Europe is a vast continent with many amazing places, but these cities are the best budget-friendly weekend getaways in Europe. Among them, you will find cities with a rich history and others that are known as foodie hotspots. Visiting some of these places will bring you closer to nature, while others will captivate you with their cultural wealth.
All of these weekend getaway destinations in Europe are very different, and their distinguishing features ensure that every city getaway comes with a unique charm and experience. Every single one of these destinations is more than worth a short trip there, and chances are that you will want to return there so you can explore even more of what your destination has to offer.
On this list, you will find amazing locations all over Europe, so you are bound to find a great location regardless of which part of Europe you want to explore during your weekend trip.
The Best Weekend Getaways in Europe
When it comes to Europe it is hard to say where one should go first, as the number of places worth a visit is seemingly endless. After all, every single country has great places that are perfect for a short trip. However, the places on this list are the very best destinations if you are planning one or several budget-friendly weekend getaways in Europe.
Discover the very best of Europe and get to know new places that you should add to your travel list.
Weekend Trips in Northern Europe
Gothenburg, Sweden
Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg is one of the best places to visit in Scandinavia. A smaller and more affordable version of Stockholm, Gothenburg is becoming more well known as it has won the world’s most sustainable destination four times in a row!
The best time to visit the city is in December for the Gothenburg Christmas Markets. There are four Christmas markets, but the main one is at Liseberg Amusement Park. It combines roller coasters with seasonal stalls, Swedish sweet treats, and a festive ice skating show, making it fun for all the family.
The Christmas Markets have plenty of festive food choices such as traditional Swedish gingerbread called Pepparkaka, sweet mulled wine called glogg, and even a four-course Swedish Christmas buffet dinner all under one roof.
The city itself is one of the most walkable and combines local designer shops with (free!) tropical botanical gardens. Gothenburg is also a great place for modern foodies, especially those who love the Swedish fika culture, as the Haga neighbourhood is home to the largest cinnamon rolls in Sweden!
Gothenburg is also the jumping off point for the West Sweden islands, if you have time and want to visit some Swedish nature.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki may not be the first European city that comes to mind when you think of budget-friendly weekend getaways in Europe, but it surprisingly has a lot to offer budget travelers. The Finnish capital is known for being expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. After all, there are a large number of key attractions in Helsinki that are either free or relatively cheap to go to, such as Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna, and Puu-Kapyla.
One of the biggest ways to blow your budget while in Helsinki is to constantly eat out at restaurants – they don’t come cheap! A great alternative to the ever-growing restaurant scene in Helsinki is to stop by Teurastamo, where they have converted unused buildings into various restaurants, bars, and even a gin distillery. Another must-try eatery in Helsinki is Cafe Regatta, which is considered by both locals and tourists as the best cafe in the city (don’t forget to try their cinnamon buns).
It may be one of the smallest European capital cities, but there are a lot of great activities to do in Helsinki and because of its size, many of the main tourist sites are within walking distance of one another.
Helsinki is very easy to navigate, and if you want to use their public transportation, purchasing the multi-day transportation card through the HSL app is the best way to stay within your travel budget.
People will be shocked when you tell them that you’ve traveled to Helsinki on a budget, but it’s completely doable with the right planning and mindset.
Weekend Breaks in Central Europe
Dresden, Germany
Once decimated by WWII bombing raids, Dresden has resurrected itself to become the “Florence on the Elbe”. But despite all of its ornate Baroque details, it is still often overshadowed by the western monoliths of Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
If you want to see Germany on a budget, Dresden should be your destination, not a side trip. You can get all of the currywurst and historic-church-bells-ringing-as-the-sun-sets ambiance that you’d find in other German cities, but for a fraction of the price. Plus, you have to option to extend your trip and visit the incredible Sächsische Schweiz region for a day.
Activities not to be missed during your weekend trip to Dresden include going a morning stroll along the Elbe River with a fresh cappuccino from Café Schinkelwache, eating a traditional German meal at Dresden 1900 with a commanding view of the Frauenkirche from the patio.
You will want to get lost in the Altstadt where you can marvel at sites like the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger Palace, the Katholische Hofkirche, and the Dresden Opera House. And of course, you can also discover what life was like behind the Iron Curtain at Die Welt der DDR Museum.
