Looking for a few days off? Escape from your routine? Then it’s time to discover the magic of city breaks. You only need a day or two of vacation and you will experience almost as much as you would in a whole week. What is a city break and where to spend it?
What is a city break?
A city break is a short trip to a city, during which you get to know the local attractions, food and atmosphere. It usually lasts 2-4 days – it is also called a Euro weekend, which is most often spent as part of a long weekend, holiday or vacation. But you can, of course, go at any time of the week.
Why are city breaks popular?
- Save time on your vacation: You don’t need to take two weeks off to experience new things. Even a few days in a new environment can do wonders.
- Availability: With cheap flights and accommodation deals, you can make this trip affordable.
- Minimal hassle: All you need is a carry-on bag. Less stuff means less stress at airport security. Check it out, how I travel with small carry-on luggage.
- A wealth of experiences: Every day is filled with new sensations – from visiting a famous gallery to discovering street food and taking an evening stroll along the illuminated promenade. There is always something interesting to find for yourself.
Cities that are perfect for a Euro weekend
These are primarily cities where low-cost airlines Ryanair, WizzAir, EasuJet, SkyUp fly from various cities and countries in Europe. Because of this, the flight will be inexpensive, and you can always find a hotel on Booking.com.
1. Venice: Walking along bridges and colorful islands
Venice is a wonderful city-museum that is beautiful at any time of the year. I was here in the summer, but my dream is to get to Venice in the winter – to see the carnival, and even better in December – to walk around the city without large crowds and definitely settle in Venice to see the dawns in the fog and the evening lights.
I advise you not to combine Venice with other cities, but to spend all your days on it. Because leisureliness and calm observation of the rhythm of the city are important. Give yourself time to sit at the bar with a cup of coffee, or order an Aperol spritz and small sandwiches – cicchetti. Taste Venice – it is incredible!
And also plan a trip to the islands – Murano and Burano. They can be combined into a one-day trip on the vaporetto – public water transport that runs between the islands of the Venetian lagoon. Even in bad weather, the bright houses on Burano will impress you no less than Venice itself. And on Murano you can see how Murano glass is made, and even buy yourself some souvenirs to remember this wonderful trip.
What to see in Venice in three days:
- A walk along the canals on the vaporetto: from Piazza San Marco to Rialto, looking at the facades of ancient palazzos, looking into the cozy streets of the islands.
- Plan a visit to the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica and the Campanile – the tower on Piazza San Marco, the Ponte dei Sospiri bridge – this is an absolute classic of a trip to Venice.
- Evening atmosphere: when there are fewer tourists, the canal sparkles in the twilight.
- Try seafood in a small restaurant on the islands.
- If you want to ride a gondola, be prepared to pay about 100 euros for a walk along the canals of Venice. But there is a cheaper way – a public gondola for several people for 2€ – traghetto, which you can swim across the Grand Canal (standing).
Tips: Venice takes the taxes for a visit, in some days in the high season.
How to get to/from Venice Airport (VCE – Venice Marco Polo):
- How to get to VeniceandMestre:
Where to stay in Venice:
Life hack: Book accommodation closer to the center (to spend less time traveling), come very early or late when the crowds are smaller. More details on choosing accommodation: Venice – where is the best place for tourists to stay?
- Corte Barozzi Venice Suites≫ – Great location, surrounded by lots of shops and restaurants. Rooms are clean and spacious. Despite being in the central San Marco area, the hotel is in a quiet area. The location was a 5 minute walk from Piazza San Marco and within walking distance of all the main sights in Venice.
- Rigoletto Charm≫ – The B&B is in a great location. It’s just a few minutes walk from Venezia Santa Lucia Station and there are plenty of restaurants nearby. The rooms are spacious and spotless. It’s also incredibly quiet, with no street noise at all.
- Hotel Pausania≫ – Charming, small, old-fashioned hotel. Good location in the local area within walking distance of tourist attractions. Friendly, helpful staff with a good breakfast buffet and small but functional rooms.
