Today I want to bring you my guide to the best weekend trips from London to Europe. From famous cities to beautiful towns and islands, there’s no shortage of unforgettable trips you can take from the UK capital to the continent. Whether you love exploring iconic urban centers or discovering somewhere under the radar, there’s a weekend trip you’ll want to take to Europe.
Weekend Trips from London to Europe
The best weekend trips from London to Europe range from big cities to sun-drenched islands. Some offer medieval walled towns, while others are known for their contemporary cool.
Wherever your passions lie, these European weekend trips will get you in the mood for traveling and inspire your upcoming journeys.
I’ve been to all the places on my list and I can personally recommend them for 2-day getaways. They’re some of my favorite travel destinations, and some of the best places to visit in Europe. I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do.
Tips for Weekend Trips from London to Europe
Two days is a short amount of time to discover the destinations on my list. If that’s all the time you have, there are a few things you can do to maximize your experience.
First, try to leave on Friday night and return on Sunday night. If you can’t, try to catch the first train or flight of the day on Saturday morning and return as late as possible on Sunday.
Remember to factor in travel distances from railway stations and airports, too, as transfers will eat into your time. The same goes for time zones.
Second, try to book a hotel or other accommodation somewhere central. This will allow you to maximize your time doing the things you want to in the destination, and save you from spending half your weekend traveling to and from the city center. You can book a place to stay here.
Third, factor in the time of year you’ll be going on your weekend trip to Europe from London. Days are short in the winter, so you’ll need to be prepared to do activities that require daylight in a compact amount of time.
On the contrary, traveling in the summer months will mean you’ll enjoy daylight during your whole visit. You can check sunrise and sunset times before you book your trip to find out how much sun you’ll see (or not) during your trip.
Fourth, make sure to plan an itinerary and check opening hours prior to traveling. With such a limited time, you’ll want to ensure each place you plan to tour, eat, and see is open when you’re in town. This is particularly true in the off-season.
Fifth, try not to stuff too much into one weekend. Two days isn’t nearly enough to see a major capital city, let alone a large town or island. You can always return in the future to see more if you love the place.
Sixth, do some research into how to get around before you leave home. Using public transport or bicycles and scooters will help you see more than you could on foot.
For example, the metro is a fast and easy way to travel long distances in cities like Paris, and bikes are a popular way to get around in places like Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
Seventh, be aware that service in cafes and restaurants can be much slower than what you might be used to at home. It’s a good idea to either factor in more time for meals or eat quick ones at markets or street food stalls.
1. Paris Weekend Trip from London
First on my list of the best weekend trips from London to Europe is Paris. With direct trains from London, the City of Light is just over 2 hours and 15 minutes away. That leaves you plenty of time to see the main attractions.
The capital of France is celebrated for everything from its cuisine to its culture. It has fashion for shopping lovers, museums for art aficionados, and picturesque streets for those who love to wander.
While the City of Light is best explored over the better part of a week (or more), you can see the highlights in a weekend in Paris.
If you use the metro and RER trains, you’ll be able to visit Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, soak up the scene on the Seine, and walk around neighborhoods like Montmartre.
If this weekend trip sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay here. You can also take a look at my guide to the best area to stay in Paris for my top picks.
2. Amsterdam Weekend Trip to Europe
Amsterdam is another of my favorite short trips from London to Europe. There are direct trains from London, but given the distance and time, it’s easier to fly.
Flights from London City Airport are ideal, as it’s one of the easiest airports to get to in the UK capital. The flight time is around an hour, too.
Two days in Amsterdam is enough time to get your fix of narrow houses, bucolic canals, and world-class museums housed in beautiful buildings.
It’s easy to spend a weekend walking or cycling along Amsterdam’s waterways and soaking up the colors in the floating flower market or the Vondelpark.
The restaurants and nightlife scene are great, too. Don’t miss the Indonesian rijsttafel menus or the opportunity to sample genever, a famous Dutch spirit.
If this quick getaway sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve enjoyed a stay at the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel. You can book a room here.
