A Guide To Weekend City Breaks In Europe

As the warmer months approach, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming of your next European city break. Nothing beats exploring new destinations, soaking up local cultures, and sampling delicious food, all within a short weekend away. 

So, whether you're hopping on a quick rail trip to Paris or flying to sunny Barcelona, packing smartly and planning ahead ensures your getaway is relaxing and memorable. Here, we've compiled our best travel tips, top luggage, and our favourite destinations, helping you plan the ultimate weekend escape.

Planning a short break to Europe can feel exciting, yet a little overwhelming. To ensure your city getaway runs smoothly from start to finish, a little preparation goes a long way. Follow these simple tips, and you'll be exploring new cities like a seasoned traveller in no time!

• Choose Your Destination: Pick a city based on your interests, ease of travel, and the time of year. Consider spots famous for food, culture, history, or sunshine.
• Book Travel Early: Securing flights or rail tickets early can significantly reduce your travel costs, leaving you more to spend on local experiences.
• Flexible Itinerary: Balance planned activities with some free time to relax or stumble upon unexpected gems.
• Tripp Tip: Consider rail travel for scenic, comfortable journeys right into the heart of European cities.

Packing smartly is essential for a smooth weekend break. Keep your luggage light but practical with these essentials.

• Versatile Clothing: Mix-and-match outfits that suit both sightseeing and evening dining.
• Comfortable Footwear: Choose stylish yet comfortable shoes ideal for exploring cities.
• Travel-Sized Toiletries: Saves space, allowing easier airport checks and lighter luggage.
• Prepare for Weather: Bring layers and compact waterproofs as European weather can quickly change.
• Important Documents: Keep your passport, tickets, and bookings handy in a secure pouch.
• Tripp Tip: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them helps save space and prevents wrinkles.

Choosing the right city is essential for the perfect weekend escape. Here are our favourite European cities, perfect for short breaks.

Must-Taste: Croissants, macarons, steak-frites

Unmissable: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, strolling through Montmartre

Weather Snapshot: Mild springs and autumns, warm summers. Bring layers for comfort.

Must-Taste: Stroopwafels, Dutch pancakes, local cheeses

Unmissable: Cycling along canals, Anne Frank’s House, Jordaan district exploration

Weather Snapshot: Similar to the UK, mild but unpredictable. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.

Must-Taste: Tapas, seafood paella, churros

Unmissable: Visit Sagrada Familia, Barceloneta Beach, Las Ramblas

Weather Snapshot: Generally warm and sunny, the perfect outdoor weather.

Must-Taste: Goulash, Trdelník pastries, local beers

Unmissable: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square

Weather Snapshot: Mild spring and autumn, hot summers, and cold winters.

Choosing the right transport can set the tone for your weekend city break. Here’s a helpful comparison to make your decision easier.

Travelling By Train:

• Relaxed journeys with comfortable seating and spacious carriages.
• City-centre arrivals save time, avoiding transfers from airports to your accommodation.
• Enjoy scenic routes through stunning landscapes for those perfect photographic moments.
• Ideal for combining multiple city breaks into one seamless trip.

• Ideal for covering longer distances quickly, allowing more time in your destination.
• Often budget-friendly, especially if booked well in advance or during airline sales.
• Wide range of flights from multiple UK and Ireland airports, giving great flexibility.
• Best choice when travelling to cities without direct rail connections or limited train availability.

Tripp Tip: Consider combining air and rail travel - fly into your first city and use rail to explore nearby destinations.

The right suitcase can transform your travel experience, making your weekend city break smooth, stylish, and stress-free. Here’s our suitcase roundup.

Underseat Cases: Ultra-compact and handy, these are designed to fit neatly beneath the seat in front, and are ideal for keeping essentials close during your trip.

Cabin Cases: Lightweight and compact, they are perfect for quick city breaks and fit easily in plane overhead compartments.

Medium Expandable Cases: Flexible storage makes packing easier, these are ideal for that extra pair of shoes, or when you return with souvenirs for all the family.

City breaks don’t need to be expensive. Follow these easy budgeting tips to make your money go further.

• Book Early: Get the best prices on accommodation and travel.
• Travel Off-Peak: Lower costs and fewer crowds outside of peak times.
• Eat Like A Local: Street food markets and local cafés often offer delicious, affordable meals.
• Free Activities: Enjoy museums (on free-entry days), parks, and local walks.
• Set A Daily Budget: Allocate daily spending to avoid overspending.

Make your short getaway even smoother by following these quick tips.

• Check Local Events: Make your trip memorable by timing visits to local festivals, markets, or exhibitions.
• Pre-Book Popular Attractions: Skip queues by booking tickets ahead of your visit.
• Explore Public Transport: Cities offer great transport links. Plus, buy a pass to save money and time.
• Sample Local Cuisine: Try local dishes or street food markets for a taste of authenticity.

Here’s a quick list of pitfalls to sidestep to ensure your city break is hassle-free.

• Overpacking: Pack only essentials to keep your suitcase manageable.
• Not Checking Entry Requirements: Always confirm if visas, vaccination certificates, or specific documents are required.
• Ignoring Weather Forecasts: Check the weather to pack appropriately and comfortably.

Top destinations include Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Prague, Rome, Lisbon, and Vienna. All of these are compact, lively cities ideal for weekend breaks.

Yes, travel insurance is always recommended. It protects against cancellations, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and other travel issues.

Most European countries use the Euro (€). However, some, like the Czech Republic (CZK), Hungary (HUF), and Switzerland (CHF), have their own currencies. Always carry some local cash along with your cards to ensure you don’t have to miss out on anything.

Perfect for three-day trips are Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Brussels, or Berlin, offering an excellent blend of culture, sights, and relaxation.

Now you're ready with everything you need for the perfect weekend city break. With these handy travel tips, expert packing advice, and a stylish Tripp suitcase by your side, your short getaway will be effortless, enjoyable, and filled with unforgettable moments. So why wait? Find your perfect suitcase today, travel with confidence, and start your next adventure. Your perfect European city break is just a Tripp away!