino!
Or, if it’s a hot day out and you’re keen on retreating indoors for a bit, you can visit La Collection Automobiles de S.A.S le Prince de Monaco, which is a car museum filled with cars the prince of Monaco has previously owned! For those interested in visiting Monaco, you can fly into Nice Airport, take the city tram to Nice, and then take a 20-minute train ride into the principality! A trip to Monaco is definitely one of the best weekend trips in Europe that you should take.
17. Budapest, Hungary
By Jackie Rezk | Jou Jou Travels
Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary, is the perfect European weekend trip. It is located in the central part of the country, along the banks of the Danube River. You can easily get here by airport arriving at the Budapest Airport which is located only 20 minutes from the city center. The highlights of any visit would be visiting the Parliament Building which is one of the focal points of the city. Rising early for sunrise is a must to see the orangey-hued sky fill the backdrop of Fisherman’s Bastion.
You can also check out Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths during your weekend visit. There are actually many thermal baths in Budapest gathering its name as “Spa Capital of the World.” The other advantage of visiting this amazing city is how affordable it is! Easter Europe is a great option for budget travelers. However, there are some special places you’ll want to splurge such as the most beautiful cafe in the world, New York Cafe. 2 days in Budapest might feel short to properly explore but you can really see a lot in this time.
18. Thessaloniki, Greece
By Bella | Passport And Pixels
One of my favorite places for a weekend European trip is the buzzing city of Thessaloniki in Greece. Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and is often overlooked in favor of the capital, Athens, or the Greek islands. But that’s a mistake because Thessaloniki offers the best of both – a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, but in a glorious coastal location with fabulous sunshine and sea views. Foodie lovers will enjoy exploring the city’s gastronomic scene, with colorful markets where you can pick up fresh local delicacies like honey and olive oil, as well as countless traditional tavernas and modern restaurants serving up mouth-watering Greek and international cuisine.
Clustered along the coast of the Aegean Sea, Thessaloniki’s seafront location is a major draw. The recently-refurbished waterfront promenade is brilliant for taking leisurely strolls and enjoying a sunset drink or bay cruise. History fans will have a great time discovering Thessaloniki’s rich history which goes back to the Ottoman and Byzantine eras. Climb the steps of the iconic White Tower which has stood for centuries, or investigate the past at the Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from across Thessaloniki’s turbulent 2,300 years of history. One of the great things about taking a weekend break in Thessaloniki is that it’s so easy to get to, with an international airport welcoming flights from major cities. Once there, the city’s compact layout makes exploration easy, and a reliable public transportation system connects key attractions.
19. Malta
By Parampara Patil Hashmi | Awara Diaries
Malta qualifies as an exciting destination for one of the best weekend trips in Europe. Less than a 2-hour flight away from almost anywhere in mainland Europe, Malta instantly brings in the holiday mood with its relaxing vibes and the surrounding sea on all sides. You can choose to dive straight into the history and visit Fort St. Angelo and the architectural delights of the capital city of Valetta. Malta’s Silent City is an absolute delight to walk around.
Or you can simply choose to spend your entire weekend by the beach, enjoying the many shades of blue, and the icy cocktails that are an absolute must for the almost always sunny weather. The Gozo and Comino islands are a short ferry away from Valetta and make for excellent spots for water sports and chilling by the beach.
Pro tip: Rent a scooter to literally drive across this island country and make the most of your time in Malta.
20. Krakow, Poland
The Polish city of Krakow is an absolute must-visit and can be well explored over a weekend. It’s got the second-highest number of churches in any European city. Krakow is brimming with World War II history. A trip to the Jewish Quarter and to Auschwitz are the ones to take time out to possibly comprehend the scale of one of the most tragic events in world history.
On the other end, Krakow is also home to some of the most vibrant cafes, restaurants, and buskers around the city. Polish food with pierogies and zapikankie is highly underrated and has some of the most variant offerings that are natively vegetarian. For those with a healthy spice palette, this Polish city can make you forget about being in Europe! There’s a little bit for all ages and tastes in Krakow making it an excellent pick for one of the best weekend trips in Europe.
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the Dragon’s Den in the Wawel Castle in Krakow!
The top travel bloggers have spoken! This list of best weekend trips in Europe should get you started on planning a trip to your favorite destinations now. If you are a tourist, combine some of these spots and have a fun vacation. If you are living in Europe already, plan your weekends accordingly.
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