3. Rome Weekend Trip from London
Next on my list of the best weekend trips from London to Europe is Rome. The Eternal City is an easy flight from the UK capital, and once you’re in town there’s a lot to do and see.
Rome is famous for its ancient ruins, world-class art, and great food. A weekend is enough time to see highlights like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, browse the Galleria Borghese or Vatican Museums, and eat all the Italian cuisine you could want.
Using the metro is a great way to cover long distances in Rome. It will help you see as much as possible in a couple days.
If this 2-day getaway sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve stayed at the The St Regis Rome and I loved the hotel and its location near the Piazza della Repubblica. You can book a room here.
4. Lisbon Weekend Trip from London
One of my favorite weekend trips from London to Europe is Lisbon. The Portuguese capital is a straightforward flight from London, and it’s one of the few European capitals that’s on the same time zone as the UK.
A weekend in Lisbon is a great amount of time to see the city’s dramatic hills, admire its ceramic azulejo tiles, ride its iconic yellow trams, and eat your fill of custard tarts.
Given Lisbon is more affordable than most European capitals, it’s a great place to spend an extra day or two if you have time. You can also head up to Porto and do a combined Lisbon and Porto itinerary.
If this short break sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve stayed at Portugal Boutique Hotel and I really enjoyed the experience. You can book a room here.
5. Barcelona Weekend Trip from London
Barcelona is another fun weekend trip from London to Europe. This Spanish city is an easy flight from the UK, and it’s a popular place to visit.
Barcelona is packed with historic streets, stunning beaches, beautiful museums, and fun restaurants and nightlife.
It has a bit of everything, and it’s a great place to explore for a couple days. From Barri Gotic to the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, it’s a beautiful city.
Barcelona’s historic streets are easy to walk around, but the metro is helpful for places like Tibidabo that are further afield.
If this 2-day getaway sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve stayed at Le Meridien Barcelona and I loved its central location. You can book a room here.
6. Prague Weekend Trip from London
Prauge is next on my list of the best weekend trips from London to Europe. I studied abroad in Prague when I was in college and I still consider it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Prague is an easy flight from London. Once you’re in the city, winding cobbled streets and sweeping castle views tick all the boxes for classic scenery. Subterranean bars and hideaways provide the perfect spots for nightlife, too.
Add to that the stunning Art Nouveau buildings, the Charles Bridge, and some of the most well-preserved historic architecture in Europe, and the Czech capital is amazing to see.
If this sounds like a fun getaway good to you, you can book a place to stay here. I lived in Hotel Adler when I studied in Prague, and I loved it. You can book a room here.
7. Venice Weekend Trip from London
Venice is another of my favorite weekend trips from London to Europe. It’s a quick flight from the UK capital, and you can even take a water taxi from the airport to the city.
With its maze of canals and fairy-tale bridges, Venice does romance like London does rain.
A moonlit gondola ride and a Bellini with a view are just the things to get you acquainted with the city, and there’s no better way to spend an afternoon than getting lost in the labyrinth of side streets.
Spending 2 days in Venice is a great weekend getaway from London. If this trip appeals to you, you can book a place to stay here. My favorite hotel in Venice is the luxurious The Gritti Palace. You can book a room here.
8. Reykjavik Weekend Trip from London
Reykjavik is another of my favorite trips from the UK capital to Europe. It’s a direct flight from London, and there’s a lot you can do and see in 2 days in Iceland.
2 days in Reykjavik is a great amount of time to see the city, visit places like the Sky Lagoon, and get out and discover the Golden Circle.
The landscapes around the city are prehistoric, the geysers and waterfalls breathtaking, and the myths and legends dramatic.
I always love seeing where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, bathing in steaming lagoons, and eating all the good seafood.
If this sounds like a fun getaway to you, you can book a place to stay here. My favorite is the hip 101 Hotel in Reykjavik. You can book a room here.
9. Copenhagen Weekend Trip from London
Copenhagen is another European city that’s worth a weekend trip from London. Easy to get to by plane from the UK capital, it’s a manageable size for 2 days.
The Danish capital’s culinary scene is hot, and its other charms are equally appealing. From the markets to the waterfront, the architecture to the design, this cool city is hard to beat.