If you are visiting the city in summer, you should also catch one of the free evening summer concerts at Großer Garten.
Dresden and its surrounding area are full of wonder, artistry, and breathtaking views. Beyond the city, you can visit Schloss Moritzburg, the hills of Radebeul, or the world-famous porcelain manufactory in Meissen. And with plentiful accommodation, accessible public transportation, and affordable cafés on every corner, you will likely be surprised by just how far your euro will go.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is one of Germany’s most beautiful cities and is a perfect destination for a budget-friendly weekend getaway in Europe. Located just an hour from Munich, this city is filled with castles, good food, cobblestoned streets, history and lots of beer.
The city has built itself up from the ashes and its dark past, but retained its medieval charm. There are endless things to see and do in Nuremberg, and exploring Nuremberg Castle is a must. Entry is free and the views from the top are incredible. You should also visit the Documentation Centre and Nazi Rally party grounds to learn about Nuremberg’s history.
Make sure you set aside plenty of time to just explore the city. Wander through the old town, admire the bridges, walk the Way of Human Rights and make sure to shop in the boutique stores and stop for coffee and ice cream, while watching life go by around you.
Nuremberg is home to some epic food and drink choices, and you absolutely have to eat traditional Nuremberg sausages and of course, the local beer! There’s also plenty of budget-friendly places to eat and drink. Albrecht Durer Stube is a great traditional spot for a meal, and Alex Restaurant has a huge range of options without breaking the bank.
Munich, Germany
Munich is a terrific weekend destination that can be easily experienced on a budget. The reason why Munich makes the cut as a weekend destination is that it has plenty of places where you can unwind while also exploring some of the city’s tourist attractions.
If you are on a budget, it is best to stay at one of the many hostels close to the Central Munich train station. From here, you can head to Marienplatz, Munich’s most iconic plaza. Here, you can watch city hall’s clock with its reenactment of important events in Bavarian history (daily at 11 AM, 12 PM & 5 PM), before climbing up the tower of St. Peter’s church for a panoramic view of Munich.
Only a short walk away, you will find Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s primary market area. Nowadays, it is a market with permanent stalls where you can buy everything from fruits, vegetables, eggs, venison, meat, and wine. I recommend getting a Leberkäs’ while here.
Of course, you should also visit the famous Hofbräuhaus to experience the fun vibe of a classic beer house.
During your time in Munich, you should also visit the vast English Garden where you can relax away from the busy streets, enjoy a boat-ride or drink some beer at the Chinesischer Turm!
You could also visit the BMW World to learn more about the cars, visit the Olympiapark or the Nymphenburg Palace.
The best way to ensure that you do not spend much while you are in Munich is by purchasing a Munich Card or the Munich City Pass that gives unlimited free access to all modes of public transport in Munich, as well as free or discounted entry to most tourist attractions. If you are heading out to other Bavarian towns, buy the money-saving Bayern Ticket.
East-Central Europe Weekend Trip
Wroclaw, Poland
For quite a few years now, I’ve been telling anybody who will listen that Poland is the perfect place for a budget weekend in Europe. Wroclaw’s historic old town is a delightful patchwork of cobbled streets and colorful buildings, centered on one of Europe’s largest market squares. It is at this square that the absence of stifling crowds of tourists is most noticeable – a far cry from the trappings of Paris or Rome.
Here, you can tuck into an extremely filling plate of traditional dumplings for less than the cost of a beer in London. These prices are typical in the dozens of enticing restaurants and cafes across the city.
Aside from the bargain food and drink, my favorite thing to do in Wroclaw is completely free – searching for dwarfs! The streets of Wroclaw are covered in hundreds of tiny figures, each of them completely unique, and as a collective they turn the city into an open-air exhibition. Their origins as an anti-communist symbol are equally fascinating, and capture the unique spirit of this brilliant city.
You can’t help but notice the dwarfs everywhere you go, and the hunt to see them all can take you to some of the city’s other main attractions.
The river Oder is a particular highlight during the summer, and it is here you’ll find the spectacular ‘Cathedral Island’ – one of the most photogenic spots in the city. If the weather isn’t on your side, the Racławice Panorama is a must-visit. This giant 19th-century painting commemorates a historic battle and is wrapped around the walls of a custom-built rotunda. It needs to be seen to be believed.
