Although London has a lot to offer both to visitors and residents, just occasionally we all need a break from the hustle and bustle of the capital and a chance to enjoy a slightly slower pace of life.
With handy airports surrounding the city, it’s possible to find some of the cheapest flights to all sorts of great destinations so why not take advantage of our proximity to Europe with some exciting weekend getaways.
Lisbon
Portugal’s picturesque capital is packed with historic sights, winding alleys and great views. Although it is a major city, life here still feels a little bit slower.
Take your time enjoying a coffee on one of the city’s many terraces before heading to a nearby beach to soak up some Iberian sun or just spend a couple of days wondering round the maze of streets in one of Europe’s oldest capitals.
Berlin
Though spread out over many different districts, it’s pretty easy to get a good idea of what Berlin has to offer in a long weekend. Begin by renting a bike and exploring the city’s many cycle ways and parks before finding a canal-side café in Kreuzberg and watching the world go by.
On Sundays, flea markets can be found across the city, with the best located in Mauerpark and Boxhagener Platz.
Krakow
Steeped in history and full of beautiful buildings, the centre of Krakow is compact enough to explore on foot and easily manageable in a couple of days.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the local food which, though a little heavy, is truly delicious.
Barcelona
Offering culture, shopping, gastronomy, nightlife and great architecture, plus easy to reach beaches, Barcelona truly has something for everyone.
Get a great view of the city from the heights of Park Güell which is packed with stunning pieces of sculpture and architecture designed by famous Catalan Antoni Gaudi.
South of France
From the glamour of Nice and Monaco to the charms of Avignon and Carcassonne, the South of France has enough to keep even the most intrepid traveller happy. Though it’s not possible to see it all in a single weekend, you can still have a fantastic few days exploring any one of these destinations.
With so many great destinations on our doorstep there’s no excuse for staying at home this weekend. So pack your bags, book some flights and get exploring!