Weekend in Europe: 15 European cities to visit in 3 days

Europe is dotted with dozens of interesting cities that differ in architecture, style and cost of living. Not all of them, however, are metropolises like London and Berlin: some are small enough to be visited in just a few days, allowing travellers small escapes from their daily routine. From the sun-drenched cities of the south to the castles of central Europe and the capital cities of the north, every traveller can find his or her ideal next stop in this concise guide.

1 - Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam is an astonishing city in the Netherlands: it suffered severe damage during World War II, and has reinvented its identity by becoming the cradle of experimental artists, becoming a destination for young people in particular. With its contemporary architecture, it differs from other European capitals in a clear-cut way: no castles and royal palaces, but skyscrapers, modern bridges, cubist-designed houses and a vibrant nightlife.

Very interesting in this respect is the Church of St Laurens, one of the few historical buildings still standing, albeit damaged. For the rest, the symbols of the city's contemporary, futurist architecture are Piet Blom's Cubic Houses, the Erasmusbrug Bridge that connects the old city centre with the new business district Kop van Zuid, and the Euromast Tower, an icon of the city for more than 50 years. At 186 m high, there is a viewing platform offering a 360° view of the city, complete with glass lifts.
Of course, don't miss the Markthal, Holland's first covered market, shaped like a horseshoe, a unique structure.

• Best time to visit: The weather is better in summer and you can also attend the summer carnival and the World Harbour Days, a festival celebrating Rotterdam's historical importance as a European port.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €69.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €296.00

2 - Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital is the ideal destination for lovers of history, castles but also nightlife.
The city and its surroundings are home to numerous castles, all of which are well preserved. Among them, don't miss Kronborg, Hamlet's castle, and Amaliensborg, the Queen's winter residence and the most important example of Danish Rococo architecture.
Choose Copenhagen if you want to take a break from urban stress, as the streets here are mainly frequented by bicycles, and in the harbour area you can admire the many colours of the houses overlooking the canals for a romantic sunset stroll.
Of course, a weekend in such interesting and rich cities may not sound like much, but among the must-do activities we recommend a little canal cruise and... yes, a day at the Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park!
Among the city's other attractions, the Statue of the Little Mermaid and the free city of Christiania, an autonomous community right inside the city, deserve special mention.

• Best time to visit: In summer, in July and August, both for the milder temperatures and for the many events organised in the city, including the Aalborg Carnival.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €74.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €300.00

3 - Krakow, Poland

Although Warsaw is the capital, it is Krakow, the city of Pope John Paul II, that holds the record for the most tourists in Poland. The reasons are quickly stated: it is a city not too big but rich in culture, which also bears witness to one of the darkest periods in history. In fact, it is here that the factory of Schindler, the German entrepreneur who saved over a thousand Jews from the holocaust, is located.
From Krakow, a visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp, about 60 km away, is a must.
The advice is to devote an entire day to excursions outside the city, because in addition to Auschwitz, not to be missed is anexcursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, an incredible underground salt cathedral with extraordinary routes.
Krakow, however, is more than just this: it is a city chosen by many students, thanks also to its low costs, which comes alive particularly for the Christmas holidays.

• Best time of year: It can be enjoyed at any time of year. For Christmas lovers, December is absolutely recommended, when the city is coloured by the typical seasonal markets.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €50.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €300.00

4 - Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the perfect destination for fans of myths and magic. Located in the heart of Continental Europe, the city has its roots in legends of monsters and ghosts. The most famous is that of the Golem, an animated clay monster created by Rabbi Loew to defend the city from persecution. That is why one of the most original ways to discover it is through a tour of ghosts and legends.
Prague is also known as the city of a hundred towers, due to the numerous Baroque and Gothic buildings in the historical centre.

Unmissable activities and attractions in a weekend? Starting, of course, with the Prague Castle complex, which also includes the Old Royal Palace and St Vitus Cathedral. Malá Strana is the area of the city rebuilt after the great fire of 1541, with a Renaissance and Baroque appearance. Then take a walk on the Charles Bridge, a true icon of Prague, but don't forget to visit the Jewish Ghetto, the Josefov, and the Old Cemetery, a truly atmospheric place.

• Best time: Late spring, in May and June. The internationally renowned Prague Spring music festival is also held until early June.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €48.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €176.00

5 - Dublin, Ireland

Ireland's capital city is located on the country's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey. The city centre is small enough that it doesn't take too many days to visit: in a single weekend walk you'll see all the main attractions, from the Norman castle to the Guinness brewery, Ireland's favourite national beer. Don't miss the Old Library inside Trinity College, where you can relive the enchanted atmosphere of Harry Potter's school of magic.