2. Paris: observation decks, tower and Seine embankment
In Paris, everyone heads to the Eiffel Tower. It’s a classic that will leave you with an unforgettable experience. But I’ll never forget how amazed I was by Montmartre with its narrow streets, mills and real vineyards in the middle of the city. And the view of the whole of Paris is like the palm of your hand, and you’ll enjoy the view even more, for example, of the Eiffel Tower.
What to see in Paris in three days:
The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and Montmartre are must-sees in Paris. So, it’s best to break your itinerary into the following parts:
- Day 1: Eiffel Tower + Champs-Elysees, then Louvre Museum (or outside) + walk along the Seine.
- Day 2: Montmartre district (Sacré-Coeur, artists, city view) + Latin Quarter.
- Day 3: Luxembourg Gardens, markets, cafes – feel “like a Parisian”. And in the evening – walk along the Champs-Élysées or cruise on the Seine.
Also, enjoy a magnificent view of Paris from the roof of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store. It is free to access and offers the best view of the city.
If you are interested in alternative art, visit the former foundry to see the paintings at the Atelier des Lumières. With the help of impressive digital projections, the walls of the foundry are transformed into moving works of famous artists that truly come to life. A wonderful experience that will amaze you.
Life hack: The metro covers the city very well, buy a card or a “10 tickets” at a discount and explore the city and its different districts. Also plan a trip to Versailles or the Fontainebleau forest.
How to get from/to Paris airports:
Paris has three airports. The main airport in Paris is Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) is also international, but specializes more in domestic flights. The low-cost airport is Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA) and is the farthest airport from Paris.
How to get to Charles de Gaulle Airport:
- The cheapest way to get to the airport is by city bus No. 350 for 2.15 euros – the journey takes 90 minutes.
- The fastest way is to take the RER train on line B to the Gare du Nord. Boarding is at the Roissypole station near terminals 2 and 3. Trains run every 10 minutes from 4:50 to 23:40. The ticket price is €11.8, children under 4 years old are free. Tickets are sold in vending machines and ticket offices (the latter only during the day). In the vending machine, select Ticket to Paris from the menu, payment only in cash.
- Alternative – the Roissybus bus will take you to the Opera de Paris for 16.5 euros – the journey takes 60-70 minutes.
How to get to Paris-Orly Airport:
- The cheapest option to get to Paris-Orly Airport is by tram number 7 for 2.15 euros. Travel time up to 70 minutes from the city center. Runs between Villejuif-Louis Aragon and Orly Airport
- The fastest way is by express bus OrlyBus for 11.5 euros and 20-30 minutes on the way.
- An alternative is Orlyval, an automatic tram between RER B station and Orly Airport. Costs 11 euros, travel time is 6 minutes.
How to get to Paris-Beauvais Airport:
- An alternative way is to take a train from Beauvais station, which can be reached in 15 minutes by bus No. 6 and No. 4 – 1 Euro. Schedule on the website oise-mobilite.fr. The train goes to the Paris Gare du Nord station. Travel time is 1.5 hours, a one-way ticket costs from 15 Euros. Tickets on the website of the France trainlines.
- The cheapest and fastest way is the shuttle bus, the schedule of which coincides with the flight schedule. The bus usually leaves half an hour after the plane lands. Bus fare: ticket purchased at the bus stop 34 Euros round trip; ticket purchased on the website aeroportparisbeauvais.com – 29.9 Euros round trip. Travel time – 1 hour 15 minutes. Buses to the airport depart from the Porte Maillot station in Paris, which is located in close proximity to the RER train station of the same name – line C, and metro line 1.
Where to stay in Paris:
- ibis Styles Paris Eiffel Cambronne – Hotel in the center of Paris, 15th arrondissement, everything is nearby, including the Eiffel Tower. The rooms are small in size, but bright and clean. The price for this city is simply amazing!
- Hôtel de l’Exposition – Tour Eiffel – The location is great. Near the metro, shop, cafe and the main tower is located ten minutes from the hotel. Every morning you can go down and have a delicious breakfast. (Not expensive) Very friendly staff. Everything is very clean and cozy.
