As we speak I need to deliver you my information to the very best weekend journeys from London to Europe. From well-known cities to stunning cities and islands, there’s no scarcity of unforgettable journeys you possibly can take from the UK capital to the continent. Whether or not you’re keen on exploring iconic city facilities or discovering someplace below the radar, there’s a weekend journey you’ll need to take to Europe.
Weekend Journeys from London to Europe
One of the best weekend journeys from London to Europe vary from massive cities to sun-drenched islands. Some supply medieval walled cities, whereas others are recognized for his or her modern cool.
Wherever your passions lie, these European weekend journeys will get you within the temper for touring and encourage your upcoming journeys.
I’ve been to all of the locations on my record and I can personally advocate them for 2-day getaways. They’re a few of my favourite journey locations, and among the finest locations to go to in Europe. I’m positive you’ll love them as a lot as I do.
Ideas for Weekend Journeys from London to Europe
Two days is a brief period of time to find the locations on my record. If that’s on a regular basis you will have, there are some things you are able to do to maximise your expertise.
First, attempt to depart on Friday evening and return on Sunday evening. For those who can’t, attempt to catch the primary practice or flight of the day on Saturday morning and return as late as doable on Sunday.
Bear in mind to think about journey distances from railway stations and airports, too, as transfers will eat into your time. The identical goes for time zones.
Second, attempt to e-book a lodge or different lodging someplace central. This may can help you maximize your time doing the belongings you need to within the vacation spot, and prevent from spending half your weekend touring to and from the town middle. You’ll be able to e-book a spot to remain right here.
Third, issue within the time of yr you’ll be going in your weekend journey to Europe from London. Days are quick within the winter, so that you’ll should be ready to do actions that require daylight in a compact period of time.
Quite the opposite, touring in the summertime months will imply you’ll get pleasure from daylight throughout your complete go to. You’ll be able to examine dawn and sundown instances earlier than you e-book your journey to learn the way a lot solar you’ll see (or not) throughout your journey.
Fourth, make certain to plan an itinerary and examine opening hours previous to touring. With such a restricted time, you’ll need to guarantee every place you propose to tour, eat, and see is open whenever you’re on the town. That is notably true within the low season.
Fifth, strive to not stuff an excessive amount of into one weekend. Two days isn’t almost sufficient to see a serious capital metropolis, not to mention a big city or island. You’ll be able to all the time return sooner or later to see extra when you love the place.
Sixth, do a little analysis into easy methods to get round earlier than you allow house. Utilizing public transport or bicycles and scooters will aid you see greater than you may on foot.
For instance, the metro is a quick and straightforward strategy to journey lengthy distances in cities like Paris, and bikes are a well-liked strategy to get round in locations like Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
Seventh, bear in mind that service in cafes and eating places will be a lot slower than what you is likely to be used to at house. It’s a good suggestion to both issue in additional time for meals or eat fast ones at markets or road meals stalls.
1. Paris Weekend Journey from London
First on my record of the very best weekend journeys from London to Europe is Paris. With direct trains from London, the Metropolis of Gentle is simply over 2 hours and quarter-hour away. That leaves you loads of time to see the primary sights.
The capital of France is well known for every thing from its delicacies to its tradition. It has trend for buying lovers, museums for artwork aficionados, and picturesque streets for individuals who like to wander.
Whereas the Metropolis of Gentle is finest explored over the higher a part of every week (or extra), you possibly can see the highlights in a weekend in Paris.
For those who use the metro and RER trains, you’ll have the ability to go to Paris landmarks just like the Eiffel Tower, absorb the scene on the Seine, and stroll round neighborhoods like Montmartre.
If this weekend journey sounds good to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. You can even check out my information to the finest space to remain in Paris for my high picks.
2. Amsterdam Weekend Journey to Europe
Amsterdam is one other of my favourite quick journeys from London to Europe. There are direct trains from London, however given the gap and time, it’s simpler to fly.
Flights from London Metropolis Airport are supreme, because it’s one of many best airports to get to within the UK capital. The flight time is round an hour, too.
Two days in Amsterdam is sufficient time to get your repair of slender homes, bucolic canals, and world-class museums housed in stunning buildings.
It’s simple to spend a weekend strolling or biking alongside Amsterdam’s waterways and absorbing the colours within the floating flower market or the Vondelpark.
