At present I need to carry you my information to the most effective weekend journeys from London to Europe. From well-known cities to lovely cities and islands, there’s no scarcity of unforgettable journeys you’ll be able to take from the UK capital to the continent. Whether or not you’re keen on exploring iconic city facilities or discovering someplace beneath the radar, there’s a weekend journey you’ll need to take to Europe.
Weekend Journeys from London to Europe
The very best weekend journeys from London to Europe vary from large cities to sun-drenched islands. Some supply medieval walled cities, whereas others are identified 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 listing and I can personally suggest them for 2-day getaways. They’re a few of my favourite journey locations, and a number of 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 listing. If that’s on a regular basis you’ve gotten, there are some things you are able to do to maximise your expertise.
First, attempt to depart on Friday night time and return on Sunday night time. Should you can’t, attempt to catch the primary practice or flight of the day on Saturday morning and return as late as attainable on Sunday.
Bear in mind to consider journey distances from railway stations and airports, too, as transfers will eat into your time. The identical goes for time zones.
Second, attempt to ebook a lodge or different lodging someplace central. This can will let you maximize your time doing the stuff you need to within the vacation spot, and prevent from spending half your weekend touring to and from town heart. You possibly can ebook 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 take pleasure in daylight throughout your entire go to. You possibly can examine dawn and sundown instances earlier than you ebook your journey to learn how a lot solar you’ll see (or not) throughout your journey.
Fourth, be 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 intend to tour, eat, and see is open once you’re on the town. That is notably true within the low season.
Fifth, attempt 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 possibly can at all times return sooner or later to see extra if you happen to love the place.
Sixth, do a little analysis into learn how to get round earlier than you permit house. Utilizing public transport or bicycles and scooters will provide help to see greater than you may on foot.
For instance, the metro is a quick and straightforward method to journey lengthy distances in cities like Paris, and bikes are a preferred method to get round in locations like Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
Seventh, bear in mind that service in cafes and eating places might be a lot slower than what you may 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 listing of the most effective 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 points of interest.
The capital of France is well known for all the things from its delicacies to its tradition. It has vogue 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’ll be able to see the highlights in a weekend in Paris.
Should you use the metro and RER trains, you’ll have the ability to go to Paris landmarks just like the Eiffel Tower, take in the scene on the Seine, and stroll round neighborhoods like Montmartre.
If this weekend journey sounds good to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. You can too check out my information to the finest space to remain in Paris for my prime 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 space and time, it’s simpler to fly.
Flights from London Metropolis Airport are ideally suited, 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 slim homes, bucolic canals, and world-class museums housed in lovely buildings.
It’s straightforward 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’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve loved a keep on the Amsterdam Marriott Resort. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
3. Rome Weekend Journey from London
Subsequent on my listing of the most effective 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 a good way to cowl lengthy distances in Rome. It can provide help to see as a lot as attainable in a pair days.
If this 2-day getaway sounds good to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve stayed on the The St Regis Rome and I cherished the lodge and its location close to the Piazza della Repubblica. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
4. Lisbon Weekend Journey from London
One in every of 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 good period of time to see 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 ideal place to spend an additional day or two in case you have time. You can too head as much as Porto and do a mixed Lisbon and Porto itinerary.
If this quick break sounds good to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve stayed at Portugal Boutique Resort and I actually loved the expertise. You possibly can ebook 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 preferred place to go to.
Barcelona is filled with historic streets, beautiful seashores, lovely museums, and enjoyable eating places and nightlife.
It has a little bit of all the things, and it’s an ideal place to probe for a pair days. From Barri Gotic to the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, it’s a stupendous metropolis.
Barcelona’s historic streets are straightforward to stroll round, however the metro is useful for locations like Tibidabo which might be additional afield.
If this 2-day getaway sounds good to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve stayed at Le Meridien Barcelona and I cherished its central location. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
6. Prague Weekend Journey from London
Prauge is subsequent on my listing of the most effective weekend journeys from London to Europe. I studied overseas in Prague once I was in faculty and I nonetheless contemplate it one of many most lovely 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 beautiful Artwork Nouveau buildings, the Charles Bridge, and a number of the most well-preserved historic structure in Europe, and the Czech capital is wonderful to see.
If this appears like a enjoyable getaway good to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I lived in Resort Adler once I studied in Prague, and I cherished it. You possibly can ebook 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 may even take a water taxi from the airport to 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 town, and there’s no higher method to spend a day than getting misplaced within the labyrinth of aspect streets.
