The best thing about living in or visiting Europe is that there are so many places you can explore that are just a short flight away. This makes it an ideal place for exciting weekend getaways. You can easily head out on Friday night after a long week at work and spend your weekend immersing yourself in a new culture. Here are 6 fun European weekend getaway ideas for people looking for a quick break.
Enjoy Barcelona’s Tapas and Culture
Barcelona is the exciting capital of Spain and it is rich in culture. Don’t miss the stunning architecture of Antoni Gaudi or the Museu Picasso where you can see many of Picasso’s finest works. Tapas is another part of Barcelona that should not be missed; tapas is the name for small dishes of food that are meant to be shared that are usually served in busy bars.
Here you can see the best places for tapas in Barcelona’s wonderful Gothic Quarter. Be sure to try Pan con Tomate, a simple bread dish with tomato and oil, Patatas Bravas, fried potatoes served with alioli and spicy tomato sauce, and Chipirones, deep fried baby squid.
Go Sightseeing in London
The easiest way to explore London is by joining a tour with a knowledgeable guide. This way you can see London’s iconic landmarks like Big Ben, The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye whilst receiving interesting facts and information. If you enjoy exploring by foot then this is the place for you; you can explore the streets on your own or join guided tours to learn more about Jack the Ripper, Harry Potter, where the Beatles hung out, or where there are the most ghosts.
There are hundreds of art galleries and museums for you to explore as well, many of which are free. London is also a great place for fashion so if you are looking for something new for your wardrobe this is a great place to go. Don’t forget to go for a meal at one of the many Michelin Star restaurants which London has to offer.
Bathe in the Beauty of Budapest
Budapest is in Hungary and is known as the City of Baths. The city is located on top of a series of hot springs and the city is full of public bathhouses. Széchenyi Baths look like a Baroque palace and it is a great place to relax and unwind. Make sure you take the time to go on a boat cruise along the beautiful Danube River. You can see the perfect itinerary for a long weekend in Budapest here.
Drop In For A Beer In Prague
The Czech Republic is one of the biggest growers of hops in the world so it comes as no surprise that the beer is cheaper than water in the capital city of Prague. Make sure you stop for a pint or two after exploring the exciting sites that this city has to offer like Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, Wenceslas Square, and the medieval Astronomical Clock.
Explore Mallorca’s Towns & Villages
Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands in Spain and it is a fabulous place to relax for the weekend. It is filled with small towns and villages, each one offering something unique to visitors to the area. There are plenty of wonderful villas dotted around that are available to rent for a couple of days, which will make the perfect base for your weekend away.
Inca is a town in the center of the island and is a great place to pick up fabulous leather goods at inexpensive prices. Palma de Mallorca is the capital city and is a great place to explore Catalan architecture and enjoy the famous nightlife.
Wander through Dreamy Dubrovnik
This beautiful fortified city is nestled away on the Adriatic Sea and is full of sights that will take your breath away. You can take guided walking tours that will show you the highlights of the Old Town, and allow you to explore the massive walls that were completed in the 1500’s. This is the setting for King’s Landing so you’ll recognize it if you are a Game of Thrones fan.