Krakow, Poland
As one of the most charming cities not only in Europe but in Poland, Krakow is a city that will steal your heart. Krakow has Europe’s largest central square dotted by hundreds of restaurants and cafes as well as pigeons and horse carriages. Perhaps unsurprisingly, central squares in Europe are common locations for pigeons to gather though many continue to be wary of people – not in Krakow however. Here, the pigeons welcome people and allow people to get very close and feed them by hand.
The center of the square has a large building called Sukiennice, once a cloth hall, currently occupied by dozens of vendors and tourists walking through looking to buy authentic Polish items. It’s a great place to find some hidden gems.
Not too far from the center is Wawel Royal Castle which has some remarkable history and also an underground area with tombs. Close by, there is also the Dragon’s Lair, a small cave found under the hill where a mythical dragon is said to have lived.
If you are hungry, you never have to look for before finding a fabulous restaurants offering local Polish cuisine for budget-friendly prices. Be sure to try pierogi or potato pancakes when in the city.
Krakow is also a good starting point for local visits to Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The later offers an amazing underground tour that should not be missed.
– Diana, Travels in Poland
Gdansk, Poland
Gdańsk, part of the tri-city area of Poland, should be on everybody’s bucket list. From the sheer beauty of the city to the history that oozes from every corner to the wealth of day trips you can do from the city itself, it’s a great option for a budget Polish city break. Affordable flights and plenty of low-cost Airbnb options mean you don’t have to spend a lot to have an amazing few days in this pretty city.
Explore Długa, the main street filled with restaurants and bars, or head to the other side of the river to enjoy seafood and ride the AmberSky Ferris wheel.
There are museums aplenty, and you can board a pirate ship and head down the river to Westerplatte, a location that was a huge part of early WW2. Now an open-air museum, you can climb up a watchtower and look out over the Baltic Sea, or explore crumbling buildings that were half-destroyed in battle.
Head to the docks and find out all about the Polish solidarity movement and Lech Walesa, and keep going a bit further out to the Energa Stadium, a football ground that is also home plenty of things to do on a rainy day. The FunArena has escape rooms, go-karting and more.
Sopot and Gdynia, the other two cities in the tri-city area, are within easy distance. They make for wonderful day trips! To put it simply, Gdańsk has it all – beauty, charm, good food and plenty of things to do.
Warsaw, Poland
An ideal long weekend getaway destination in Europe, Warsaw is the perfect city for those traveling on a budget. It offers an interesting mix of traditional and modern, attractions of all kinds, and great food and nightlife scenes, so anyone can find something to love about it.
There are plenty of things to do in Warsaw on a budget. Many attractions can be visited for free, including the Royal Castle (which offers free admission on Wednesdays), the beautiful University Library Gardens, and the Chopin Museum (which also offers free admission on Wednesdays).
You can also wander through its gorgeous old town, take unique free walking tours (like street art and Jewish history), and visit its parks without spending any money.
It’s also easy to find budget-friendly hotels or apartments in the city center and feast on hearty Polish food at ridiculous prices. Lunch at traditional diners called milk bars will only cost 10-20 PLN (about $3-$6), and a full 3-course meal at a more upscale restaurant (after which you literally can’t breathe) should not cost more than $16. Take advantage of these prices and indulge yourself in a mountain of pierogis (Polish dumplings), potato pancakes, soups, stews, and other delicious Polish dishes.
Prague, Czechia
The Czech Republic’s capital city has slowly turned into one of Europe’s best city breaks and it’s understandable why. Prague has stunning architecture, delicious dishes, tons of history and it is very affordable. If you want to surround yourself with some of Europe’s most beautiful architecture in a city that feels like a fairytale, Prague is the perfect place!
There are a lot of things to do in Prague, including visiting the world’s largest castle complex. It covers over 70,000 square meters, has a stunning castle garden and multiple buildings in both gothic and romanesque style.
But this is not the only spot in Prague where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture in the city.
Prague’s Old Town Square is another hot spot for this. On this square, you can find the famous astronomical clock. This is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest that is still working! Every hour on the hour (between 9 AM and 11 PM) you can see the statues of the apostles move around above the clock.