- Le secret du Moulin – Good location in Pigalle. Great for getting around, just a few steps from the beautiful Montmartre and Moulin Rouge. The apartment is very nice and welcoming and the host is very helpful, there is tea, coffee, plenty of towels and it is very clean.
3. Rome: Vatican, Baths of Caracalla, and Trapicchino
The great thing about Rome is that most of the beautiful places and attractions are located within a short distance of each other, so you can easily walk around them. There are also plenty of places to eat – I look at the ratings of establishments on Google, and then at what the cafe or restaurant looks like. If there are a lot of locals, that’s where I go!
Away from the main attractions and crowds of tourists, you will find the Baths of Caracalla – one of the largest and best preserved medieval public baths. Walk past the remains of buildings that once served as gymnasiums, swimming pools, saunas, etc. After the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, this is another great example of Roman culture.
What to see in Rome in three days:
- Day 1: Vatican + St. Peter’s Basilica + evening walk in Trastevere and dinner in one of the restaurants of this wonderful area.
- Day 2: Colosseum + Roman Forum + Pantheon + Trevi Fountain.
- Day 3: Walk in the hills of Rome (Aventine, Villa Borghese) + and Spanish Steps and street food in the Jewish Quarter or dinner near the Colosseum.
Food Tip: Do you know what you get when you combine pizza with a sandwich? Trapizzino! A triangle of pizza dough filled with Roman sauces and meats. Try this favorite Roman street food.
How to get from/to Rome airports:
Fiumicino Airport is an international airport located 30 km from Rome. Despite the rather large distance from the city, there are several options for getting to or from the airport quickly and inexpensively. I will tell you about the main types of transport.
The fastest way, without traffic jams and stops, is the Leonardo high-speed train. It runs from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini Railway Station every day from 6:23 to 23:23. In the opposite direction – from Termini Railway Station to Fiumicino Airport – from 5:35 to 22:35. You can see the schedule on the official website. Travel time – 32 minutes. Tickets – TraneItalia, or at the train station in a machine (you can pay with cash or credit card). Shuttle buses run from the airport to Rome by several companies: Terravision (also runs at night) and SITBusshuttle.
Another airport is Rome Ciampino Airport (Ryanair and mostly budget airlines fly here) – the easiest way to get there is by Terravision shuttles (they also run at night), or by train, which you need to walk a little to the station.
Where to stay in Rome:
- Jb Relais Luxury≫ – Great location near Piazza Navona, close to everything but quiet. Small hotel (only 5-6 rooms), comfortable bed and friendly staff.
- Domus Terenzio≫ – Clean hotel located in Prata, close to public transport and away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It is a very safe area of Rome. There is a lovely garden behind the building where you can have breakfast.
- B&B Santi Quattro Al Colosseo≫ –The location next to the Colosseum gives you the opportunity to enjoy the view of the Colosseum every day. The rooms are almost perfect, hot shower, good Wi-Fi, everything is clean, view of the Colosseum from a small balcony.
4. Vienna: Secret cafe and free city views
There is so much to see in this aristocratic city, but with this guide you can experience the best that Vienna has to offer, from world-class museums and palaces to chic cafes, all in 3 days.
What I like about Vienna is the wide boulevards and the compactness of the center. All the attractions are within easy reach. Or they are easy to reach by public transportation.
Life hack: Buy a combo ticket for public transportation – Vienna City Card; many museums have discounts with it.
What to do in Vienna in three days:
- Day 1: Old Town – St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the pedestrian street Graben, and of course visit the Hofburg palace complex.
- Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace + the Museum of Art History or Albertina, you can also see the Hundertwasser House.
- Day 3: A walk along the Danube, a cafe break or a visit to the street market, an evening concert or an opera aria at the Vienna Opera, where you can get there not for all the money in the world.
I recommend visiting the House of Music – a fantastic interactive museum where you can conduct your own orchestra or play a song on the stairs. And also the Butterfly House – amazing!
