Waking up on Monday morning feels a bit different, when you have been to several cool places over the weekend.
Europe’s major cities are incredible, but sometimes you need to escape the tourist crowds and discover the continent’s hidden gems. There are tons of great gems to see and have fun in. The beauty of European travel lies in its compact geography, you can wake up in London on Friday and be sipping wine in a medieval German town by Saturday afternoon. Here are several weekend escapes that will remind you why spontaneous European adventures are the best kind of therapy.
From London
London may be one of the largest cities in the world, but with the transportation of a train, you can hit several amazing places on a weekend trip.
Bruges, Belgium (3 Hours by Train)
Bruges feels like someone turned a fairy tale into an actual city and forgot to mention it to the tourism boards. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers everything London doesn’t: medieval canals you can actually enjoy, chocolate shops on every corner, and beer so good it’s practically a religious experience.
Take the Eurostar to Brussels, then a quick connection to Bruges. Spend Saturday wandering the cobblestone streets, climbing the Belfry tower for panoramic views, and sampling Belgian waffles that make breakfast feel like dessert. Sunday calls for a canal boat tour and visits to local breweries where monks have been perfecting their craft for centuries.
Edinburgh, Scotland (4.5 Hours by Train)
Scotland’s capital transforms every weekend into a miniature festival, whether it’s the official Edinburgh Festival or just the natural energy of a city that refuses to take itself too seriously. The train journey itself is spectacular, rolling green hills that make you understand why the Scots are so passionate about their homeland.
Friday evening: Explore the Royal Mile and grab dinner in one of the historic closes. Saturday: Hike Arthur’s Seat for sunrise (trust me), then explore Edinburgh Castle and the underground vaults. Sunday: Day trip to nearby Stirling Castle or just wander the charming New Town while nursing a proper Scottish breakfast.
From Paris
Paris is the city of light, but France offers so much more in close proximity too. Here are several cities you can hit up from Paris.
Strasbourg, France (1H 45M by Tgv)
Strasbourg is what happens when France and Germany decide to collaborate instead of compete. The result is a city that serves sauerkraut with French finesse and builds cathedrals that make Notre-Dame jealous. The Alsace region’s capital offers the best of both cultures without the identity crisis.
The historic center, Grande Île, is entirely surrounded by canals and feels like Venice’s more sophisticated cousin. The Christmas markets are legendary, but Strasbourg shines year-round with its half-timbered houses, world-class museums, and restaurants serving both coq au vin and schnitzel with equal expertise.
Geneva, Switzerland (3 Hours by TGV)
Geneva offers everything Paris promises but delivers it with Swiss precision and alpine views. It’s expensive, yes, but weekend trips are about quality over quantity. Plus, the train journey through French countryside and into the Alps is worth the ticket price alone.
Spend Saturday exploring Lake Geneva’s shores, visiting the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, and wandering through the Old Town’s narrow streets. Sunday calls for a trip to nearby Chamonix (1 hour by bus) for mountain views that will recalibrate your definition of “scenic.” Even if you’re not a skier, the cable cars and hiking trails offer adventures that make city life feel wonderfully small.
From Berlin
Berlin used to be the center of everything. The cool thing is you can hit amazing cities with just your train pass. Pack those bags and be ready for some cheap good beer. Adventure awaits you.
Prague, Czech Republic (4.5 Hours by Train)
Prague is Berlin’s more photogenic cousin, all golden spires and baroque facades that look like they were designed specifically for sunset photos. Beyond the Instagram appeal lies one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural scenes and beer culture that puts Germany’s to shame (don’t tell the Germans). The beer is cheaper than water, the Medieval architecture brings people from far and wide, and the delicious goulash and dumplings beats out the goulash from Hungary.
It is a city where people come from all over. Not only for the delicious affordable beer, but the culture and the food too.