Other attractions not to be missed are Temple Bar, surely the liveliest area of the city, with its pubs, restaurants, clubs, exhibitions and theatres. On a weekend you can also see St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle and the old Kilmainham Gaol. And even if you're not a beer lover, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse is still a piece of the city's history!
Even though a weekend may not seem like much, try to carve out at least half a day for a tour to the Cliffs of Moher, an impressive site with cliffs over 200 metres high overhanging the sea, which also inspired the film'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'.

• Best time: Mid-May to mid-September, to avoid the rainiest periods.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €64.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €298.00

6 - Nice, France

Nice is called the pearl of the Côte d'Azur. Located in the south of France, just a short distance from the Italian border, it is one of the most visited cities in the country. The city was already chosen as a chic holiday destination by the 19th century Russian elites, who spent their winters there in search of a more pleasant climate. Since then, Nice has evolved to become a tourist-friendly city. From its shopping streets, seafood bistros and numerous seaside itineraries, it is ideal for a relaxing Mediterranean holiday.

A stroll along the 7-km-long Promenade des Anglais, which runs along Nice's picturesque sea and reaches as far as the airport, isnot to be missed on a weekend. In the old town, Vieux Nice, you will encounter historical buildings such as the Palais Lascaris and the Sainte-Reparate Cathedral, while narrow alleys open onto the beautiful Cours Saleya, the city's liveliest square. But the most famous square in Nice is Place Massena, where the Fountain of the Sun dominates with its statue of Apollo.
But if you are here in the summertime... think about taking a dip in the sea of the Côte d'Azur!
SEE ALSO: Nice 3-day itinerary

• Best time of year: It is best to visit in the summer months, from June to September, when the sea is warm enough for swimming.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €68.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €216.00

7 - Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and home to the European Parliament. A great choice for those who are fed up with the more crowded European capitals and want an equally interesting but less crowded destination to visit in peace. However, do not choose Brussels if you are on a diet: the city's most famous products are chocolate, beer and Chips- temptations that will be impossible to resist!

Attractions not to be missed include the Manneken Pis, Grand Place, the Atomium, the Sablon district, the Magritte Museum and the Cinquantenaire Park.
SEE ALSO: Brussels 3-day itinerary

• Best time of year: Any time of year.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €80.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €240.00

8 - Geneva, Switzerland

Known as the world's smallest metropolis, Geneva is a small but immensely valuable Swiss gem, for which it has been voted one of Europe's most liveable cities. It overlooks the shores of Lake Geneva and is home to major human rights institutions, such as the Red Cross, the United Nations and Unicef, testifying to Switzerland's great tradition of peace and neutrality in conflicts.

It offers noteworthy attractions such as the Palais des Nations, the Old Town, the CERN nuclear research laboratory, St Peter's Cathedral and the iconic Jet d'eau.
SEE ALSO: Geneva in 3 days itinerary

• Best time: June to September, to avoid the spring rains.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €62.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €234.00

9 - Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal's capital city lies in the south of the country, overlooking the sea. It retains the colours and melancholy typical of southern European seaside cities, but there's no shortage of entertainment and cultural itineraries. It is your ideal destination if you love cod: it is prepared here in many different recipes, one for each day of the year, according to the Portuguese. Lisbon is located on a steep hilly terrain, so don't forget to bring comfortable shoes!

The symbol of the city is definitely the Tower of Belèm, but this is not the only marvel to be admired. The beauty of Lisbon is especially in its neighbourhoods: Chiado, Alfama, Bairro Alto. The advice is to discover them through a tour of history, stories and daily life, to experience the soul of the city through the alleys, iconic places and traditions of the locals. And don' t miss a ride on the iconic tram 28, the historic line that allows you to visit the entire Alfama district.

• Best time: Spring, from April to June. You will avoid the torrid heat of the summer months and have the opportunity to attend the Belèm Music Festival.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €48.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €162.00

10 - Munich

Munich is Germany's third largest city, capital of the Länder of the same name in the south of the country. Despite being an important commercial hub, Munich does not reflect the stereotype of a cold and austere German city: the people here are jovial and welcoming, and indeed many Italians choose to stay and live here. You will realise this on an evening at theHofbräuhaus, the city's most famous (and huge) beer hall where excellent beer is accompanied by folk music and tasty pretzels.

But Munich and Bavaria in general are also a land of castles! Not to be missed are those of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau: just think that the former (Neuschwanstein) inspired a Disney drawing! In Munich itself, there is the Nymphenburg, the court summer residence, which houses one of the most beautiful art collections in Europe.
Special attractions in Munich include Marienplatz, the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), the Peterskirche church and the English Garden. If you manage to carve out half a day on your weekend, also take anexcursion to the Dachau Concentration Camp, just 20 km away.
SEE ALSO: Munich 3-day itinerary

• Best time: Plan your holiday in late September or early October, when the cold is not yet too biting and the city comes alive for the famous Oktoberfest

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €67.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €266.00

11 - Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden's capital city sits on a vast archipelago of 14 islands in the Baltic Sea. Each island is different: from the cobbled streets of the old town of Gamla Stan to contemporary neighbourhoods characterised by glass and steel buildings. It is one of the most expensive capitals in Europe, but fortunately it is possible to visit it entirely in a few days without increasing the travel budget too much.