The city is also known for its cheap beers – and they are very proud of their beer! You simply cannot leave Prague without drinking a pint of Pilsner Urquell. In some restaurants, it’s even cheaper to order a beer compared to a glass of water. Beer being the national drink of the Czech Republic, the people of Prague have taken it even further with their beer spas. Be sure to head to Bernard Beer Spa if want bathe in beer!
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the most charming and historically enchanting capitals in Central Europe. Situated on a Danube riverbank, the capital of Hungary was made up of three different cities – Buda, Pest, and Obuda – which were unified into one that we now recognize as Budapest. While the city is mostly known for its outdoor thermal baths and extraordinary ruin bars, there is so much more the city can offer for all types of travelers.
Asides from being a low-cost destination, Budapest has it all. You can admire spectacular architectural wonders such as the Parliament building, Opera House, Fisherman’s Bastion, or the Chain’s Bridge, you can immerse yourself into wild Hungarian nightlife in Szimpla Kert or spend the day in different museums such as the House of Terror.
If you need to relax, you can always spend an afternoon in Gillert’s spa and enjoy a wonderful sunset view from Gillert’s hill. Also do not forget to get a taste of Hungarian cuisine and their famous Tokaji wine by the riverside.
The best part of Budapest is that the city is very walkable, so it saves you a bit of money. If you do need to use public transport at some point, you can get a 24-hour travel card that is only around €5 and lets you use the metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses, suburban railway lines, and even city boats.
Compared to surrounding Central European capitals, Budapest is a super affordable option for budget travelers. The prices of hotels and restaurants in the city center are a bit higher but, in general, you can spend around €25-€50 per day. This should include a comfortable hotel room (or a hostel if you prefer), all the meals of the day, and one or two attractions.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Slovakia’s capital might not be on everybody’s radar but you should definitely consider visiting Bratislava if you are looking for a budget-friendly weekend getaway in Europe. The city has a beautiful old town with lots of cute buildings and cafés.
Spend your time visiting the impressive Bratislava Castle, the blue church, or try some delicious Slovak food. The Slovak National dish is called Bryndzové Halušky, which are potato dumplings with sheep cheese usually served with bacon sprinkles on top. I can recommend the Slovak Pub for some cheap and authentic Slovak food.
When in Bratislava, also make sure to visit the nearby Devin Castle from where you can get incredible views of the Danube river. Another attraction in Bratislava is the UFO bridge and also make sure to walk up to the Slavín War Memorial. From there you can get amazing views of the whole city.
Weekend Getaways in Southern Europe
Crete, Greece
These days, a vacation in Greece tends to be expensive, but if you are looking for a great budget-friendly weekend in the country, all you have to do is head to the southern part of the Aegean Sea. The Greek island of Crete and the island’s capital Heraklion offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a fantastic couple of days without spending a fortune.
Spending a weekend in Heraklion can represent a great opportunity to explore the culture and the history of the island. Just a few kilometers from the capital, you will find the Archaeological Site of Knossos, the second most important archaeological site in Greece, only second to the Parthenon in Athens.
During the visit, you can learn about the Minoans, one of the most important ancient civilizations which dominated all over the Aegean Sea as far back as the Bronze Age.
When visiting Heraklion and the Archaeological Palace, it’s a great idea to also explore the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, located right in the center of town and exhibiting hundreds of objects found on the island, and especially in Knossos.
But not everything is just history. Heraklion is a city with plenty of restaurants, tavernas, and nightclubs where to enjoy some time. If you are a fan of swimming, you can also visit beaches such as Agia Pelagia or Ligres, only a few minutes from the center of town.
If you want to see more than Heraklion, you should get a car rental in Crete and do a road trip. Crete is full of amazing locations and you will not regret exploring them.
Italy
Italy is one of these countries you fall in love with the minute you arrive. Therefore, you usually cannot help, but to return there again and again.
And luckily the country has so many amazing places, that you will always be able to explore a new one.
Italy has some of the best weekend getaways in Europe, so be sure to check out these 7 cities, including my personal favorite Bergamo.
Read More: Affordable Weekend Trips in Italy
Spain
Most people who visit Spain for the first time end up exploring Madrid or Barcelona. However, Spain offers a lot more beyond these two cities.
The ten weekend trip destinations on this list are all worth a trip. So be sure to plan one or many trips to Spain so you can explore all of them.