Spending 2 days in Venice is a good weekend getaway from London. If this journey appeals to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. My favourite lodge in Venice is the luxurious The Gritti Palace. You possibly can ebook 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 good period of time to see 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 at all times love seeing the place the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, bathing in steaming lagoons, and consuming all the nice seafood.
If this appears like a enjoyable getaway to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. My favourite is the hip 101 Resort in Reykjavik. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
9. Copenhagen Weekend Journey from London
Copenhagen is one other European metropolis that’s value a weekend journey from London. Simple to get to by airplane from the UK capital, it’s a manageable dimension for two days.
The Danish capital’s culinary scene is scorching, and its different charms are equally interesting. From the markets to the waterfront, the structure to the design, this cool metropolis is difficult to beat.
Parks like Superkilen are one in all a sort, and various Christiania is exclusive. Getting round by bicycle is a good way to see town and reside like a neighborhood, too.
If this appears like a enjoyable getaway to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve loved an ideal one on the Phoenix Copenhagen. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
10. Florence and Pisa Weekend Journey from London
Again in Italy, Florence and Pisa make for an ideal weekend journey from London to Europe. Should you fly to Pisa Airport (which most individuals do), you’ll be able to see each in a single journey. It’s straightforward to take the practice between them.
After seeing the Leaning Tower, you’ll have the higher a part of 2 days in Florence. Given town is so walkable, you’ll have the ability to see highlights just like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery whilst you’re visiting.
Don’t overlook the eating places and markets, both. Florence has nice meals, and also you’ll have loads of time to pattern a number of the finest.
If this getaway appears like your cup of tea, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. My prime decide is the Continentale. It has the most effective rooftop bars I’ve ever been to. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
11. Gothenburg Weekend Journey from London
Up in Sweden, Gothenburg is one other straightforward weekend journey from London to Europe. A direct flight will get you there and will let you see the most effective of town in two days.
Gothenburg has a laid-back vibe, fairly parks, and good seafood. With a weekend you’ll be able to 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.
Should you like the thought of spending a pair days right here, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve had an ideal one on the Resort Royal. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
12. Dubrovnik Weekend Journey from London
Subsequent on my listing of the most effective 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 without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Europe for its marble streets, fortified metropolis partitions, lovely shoreline, and scrumptious meals and wine. This metropolis on Croatia’s coast is without doubt one of the most scenic on the continent.
Given how compact the walled metropolis is, you’ll be able to 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 appears like enjoyable, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. My favourite is Resort Bellevue with its beautiful views. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
13. Athens Weekend Journey from London
Athens is one other excellent 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’ll be able to 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 center of Athens is straightforward to stroll round, so if you happen to keep someplace central you’ll have the ability to discover on foot simply. There’s additionally a metro that may provide help to cowl longer distances quicker.
Should you suppose you’d take pleasure in this getaway, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve had a good time at an residence in hip Kerameikos. You possibly can ebook 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 will let you admire town’s dramatic bridges, soak in one in all its historic spas, and take within the beautiful structure on its streets.
From the Neo-Gothic parliament constructing to the banks of the Danube, you’ll be able to expertise lots of the finest issues to do in Budapest on foot.
If this appears like a enjoyable escape to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. My prime decide is The 4 Seasons, which is correct on the Danube. You possibly can ebook 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 varied elements of the island, and as soon as there it’s straightforward to get round by automobile.
Legend has it that Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite. Add to that boulder-studded seashores and luxurious mountain vineyards, and Cyprus is without doubt one of the excellent romantic weekend getaways in Europe.
If you wish to expertise romantic Cyprus at its finest, you’ll be able to go to the seaside by the Petra tou Romiou rock stack in Paphos. Aphrodite was mentioned to be born from the ocean right here.
If this appears like your sort of factor, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve loved two nice stays on the waterfront Almyra in Paphos. You possibly can ebook 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 vital than the truth that Cork provides a powerful show of all the things a capital ought to supply.
With a beautiful college, bustling market, historic fort, and nice pubs, town is each bit as thrilling as Dublin.
If you wish to get much more off the crushed path in Eire, a weekend journey to Ardmore can be a enjoyable journey.
If this appears like your sort of spot to discover, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I had a beautiful time at Hayfield Manor in Cork. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
17. Vienna Weekend Journey from London
Subsequent on my listing of the most effective weekend journeys from London to Europe is Vienna. The capital of Austria is an easy flight from London, and it’s an ideal place to flee to for a pair days.