The eating places and nightlife scene are nice, too. Don’t miss the Indonesian rijsttafel menus or the chance to pattern genever, a well-known Dutch spirit.
If this fast getaway sounds good to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve loved a keep on the Amsterdam Marriott Lodge. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
3. Rome Weekend Journey from London
Subsequent on my record of the very best weekend journeys from London to Europe is Rome. The Everlasting Metropolis is a straightforward flight from the UK capital, and when you’re on the town there’s so much to do and see.
Rome is legendary for its historical ruins, world-class artwork, and nice meals. A weekend is sufficient time to see highlights just like the Colosseum and Roman Discussion board, browse the Galleria Borghese or Vatican Museums, and eat all of the Italian delicacies you may need.
Utilizing the metro is an effective way to cowl lengthy distances in Rome. It’s going to aid you see as a lot as doable in a pair days.
If this 2-day getaway sounds good to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve stayed on the The St Regis Rome and I liked the lodge and its location close to the Piazza della Repubblica. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
4. Lisbon Weekend Journey from London
One in all my favourite weekend journeys from London to Europe is Lisbon. The Portuguese capital is an easy flight from London, and it’s one of many few European capitals that’s on the identical time zone because the UK.
A weekend in Lisbon is a superb period of time to see the town’s dramatic hills, admire its ceramic azulejo tiles, experience its iconic yellow trams, and eat your fill of custard tarts.
Given Lisbon is extra inexpensive than most European capitals, it’s an amazing place to spend an additional day or two when you’ve got time. You can even head as much as Porto and do a mixed Lisbon and Porto itinerary.
If this quick break sounds good to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve stayed at Portugal Boutique Lodge and I actually loved the expertise. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
5. Barcelona Weekend Journey from London
Barcelona is one other enjoyable weekend journey from London to Europe. This Spanish metropolis is a straightforward flight from the UK, and it’s a well-liked place to go to.
Barcelona is full of historic streets, gorgeous seashores, stunning museums, and enjoyable eating places and nightlife.
It has a little bit of every thing, and it’s an amazing place to probe for a pair days. From Barri Gotic to the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, it’s a phenomenal metropolis.
Barcelona’s historic streets are simple to stroll round, however the metro is useful for locations like Tibidabo which are additional afield.
If this 2-day getaway sounds good to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve stayed at Le Meridien Barcelona and I liked its central location. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
6. Prague Weekend Journey from London
Prauge is subsequent on my record of the very best weekend journeys from London to Europe. I studied overseas in Prague once I was in school and I nonetheless contemplate it one of many most stunning cities in Europe.
Prague is a straightforward flight from London. When you’re within the metropolis, winding cobbled streets and sweeping fort views tick all of the containers for traditional surroundings. Subterranean bars and hideaways present the right spots for nightlife, too.
Add to that the gorgeous Artwork Nouveau buildings, the Charles Bridge, and among the most well-preserved historic structure in Europe, and the Czech capital is wonderful to see.
If this feels like a enjoyable getaway good to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I lived in Lodge Adler once I studied in Prague, and I liked it. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
7. Venice Weekend Journey from London
Venice is one other of my favourite weekend journeys from London to Europe. It’s a fast flight from the UK capital, and you’ll even take a water taxi from the airport to the town.
With its maze of canals and fairy-tale bridges, Venice does romance like London does rain.
A moonlit gondola experience and a Bellini with a view are simply the issues to get acquainted with the town, and there’s no higher strategy to spend a day than getting misplaced within the labyrinth of aspect streets.
Spending 2 days in Venice is a superb weekend getaway from London. If this journey appeals to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. My favourite lodge in Venice is the luxurious The Gritti Palace. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
8. Reykjavik Weekend Journey from London
Reykjavik is one other of my favourite journeys from the UK capital to Europe. It’s a direct flight from London, and there’s so much you are able to do and see in 2 days in Iceland.
2 days in Reykjavik is a superb period of time to see the town, go to locations just like the Sky Lagoon, and get out and uncover the Golden Circle.
The landscapes across the metropolis are prehistoric, the geysers and waterfalls breathtaking, and the myths and legends dramatic.
I all the time love seeing the place the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, bathing in steaming lagoons, and consuming all the nice seafood.
If this feels like a enjoyable getaway to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. My favourite is the hip 101 Lodge in Reykjavik. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
9. Copenhagen Weekend Journey from London
Copenhagen is one other European metropolis that’s value a weekend journey from London. Straightforward to get to by aircraft from the UK capital, it’s a manageable dimension for two days.
