Ten weekend city trips to book now

Getaway's that only require hand luggage

Be a weekend jetsetter

After a long week, we deserve some time off to recuperate and seek new destinations that provide unique experiences. Weekend trips give a renewed energy required to take on the week while allowing travellers to tick items off their bucket lists. Add a dose of adventure and pique your interest by exploring somewhere new and using the weekend to create the life you want and not escape the life you have. Although time may be in short supply, the fun doesn’t have to be.

Suppose you like to keep your vacation days for longer trips and holidays. In that case, weekend travels provide the perfect opportunity to make the most of your time off to attend your favourite sports match, an adventure of a lifetime, or simply a party weekend away. The options are endless.

For those wanderlust feeling individuals out there looking for a short break in Europe, here are our top 10 destinations.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Smell the Mediterranean

Cinque Terre is one of the top picturesque destinations in the world, high above the Italian Riviera coastline. Cinque Terre consists of 5 centuries-old seaside villages on a rugged coast that sticks out into the sea. The villages are made up of centuries-old colourful houses and vineyards clinging to steep terraces in each town, harbours are filled with fishing boats, and restaurants create seafood specialities along with Liguria’s famous sauce.

The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail links all five towns together while also providing breathtaking views for visitors when they go there, seeing how it has many different viewpoints for watching a sunset in Cinque Terre. Visitors will be spoilt for choice because there are so many places where you can watch a sunset since these beaches have been known as iconic landmarks throughout history.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Expect the unexpected

When you think of Amsterdam, the panoramic canals and bridges automatically pop into your head. The brightly-coloured tulip stands and bicycles around the city only add to the charm of it all. Must-see sights include the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and floating flower market, which is all iconic to the Amsterdamian lifestyle. With a variety of bars, restaurants and adult adventures, you'll never have a dull evening.

Renting bikes makes exploring easy, but if you're looking for more relaxed sightseeing opportunities, try one of the city's many coffee shops or enjoy music festivals with quirky activities throughout town. There is never a shortage of things to do in Amsterdam.

Florence, Italy

Cradle of the Renaissance

Walk the streets of Florence's historic centre, and you'll find yourself walking in Michelangelo's footsteps. Must-see locations in Florence include churches and cathedrals that are both hymns to spirituality and the expression of architectural majesty. Visit Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (commonly known as Duomo di Firenze), and it is one of only five domes designed by Filippo Brunelleschi for European cathedrals. Experience humbling feelings before such a structure with famous cupolas like Brunel's Dome after Rome's Pantheon.

Florence is a city with great character. There are many museums and monuments, but the city also has a quirky side, bursting with quality crafts and an eclectic cultural life that embraces opera, classical music and contemporary art. The restaurant scene is thriving as well-getting some downtime from work because of Florence's proximity to vine-covered hills in Chianti and other Tuscan towns such as Arezzo, Siena and Lucca.

Florence is a cultured destination and is set as one of Europe's best weekend getaways.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Happiest city in the world

Copenhagen is a notable tourist destination, known primarily for its great food and art. The locals are known to be the happiest people in many studies. Copenhagen is an excellent place to explore, with plenty of sights, including the Little Mermaid statue, Opera House and Black Diamond Library- just some examples among many!

The city buzzes with creativity at every step, from cutting-edge design to hip bars that make you feel like you're on vacation all year round. Friendly locals will help guide your exploration of Copenhagen's attractions if need be - it's worth seeing what this diverse city has in store for you firsthand!

Porto, Portugal

A treasure trove of Historic districts and some of the best wine

This fascinating and vibrant city has so much to offer you for your weekend city break. Discover Porto’s extensive history with captivating tourist attractions, buzzing nightlife and outstanding tourist facilities with two full days worth of sightseeing in the historic centre of the Se, Baixa and Ribeira districts; this is best done in spring or early autumn when there are fewer tourists about.

The city that is known as the "City of Bridges" gets its nickname from the six arches over Rio Douro, which runs along Porto's southern edge. The best views of this river can be seen from Dom Luis I Bridge, one of Porto's six bridges. From here you'll get a sense of what makes it so unique - colourful UNESCO World Heritage historic district to the north and neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia just south where you'll find wineries such as Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Francesca, Robert Graham Wines or Esporão Winery.

You could spend a weekend in this captivating city by strolling through all neighbourhoods and admiring art at the Serralves Foundation complex before enjoying wine tasting on your last day.