Read More: Great Weekend Trips in Spain
Portugal
Fantastic coastline, beaches, vibrant cities, and great food – all of these things can be found in Portugal. Lisbon is a popular choice when planning a trip, but there are many more places to see. The best options for a short trip include Faro, Evora, and Penich.
Read More: Budget-friendly Short Trips in Portugal
Short Trips in Western Europe
Annecy, France
Annecy is well known as being the “Venice of France”. This small city is located in southeastern France nestled in the alps between Lyon and Geneva. It has ample charm and stunning views, making it an ideal stop during a trip to France or as a day trip from Lyon or Switzerland. Canals wind through the city, with cafes and shops dotted along the sides. The canals then lead to the most stunning alpine lake called Lake Annecy.
To make the most of your time in Annecy, you will definitely need to get out on the lake in the summer and paddle boat or swim. With mountain views from the lake you could spend a lot of time just taking in the scenery.
Other incredible things to do include visiting the Annecy Castle Museum, exploring the gorgeous Palais de L’Isle (which was a former palace, then prison, and now art museum) located in the Thiou Canal, taking a hike up Mont Veyrier, and, being an alpine city, eating all the cheesy, gooey things!
Annecy is a gem in France that few get to visit, but it is well worth your time to see! It is also very walkable and easy to get to via train from Lyon or Geneva. With affordable things to do, delicious alpine cuisine, and charming canals, a visit to Annecy is a budget European destination you never knew you needed to visit.
Carcasonne, France
Carcassonne is a historic city deep in the southwest of France, famous for La Cite, the renovated medieval citadel. Home to many battles and a chequered history, La Cite was renovated in the seventies and is now a must-visit on any trip in southwest France.
For the budget-conscious, La Cite is free to enter and you can wander to your heart’s content, heading for the big well, the oldest in La Cite and rumored hiding place of the Visigoth treasure. Stop for a beer though, or enter the chapels and certain parts of the castle and you will have spent quite a few euros before you even realize it!
Another great way to see the citadel for free and at its best is to take a walk around the outside, where you will find fewer people and some great views.
For a more authentic French experience visit the new town, known as la ville basse and enjoy the wonderful Saturday morning farmers market in Place Carnot, surrounded by bistros and bars where breakfast or a beer won’t cost the earth!
Head for the Aude, the clear sparkling river which runs through Carcassonne from the Pyrenees, on its way to the Mediterranean. The bridges are fascinating, some of them very old and you will pass through vineyards and pretty woodlands as you stroll.
Condom, France
The town of Condom and the surrounding area of what used to be called Gascony offer pristine rolling hills, picturesque villages, and delicious local dishes, all with very few tourists to share with. And, as an added bonus, most of the best things to see and do are free or close to it!
As one of the larger towns of the area, Condom makes a good base for lodging. Among its historic sites, the ornately carved 14th-century Cathedral Saint-Pierre and its cloisters stand out as the highlight. However, a quick 10-minute drive will take you to the even more impressive Flaran Abbey, which also houses a collection of important artworks.
You can reach three of France’s Most Beautiful Villages (there’s an official list) within a 15-minute drive of Condom: Montreal-du-Gers, Fources, and Larressingle. Stroll through each of these beauties and discover what earned them their place on this prestigious list.
The charming village square of Fources flaunts large trees, lush green grass, colorful flower boxes, and quaint arcade houses that circle the central plaza. In Montreal-du-Gers, visit the 4th-century Gallo-Roman Villa de Seviac and marvel at the mosaics. Larressingle, complete with a moat, church, and ruined castle, has the title of France’s smallest fortified city. Although it is small, it may be the most beautiful of these 3 villages. Budget time to linger at one of the 3 local restaurants and enjoy the local specialties.
These specialties include some of France’s best-known dishes, such as duck confit and foie gras, and you will be greatly relieved at the affordability of this gourmet fare perfectly paired with local wine. Although vineyards dot the hillside, Armagnac reigns king here. Be sure to enjoy a glass after dinner or visit the Armagnac Museum.
Jura Mountains, France
Within sight of the French Alps, where an Alpine vacation tends to be expensive, lies an older but smaller mountain range called the Jura. It is a more unusual French destination where prices are more modest, local food is delicious, and there’s plenty of fun in both summer and winter.
