Having a weekend for a trip may not seem like much time at first glance, but it can be more than enough if you are lucky enough to find a flight with a good schedule on Friday afternoon and another one to fly back late on Sunday. This milestone will allow you to have practically 2 full days that you can take advantage of to get to know most of the most beautiful cities in Europe or have the first shot at bigger ones like Rome, London or Paris that you can return to and continue discovering later. Based on the experience of our numerous multi-day European getaways, here is a list of some of the 10 best weekend getaways. Let’s get started!

1. Porto

Porto, located on the banks of the Douro River and world renowned for its wine, is one of the best getaways for a weekend or two days.
This small city in Portugal is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a nearby place, not overcrowded, easy to get around and with a great gastronomy.
In addition to completing this list of places to visit in Porto, among which are the Lello e Irmão bookstore, the Ribeira or the Clérigos Tower, we recommend a walk along the river and listen to fado in a typical tavern, which we are sure will be an unforgettable experience.

Porto, Portugal

2. Copenhagen, one of the best weekend getaways

Copenhagen, another of the most beautiful cities to visit in Europe, stands out for its beautiful historic center full of colorful facades, palaces, parks and fairytale castles.
Its small size makes it an ideal city for travelers who have little time to have most points of interest concentrated in the center, which can be perfectly walk or bike.
Among the most charming places to see in Copenhagen are the Nyhavn canal, the free city of Christiania, the Tivoli Gardens and the famous sculpture of The Little Mermaid, a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen, one of its most famous neighbors.

Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark

3. Budapest in a weekend getaway

Budapest, the jewel of the Danube, is another of the most beautiful cities in Europe by day and night, and one of those places that deserves to make any effort to know it.
Crossing the Chain Bridge and going up to the Fisherman’s Bastion to enjoy the views, having a coffee and a cake in the historic New York Café, visiting the impressive Parliament or relaxing in one of its spas, are just some of the best experiences offered by this city.

Budapest, Hungary, Chain Bridge

4. Florence

Florence, although it is an open-air museum full of monuments, churches and palaces, is a city that with two full days is enough to see its main tourist attractions.

In addition, this city has the advantage of being only one hour by train from Pisa airport, where several low cost airlines land, which will allow you to reduce the cost of the trip.

Once in the city you can walk around the historic center of the city and be amazed by the Duomo, Signoria and Santa Croce squares, crossing the fantastic Ponte Vecchio and going up to Michelangelo square to have the best views of the city.

Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

5. Berlin

Berlin, more than a city with many things to visit (which there also are), is a city with an endless cultural and leisure offer, perfect to spend a fun weekend with friends or a partner.
Reborn from the ashes after its destruction during World War II, Berlin has become a modern, multicultural and open to all kinds of travelers looking for unique experiences.
Among the best known places to visit in Berlin are the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and the Jewish Quarter, although the best of the city is the great atmosphere that permeates its streets, parks and bars.

Berlin, Germany, Brandenburg Gate

6. Prague

Prague, the city of the hundred towers and for many the most beautiful in Europe, is a destination that although with two days you can stay a little short, we believe that for a first time can be enough.

If you travel out of high season and do not find the city too crowded with tourists, you can invest the two days to complete this list of places to visit in Prague as these are concentrated mostly around the fantastic Old Town Square and also climb up to the huge castle across the famous Charles Bridge.

Pague, Czech Republic – Charles Bridge

7. Tallinn

Tallinn, one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval cities in Europe, is another of the best getaways for an interesting weekend.
Just to stroll through the cobbled streets of the beautiful old town, a World Heritage Site, is worth the 3 hours by plane from Spain. And if you add to that the fact that many months of the year it is covered by a layer of snow, it becomes a paradise for children and adults.
In order not to miss anything important we suggest you to complete this list of places to visit in Tallinn that includes the spectacular viewpoints of Toompea, the Town Hall Square and the medieval Walls.

Kadriorg Art Museum – Tallinn, Estonia

8. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, divided between the New Town and the Old Town, and dominated by an imposing castle, will take you back to medieval times and is another of the best weekend getaways.
After completing this list of places to visit in Edinburgh you can enjoy the good atmosphere and the friendly character of the locals in a historic tavern in the old town over a large pint of stout.
If you have more time you can take a rental car to one of the most impressive castles in Scotland such as Dunnottar or to incredible natural landscapes such as the famous Loch Ness.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

9. Stockholm

Located in a privileged position, in an archipelago of more than 24,000 islands bathed by the waters of the northern seas, Stockholm stands out as one of the best getaways for a weekend or two days.
This modern city full of canals and with a beautiful historic center that enchants at first sight, will surprise you with its manicured parks, fantastic museums and cosmopolitan neighborhoods dotted with designer cafes, art galleries and alternative stores.

To not miss anything interesting be sure to read this list of must-see places to visit in Stockholm while you warm up with a good hot chocolate served in most cafes in the city.

Stockholm, Sweden

10. Dublin

Our last city proposed for this list of the best getaways for a weekend is the mysterious and historic Dublin, always keep an eye on the weather forecast so that the rain does not spoil your travel plans.

Divided in two by the Liffey River, the capital of Ireland surprises with an old town full of historic buildings such as Trinity College and its impressive library, old churches, monuments, parks, museums and an endless number of pubs where you can have a good pint while listening to live music.

Although two days are enough to complete this list of places to visit in Dublin, we advise you to spend some extra time and visit some of the natural wonders of Ireland such as the Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher.

The Temple Bar – Dublin, Ireland

Common Questions

Q: What makes Porto an ideal getaway for a weekend?
A: Porto is an ideal getaway for a weekend because it is a small city in Portugal that is not overcrowded, easy to navigate, and has great gastronomy.

 

Q: What makes Copenhagen stand out among other cities in Europe?
A: Copenhagen stands out among other cities in Europe because it has a beautiful historic center full of colorful facades, palaces, parks, and fairytale castles, which makes it ideal for travelers who have little time.

 

Q: What makes Budapest a beautiful city to visit for a weekend trip?
A: Budapest is a beautiful city to visit for a weekend trip because it is a jewel of the Danube, with numerous points of interest, such as the Chain Bridge, Fisherman’s Bastion, New York Café, and the Parliament.

 

Q: What makes Florence an ideal destination for a weekend trip?
A: Florence is an ideal destination for a weekend trip because it is an open-air museum full of monuments, churches, and palaces, and can be reached in just one hour from Pisa airport.

 

Q: What makes Berlin an ideal destination for a fun weekend trip?
A: Berlin is an ideal destination for a fun weekend trip because it has an endless cultural and leisure offer and is perfect for travelers looking for unique experiences.

 

Q: What is the highlight of Prague as a destination for a weekend trip?
A: The highlight of Prague as a destination for a weekend trip is its beauty and the fact that many tourist attractions are concentrated around the Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge.

 

Q: What makes Tallinn an ideal destination for a weekend trip?
A: Tallinn is an ideal destination for a weekend trip because it is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval cities in Europe and offers a great experience for travelers with its cobbled streets and medieval walls.