The Danish capital’s culinary scene is sizzling, and its different charms are equally interesting. From the markets to the waterfront, the structure to the design, this cool metropolis is tough to beat.
Parks like Superkilen are one in all a sort, and different Christiania is exclusive. Getting round by bicycle is an effective way to see the town and reside like a neighborhood, too.
If this feels like a enjoyable getaway to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve loved an amazing one on the Phoenix Copenhagen. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
10. Florence and Pisa Weekend Journey from London
Again in Italy, Florence and Pisa make for an amazing weekend journey from London to Europe. For those who fly to Pisa Airport (which most individuals do), you possibly can see each in a single journey. It’s simple to take the practice between them.
After seeing the Leaning Tower, you’ll have the higher a part of 2 days in Florence. Given the town is so walkable, you’ll have the ability to see highlights just like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery when you’re visiting.
Don’t neglect the eating places and markets, both. Florence has nice meals, and also you’ll have loads of time to pattern among the finest.
If this getaway feels like your cup of tea, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. My high decide is the Continentale. It has probably the greatest rooftop bars I’ve ever been to. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
11. Gothenburg Weekend Journey from London
Up in Sweden, Gothenburg is one other simple weekend journey from London to Europe. A direct flight will get you there and can help you see the very best of the town in two days.
Gothenburg has a laid-back vibe, fairly parks, and good seafood. With a weekend you possibly can go to the markets, outlets, and gardens, and take a river boat tour.
This metropolis is straightforward to see on foot, and also you’ll most likely need to stroll after consuming all the nice meals on the finest eating places in Gothenburg.
For those who like the thought of spending a pair days right here, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve had an amazing one on the Lodge Royal. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
12. Dubrovnik Weekend Journey from London
Subsequent on my record of the very best weekend journeys from London to Europe is Dubrovnik. A direct flight from London, it’s a straightforward place to flee to for a pair days.
Dubrovnik is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Europe for its marble streets, fortified metropolis partitions, stunning shoreline, and scrumptious meals and wine. This metropolis on Croatia’s coast is likely one of the most scenic on the continent.
Given how compact the walled metropolis is, you possibly can simply see all of it on foot in two days. You’ll even have time to discover extra locations and go to the seashores exterior the partitions.
If spending a pair days right here feels like enjoyable, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. My favourite is Lodge Bellevue with its attractive views. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
13. Athens Weekend Journey from London
Athens is one other great spot to go for a weekend in Europe. It’s a straightforward flight from London, and when you’re on the town there’s so much to see.
With a weekend in Athens, you possibly can go to the Acropolis, discover the historic streets of Plaka, take within the antiquities within the Acropolis Museum, and benefit from the nice foods and drinks scene within the metropolis.
The guts of Athens is straightforward to stroll round, so when you keep someplace central you’ll have the ability to discover on foot simply. There’s additionally a metro that may aid you cowl longer distances sooner.
For those who assume you’d get pleasure from this getaway, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve had a good time at an condo in hip Kerameikos. You’ll be able to e-book one right here.
14. Budapest Weekend Journey from London
Budapest is one other of my favourite weekend journeys to Europe from London. The Hungarian capital is a direct flight from the UK capital, and there’s tons to do and see.
A weekend in Budapest will can help you admire the town’s dramatic bridges, soak in one in all its historic spas, and take within the gorgeous structure on its streets.
From the Neo-Gothic parliament constructing to the banks of the Danube, you possibly can expertise lots of the finest issues to do in Budapest on foot.
If this feels like a enjoyable escape to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. My high decide is The 4 Seasons, which is correct on the Danube. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
15. Cyprus Weekend Journey from London
A weekend in Cyprus is one other thrilling 2-day journey from London to Europe. There are flights from London to numerous components of the island, and as soon as there it’s simple to get round by automotive.
Legend has it that Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite. Add to that boulder-studded seashores and plush mountain vineyards, and Cyprus is likely one of the good romantic weekend getaways in Europe.
If you wish to expertise romantic Cyprus at its finest, you possibly can go to the seaside by the Petra tou Romiou rock stack in Paphos. Aphrodite was stated to be born from the ocean right here.
If this feels like your sort of factor, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve loved two nice stays on the waterfront Almyra in Paphos. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
16. Cork Weekend Journey from London
Everybody loves Dublin, however my favourite weekend journey from London to Eire is Cork. It’s a fast flight from London, and a enjoyable place to find.