Tip: See Vienna from a different perspective. Visit the Palace of Justice, home to the Supreme Court, and the local café. Located on the top floor, it offers one of the best and, above all, lesser-known views of the city center. Sip a coffee and enjoy the view of the imperial capital. Entrance to the palace is free, just expect a security check.
How to get to/from Vienna Airport
- Vienna International Airport: there is a fast train “City Airport Train (CAT)” to the center (Wien Mitte) – ~16 min. It runs from the airport from platform No. 3 to the Wien Mitte station every 30 minutes daily from 08.08 to 23.38 at a cost of 17.43 euros. You can buy a ticket on the website САТ.
- Regular trains are cheaper – from 4.5 euros per ticket
- Regular trains and buses are also available.
- The Air-Liner Bus Service shuttle bus from the airport to the center costs ~€10.50.
Where to stay in Vienna:
- NH Collection Wien Zentrum≫ – This modern hotel features elegant décor and spacious rooms with city views. Enjoy a delicious breakfast on the lovely rooftop terrace. There are many restaurants, shops and museums nearby.
- Hotel Sacher Wien -The luxuriously decorated Hotel Sacher with elegant furniture, antiques and paintings is like stepping back in time. A high-quality hotel serving traditional Viennese cuisine.
- Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt≫ – A cool hostel in the center, where I stayed during one of my visits to Vienna. The rooms are spacious, bed linen and towels are free, there is a hairdryer, a locker with a magnetic lock. There is excellent wifi throughout the entire territory. There is also a storage room with a key. There is even a shower for guests. You can get a city map at the reception, there are free city tours every day, and in the evening you definitely won’t be sad: there is an open bar, you can take a guitar, people play board games, from time to time there are some quizzes or concerts. Near the hostel there are 2 supermarkets, a market, 2 metro lines, 15 minutes walk to the center.
5. Prague: Library, Astronomical Clock, and Paternoster Ride
Prague offers tourists a wealth of history and culture in a relatively small geographical area. Much of this history is located in the Old Town and just behind the Charles Bridge, which crosses the Vltava River.
How to make your visit to Prague even more interesting? If you are coming here for the first time – of course you should see the main sights of this ancient and very beautiful city. And if it is not your first time – I recommend reading my guide to interesting places in Prague.
What to do in Prague in three days:
- Day 1: Old Town – Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge. If you have extra time, get to Vyšehrad, which offers a wonderful view of the Vltava.
- Day 2: Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral + Petrin Hill (view of the city from a copy of the Eiffel Tower) + evening beer pub. Additionally, I advise you to make time to visit the Strahov Monastery (it is on Petershin Hill), namely the ancient library in it – unsurpassed!
- Day 3: Less touristy day – Letna viewpoint or a walk through the Vinohrady district and park Riegrovy Sady, local cuisine and peace. Also as an alternative, I advise you to visit the Botanical Garden and the St. Clara winery – wonderful wine with an alternative view of Prague is provided to you!
Prague is built on hills, so there are plenty of free observation decks from which you can see the city from different angles. Or if you climb to the top of the Old Town Hall tower and see the views, you will understand why Prague is called the “City of a Thousand Spires”.
It is also nice to see the city from the water – for this, buy a cruise on the Vltava River. You will sail under the last surviving arch of the 1169 Judith Bridge (the predecessor of Charles Bridge). You will also walk along the Čertovka River and enjoy the view of Hradčany, Charles Bridge and the National Theater.
If you have ever seen an elevator without doors – a paternoster that spins up and down without stopping – I recommend taking a ride in Prague. Several of these historic elevators are still open to the public. Try the one in Lucerne Passage or in the YMCA Palace (on Republic Square).
First time in Prague – what to see in Prague in two to three days
How to get to/from the airport of Prague:
- Airport Express (AE) – a direct bus to the main station (Hlavní nádraží), which runs directly to and from Prague’s main railway station every 10 minutes from 5:30 to 21:00 and costs 100 CZK (4 EUR).