The overnight train arrives Saturday morning, giving you a full weekend to explore. Prague Castle, Charles Bridge at sunrise, and the astronomical clock are mandatory, but the real magic happens in the city’s hidden courtyards and underground bars. Czech beer costs less than water and tastes like heaven, plan accordingly.
Krakow, Poland (5 Hours by Train)
Krakow survived World War II with its medieval center intact, creating one of Europe’s most authentic historical experiences. The city offers profound historical education alongside vibrant nightlife and some of the continent’s best pierogi.
As Poland is growing super quick, Krakow has become a crown jewel for tourists to come and explore.
Explore the stunning main square, visit Wawel Castle, and take a sobering but essential trip to nearby Auschwitz. Sunday: Wander the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, sample local vodka, and discover why Krakow’s restaurant scene is quietly becoming one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
From Amsterdam
Amsterdam could get a bit boring after a while of seeing the same things over and over, but within a few hours you are in a new city enjoying the freedom of travel.
Ghent, Belgium (3 Hours by Train)
Ghent is what Bruges was before it became famous, a perfectly preserved medieval city that locals actually live in rather than just pose for photos. It’s Brussels’ cooler younger sibling and Bruges’ more authentic alternative.
The city’s three towers create a skyline that looks hand-drawn by a fairytale illustrator. Gravensteen Castle offers genuine medieval atmosphere, while the Graslei waterfront provides some of Europe’s most photogenic canal views. The local beer scene rivals Belgium’s best, and the restaurants serve fantastic food without tourist markup.
Luxembourg City (5 Hours by Train)
Luxembourg punches way above its weight class. This tiny nation’s capital offers dramatic geography (the city is built on cliffs), fascinating history (those WWII underground tunnels), and a surprisingly cosmopolitan culture that reflects its role as a European Union hub.
The old city sits dramatically above river valleys connected by stunning bridges and viaducts. It’s like Edinburgh with better weather and French influence. The Chemin de la Corniche offers some of Europe’s most dramatic urban walking, while the underground Bock Casemates provide fascinating historical exploration.
From Rome
Rome is huge, but the great thing about Italy is the high speed rails. That allows many people to get to several great cities very quickly for a quick weekend away.
Florence, Italy (1H 15M by High-Speed Rail)
Florence is art history come to life, but it’s also a living city with incredible food, passionate locals, and enough Renaissance masterpieces to occupy several lifetimes. The high-speed rail connection makes it perfect for weekend escapes from Rome’s ancient grandeur.
It is one thing to love Tuscany, but Florence is a city full of Renaissance flair, and it is hard to beat for a weekend trip.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery (book ahead), Ponte Vecchio, and sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. On Sunday take a day trip to Tuscan hill towns like San Gimignano or Siena, or stay local and explore the Oltrarno district’s artisan workshops and authentic trattorias.
Naples & the Amalfi Coast (1H 10M to Naples by High-Speed Rail)
Naples gets unfairly overshadowed by Rome and Florence, but it offers something neither can match: authentic Italian chaos paired with world-class pizza and easy access to the Amalfi Coast. It’s Italy at its most gloriously unfiltered.
As a pizza lover, it is hard for me to miss out on Naples. You can take some time to visit Pompeii and enjoy the wonderful food there too.
On Saturday in Naples, take a pizza pilgrimage (seriously, the pizza here makes Rome’s look amateur), explore the underground city, and visit the incredible archaeological museum. For your Sundasy do a day trip to Positano or Amalfi via dramatic coastal roads that make every turn feel like a postcard.
From Barcelona
Barcelona has become pricier, but there are alternatives for a few hours on a train you can visit.
Valencia, Spain (2H 30M by High-Speed Rail)
Valencia offers everything Barcelona promises but with half the crowds and double the authenticity. Spain’s third-largest city combines futuristic architecture, traditional culture, and beach access in a package that feels distinctly Spanish rather than internationally tourist-friendly.