Parks like Superkilen are one of a kind, and alternative Christiania is unique. Getting around by bicycle is a great way to see the city and live like a local, too.
If this sounds like a fun getaway to you, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve enjoyed a great one at the Phoenix Copenhagen. You can book a room here.
10. Florence and Pisa Weekend Trip from London
Back in Italy, Florence and Pisa make for a great weekend trip from London to Europe. If you fly to Pisa Airport (which most people do), you can see both in one trip. It’s easy to take the train between them.
After seeing the Leaning Tower, you’ll have the better part of 2 days in Florence. Given the city is so walkable, you’ll be able to see highlights like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery while you’re visiting.
Don’t forget the restaurants and markets, either. Florence has great food, and you’ll have plenty of time to sample some of the best.
If this getaway sounds like your cup of tea, you can book a place to stay here. My top pick is the Continentale. It has one of the best rooftop bars I’ve ever been to. You can book a room here.
11. Gothenburg Weekend Trip from London
Up in Sweden, Gothenburg is another easy weekend trip from London to Europe. A direct flight will get you there and allow you to see the best of the city in two days.
Gothenburg has a laid-back vibe, pretty parks, and good seafood. With a weekend you can visit the markets, shops, and gardens, and take a river boat tour.
This city is easy to see on foot, and you’ll probably want to walk after eating all the good food at the best restaurants in Gothenburg.
If you like the idea of spending a couple days here, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve had a great one at the Hotel Royal. You can book a room here.
12. Dubrovnik Weekend Trip from London
Next on my list of the best weekend trips from London to Europe is Dubrovnik. A direct flight from London, it’s an easy place to escape to for a couple days.
Dubrovnik is one of the best places to visit in Europe for its marble streets, fortified city walls, beautiful coastline, and delicious food and wine. This city on Croatia’s coast is one of the most scenic on the continent.
Given how compact the walled city is, you can easily see it all on foot in two days. You’ll even have time to explore more places and go to the beaches outside the walls.
If spending a couple days here sounds like fun, you can book a place to stay here. My favorite is Hotel Bellevue with its gorgeous views. You can book a room here.
13. Athens Weekend Trip from London
Athens is another great place to go for a weekend in Europe. It’s an easy flight from London, and once you’re in town there’s a lot to see.
With a weekend in Athens, you can visit the Acropolis, explore the historic streets of Plaka, take in the antiquities in the Acropolis Museum, and enjoy the great food and drink scene in the city.
The heart of Athens is easy to walk around, so if you stay somewhere central you’ll be able to explore on foot easily. There’s also a metro that can help you cover longer distances faster.
If you think you’d enjoy this getaway, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve had a great time at an apartment in hip Kerameikos. You can book one here.
14. Budapest Weekend Trip from London
Budapest is another of my favorite weekend trips to Europe from London. The Hungarian capital is a direct flight from the UK capital, and there’s lots to do and see.
A weekend in Budapest will allow you to admire the city’s dramatic bridges, soak in one of its historic spas, and take in the stunning architecture on its streets.
From the Neo-Gothic parliament building to the banks of the Danube, you can experience many of the best things to do in Budapest on foot.
If this sounds like a fun escape to you, you can book a place to stay here. My top pick is The Four Seasons, which is right on the Danube. You can book a room here.
15. Cyprus Weekend Trip from London
A weekend in Cyprus is another exciting 2-day trip from London to Europe. There are flights from London to various parts of the island, and once there it’s easy to get around by car.
Legend has it that Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite. Add to that boulder-studded beaches and lush mountain vineyards, and Cyprus is one of the perfect romantic weekend getaways in Europe.
If you want to experience romantic Cyprus at its best, you can visit the beach by the Petra tou Romiou rock stack in Paphos. Aphrodite was said to be born from the sea here.
If this sounds like your kind of thing, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve enjoyed two great stays at the waterfront Almyra in Paphos. You can book a room here.
16. Cork Weekend Trip from London
Everyone loves Dublin, but my favorite weekend trip from London to Ireland is Cork. It’s a quick flight from London, and a fun place to discover.