Paris, France

Get a taste of the French capital

Style, romance, history and culture. With such a rich cultural heritage and classic spirit, Paris is an elegant city that never disappoints. You can find iconic artefacts at the Musée du Louvre or enjoy a picnic lunch in Luxembourg Gardens and the Eiffel Tower, or even have an adventurous dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge.

The streets are filled with museums and monuments, making walking around fascinating while you shop to your heart's content throughout fashionable areas like Montmartre or even in one of the famous Paris avenues.

Outstanding gourmet french cooking awaits you around every corner. Whether you want traditional meals in restaurants or more extravagant dishes on dinner cruises along the river Seine, you'll be sure to indulge in all things delicious whilst there, not forgetting how romantic it is too.

With a shopping scene that attracts millions of visitors year after year, Paris is the global centre for fashion and style. There are many reasonably priced clothing collections at vintage shops as well as many designer stores, you'll find something to suit every budget in Paris.

Budapest, Hungary

Rich culture and thermal waters

With only two days in Budapest, you can explore this gorgeous European city as there are plenty of things to do like trying new foods or immersing yourself in an essential part of history. The Parliament building or Gresham Palace, among many others, represent some outstanding architecture throughout the years.

Best known as the Paris of the East, Budapest offers dramatic history, architecture, classical music, vibrant nightlife and thermal waters; Budapest has something for everybody.

With the legendary Danube River being surrounded by this historic multi-cultural city, Budapest is a city that steals your heart. From the lofty heights of Buda and its magical castle to the flat Plains of Pest, this city is alive and full of reinvention. All this make for the weekend city break.

Berlin, Germany

Trendsetting and iconic culture and rich in history

Today's Berlin embodies a cosmopolitan melting pot of urban renewal and energetic music. Go on a walking tour to discover the city's striking historical architecture, take in its vibrant neighbourhoods and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Shed your preconceptions about German culture for an experience that expands beyond the extraordinary buildings and statues into the surrounding communities and friendly locals who make it all come alive.

Berlin is a city of incredible depth and beauty in central Europe. One can see the iconic Brandenburg Gate or take an exciting visit to the Reichstag, Germany's home of parliament. East Side Gallery is one must-see on the first visit, as are Berlin's many others. Don't forget your camera when going for long walks through Tiergarten Park or taking in views from atop Berlin Television Tower.

Suppose you are looking for some evening activities. In that case, you will find Tresor, a well-respected techno venue, as well as bohemian bars and clubs where you can experience nightlife up until early the next day.

Berlin has everything you are looking for in a weekend city break, from parties to history, from food to art or architecture.

Prague, Czech Republic

Modern way of life with a prominent gothic influence

One of Europe's most beautiful hotspots, Prague is brimming with grand historical and cultural sights. Combining cubist cafes with contemporary art and trendy nightclubs, this Czech Republic capital offers travellers a range of surprises while you are here, from its twist on relaxation at a beer spa to its fairytale-like castles and quirky puppet shows.

If you are looking for a weekend break in the area that offers the perfect blend of historic influence along with a modern feel of cosmopolitan cities, then look no further than Prague's labyrinths, with cobbled walkways, backed by magnificent cathedrals as well as ancient castles, such as the Hradcany district. Alongside these old structures, an enclave holds all the best restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs.

Discover the awe-inspiring cosmopolitan of Prague with a boat tour down the Vltava River. Step back in time as you admire soviet structures from water while tasting Champagne onboard. When your feet are firmly back on land, take a moment to appreciate John Lennon Wall. Visit Bridge Tower and make a stop at the captivating Astronomical Clock, as well as try some delicious Trdelnik street food. No matter what the weather is like, see miniature dwellings on Golden Lane and also visit Jewish Quarter. Venture to the Golden City and be engulfed in a magical city break.

Immerse yourself in Europe's heartland, with an enchanting destination that has it all.

Venice, Italy

Magical days in the City of Canals

Venice is a city perched on the edge of a lagoon in Italy and it’s one of Europe's most loved and stunning cities. In addition to historic museums and churches, you will find traffic-free streets and lively squares. Venice is a city of unforgettable sights, from its Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Marco to Gallerie dell'Accademia and Santa Maria della Salute.

As for contemporary art lovers, Venice has an entertaining art scene with some notable spots being Galleria dell'Accademia (Michelangelo’s David), Isola di Fondamente Nuove e il Museo d'Orsay ad Arsenale (Tate Modern). These are the sorts of things that make Venice an incomparable destination for those in need of some relaxation or just pure entertainment.

For those looking for adventure, there are countless ways to experience this magnificent city which never fails to surprise us at every turn!