5 Best Weekend City Breaks in Europe

Ah, Europe.
Bursting with vibrant cultures, different languages and stunning architecture — Europe is the perfect destination for a city break.
Lucky for you, there’s lots to choose from!

Whether you’re traversing ancient cities before taking up a hearty Italian meal or exploring shiny metropolises before tucking into a world-class Parisian cocktail bar, the options are endless when it comes to creating a dreamy European weekend.

Without further ado, here are the five best European weekend city breaks to make a holiday you won’t forget. Shall we?

P.S. – Before your trip, make sure you renew your passport if needed!

1. Paris: A Weekend of Food, Art & Romance

There’s something endlessly charming about the city of lights, aka — Paris.
It’s timeless. It’s classic. And every corner, terrace, and cafe tells a story.
For a weekend of food, art and romance – this is it!

What to see and do for a European Weekend in Paris:

Discover Art at the Louvre Museum: Take up a day of exploring art and history, including the famed Mona Lisa and 35,000 other brilliant works of art.
Eiffel Tower (& Views): Climb to the top of the iconic Eiffel Tower to be treated with eye-watering views from the Eiffel itself — just remember you won’t actually see the Eiffel Tower from here! But you can enjoy great views from the gardens below if heights aren’t your thing.
Wander the Seine River: Once you’ve viewed and museum’ed your day away, you can take up a beautiful stroll along the Seine or, better yet — take a boat cruise to see Paris.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Gawk in awe at the glorious medieval cathedral and gothic masterpiece that is Notre Dame.
Roam through Montmartre: I love the Bohemian vibes of Montmartre, and it’s a great place to discover an alternative side of the city, dotted with independent cafes and the famed Sacré-Cœur Basilica on top of a grand hilltop.
Indulge in French Cuisine: From luxury to charming bistros and patisseries, indulging in French cuisine should be high on your list of Parisian to-dos. My favourites here include Boulangerie Utopie for croissants, Sacrée Fleur for local French cuisine, and Café de Flore for a local French cafe experience.
Check Out the Shopping Scene in Le Marais: Le Marais has a fabulous shopping scene filled with great vintage shops, chic boutiques, and the delicious Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges market.
Have a Garden Day in Luxembourg Gardens: If Paris’ing gets too much for you, then a garden day at the Luxembourg Gardens is all you need. The peaceful Parisian retreat is lovingly filled with fountains, statues and the French Senate (don’t forget to bring a good book!).
Admire the Grand Arc de Triomphe: Honoring the soldiers who fought for France, brace yourself for a climb up the Arc de Triomphe for truly magical views of Paris and a culture French experience hard to find in the city centre.
Lose Time in the Palace of Versailles: If you’d like to have your mind blown, then a venture outside the city centre is all you need to explore the French monarchy’s most grand estate and an official UNESCO World Heritage site. Most recently the grand backdrop of the equestrian events at the 2024 Olympics, it’s definitely a sight to behold.

2. Rome: The Eternal City (and GREAT food)

Walk around Rome, and you’ll instantly feel like you’ve wandered into a real-life museum.
The eternal city has something historic and wonderful to discover in every nook, it seems, truly taking you back in time.
A charming city with character, mouthwatering cuisine and ancient history. Bellissima…

What to see and do for a European Weekend in Rome:

Have Your History Moment at the Colosseum: There’s not many places you can truly feel like you’re seeped in Roman times, but you will at the Colosseum. The postcard for Rome is well worth visiting to learn both about the history of the Roman empire and how the monument was used throughout time.
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: Gawk and spoil at Michelangelo’s greatest works and perhaps the most prominent art collection of the Millenium at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Roman Forum: The ruins of Rome paint an awe-inspiring picture of what life was like thousands of years ago, and you can walk it present day!
Trevi Fountain: Take up a toss of a coin into the famous Roman fountain. The only question is…what will you wish for? (P.S. – It’s located at Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM).
Go Up the Spanish Steps: People watch from the renowned staircase in Rome’s city centre (located at Piazza di Spagna, 00187).
History at the Pantheon: A Roman temple turned church, the Pantheon has a history as impressive as its architecture and is fantastic for pictures too.
The Beauty of Villa Borghese: If you need a break from Roma sightseeing, make sure to leave time to visit the Villa Borghese. Fit with gardens, galleries and even a zoo!
Trastevere Neighbourhood: With its narrow streets and a charming Bohemian vibe, the Trastevere neighbourhood should be high on your bucket list for Roman things to do (plus a great restaurant and nightlife scene too!).
Try Authentic Roman Cuisine: You simply can’t leave Rome without Roman cuisine. Indulge in your favourite samplings of pizza, pasta, tiramisu, or all of the above…(P.S. – You can find incredibly authentic pasta and pizza at Osteria da Fortunata!).
The Baths of Caracalla: For even more history, leave impressed from your Rome trip with a visit to the ruins of one of the grandest and most well-preserved thermal complexes in the world.

3. Barcelona: Gaudí, Tapas, and Beaches

Barcelona is the kind of place that keeps offering all things new and exciting, while keeping its traditional charm.
A hard balance to find in European cities!
For a weekend of market hunting, beautiful beaches and famed landmarks, this is it.