Down within the south, Cork is also known as the “actual capital” of Eire. However whether or not it’s or not is much less necessary than the truth that Cork gives a powerful show of every thing a capital ought to supply.
With a beautiful college, bustling market, historic fort, and nice pubs, the town is each bit as thrilling as Dublin.
If you wish to get much more off the overwhelmed path in Eire, a weekend journey to Ardmore can be a enjoyable journey.
If this feels like your sort of spot to discover, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I had a beautiful time at Hayfield Manor in Cork. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
17. Vienna Weekend Journey from London
Subsequent on my record of the very best weekend journeys from London to Europe is Vienna. The capital of Austria is an easy flight from London, and it’s an amazing place to flee to for a pair days.
With 2 days in Vienna you possibly can see highlights just like the Spanish Using Faculty, The Hofburg, the MuseumsQuartier, the Danube, and the parks.
There are many under-the-radar streets and squares to find within the metropolis, too. They’re a few of my favourite locations to go to in Vienna.
The Austrian capital is straightforward to discover on foot, and there’s additionally a well-developed public transport community with buses, trains, trams and underground traces.
If this weekend journey appeals to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I liked my expertise on the hip 25Hours Lodge at MuseumsQuartier. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
18. Bruges Weekend Journey to Europe
Bruges is likely one of the finest quick practice journeys from London to Europe. Whereas there are not any direct rail providers from London to Bruges, you possibly can take the practice to Brussels and alter there for rail providers to Flanders.
Bruges is affected by waterways and wander-worthy streets. This medieval metropolis in Belgium is value seeing for its fairly squares, tall bell towers, and well-preserved outdated city.
Being in Bruges seems like stepping again in historical past. All the pieces from the bridges to the waterfront homes is postcard-perfect. It’s simple to get round on foot, and you’ll see all of the highlights in two days.
If this feels like one thing you’d love, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here.
19. Salzburg Weekend Journey from London
Over in Austria, Salzburg is one other nice weekend journey to Europe. There are many direct flights from London, and plenty to see in a pair days.
Salzburg is value a go to for its hilltop fort, manicured gardens, fairly historic middle, and Mozart connections. The filming places for The Sound of Music are enjoyable to see as effectively.
When the festive season comes, the Christmas markets are magical. They make Salzburg one of many finest locations to go to in Europe in winter.
Salzburg is straightforward to discover on foot, as lots of the highlights are in simple strolling distance of each other.
If this feels like your sort of getaway, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I loved my time on the trendy Villa and Lodge Auersperg. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
20. Bergen Weekend Journey from London
On the west coast of Norway, Bergen is one other enjoyable weekend journey from London to Europe. Lower than a 2-hour flight from the UK capital, it’s a straightforward place to flee to for a pair days.
Nestled between mountains and fjords, Bergen’s gorgeous surroundings is enhanced by the colourful picket homes on the Bryggen wharf. And that’s to say nothing of the scrumptious seafood round each nook.
Given its compact dimension, 2 days in Bergen is sufficient to see the highlights. That is one in all my high picks for under-the-radar European locations.
If this feels like your sort of getaway, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve stayed on the Thon Lodge Orion and I like to recommend it. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
21. Mykonos Weekend Journey from London
For those who love islands, Mykonos is a superb weekend journey from London to Europe. A number of airways supply direct flights, and as soon as there you possibly can hire a automotive or take taxis to see the highlights.
2 days in Mykonos is sufficient time to discover the whitewashed streets of Mykonos City, go to among the well-known seashores, and eat on the high eating places.
Mykonos is likely one of the finest Greek islands to go to in relation to events, too. For those who like to bounce all evening on the seaside, this place is for you.
If this type of getaway excites you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. My high decide is the Absolute Mykonos Suites & Extra. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
22. Sofia Weekend Journey from London
Over in Bulgaria, Sofia is one other winner in relation to weekend journeys from London to Europe. This capital metropolis will be reached on a 3-hour direct flight from London.
With 2 days in Sofia you possibly can see well-known landmarks just like the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, stroll across the metropolis’s streets, go to a few of its cool cafes, and absorb the historical past (it dates again 1000’s of years).
The most important websites are in strolling distance of each other, however it’s also possible to use the metro, buses, trolleys, and trams to maximise your time within the metropolis.