Down in the south, Cork is often referred to as the “real capital” of Ireland. But whether it is or not is less important than the fact that Cork offers an impressive display of everything a capital should offer.
With a gorgeous university, bustling market, historic fort, and great pubs, the city is every bit as exciting as Dublin.
If you want to get even more off the beaten path in Ireland, a weekend trip to Ardmore is also a fun adventure.
If this sounds like your kind of spot to explore, you can book a place to stay here. I had a lovely time at Hayfield Manor in Cork. You can book a room here.
17. Vienna Weekend Trip from London
Next on my list of the best weekend trips from London to Europe is Vienna. The capital of Austria is a straightforward flight from London, and it’s a great place to escape to for a couple days.
With 2 days in Vienna you can see highlights like the Spanish Riding School, The Hofburg, the MuseumsQuartier, the Danube, and the parks.
There are lots of under-the-radar streets and squares to discover in the city, too. They’re some of my favorite places to visit in Vienna.
The Austrian capital is easy to explore on foot, and there’s also a well-developed public transport network with buses, trains, trams and underground lines.
If this weekend trip appeals to you, you can book a place to stay here. I loved my experience at the hip 25Hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier. You can book a room here.
18. Bruges Weekend Trip to Europe
Bruges is one of the best short train trips from London to Europe. While there are no direct rail services from London to Bruges, you can take the train to Brussels and change there for rail services to Flanders.
Bruges is littered with waterways and wander-worthy streets. This medieval city in Belgium is worth seeing for its pretty squares, tall bell towers, and well-preserved old town.
Being in Bruges feels like stepping back in history. Everything from the bridges to the waterfront houses is postcard-perfect. It’s easy to get around on foot, and you can see all the highlights in two days.
If this sounds like something you’d love, you can book a place to stay here.
19. Salzburg Weekend Trip from London
Over in Austria, Salzburg is another great weekend trip to Europe. There are plenty of direct flights from London, and lots to see in a couple days.
Salzburg is worth a visit for its hilltop castle, manicured gardens, pretty historic center, and Mozart connections. The filming locations for The Sound of Music are fun to see as well.
When the festive season comes, the Christmas markets are magical. They make Salzburg one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter.
Salzburg is easy to explore on foot, as many of the highlights are in easy walking distance of one another.
If this sounds like your kind of getaway, you can book a place to stay here. I enjoyed my time at the stylish Villa and Hotel Auersperg. You can book a room here.
20. Bergen Weekend Trip from London
On the west coast of Norway, Bergen is another fun weekend trip from London to Europe. Less than a 2-hour flight from the UK capital, it’s an easy place to escape to for a couple days.
Nestled between mountains and fjords, Bergen’s stunning scenery is enhanced by the colorful wooden houses on the Bryggen wharf. And that’s to say nothing of the delicious seafood around every corner.
Given its compact size, 2 days in Bergen is enough to see the highlights. This is one of my top picks for under-the-radar European destinations.
If this sounds like your kind of getaway, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve stayed at the Thon Hotel Orion and I recommend it. You can book a room here.
21. Mykonos Weekend Trip from London
If you love islands, Mykonos is a great weekend trip from London to Europe. Several airlines offer direct flights, and once there you can rent a car or take taxis to see the highlights.
2 days in Mykonos is enough time to explore the whitewashed streets of Mykonos Town, go to some of the famous beaches, and eat at the top restaurants.
Mykonos is one of the best Greek islands to visit when it comes to parties, too. If you like to dance all night on the beach, this place is for you.
If this kind of getaway excites you, you can book a place to stay here. My top pick is the Absolute Mykonos Suites & More. You can book a room here.
22. Sofia Weekend Trip from London
Over in Bulgaria, Sofia is another winner when it comes to weekend trips from London to Europe. This capital city can be reached on a 3-hour direct flight from London.
With 2 days in Sofia you can see famous landmarks like the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, walk around the city’s streets, go to some of its cool cafes, and soak up the history (it dates back thousands of years).
