Best Long Weekend Getaways from Major European Cities

Short on time but craving a change of scenery? You’re not alone. As remote work and flexible schedules become the norm, more travelers are seeking quick, high-impact escapes. Whether you’re looking for sun-soaked beaches, charming medieval towns, or quiet mountain retreats, this curated guide to the best long weekend getaways under 3 hours from major European cities has you covered.

These destinations are perfect for a 2- to 4-day trip, and all are easily accessible by short flight or scenic train ride. Best of all, they’re affordable, highly rated, and travel-optimized through Travelupo — your go-to platform for comparing flights and boutique hotel deals.

Perfect for your 2025 travel inspiration, these spots have been hand picked via Travelupo for your desire!

1. From London: Porto, Portugal

Travel Time: 2h 25m flight
Why Go: Colorful riverside architecture, Port wine cellars, ocean views, and great weather year-round.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Cruise the Douro River
- Explore the Ribeira District and Livraria Lello bookstore
- Enjoy seafood at Matosinhos beach
Travelupo Tip: Fly direct from London and book a riverside hotel for sunset views.

2. From Paris: Annecy, France

Travel Time: 3h 45m by train (just over 3h from Gare de Lyon)
Why Go: Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is famous for its canals, mountain views, and crystal-clear lake.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Stroll along Lake Annecy
- Rent bikes and cycle around the lake
- Try raclette in a traditional Savoyard restaurant
Travelupo Tip: Book high-speed rail tickets early and stay in the Old Town for postcard-perfect views.

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3. From Berlin: Kraków, Poland

Travel Time: 1h 25m flight
Why Go: Medieval charm meets modern creativity — plus affordable prices for food, drink, and stays.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Explore Wawel Castle and the Old Town
- Visit Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) for cafes and art
- Take a half-day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine
Travelupo Tip: Fly budget from Berlin and stay in a boutique hotel near the Main Market Square.

4. From Rome: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Travel Time: 1h 15m flight
Why Go: Game of Thrones scenery, turquoise water, and UNESCO-protected architecture.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Walk the city walls
- Kayak around Lokrum Island
- Dine al fresco in Old Town alleys
Travelupo Tip: Find quick flights from Rome and look for hotels near Pile Gate for easy access.

5. From Amsterdam: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Travel Time: 1h flight or 4h 15m train
Why Go: Compact, green, and incredibly scenic with fairytale bridges and dramatic valleys.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Explore the Bock Casemates and Grund district
- Picnic in Parc Dräi Eechelen
- Enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine at weekend rates
Travelupo Tip: Compare flights and trains; train offers great views.

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6. From Madrid: Marrakech, Morocco

Travel Time: 2h flight
Why Go: A cultural immersion just outside Europe, with exotic markets, gardens, and rooftop riads.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Visit Jardin Majorelle and the Medina
- Bargain at souks in Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Relax in a hammam spa
Travelupo Tip: Snag cheap flights from Madrid; choose a riad stay with breakfast included.

7. From Vienna: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Travel Time: 2h 45m by train or 1h flight
Why Go: One of Europe’s greenest and most walkable capitals.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Cruise the Ljubljanica River
- Dine at riverside bistros and open-air markets
- Take a half-day trip to Lake Bled
Travelupo Tip: Check short-haul flights or opt for a train with scenic Alpine views.

8. From Brussels: Strasbourg, France

Travel Time: 3h 45m train
Why Go: German-French charm, half-timbered houses, and romantic canals.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral
- Explore Petite France district
- Sip Alsace wines on a canal cruise
Travelupo Tip: Take the train from Brussels and book lodging early during festival weekends.

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9. From Copenhagen: Gothenburg, Sweden

Travel Time: 3h train or 1h flight
Why Go: Scandinavian design meets laid-back coastal living.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Visit the Feskekôrka fish market
- Enjoy the botanical gardens
- Try a sauna and swim combo at Frihamnen
Travelupo Tip: Compare flights and trains and check ferry options too!

10. From Dublin: Edinburgh, Scotland

Travel Time: 1h 5m flight
Why Go: Perfect for history buffs and festival goers alike.
Top Weekend Activities:
- Explore the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
- Catch live performances during Fringe Festival (August)
- Hike to Arthur’s Seat for city views
Travelupo Tip: Fly into Edinburgh and choose a boutique hotel near the city center.

Why Weekend Trips Are the Future of Travel

With more travelers juggling hybrid work, tight budgets, or family schedules, long weekend escapes are replacing the traditional two-week holiday. They’re more frequent, more affordable, and more spontaneous — and platforms like Travelupo make them easier than ever.

Weekend Trips vs. Long Holidays: What’s Better?

While long holidays of 5+ days offer the chance to deeply explore a region, they often come with higher costs, more time off work, and complex planning. Weekend getaways, on the other hand, are quick to organize, easier on the wallet, and perfect for refreshing your routine without burning through vacation days. Plus, with so many destinations just a short flight or train ride away, a well-planned weekend trip can be just as fulfilling as a full-length escape — and you can take more of them throughout the year.

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What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway

Packing light is key. Choose a small carry-on or backpack to avoid luggage fees and save time at airports or stations. Bring versatile outfits that mix and match, plus one “just in case” layer for unexpected weather. Don’t forget essentials like a portable charger, travel-size toiletries, and a printed itinerary or offline map — especially helpful in cities where Wi-Fi may be spotty. A little prep means more time relaxing once you arrive.

Plan Your Weekend Escape with Travelupo

Whether you’re escaping for three nights or planning back-to-back weekend hops, Travelupo.com helps you compare cheap flights, discover top-rated boutique hotels, and explore destinations with ease. Use flexible filters to find short-haul options that suit your schedule and budget.

👉 Start your weekend planning now at Travelupo.com — your next escape is just a few clicks away.