Ireland

There’s nothing like a change of scenery to reinvigorate you for the challenges ahead. Weekend breaks take minimal planning and best of all you can easily find low cost flights and rely on hand luggage alone. Whether you plan to live it up in another city or just have a couple of days to recharge the batteries, here’s a selection of Europe’s best weekend breaks.

Paris, France

Notre Dame Cathedral and River Seine - Photo: marathoniano

Paris makes it into every ‘best of travel’ list and with good reason. The city is unlike anywhere else in the world, and has unrivalled food, fashion and art all within easy reach. In Paris even the smallest brasseries serve sumptuous food (as long as you avoid the tourist traps). Just walk along the River Seine until your legs give out on you and enjoy.

Dublin, Ireland

Christ Church Cathedral - Photo: etrusia_uk

One of the most vibrant cities in Europe, its relatively small size means that a Dublin weekend break is very manageable. Considering that the weather will probably be rainy, your first stop should be to the Guinness storehouse where you learn how Ireland’s most famous drink is made. Also be sure to stop into the Old Library at Trinity Dublin College and catch a sight of the awesome illustrations in the Book of Kells.

Barcelona, Spain

Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell - Photo: MorBCN

Barcelona is the place to be at the moment and the city is riding high on the exploits of their spectacular football team. Take a tour bus which goes around the city and when its stops at the Camp Nou stadium you can purchase tickets to one of the world’s biggest stadiums. There is much to see and do in Barcelona but walking along La Rambla towards the beach is a pretty good place to start.

Vienna, Austria

Schönbrunn Palace - Photo: Sunny

Vienna is stunningly beautiful but there’s not too much sightseeing to do which makes for the ultimate relaxing weekend break. Walking past the impressive Habsburg Palace will give you an appetite for the amazing range of cakes and pastries served in the glamorous old coffeehouses dotted around the city. For the ultimate culinary experience visit the Naschmarkt where it’s possible to eat every conceivable type of local and international cuisine.

Venice, Italy

One of the many beautiful canals in Venice - Photo: MorBCN

No more than one weekend is necessary in Venice; this crazy canal city starts to feel claustrophobic after a while anyway. Yet nothing will prepare you for your first view of Venice, as incredibly intricate buildings rise out of the sparkling blue waters. Visitors to Venice will be forgiven for thinking they are on a movie set, it just doesn’t seem possible that anyone could live in such an outlandishly beautiful place.

Newquay, Cornwall

Surfing in Newquay - Photo: roobottom

Lush green fields, chalk white cliffs, gaping bays and excellent surf all combine to make Newquay the British summer destination. Whether you choose to camp, stay in a bed and breakfast or look for a boutique hotel, all the accommodation options are delightful. And nothing will lift your spirits quite as much as seeing how the English react to a bit of sunshine!

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