The major sites are in walking distance of one another, but you can also use the metro, buses, trolleys, and trams to maximize your time in the city.
If this kind of short break is your thing, you can book a place to stay here. I enjoyed my time at the Hotel Marinela Sofia. You can book a room here.
23. Helsinki Weekend Trip from London
Back up north, Helsinki is another of my favorite weekend trips from London. The Finnish capital is served by direct flights from the UK capital, and it’s a fun place to visit for a couple days.
2 days in Helsinki is enough time to take in the Market Square, see the museums, check out the cathedral, and enjoy the city’s food and drink scene.
Helsinki’s city center is easy to get around on foot, so you can easily see the highlights in two days.
If this part of Finland sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay here. I loved my time at the historic Hotel Kamp right on the Esplanade. You can book a room here.
24. Nice Weekend Trip from London
Down in Provence, one of my favorite weekend trips from London to Europe is Nice. There are direct flights from the UK capital, and the airport is close to the city center.
From the historic streets of Vieux Nice to the famous Promenade des Anglais, there’s a lot to do on this part of the French Riviera. I studied here when I was in college, and I loved the beaches, shops, and squares like Place Massena.
If you want to go a bit further afield, you can fly into Nice and spend a weekend in a pretty village in Provence like Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Saint Paul de Vence, or Eze.
You can also take the train along the coast to places like Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Cannes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Ventimiglia.
Alternatively, you can spend one day in the city and choose from any number of day trips from Nice on your second day.
And if you want something different in the region, you can spend a weekend in Aix-en-Provence. It’s a beautiful city with historic fountains, markets, and streets.
If this part of France gets you excited to travel, you can book a place to stay here.
25. Malta Weekend Trip from London
Back to islands, Malta is another great weekend trip from London to Europe. A direct flight from the UK capital, this place is worth discovering.
From the capital of Valletta to the hilltop city of Mdina, there are historic streets and squares, cafes with views, and architectural details befitting a great European travel destination. And that’s to say nothing of the food, which is amazing.
You can see as much or as little of Malta as you want in a weekend. Whether you stick to the cities or explore Malta’s stunning natural wonders, there are a lot of ways to spend your time here.
If this island sounds like your cup of tea, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve enjoyed a great time at The Xara Palace, and I loved how unique it was. You can book a room.
26. Tallinn Weekend Trip from London
Out in Estonia, Tallinn is another of my favorite weekend trips from London. It’s a direct flight from the UK captial, and once you’re in town it’s easy to get around on foot.
If Europe has a cutest city center, it would be Tallinn. This Baltic capital has tile rooftops and colorful facades galore. The city also has great nightlife, contemporary art museums, botanical gardens, and towers with views.
If you want a nearby alternative, Riga in Latvia is also worth a special trip. The Art Nouveau architecture is amazing.
If Tallinn appeals to your inner travel lover, you can book a place to stay here.
27. Brussels Weekend Trip from London
Brussels is one of the best weekend trips from London to Europe by train. Like Paris, the Belgian capital benefits from direct rail services to the UK. You can get here in just under 2 hours, leaving you with plenty of time to discover the city.
Brussels is underrated as far as European capitals go. I spent a summer living and working here after college, and I loved the city.
From the stunning buildings in the Grand Place to the narrow streets lined with restaurants, the historic shopping arcades, the pretty parks and squares, and the Art Nouveau buildings, this city is full of beauty.
And that’s to say nothing of the street art, museums, and delicious food and drinks (think waffles, chocolate, fries, mussels, and beer).
It’s easy to see a lot in a weekend in Brussels, as most of the sightseeing highlights are in one compact area near the Grand Place and the central train station. There’s a metro, buses, trains, and trams for places further afield, too.
If this capital city sounds appealing, you can book a place to stay here. I’ve visited many times, and my top pick is the Hilton Brussels Grand Place. You can book a room here.
Weekend Trips from London to Europe
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best weekend trips from London to Europe, and that it’s inspired you to get out and discover some of the most exciting places to visit on the continent in 2 days.
If you want more inspiration, you can take a look at my blog post about the best weekend trips from London. Happy travels!
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