- Or a cheaper option with a transfer: bus 101 from the airport to the Zličín metro station (the final bus and metro terminus), then to the center by metro. This costs 40 CZK (1.7 EUR) – a ticket for 1.5 hours of travel on any public transport with transfers. Tickets are sold in machines near the bus stop, you can pay by card.
- Or bus number 59 to Veleslavín station + metro. Also – a ticket for 40 CZK for both modes of transport.
- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport. You can also order Uber, Bolt, or another taxi from the website Kiwi-taxi. Prices start from 25 euros.
Where to stay in Prague:
- Clementin – apartments on the Old Town Square near the Orloj Clock. Great location – 2 minutes walk to the Charles Bridge, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy the absence of crowds of tourists in the morning and at night
- Jalta Boutique Hotel – A cozy boutique hotel near Wenceslas Square – near the metro, the National Museum and within walking distance.
- Hotel Golden Key Prague Castle – hotel near Prague Castle. Clean, cozy, breakfasts are varied and very tasty. The room was clean, all cosmetics are available, there is also a kettle in the room and tea. Wifi is good. Located in the heart of the city, which is a big plus, since you can walk everywhere.
6. Budapest: Museum in a Rock, Bars in Ruins, and Drinks on the Roof
Budapest is the perfect European city for a long weekend or city break. With so much charm, beautiful buildings, delicious food, cafes, art, history, and quirky things to see and do, it offers plenty to see in just a few days. The Danube flows through the city centre, dividing it into two distinct districts: Buda and Pest. The 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with the flatter Pest.
A funicular railway takes you up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where you’ll find stunning views of the Danube River and the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building. The Fisherman’s Bastion, the 13th-century Matthias Church and the famous Gellért Thermal Baths are located on the Buda side. Cross the Chain Bridge to explore Pest, with its trendy ruin bars, sophisticated cafés, food market and the grandeur of Heroes’ Square.
The city is good value for money as it is not part of the Eurozone and still uses the Hungarian Forint. You can explore most of the city on foot or use the metro, which is easy to use and the oldest electrified underground railway in Europe.
Budapest in winter – what to see in three days in the capital of Hungary
What to do in Budapest in three days:
- Day 1: Buda Castle + Fisherman’s Bastion + walk on Gellért Hill and panoramic views of Pest. When you descend from the Buda Castle, visit the underground hospital from the Second World War and the atomic bomb shelter in the rock (Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum). During the hour-long tour, you will learn many interesting facts about the work of the hospital and the bunker, which was kept under strict secrecy until 2002. The atmosphere is complemented by mannequins and numerous objects from that era.
- Day 2: Pest – Parliament – the building is impressive, incredibly beautiful both outside and inside – book a tour in advance. St. Stephen’s Basilica, Széchenyi Baths or Gellért (closed for renovation in 2025).
- Day 3: Stroll on Margaret Island, dinner cruise on the Danube, nighttime atmosphere of ruin bars. The most famous is Szimpla Kert. And if you prefer views, try rooftop bars like 360 Bar on Andrássy Avenue, or Leo Rooftop with a view of the Chain Bridge and the castle.
How to get to/from Budapest Airport:
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport: bus “100E Airport Express” direct to the center (Deák Ferenc tér stop) ~40 minutes, price – 2,500 HUF BKK.
- Alternative: bus 200E + metro
Where to stay in Budapest:
- Gerlóczy Boutique Hotel – The best place to stay in a European style in the heart of the old town of Pest.
- Balance Home – Great location with easy access to tourist spots, close to many tourist attractions and public transportation, making getting around Budapest very easy.
- Maverick Budapest Soho – Great location – 20 min walk from Keleti train station, 10 min to the airport bus. 24-hour reception. Cozy rooms. Clean common areas. Fresh bedding, towels. Dining room-kitchen, where there is water, tea, coffee, other little things. There is private parking. I have stayed here several times – I recommend it!
