So you love to travel, but don’t get much time off? Don’t count out the possibility of heading to Europe for a long weekend!

From ancient ruins to world-famous museums, Europe is home to some of the most historical and culturally rich cities in the world. Not to mention, some of the most delicious cuisines and incredibly famous, world-renowned architectural feats.

A trip to Europe offers a unique way to step away from your daily routine to immerse yourself in history and culture. You’ll be able to experience new foods, take in stunning architecture, and best of all, spend a weekend somewhere new and exciting! And with low-cost airlines and affordable accommodation options, a long weekend trip to Europe is more accessible than ever.

Back when we lived in Boston, we took multiple long weekend trips across the pond. We highly recommend trying it out, especially if you have time constraints with your travels. And depending where you live, you may have lots of wonderful options for a long weekend getaway! We definitely plan to get back to our long weekend trips as soon as we can!

Considerations when booking a trip

When choosing a city to visit during a long weekend trip to Europe, we have a few recommendations!

1. Fly Direct: Firstly, make sure you choose a European city where you can find a direct flight from your home airport. You already have time constraints since it is just a short trip, and the last thing you need to worry about is having a long layover or any missed connections that cause you to miss out on any time in your destination.
2. Find a Home Airport with Options: If your closest home airport doesn’t have many options, consider driving a bit to an airport that does! For example, we live in Buffalo, NY and our local airport doesn’t offer any international flights other than an occasional option to Canada. So, we typically look for flights out of Toronto, since it is only ~1.5hr drive from us and there are so many more options.
3. Fly Overnight: Finally, if you can, take a red eye flight after work on your way to Europe. That way, you’ll land in the morning and can hit the ground running to maximize your time! Just make sure you stay awake when you arrive so jet lag doesn’t ruin your trip.

Choosing a Destination

Now comes the exciting part! Choosing a destination will be largely dependent on what flights your home airport has to offer. So let’s say you have lots of options at your disposal! Here are four of the best cities to spend a long weekend across the pond:

London, England

The vibrant capital of the United Kingdom is a must-see destination for any traveler. From the iconic Big Ben and Tower Bridge to the bustling Oxford Street shopping district, there’s something for everyone in London. Don’t miss out on the chance for a classic afternoon tea or to visit one of the many markets throughout the city for a bite to eat (Borough and Camden markets are our 2 faves!). And with numerous flights from the US, getting to London is a breeze.

Dublin, Ireland

Known for its friendly locals and rich history, Dublin is the perfect city for a long weekend trip. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Temple Bar, visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the making of the famous stout, and take in a traditional Irish music session at one of the city’s many pubs. And with its close proximity to other parts of Ireland, you can easily squeeze in a day trip to explore the beautiful countryside.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

From its stunning canals to its world-class museums, Amsterdam is a city that should be on every traveler’s list. Rent a bike and explore the city like a local, or take a tour to see the famous tulip fields. Don’t forget to try some Dutch treats like stroopwafels and poffertjes (mini pancakes)! And with its liberal culture and welcoming atmosphere, Amsterdam is a destination that’s sure to delight.

Paris, France

The City of Love is a classic choice for a long weekend in Europe. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris is brimming with cultural landmarks. Indulge in some of the best cuisine in the world, stroll through the charming streets of Montmartre, and visit the Louvre to see some of the world’s most famous artwork. With its romantic atmosphere and endless list of things to see and do, Paris is the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway.

This is just a start and is definitely not a full list of cities that could work for a long weekend trip!

Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, architecture, or just want to break free from your routine, a long weekend trip to Europe is the perfect way to experience something new and exciting. It is not only an opportunity to escape the monotony of everyday life, but also to create memories that will last a lifetime!

So why wait? Start planning your long weekend trip to an amazing European city today and discover what the continent has to offer. Happy travels!!

Extra Time Abroad is a lifestyle blog focusing on three areas: finance, sustainability, and travel. The blog is managed by husband/wife duo JJ & Janelle. They can be found on Instagram @ExtraTimeAbroad or at the airport!