The 3 best European cities for a weekend getaway

Europe is a place of numerous countries full of history, different cultures, and very close to each other. This is the perfect continent for a weekend city getaway, where many countries are just a 2-hour flight from each other with reliable connections between them.

City breaks are a great way to escape the stress of life and hit the reset button over a weekend. Innovative restaurants, boutique hotels, ancient cathedrals, and simply stunning architecture mean you’ll never be bored during your break in a European city.

Taking a weekend getaway in Europe can be more appealing than a long vacation, thanks to the accessibility of traveling to a European city over the weekend. Often, you’ll find great package deals that include flights, accommodation, and tickets, allowing you to do it at an affordable price.

Below are 3 must-visit cities located throughout Europe.

#1 Amsterdam – Netherlands

The laid-back capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is located a 3-hour flight from Lisbon. This makes it easy to get away and return quickly without having to worry about long travel times.

Amsterdam is filled with cyclists and pedestrians wandering through the quiet streets. Additionally, there are many bakeries and pastry shops offering delicious treats you won’t be able to resist.

At night, you’ll find a variety of unconventional restaurants and craft beer shops along the canal-lined streets. Besides the excellent food and drink available, Amsterdam is world-famous among tourists for its many museums. Here is a list of some of the best museums to visit in Amsterdam:

• Rijksmuseum – a history and art museum
• Anne Frank Huis – tells the incredible story of Anne Frank
• Foam – a photography museum by the canal
• Van Gogh Museum – holds over 1,400 pieces of Van Gogh’s artwork
• Stedelijk Museum – a modern art museum, housing over 90,000 pieces

#2 Lisbon – Portugal

Lisbon is becoming an increasingly popular city to visit. It is known for being an ancient city built on a coastal hill, with buildings covered in colorful tiles and a vast selection of restaurants offering incredible food.

Located on the west coast of Portugal and just a 2h:45m flight from London, Lisbon is a perfect city break. You can experience some of Europe’s richest history, and 300 sunny days a year make it the ideal place to sit and watch the world go by.

Whether exploring street markets, tasting snacks from food stalls, seeing incredible street art, or taking a ride on one of the picturesque yellow trams, Lisbon has something for everyone.

Balancing the old and the new is something Lisbon has learned to do exceptionally well. In 2017, it was named one of the coolest European cities, and today that is still true. Lisbon is full of historical treasures and modern charms, where you can experience amazing food, vibrant nightlife, and most importantly, friendly locals who will complete your cultural experience.

#3 Venice – Italy

One of the most beautiful and charming cities on the list, Venice offers a truly different experience for city break lovers. The city is filled with a maze of cobbled streets and narrow canals that invite you to explore them and take a trip back in time.

A 3-hour flight from Lisbon, Venice is a must-visit destination on your list of European cities. The beautiful Italian city is like no other place in the world – everywhere you look, you’ll see beautiful buildings in harmony with the turquoise blue of the canals. A trip you must take is a gondola ride on the city’s world-famous canals.

Here are some of the best places to visit while in Venice:

• St. Mark’s Square
• The Rialto Bridge – a white bridge crossing the grand canal.
• The Ca’ d’Oro Museum – a historic palace that has existed since 1430
• The Gallerie dell’Accademia – where you can find beautiful paintings from before the 19th century

One of the best things you can do is get lost in Venice. As strange as it sounds, it’s a great way to get your bearings in the city and explore it on your own, without a guide. The small streets make this experience charming.

The endless beautiful landscapes, fantastic views, canals, gondolas, and historic buildings make Venice a truly unforgettable and fun-filled trip.

Escape the stress of everyday life with a wonderful break in Europe’s most traditional cities. While there, why not rent a car and explore the city’s surroundings to make the most of your break?