With 2 days in Vienna you’ll be able to see highlights just like the Spanish Driving College, 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’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I cherished my expertise on the hip 25Hours Resort at MuseumsQuartier. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
18. Bruges Weekend Journey to Europe
Bruges is without doubt one of the finest quick practice journeys from London to Europe. Whereas there aren’t any direct rail companies from London to Bruges, you’ll be able to take the practice to Brussels and alter there for rail companies to Flanders.
Bruges is plagued 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. Every little thing from the bridges to the waterfront homes is postcard-perfect. It’s straightforward to get round on foot, and you may see all of the highlights in two days.
If this appears like one thing you’d love, you’ll be able to ebook 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 heart, 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 straightforward strolling distance of each other.
If this appears like your sort of getaway, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I loved my time on the fashionable Villa and Resort Auersperg. You possibly can ebook 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 beautiful surroundings is enhanced by the colourful wood 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 prime picks for under-the-radar European locations.
If this appears like your sort of getaway, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve stayed on the Thon Resort Orion and I like to recommend it. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
21. Mykonos Weekend Journey from London
Should you love islands, Mykonos is a good weekend journey from London to Europe. A number of airways supply direct flights, and as soon as there you’ll be able to lease a automobile or take taxis to see the highlights.
2 days in Mykonos is sufficient time to discover the whitewashed streets of Mykonos City, go to a number of the well-known seashores, and eat on the prime eating places.
Mykonos is without doubt one of the finest Greek islands to go to with regards to events, too. Should you like to bounce all night time on the seaside, this place is for you.
If this sort of getaway excites you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. My prime decide is the Absolute Mykonos Suites & Extra. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
22. Sofia Weekend Journey from London
Over in Bulgaria, Sofia is one other winner with regards to weekend journeys from London to Europe. This capital metropolis might be reached on a 3-hour direct flight from London.
With 2 days in Sofia you’ll be able to 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 take in the historical past (it dates again hundreds of years).
The key websites are in strolling distance of each other, however you may also use the metro, buses, trolleys, and trams to maximise your time within the metropolis.
If this sort of quick break is your factor, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I loved my time on the Resort Marinela Sofia. You possibly can ebook 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 absorb the Market Sq., see the museums, try the cathedral, and benefit from the metropolis’s foods and drinks scene.
Helsinki’s metropolis heart is straightforward to get round on foot, so you’ll be able to simply see the highlights in two days.
If this a part of Finland sounds good to you, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I cherished my time on the historic Resort Kamp proper on the Esplanade. You possibly can ebook 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 town heart.
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 faculty, and I cherished the seashores, outlets, and squares like Place Massena.
If you wish to go a bit additional afield, you’ll be able to 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 too 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’ll be able to spend at some point within the metropolis and select from any variety of day journeys from Good in your second day.
And if you need one thing completely different within the area, you’ll be able to spend a weekend in Aix-en-Provence. It’s a stupendous metropolis with historic fountains, markets, and streets.
If this a part of France will get you excited to journey, you’ll be able to ebook 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 ideal European journey vacation spot. And that’s to say nothing of the meals, which is wonderful.
You possibly can see as a lot or as little of Malta as you need in a weekend. Whether or not you persist with the cities or discover Malta’s beautiful pure wonders, there are numerous methods to spend your time right here.
If this island appears like your cup of tea, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve loved a good time at The Xara Palace, and I cherished how distinctive it was. You possibly can ebook 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 straightforward to get round on foot.
If Europe has a cutest metropolis heart, it will 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.
If you’d like a close-by various, Riga in Latvia can be value a particular journey. The Artwork Nouveau structure is wonderful.
If Tallinn appeals to your inside journey lover, you’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here.
27. Brussels Weekend Journey from London
Brussels is without doubt one of the finest weekend journeys from London to Europe by practice. Like Paris, the Belgian capital advantages from direct rail companies to the UK. You will get right here in slightly below 2 hours, leaving you with loads of time to find town.
Brussels is underrated so far as European capitals go. I spent a summer time residing and dealing right here after faculty, and I cherished town.
From the beautiful buildings within the Grand Place to the slim 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 (suppose waffles, chocolate, fries, mussels, and beer).
It’s straightforward 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’ll be able to ebook a spot to remain right here. I’ve visited many instances, and my prime decide is the Hilton Brussels Grand Place. You possibly can ebook a room right here.
Weekend Journeys from London to Europe
I hope you’ve loved this listing of the most effective weekend journeys from London to Europe, and that it’s impressed you to get out and uncover a number of the most enjoyable locations to go to on the continent in 2 days.
If you’d like extra inspiration, you’ll be able to check out my weblog publish about the most effective weekend journeys from London. Blissful travels!
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