6 European Cities Perfect for a Long Weekend

Want to travel but don’t have a lot of extra time to spare? Sometimes a quick trip to a pretty city is just the escape you need. Here, we’ve highlighted some of our favourite European cities that are perfect to spend a weekend in:

Geneva, Switzerland

Nicknamed the ‘Capital of Peace’, Geneva is a city you probably won’t want to leave! Located between the banks of Lake Geneva and the Alps, Switzerland’s second-largest city is arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Home to the headquarters of the World Trade Organisation, World Health Organisation, International Committee of the Red Cross and the European headquarters of the United Nations, Geneva has a long history of diversity and tolerance, resulting in a second-to-none cultural centre featuring world class entertainment, top rated restaurants and unlimited options for recreation.

Not-to-miss activities:

Admire the Jet d’Etat fountain in Lake Geneva

Visit St. Peter’s Cathedral

Go on an excursion to Mont Blanc

Eat fondue

Visit Pâquis Baths to relax and unwind

Venice, Italy

Italy’s romantic city – it’s hard not to fall in love with Venice and its historic buildings, enchanting canals and famous gondolas. With so much on offer, planning a weekend trip can be overwhelming, however by starting with our ‘must-do’s’ below, your trip will be much easier.

Not-to-miss activities:

Visit Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs

Go on a gondola ride

Visit Murano Island to watch glassblowing

Attend a classical concert at Venice’s prestigious Scuola Grande di San Teodoro concert hall

Try squid ink pasta

Prague, Czech Republic

Whether you love history, castles, natural beauty or beer, you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll love in Prague. Since the falling of the Iron Curtain in 1989, tourism and investment has been on the rise, turning the previous communist capital into the thriving metropolis it is today.

Not-to-miss activities:

Visit Prague Castle (Hradcany) and St. Vitus’ Cathedral

Go to the top of the Astronomical Clock Tower

Drink a pilsner

Walk across Charles Bridge

Try a trdelnik

London, England

From history and culture to fine food and a lively atmosphere; there’s a reason why London is one of the world’s most visited cities. While there’s a lot to be covered in the city (ranging from traditional to modern), we think that just makes the perfect excuse to return again and again.

Not-to-miss activities:

Go for a spin on the London Eye

Visit a local pub

Go to the Tower of London

Take a stroll through Hyde Park to Kensington Gardens

Drink high tea

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital city is perfect for a weekend getaway – bursting with culture, great places to eat, sleep and party, as well as being affordable. There’s a lot to see in Lisbon, however it’s generally regarded that it takes three days to fully discover the city – perfect!

Not-to-miss activities:

Explore Alfama, the Moorish quarter of the city

Stop at Belem Tower

Try Portugal’s famous Port wine

Take a day trip to Sintra

Treat yourself to an evening of Fado music

Barcelona, Spain

Think a vibrant food scene, unique historic architecture, balmy coastal Mediterranean weather and a lively nightlife sounds too good to be true? Think again. Barcelona has it all and often finds its way onto many traveller’s itineraries – and we can understand why!

Not-to-miss activities:

Tour La Sagrada Familia Basilica

Sample Spanish Tapas

Take a day trip to Monserrat

Go to a flamenco show

Go to the Barcelona Zoo