If you’re like me, then you are probably itching to travel all the time while working a full time job and trying VERY hard not to use any of your vacation days. This is really easy to do if you’re based in Europe! I have done so much travel using weekend breaks and made the absolute best of them. I plan to take even more weekend travels in 2020 but first…here is my pick of 10 must do destinations the top 10 weekend breaks in Europe for 2020 (all tried and tested by yours truly)!
Paris, France
Language: French
Currency: Euro
The list for some of the best weekend breaks in Europe HAS to start with Paris! A glamorous destination by any standards, Paris of course is at the top of my list (see post and weekend vlog here)! The city has so much to offer from sprawling museums such as the iconic Louvre, to the glittering streets of Champs-Élysées and quaint shopping streets tucked in the fashionable Le Marais district . You can spend hours in a local French Bistro nestled with good book and a cappuccino after a shopping spree in the Galeries Lafayette. There is just something in the Parisian air that is so charismatic that a weekend there is an excellent choice any day of the year. Plan a weekend Parisian escape for yourself and you will not be disappointed.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Language: Slovenian
Currency: Euro
I could not recommend Slovenia (see my weekend itinerary here) enough to anyone who asks me about it. Nestled on the east side of the Austrian border is this beautiful country. It is truly such a gorgeous under the radar destination and a perfect weekend break. Back in the summer, I spent an evening in Ljubljana and a day and a half in charming Lake Bled. It is so untouched and an absolutely refreshing location if you are to escape from the more tourist heavy western Europe. The best way to do a weekend here is to rent a car (which is super cheap in Slovenia by the way) and drive to Lake Bled. You can even explore a few of the famous gorges or ice caves in the region. Stop around Lake Bohinj for a lunch spot and paddle board in the middle of the Julian Alps. You wont be disappointed!
San Sebastian, Spain
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
The Basque Country in north of Spain has absolutely everything you would be looking for in a more quiet escape but get all the benefits of a Spanish city. Indulge in the sandy beaches, the gorgeous palm tree esplanade and if you’re a fan of sea food, then go for the tapas! You can even rent a car (like I did), and get to location scout your favorite Game of Thrones filming spots. Another HUGE attraction would be the dramatic landscape of the
La Rioja region which has such a romantic aura. Find yourself a wine tour and explore century old wine caves in the pretty Spanish villages (outside of siesta hours of course!).
Vienna, Austria
Language: German
Currency: Euro
If you are a fan of opera, musical performances, artwork and royal palaces then this is the destination for you. Offering such a diverse selection of attractions for a variety of different palettes, Vienna (see vlog here) is such an excellent choice for a weekend getaway! Add another day (if you have a long weekend) and head to the mountainous region of Salzburg, which is just a few hours away via high speed train.
London, England
Language: English
Currency: British Pound
Ah I am lucky to call this city home, but I 100% had to put this right smack in the middle of my suggestions list. I think that even if you spent a thousand weekends in London, you would still find something new to do in the beating heart of England. The list of restaurants, museums and of course shopping destinations is endless. If you’re a foodie then you have a long list of fine dining restaurants to the yummiest hole the in the wall spots in the pulse districts like Soho and Shoreditch. Plus, almost wherever you are in the EU, you probably have direct access to London!
Brugge, Belgium
Language: French, German and Dutch
Currency: Euro
I found this to be one of the most relaxed winter getaways to date (see weekend vlog here)! This quaint little historic town is an hour train ride from Brussels and super accessible. It is so relaxing and all you need to do all weekend is stroll along cobbled streets, eat a LOT of chocolate and of course, indulge in some rich Belgian waffles. You can even take a little boat cruise around the little town, which is literally something out of a Disney fairy tale.
Nice, France
Language: French
Currency: Euro
There is something about the French Riviera that honestly sets it apart from other beach destinations in Europe. The city of Nice in the Côte d’Azur oozes a luxuriously relaxing mood with the Promenade de Anglais filled with stylish women in large brimmed hats and their straw beach bags in tow. Head over to this beach city in the summer and relax on the smooth pebble beaches dipping into crystal blue waters. On a longer weekend, you can even get yourself a car and go up to Menton, Monaco, Cannes just to name a few destinations within a stone’s throw of the city. Definitely a must do for weekend breaks in Europe.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Language: Dutch
Currency: Euro
If you fancy a bike ride and delicious waffles then Amsterdam would be it for you! With SO much to eat (screams Instagram worthy), a whole bunch of museums and picturesque canals, Amsterdam is such a cool destination to escape to.
Milan, Italy
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
If you’re addicted to shopping, wanna marvel in the magnificence of the Duomo and love gelato then this is the getaway you will absolutely love! I did a weekend getaway to the iconic fashion city in March of last year, got insanely lucky with the warmest sunshine and literally spent my time having a TON of gelato and pizza. If you have an extra day or a long weekend, you can even take a trip to the town of Como!
Rome, Italy
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
I LOVE Rome. I personally do think one should spend longer than just a weekend in Rome, but oh what a weekend it is to spend time here. If you love Roman history then the list of historical attractions is practically never ending. You get the most delicious food and of course, gelato! You can even head to the Vatican and bask in the glory of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel . Make the trip, the ancient ruins beckon!
And there you have it! My top destinations for weekend breaks in Europe this year! I have personally been to each and every one of these cities while working a full time job and they have all been the most incredible experiences! Can’t wait to add more ideas to this list in 2020!