7. Amsterdam: Canals, Boats, and Beer Tastings
Planning to visit Amsterdam for three days? The capital of the Netherlands is a highly desirable city for those visiting Europe. Amsterdam is known worldwide for its winding canals, bike-friendly culture, and artistic heritage.
In addition, Amsterdam offers a full and rich cultural palette, combining a fascinating history with a modern metropolis, making it one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Europe.
Things to do in Amsterdam:
- Day 1: Walk along the canals, Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum, Jordaan district.
- Day 2: Canal cruise + free ferry across the river Eij + Free hour-long tours of the Hassan diamond factory, followed by an evening walk in De Pijp.
- Day 3: Visit a farmers market, taste street food + take a tour of the Heineken brewery. A day trip outside the city (outside the center) is possible – for example, to the neighboring town of Haarlem, where you can also walk along the canals and see Dutch windmills.
Life hack: Renting a bike is a classic not only in Amsterdam, but there is such an amazing cycling infrastructure here that gives you freedom of movement.
How to get to/from Amsterdam Airport:
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has an excellent train connection: train to Amsterdam Central in ~17-20 min. Dutch Railways runs a direct train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station (Amsterdam CS) every 5-10 minutes between 06:00-01:00 and every 60 minutes between 02:00-05:00 with a choice of first or second class, and plenty of space for luggage. Price: €5.50 2nd class.
- Buses are also available (~30-40 min). The red express bus number 397 (formerly 197) of Connexxion, runs between the airport and the city center, stopping at Stadionplein, Museumplein, Leidseplein and arriving at Amsterdam Elandsgracht bus station. The bus runs every 15 minutes from 05:00 to 00:30, and the night service (N97) runs every hour from 01:00 to 05:00. Price: €6.50.
Where to stay in Amsterdam:
- Bob W Amsterdam Noord – Cozy rooms, 30 minutes walk to the center, all necessary appliances for living, pleasant staff, beautiful view from the window.
- ClinkNOORD Hostel – great location relative to the city center, cool atmosphere, amenities in the hostel, there are separate double rooms.
- La Mar – Incredibly cool, atmospheric hotel on the water, small but comfortable rooms with all amenities, gorgeous views of the canal and the city.
8. Gdansk: Open-air art gallery and historic ships
Gdansk is one of my favorite Polish cities. It is a city with a long, diverse and eventful history. Gdansk was also known as Danzig, and for many centuries it was a German city, one of the largest ports of the Hanseatic League on the Baltic Sea. And now this city is one of the most beautiful and at the same time underrated cities in Europe.
I enjoyed wandering the streets and embankments the most. Gdansk has an amazing atmosphere; in places it resembles Amsterdam, but it is cleaner and quieter. The city is compact – you can see a lot on foot. The best view opens from the Town Hall tower – on a fairy-tale toy town of wonderful houses, dominated by the huge massive brick structure of St. Mary’s Church.
What to do in Gdansk in three days:
- Day 1: Old Town – Long Street, Golden Gate, Neptune Fountain, Museum on the historic steamship “Soldek”.
- Day 2: Medieval seaport, Museum in the Gdańsk Crane building, local cuisine – seafood and herring.
- Day 3: One-day trip to Sopot or Gdynia – beach + sea + relaxation.
Alternative: After a walk through the Old Town, head to the Zaspa district among the apartment buildings. Why exactly? The former gray residential area has been transformed into one of the largest street art galleries in Europe. On the walls of the apartment buildings, you will see beautiful giant paintings. There are over 60 of them here. Don’t miss this open-air gallery.
How to get from/to Gdansk Airport:
- Gdańsk Lech Walesa Airport: bus No. 210 from the airport to the center (~40 min) or night bus N3.
- Train from Port Lotniczy station to Gdańsk (~30 min with a change).
Where to stay in Gdansk:
- Apart Neptun≫ – Wonderful hotel in the heart of Gdansk. Professional, friendly staff, always ready to help, speak English. The rooms are extremely cozy and comfortable.
