Top 5 European Cities for a Long Weekend
A long weekend is a thing of beauty. Unlike our ancestors, who had to travel everywhere by horse or boat, these days it’s simple to find a cheap last minute flight. So with that in mind – here are our top five european cities for a long weekend away.
Rome
From fine dining to history and sunshine, you’ll wish you had longer to explore all of Rome. This city is not a place to relax and sunbathe. It is bustling, packed with energy and full of life – perfect for a fun-filled weekend. Tick off the Trevi fountain, the Colosseum and a real Italian pizza whilst you’re there.
Rome surrounds the Vatican City state so you get two cities for the price of one on this trip! The Vatican City is home to the Pope, St Peter’s Square and the Sistine chapel. Spend a day with the other tourists to uncover its secrets.
Istanbul
Western Istanbul is a European destination with Eastern promise. A modern lifestyle sits alongside the ancient monuments, mosques and temples. A shopper’s paradise, the Grand Bazaar is chock-full of spices and fruits and you’ll find authentic antiques throughout the city. You may need to charter a flight to get all your traditional Moroccan furniture home! Try Chapman Freeborn after you over-shop and bust through your baggage allowance, it’s a great way for a group to travel together too.
There’s a lot to do in Istanbul, but make sure you visit the Sultan Ahmet Camii – the Blue Mosque – with its quiet, watchful gaze over the city.
Venice
The city that seems to float on water never loses its appeal. There’s something magical about this place that brings tourists from across the globe. When you’ve had your fill of gliding around the Grand Canal, there are ample churches and museums scattered across the city. There’s also plenty of contemporary art to soak up if history isn’t your thing.
Away from the main waterways, Venice slows into a stress-free, friendly city. Try some real Venetian food from a local restaurant and you’ll never want to go home. If you don’t like crowds, the winter months are perfect for a true slice of Venetian life.
London
People don’t visit London for the weather – they come for history, culture, arts and nightlife. London is a major tourist draw, packed with all kinds of nationalities.
It’s easy to get around London on the simple-to-use underground. Pick up a tube map – you’ll need it to pack in all the events and activities London has to offer on a long weekend. The London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Harrods are all a must! When you get hungry, head to Brick Lane for the best curries in Europe. If you shop, put Camden market on your to-do list. With all kinds of hidden treasure, you’re sure to find something that’ll remind you of Olde London Towne for years to come.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik in Croatia is a Unesco World Heritage site. A city on the sea, rightly named ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the mild weather.
Dubrovnik’s old town area is breath-taking with Baroque churches, ancient walls and medieval architecture. Sample the freshly caught seafood, or enjoy a coffee whilst watching the world go by.
If you love the beach this city is the place for you. It’s described as ‘The Mediterranean as it once was’ due to its lack of industry, and although some beaches are private, Banje, just outside the walled city, is public and consistently beautiful.
Dubrovnik is the best of both worlds – relaxation and stimulation.
There are so many cities to visit in Europe it’s difficult to choose just five, but with 52 weekends in a year, why not visit all of them and decide for yourself which are the best.