If this type of quick break is your factor, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I loved my time on the Lodge Marinela Sofia. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
23. Helsinki Weekend Journey from London
Again up north, Helsinki is one other of my favourite weekend journeys from London. The Finnish capital is served by direct flights from the UK capital, and it’s a enjoyable place to go to for a pair days.
2 days in Helsinki is sufficient time to soak up the Market Sq., see the museums, try the cathedral, and benefit from the metropolis’s foods and drinks scene.
Helsinki’s metropolis middle is straightforward to get round on foot, so you possibly can simply see the highlights in two days.
If this a part of Finland sounds good to you, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I liked my time on the historic Lodge Kamp proper on the Esplanade. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
24. Good Weekend Journey from London
Down in Provence, one in all my favourite weekend journeys from London to Europe is Good. There are direct flights from the UK capital, and the airport is near the town middle.
From the historic streets of Vieux Good to the well-known Promenade des Anglais, there’s so much to do on this a part of the French Riviera. I studied right here once I was in school, and I liked the seashores, outlets, and squares like Place Massena.
If you wish to go a bit additional afield, you possibly can fly into Good and spend a weekend in a fairly village in Provence like Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Saint Paul de Vence, or Eze.
You can even take the practice alongside the coast to locations like Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Cannes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Ventimiglia.
Alternatively, you possibly can spend in the future within the metropolis and select from any variety of day journeys from Good in your second day.
And if you need one thing totally different within the area, you possibly can spend a weekend in Aix-en-Provence. It’s a phenomenal metropolis with historic fountains, markets, and streets.
If this a part of France will get you excited to journey, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here.
25. Malta Weekend Journey from London
Again to islands, Malta is one other nice weekend journey from London to Europe. A direct flight from the UK capital, this place is value discovering.
From the capital of Valletta to the hilltop metropolis of Mdina, there are historic streets and squares, cafes with views, and architectural particulars befitting an amazing European journey vacation spot. And that’s to say nothing of the meals, which is wonderful.
You’ll be able to see as a lot or as little of Malta as you need in a weekend. Whether or not you keep on with the cities or discover Malta’s gorgeous pure wonders, there are plenty of methods to spend your time right here.
If this island feels like your cup of tea, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve loved a good time at The Xara Palace, and I liked how distinctive it was. You’ll be able to e-book a room.
26. Tallinn Weekend Journey from London
Out in Estonia, Tallinn is one other of my favourite weekend journeys from London. It’s a direct flight from the UK captial, and when you’re on the town it’s simple to get round on foot.
If Europe has a cutest metropolis middle, it might be Tallinn. This Baltic capital has tile rooftops and colourful facades galore. Town additionally has nice nightlife, modern artwork museums, botanical gardens, and towers with views.
In order for you a close-by different, Riga in Latvia can be value a particular journey. The Artwork Nouveau structure is wonderful.
If Tallinn appeals to your internal journey lover, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here.
27. Brussels Weekend Journey from London
Brussels is likely one of the finest weekend journeys from London to Europe by practice. Like Paris, the Belgian capital advantages from direct rail providers to the UK. You will get right here in slightly below 2 hours, leaving you with loads of time to find the town.
Brussels is underrated so far as European capitals go. I spent a summer season dwelling and dealing right here after school, and I liked the town.
From the gorgeous buildings within the Grand Place to the slender streets lined with eating places, the historic buying arcades, the gorgeous parks and squares, and the Artwork Nouveau buildings, this metropolis is filled with magnificence.
And that’s to say nothing of the road artwork, museums, and scrumptious meals and drinks (assume waffles, chocolate, fries, mussels, and beer).
It’s simple to see so much in a weekend in Brussels, as many of the sightseeing highlights are in a single compact space close to the Grand Place and the central practice station. There’s a metro, buses, trains, and trams for locations additional afield, too.
If this capital metropolis sounds interesting, you possibly can e-book a spot to remain right here. I’ve visited many instances, and my high decide is the Hilton Brussels Grand Place. You’ll be able to e-book a room right here.
Weekend Journeys from London to Europe
I hope you’ve loved this record of the very best weekend journeys from London to Europe, and that it’s impressed you to get out and uncover among the most enjoyable locations to go to on the continent in 2 days.
In order for you extra inspiration, you possibly can check out my weblog publish about the very best weekend journeys from London. Completely happy travels!
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