Given the difference in height, the activities are a little different. The highest peak in the Alps is 4800 meters, while the highest point in the Jura is just over 1700 meters. So while you will experience black downhill skiing runs in the Alps, you will be slipping on your cross-country skis for the Jura’s more than 1000km of trails.
In winter, apart from cross-country skiing, you can go snowshoeing and dog sledding. And while the runs are shorter than in the Alp, you can also go downhill skiing.
The après-ski is also fun, especially when it involves local products like Mont-d’Or cheese, one of the great culinary experiences of the Jura. The cheese comes surrounded by a thin strip of wood and is usually eaten hot and melted, by twirling potatoes inside.
In summer, this is a hiking paradise, with some of France’s most spectacular hikes. Furthermore, the Jura is dotted with lakes so everything from swimming to kayaking can help break the heat of summer. The Jura is also rife with grottoes and caves to explore, and mountaintops off which to base jump.
There’s no question this is a paradise for nature lovers, but while there are expert-level tracks and trails, beginners are welcome and there is an easy version of every activity.
The gateway to the Jura is across the border, in Switzerland. From Geneva, you can reach the mountains by car in half an hour. By train, Geneva will do, as will Bellegarde-sur-Valserine in France.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is known as being one of the most affordable cities in the UK while also being an exciting city to explore when it comes to culture, architecture, and nightlife. As it is a small city, Belfast can be explored fairly extensively during a weekend trip. Hereby, the Belfast Hop on Hop off is the most convenient way to get around between these tourist attractions in Belfast.
Many of the main tourist attractions in Belfast City Centre are also free including the Ulster Museum at the Botanical Gardens, and the City Hall found smack in the center of the city.
You can also visit the Titanic Quarter, a massive open-air museum commemorating the docks where the Titanic was originally built, free of charge.
Other activities and places not to be missed during your trip include strolling along the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter and along the serene riverside of the Lagan River.
In the evenings, the bars are hard to beat when it comes to local banter (or craic as it’s called here). After all, Belfast has some of the oldest and most homely pubs in all of Ireland.
Rye, United Kingdom
Rye in East Sussex is a charming town and is an ideal option for a budget-friendly weekend getaway in the UK. Only around 2 hours from London by car or train, this ancient medieval town sits near the coast and is rich with history dating back to the mid-1200s. The town’s labyrinth of cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings are enchanting, and a weekend can easily be spent navigating the historic streets that look as though they are straight out of a child’s fairy tale.
There are plenty of things to do on a budget, from a visit to the Rye Town Model for some town history portrayed through a sound and light show of a miniature version of the town, and the Rye Castle Museum for some interesting facts about the town and artifacts spanning over past centuries.
You can also visit Ypres Tower, which dates back to the 1200s and was involved in defense and trade before being used a prison, or climb the church tower at St Mary’s Cathedral on clear days for sweeping views of the rooftops of Rye and beyond.
There are numerous places to enjoy a drink or bite to eat in Rye. Some popular stops are Marino’s Fish Bar for proper fish and chips and great value. Order it for takeaway and enjoy it by the River Brede. If you are looking for a unique place to stop for a pint, the Rye Waterworks is a cozy place to visit and is popular with locals. It was once a pump house, soup kitchen, then public toilets, and is now an award-winning micropub!
Rye is a place to visit and doesn’t require a lot of expense to enjoy. You will leave this tiny town feeling enchanted and yearning to return.
Luxembourg
Don’t let the “lux” in Luxembourg fool you – this quaint little country can be a very budget-friendly weekend destination! The country is packed with beautiful castles, and with admission fees under 10€ per person, they are not expensive to visit. Museums are surprisingly inexpensive as well. For example, the permanent exhibits at the National Museum of History and Art are free, while access to their temporary exhibits is only €7.
If you are planning to visit more than two attractions, buying the Luxembourg Card is your best bet. You can purchase a 1, 2, or 3-day card, which gets you free access to over 60 museums, castles, and other attractions.
The country is also a nice option if you are looking for a more outdoor-centric weekend trip in Europe. There are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty all across the country. My favorite hiking trail is Mullerthal Trail.
