5 Perfect Weekend Breaks in Europe

As someone living in the UK it is important to remind ourselves how lucky we are with cheap and easy travel across the continent. Within just a few hours of flying there are more than a dozen destinations we can reach from London. This makes weekend breaks in Europe easy, affordable and doable around a full time job. Having visited my fair share of Europe cities I thought I’d share some of my favourite destinations for a weekend break from London.

Barcelona

This is one of my favourite cities in Europe and is probably best visited in May or September to avoid the crushing crowds that I know this city gets. There is so much to see and do in Barcelona that you may need a long weekend here, from Gaudí’s most amazing architecture creations to the gorgeous gothic streets of the city centre. Barcelona is a city that will keep you busy for every minute of your visit. One of my highlights here was the food and drink; you can’t go wrong with tapas, paella and sangria. Admittedly I wasn’t the biggest fan of eating later in the evening but I loved the Spanish way of taking it slow and enjoying the occasion.

I’d recommend that you make the most of the outdoor offerings on this trip: Park Güell, eating outside, montjuic hill and the beach as all must dos on this visit.

For more Barcelona inspiration click here.

We stayed in a cutest Airbnb room here and I’d highly recommend it.

Disneyland Paris

This one is for every big kid at heart. The rides, the Disney characters, the decor of the park, the atmosphere; as long as you love Disney and parks then this is the perfect trip for you. Disneyland Paris is easy to reach from London on the Eurostar and luggage storage makes it possible to even enjoy those travel days. There are two parks here and you definitely want entrance to both as they each offer something different. The traditional park has something for everyone and hosts the iconic character parade while the studios has scarier rides, shows and most of the film focused stuff.

I would recommend visiting during their off-season January – March, it might be cold, it will possibly be cold but that won’t detract from the fun you’ll have.

Read more about Disneyland Paris here.

Copenhagen

This city is another of my favourites in Europe. Go here for amazing food, that Scandinavian feel and gorgeous architecture. During December when I visited, it is lit with endless fairy lights, candles and Christmas decorations making it feel like a winter wonderland. In fact there is a whole garden which is basically a winter wonderland. Having said this, Copenhagen would be great any time of year with museums, outdoor spaces, gorgeous buildings and amazing food to keep you entertained. The harbour and food market are both certainly worth a visit.

To me, this city is a winter break but I certainly think you could visit anytime.

Stay at: Generator Hostel.

Read these posts for more inspiration.

Amsterdam

I have been to Amsterdam on more than one occasion and it is fair to say I’ve fallen in love with the city more on each visit. This city is home to an abundance of history especially in the form of Anne Frank’s home. It also has a party scene and the slightly seedy red light district hidden among the beautiful canals. Finally, in the north of the city the art scene is making a big impression and lots of pop ups are appearing. Amsterdam is everything you expect it to be from its reputation but it also has so much to offer beyond that.

I have visited in Autumn both times and the weather could not have been more different, the colours are pretty at that time of year but I would imagine spring would also be a good time to visit.

For more Amsterdam inspiration click here.

Stay at: ClickNOORD or Park Inn

Edinburgh

I couldn’t write a list of weekend breaks without including a city from the UK. I did call this city home for four months but it is one of the best. The architecture, the history, the pubs, the views, the food, the whisky, the list could go on. You can either take the bus, train or plane here from London just be sure to return a few times as Edinburgh has plenty to offer throughout the year. It is at its prettiest during spring time when the blossom hangs off the trees. During festival season the city comes alive albeit a little crazily while on new years eve when the Hogmanay festival is in full swing there is no other place like it.

Read more about Edinburgh here.

Where is your favourite European city for a weekend break? Have you been to all of these?

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