Highlights include the Town Hall (Stadshuset), the Vasa Museum, built from an old vessel, Drottningholm Castle and the open-air museum Skansen.
SEE ALSO: Stockholm 3-day itinerary

• Best time of year: In May and June you will avoid the harsh winter temperatures and at the same time not incur the high costs of the summer season.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €71.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €226.00

12 - Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is thecapital of Hungary, born from the union of Buda and Pest, on the Danube River. The city has grown in popularity in recent years, partly due to its very affordable prices, but it is above all its architectural beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. At the crossroads of East and West, Islamic, Jewish, Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture mix in Budapest. The Royal Palace, the Fishermen's Bastion, the extraordinary Parliament overlooking the Danube...
Don't forget to pack a swimming costume: Budapest has many thermal springs, some of the most beautiful in Europe!

Don't forget to visit the Statue Park, the Széchenyi thermal baths, Margaret Island and of course the Buda and Pest districts.
SEE ALSO: Budapest 3-day itinerary

• Best time: In spring you can attend the Budapest Spring Festival, twenty days dedicated to Hungarian music and ballet.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €152.00

13 - Barcelona, Spain

The Catalan capital is one of the Mediterranean's best-loved cities for its mild climate, bubbling nightlife and unique architecture. It is home to the works of Antoni Gaudí, who dotted the city with buildings in sinuous, dreamlike shapes reminiscent of the sea. So plan your visits in advance by buying tickets online to avoid long queues- Barcelona's monuments are always crowded!

Pointing out Barcelona's main attractions is a feat, as the city is literally full of memorable sights. But if you only have 3 days to spare, don't forget to visit the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, the Gothic Quarter, Parc Güell and La Rambla.
SEE ALSO: Barcelona Itinerary in 3 days

• Best time of year: Choose the spring or summer months if you also intend to take advantage of the nearby sea.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €48.50 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €164.00

14 - Vienna, Austria

Vienna is the perfect city for those who adore romantic atmospheres. It was the city that brought Mozart and Strauss eternal glory, and is still the European benchmark for classical music with its prestigious philharmonic.
Vienna is also the city of Princess Sissi, the sad empress who entered the hearts of generations of little girls. The Austrian capital is at its best in winter, with its wonderful Christmas markets and the smell of mulled wine wafting through the streets along with Christmas carols.

On your weekend trip to Vienna, don't miss Schönbrunn, St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, Belvedere Palace and the Prater amusement park.
SEE ALSO: Vienna 3-day itinerary

• Best time to visit: Vienna's winters can be rather harsh, but it's worth it to enjoy the magical Christmas atmosphere that permeates the city in December.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €51.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €168.00

15 - Oslo, Norway

Norway's capital, on the country's south coast, is a perfect blend of modernity and nature, making it one of the world's greenest cities, a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Retrace the footsteps of the Vikings in the maritime museum and enjoy classical music in the opera house the city prides itself on, hosting thousands of concerts every year.

Highlights include the Akershus fortress, the aforementioned Viking ship museum, the Munch museum, Vigeland Park and Our Saviour's Cathedral.
But the real must-see in Oslo is the scenic cruise through the fjords, these deep inlets that cut through pristine landscapes, between steep walls of green, small archipelagos and cute, colourful summer homes.

• Best time: May and June, with moderately cold temperatures and less precipitation than average.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €80.00 per room

• Flight + hotel: 3 days/2 nights from €414.00

More ideas for a weekend in Europe

• Where to go in winter: even in the cold season you can relax and indulge in sports, wellness and cultural excursions, here's where to go on holiday in winter and the best Christmas destinations in Europe.

• Where to go in spring: culture, history and breathtaking natural landscapes await you in the best spring destinations in the 'Old Continent'.

• Where to go insummer: summer is perfect for getting to know European cities and capitals, take the opportunity to visit Europe's most beautiful capitals; and for those on a budget, here are the cheapest European cities!

• Where to go in autumn: for a romantic weekend in autumn, here's where to go in September, October, November.

• Familydestinations: holiday for the whole family? Here are the best European destinations to visit with children

• Destinations for young people: for an unforgettable trip full of wild fun, here are the European cities with the best nightlife.

• Romantic destinations: a romantic getaway is just what you need, for you to choose the right destination! Here are the most romantic cities in Europe.