Budget-friendly Destinations in Eastern Europe
Tallinn, Estonia
If you want to go away for a weekend without breaking the bank, Estonia’s capital Tallinn is another great option. With its many towers, cobblestone streets, and red-tiled roofs, this city looks as if it came straight out of a fairy tale and makes for an ideal city break regardless of the season.
The first thing you should do after arriving in Tallinn is going for a walk through the Old Town. Make sure to stop by the Town Hall Square where you will find the Tallinn Town Hall and the the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Tallinn’s historic center is surrounded by a city wall, so be sure to walk alongside it to see its towers including the round Kiek in de Kök, that now houses the fortification museum.
If you want to visit the town’s best viewpoints, go up to Toompea Hill. Back in the days, the upper class lived here, where they could, literally, look down on the workers below. Today, it is where you will find the city’s best viewpoints, as well as a beautiful Orthodox cathedral.
If you are looking for a different experience, the NUKU Museum of Puppet Arts is ideal for you. Here, you can, spend a few hours getting creative by creating your own stage, and playing with puppets.
While in Tallinn, make sure to try some Estonian food. You will find many restaurants offering traditional and modern Estonian cuisine around the Old Town. The III Draakon, just by the Town Hall, is a great place to try elk meat for only a few Euros.
Riga, Latvia
Riga is a small and charming UNESCO World Heritage site city and the capital city of Latvia. There are heaps of fun things to do in Riga that are free or inexpensive, which makes it a great wallet-friendly destination and perfect for a cheap weekend away.
Highlights include soaking up the cobbled streets and numerous squares of the old town, whilst checking out magnificent old buildings such as the Riga Blackheads and the three brothers (or join one of the many free walking tours to learn more about Riga’s history).
As Riga is a fairly compact city, you will be able to explore a lot of the old town on foot meaning you don’t even have to take the public transport to get to the major attractions.
After the sun sets head to one of Riga’s most popular nightlife venues – Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs. Food and drink in this basement bar are super cheap and there is live music several nights a week. We recommend ordering the 5 euro beer platter to accompany your drink – it comes with delicious dark garlic bread and is very popular with locals.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Like the other two Baltic capital cities, Vilnius is a great destination for a budget-friendly weekend trip in Europe. There are plenty of things to do in this city, but you certainly should not skip St Anne’s Church, the Vilnius Cathedral, and the Gedmina’s Tower.
You will also want to visit the Baltic Way Monument. The monument pays tribute to the two million people formed a 675.5 km long human chain through the three capital cities of the Baltic states in 1989. It was a protest against the Soviet occupation which lasted until 1990. Be sure to visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights to learn more about this time of occupation and the battle to re-gain independence.
For great places to eat, head through the gates of dawn and down Ausros Vartai. Along this street, you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can find local bites to eat.
Once you have explored the city, it is time to head across the bridge to the Republic of Užupis. While technically a district of Vilnius, Užupis declared its independence in April 1997 and now has its own government, currency, anthem, and constitution.
With a size of only 0.6 km², it is one of the smallest republics in the world. When entering the area, you can pass through border control (tourist information) and get an entry stamp. Please do yourself a favor and do not have them stamp your actual passport as these semi-official souvenir stamps invalidate your passport and can lead to problems when you travel outside of Europe.
Weekend Escapes in Southeastern Europe
Previously, this article also recommended two cities in Ukraine, but given the ongoing war, it is currently not a good idea to travel there. For that reason, I have temporarily removed the recommendations. Once the war is finally over, the country will once again be a great destination for weekend trips in Europe.
The Balkans
The countries of the Balkan offer a lot and while many would not consider them when planning incredible weekend getaways in Europe, these 11 destinations should definitely be on your list.
Explore the more commonly known cities like Sofia, Split, or Zagreb. Or plan an adventure to the hidden gems of the Balkan like Kotor.
Read More: Amazing Weekend Getaways in the Balkans
Hopefully, this list of incredible weekend getaways will have helped you determine where to go next. And chances are, that you also added several cities in Europe to your future trip list.
Let me know which one of these cities you have already explored and which one you will explore next!
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Wow! What a list! And the pictures just add to the experience. Great post!
Great post! Although I live in Western Canada and wouldn’t just come to Europe for a weekend, you’ve given me lots of new places to add to my Travel Bucket List. Thanks for sharing.