The City of Arts and Sciences provides space-age architecture that rivals Barcelona’s Gaudí sites. The historic center offers authentic Spanish culture, while nearby beaches provide Mediterranean relaxation. Plus, this is where paella was actually invented experience it properly here.
San Sebastián, Spain (5 Hours by Train)
San Sebastián is Spain’s culinary capital, offering more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else while maintaining the laid-back Basque coastal vibe that makes every meal feel like a celebration. The pintxos culture alone justifies the journey.
On a Saturday enjoy some beach time at La Concha, explore the charming old town, and begin your pintxos crawl. Sunday: Continue eating your way through the city’s incredible food scene, perhaps with a side trip to nearby Bilbao to see the Guggenheim Museum.
From Munich
Munich is cool and all, but have you seen where the Sound of Music was created. Not only is Munich close to Austria, but you can hit several amazing locations within a few hours on the train.
Salzburg, Austria (1H 30M by Train)
Salzburg combines Mozart’s musical legacy with Alpine beauty and Austrian charm in a compact city that feels like a real-life music box. It’s close enough to Munich for easy weekend trips but different enough to feel like a complete cultural shift.
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reasons baroque architecture that looks like it was designed by angels, set against Alpine backdrops that make every view Instagram-worthy. The Sound of Music tours are touristy but genuinely fun, while the local restaurants serve Austrian comfort food that pairs perfectly with local wines.
Lake Bled, Slovenia (4 Hours by Train via Villach)
Lake Bled is what happens when nature decides to show off. This Alpine lake with its fairy-tale island church and clifftop castle looks too perfect to be real, but Slovenia’s natural beauty consistently defies belief.
Row a traditional pletna boat to Bled Island, hike up to Bled Castle for panoramic views, and sample the famous Bled cream cake. Day trips to nearby Bohinj Lake or Ljubljana add variety to a weekend that feels more like a fairy tale than actual travel.
From Vienna
Vienna is the top livable city in the world, but an hour away is Bratislava. That means if you want you can visit several amazing cities on your weekends.,
Budapest, Hungary (2H 30M by Train)
Budapest offers Vienna’s imperial grandeur with Hungarian flair and thermal baths that make weekend relaxation an art form. The Danube divides Buda and Pest, creating a city with dual personalities that somehow work perfectly together.
Saturday: Explore the Buda Castle, walk across the Chain Bridge at sunset, and experience the city’s famous ruin pubs. Sunday: Relax in Széchenyi Thermal Baths, explore the Great Market Hall, and cruise the Danube while the Parliament building glows golden in afternoon light.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic (4 Hours by Train)
This medieval town in southern Czech Republic looks like Disney designed a European village but forgot to add the crowds. Český Krumlov’s castle complex overlooks red-roofed houses clustered around the Vltava River in what might be Europe’s most photogenic small town.
The entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site that you can explore in a weekend while feeling like you’ve discovered a secret that tourists haven’t found yet. Local restaurants serve hearty Czech cuisine at prices that make Vienna seem expensive, while the castle gardens offer views that belong in fairy tales.
The Art of the European Weekend Escape
The secret to great European weekend getaways isn’t just picking beautiful destinations it’s embracing the journey as part of the adventure. European trains turn travel time into productive downtime, offering scenery that makes flights seem wasteful and connections that often surprise you with unexpected beauty.
Book accommodations in historic centers rather than business districts. Choose restaurants recommended by locals over TripAdvisor rankings. Walk more than you think necessary European cities reveal their best secrets to pedestrians willing to wander down unmarked alleys.
Most importantly, resist the urge to see everything. Weekend trips work best when you pick two or three experiences and savor them completely rather than rushing through exhaustive itineraries. Europe’s magic lies in its layers the longer you look, the more you discover.
Your next weekend adventure is just a train ticket away. Choose your departure city, pick your destination, and remember: the best European weekend getaways are the ones that leave you planning your return trip before you’ve even gone home.