What to see and do for a European Weekend in Barcelona:

Sagrada Familia: Referred to as the symbol of Barcelona, gawk and enjoy a day at Gaudí’s most iconic unfinished masterpiece.
Las Ramblas: Bursting to the seams with street performers and local market stalls, this is where you experience local Catalan life.
Park Güell: Take up more Gaudí artwork and breathtaking views of the city from Barcelona’s very own Park Güell.
Life in the Gothic Quarter: Coined as one of Barcelona’s coolest neighbourhoods, its cool cafes, historic charm and medieval alleyways are sure to leave you impressed.
Barceloneta Beach: Despite popular belief, Barcelona does have a great beach scene! One of the best is Barceloneta Beach, fit with water sports, sandy shores and a guaranteed sun-kissed tan.
Barcelona Art Day at the Picasso Museum: Picasso’s earliest works can be found at the Picasso Museum which also pays ode to his time spent in the city.
Enjoy Catalan cuisine: From paella to tapas, bakeries, and more, Barcelona’s food scene is reason enough for a visit. I particularly love Mercat de la Boquería!
Catch a Flamenco Show: One of the most well-known things to do in Barcelona is a traditional Flamenco Show. It’s a celebrated local dance, and one of the best places to experience this lively event is Tablao de Carmen.
Camp Nou Football Game: Take up an FC Barcelona game to discover the very well-deserved hype that is Spanish football.
Casa Batlló: Another Gaudí favourite with architecture that’ll leave you rushing for your camera (P.S. – It comes with a self-guided tour, too!).

4. Prague: Cobblestone Streets and Fairytales

Prague is a city turned fairytale in real life. Splashed with gothic architecture and a fairly small size (perfect for a European city break) it’s a lovely city to spend a few days exploring.

What to see and do for a European Weekend in Prague:

Prague Castle: As one of the largest castles in the world, you’d be remiss not to visit Prague’s very own storybook castle.
The Grand Charles Bridge: Covered in statues and deliriously beautiful views, have a walk across the Charles Bridge and perhaps pick up a local souvenir while you’re here, too!
Astronomical Clock: When the time to strike the hour arrives, you’ll be left breathless by the oldest astronomical clock in the world, right in Prague.
The Old Town Hall Tower: If you’re willing to brace the climb, your weekend city break in Europe can also include reaching new heights (and views) at the history-filled tower.
The Jewish Quarter: Prague’s Jewish history is also quite interesting and can be soaked up perfectly at none other than The Jewish Quarter.
Try Czech Cuisine: Despite common belief, Czech Cuisine is divine. Have traditional Czech foodie favourites like trdelník, goulash or dumplings at your nearest local tavern or visit Restaurace Mincovna!
St. Vitus Cathedral: For even more gorgeous gothic architecture, visit St. Vitus Cathedral and its infamously beautiful stained glass windows.
Letná Park: I’ll admit that Prague can get quite busy, so make sure to leave some time on your trip to escape the crowds with a visit to the tranquil Letná Park.
Vltava River Cruise: To switch perspectives, hop on a river cruise across the Vltava for picturesque scenes of the city and beyond!
Enjoy Prague’s Nightlife Scene: Prague’s beer culture extends past the daytime. Take up a night out in one of the city’s most happening bars and clubs. U Kunštátů, anyone?
P.S. – Prague also has some FANTASTIC Christmas Markets. Here are the best European Christmas Markets you should totally visit.

5. Amsterdam: Canals & Chilled Culture

And lastly, Amsterdam.

Stuffed to the brim with postcard-perfect canals, an inviting liberal scene, a bike-friendly culture and a chilled vibe, it’s a great place for a relaxed weekend abroad.

What to see and do for a European Weekend in Amsterdam:

Canal Cruise Across Amsterdam: The best way to see Amsterdam is by the water, and more specifically, a canal boat! Take a guided tour to pass all the iconic buildings and bridges you’ll be crossing on foot later.
Van Gogh Museum Collection: If you’re a lover of Van Gogh you’ll be pleased to know the largest collections of his paintings can be found right in Amsterdam!
Amsterdam History at the Anne Frank House: For a more somber and enlightening Amsterdam activity, pay homage and learn the history of Anne Frank in her historic hiding place.
Vondelpark: City parks are a staple of Amsterdam culture, and Vondelpark is one of the best to live Dutch life like a local.
Rijksmuseum: From Rembrandt to Vermeer, spend a few lazy hours on your Amsterdam trip wandering this ever-so iconic national museum.
Flower Shopping at Bloemenmarkt: We’ve all seen the infamous Amsterdam floral Instagram photos, but did you know you can buy them too? As the world’s only floating flower market, a trip and a shop at the Bloemenmarkt is a must.
Bike Amsterdam Style: To experience true Amsterdam life renting a bike is a must, and a great way to explore the city’s neighbourhoods too! Just make sure you’re abiding by local traffic laws.
Have a Dutch Treat (or three): If there’s one thing the Dutch know how to do, it’s sweets and snacks. Indulge in Stroopwafels, Dutch fries and Bitterballen at a local Amsterdam cafe for the full experience (I suggest getting fries from Manneken Pis Damrak and stroopwafels from Melly’s).
Jordaan District: It’s not really Amsterdam without a hipster neighbourhood, and that my friends, is the Jordaan district. Stacked with quirky galleries, cool bars and trendy shops — it’s a total vibe and fantastic place to get a local feel of the city (if you do go here, be sure to visit Box Sociaal Jordaan and Bar Pif).
Have a Pint at the Heineken Experience: Given Heineken came from Amsterdam itself, it’d be a shame to miss learning about the history (and having a taste) of the iconic beer.

Final Thoughts on the Best Weekend City Breaks in Europe

I hope this post inspired you to explore the many, many wonderful cities Europe has to offer.
From history to food, culture and cool — Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Prague and Amsterdam all have the perfect ingredients for a city break in Europe that’ll be hard to forget.
The only question left is – where are we heading?

Enjoy your trip!