- So Stay Hotel≫ – a hotel with nice rooms and all the necessary little things. Unbeatable breakfast, attentive staff. Convenient location, 15 minutes from the train station, 20-25 minutes to the old town. Bus stop to the airport 5 minutes from the hotel.
- Uroczy Apartament SERCU Starego Miasta Wyspa Spichrzów≫ – This apartment is conveniently located across the river from the entrance to Gdansk, offering stunning views of the city. The area is away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas, but is perfectly located to get to them quickly and easily. The view from this lovely apartment is unbeatable!
9. Barcelona: Breathtaking Sunset and View of the Gothic Cathedral
Barcelona is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in Europe, and it’s worth spending at least three days there. Located on the coast of northern Spain, Barcelona is also a sunny city with beautiful beaches, a rich history, incredible food and wine, and plenty of great shopping.
It’s known as the Modernist City, named after a series of unique architectural works by Antonio Gaudí and Luis Domenech I Montaner, two rival architects of the early 20th century.
Three days in Barcelona is more than enough to see the main attractions, sample the best cuisine, visit several museums and parks, and do some shopping.
What to do in Barcelona in three days:
- Day 1: Gothic Quarter (go up to the observation deck on the terrace of Hotel Colón Barcelona (Av. de la Catedral, 7) – from here you have an awesome view of the Gothic Cathedral of Barcelona + walk along La Rambla (keep your phones and wallets) + Sagrada Familia Cathedral (book entrance to Sagrada Familia online in advance — long queues).
- Day 2: Park Güell (the same – it’s better to buy tickets online) + walking and shopping in the Eixample district + after lunch in the summer you can go to the beach.
- Day 3: Take the cable car from the port of Barceloneta to the hill of Montjuic + very nice view of the city + dinner with Catalan cuisine in one of the restaurants of Barcelona.
After seeing the works of Gaudi and La Rambla, it is worth looking at other areas of Barcelona. Go up to the Bunkers del Carmel, a former anti-aircraft battery. From there you can enjoy an unbeatable panoramic view of the whole of Barcelona. The climb is a bit difficult, but it is worth it. I recommend coming at sunset.
Tip: Another beautiful view is offered by Mount Tibidabo. A funicular will take you to the top, and in addition to the view, there is also an amusement park waiting for you.
And I also really like the beach in the Pableno area – and the area itself is very beautiful, with its own street, La Rambla, where it’s nice to walk and sit in restaurants. It’s much quieter than the touristy and hyped one, and there are many good establishments with delicious cuisine.
How to get from/to Barcelona Airport:
- Barcelona–El Prat Airport: Aerobus shuttle bus (T1/T2 → Plaça Catalunya) ~35 min, ticket 5 euros. Metro line L9 Sud also from T1/T2 to the center (~32 min), ticket price 5 euros. TMB
- Taxi — ~€35-40, ~25-35 min.
Where to stay in Barcelona:
- Apartamentos Debambú≫ – Great place to stay, the apartment is very bright, clean and spacious. Perfect location in the center of the old town.
- H-A Hotel Trebol≫ – Great location, within walking distance of tourist attractions and plenty of bars and restaurants. Short walk to metro station for easy airport transfers. Friendly, attentive staff and simple self-service breakfast. Lift and roof terrace.
- Hostal Larios≫ – The hostel is very centrally located. It is clean and free of foreign smells. There are rooms for one person – they are very cozy and quiet. Friendly staff. For those who want to go further, there is a bus stop a few minutes walk from the hostel.
10. Lisbon: The Most Beautiful Bookstores and the Edge of Europe
Lisbon is a city of impressive architectural gems, such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, industrial complexes that have been transformed into gastronomic centers, and narrow city streets that turn into endless staircases. The city built on hills has a large number of observation decks, from which incredible views of the red roofs, the 15 April Bridge and the Tagus River open.
When planning Lisbon, be sure to set aside one day to visit Sintra and its palaces. In fact, one day is not enough, because nearby is the so-called “edge of Europe” – the westernmost point – Cape Cabo da Roca, which should be the most daring point of a visit to Lisbon. Sunset on the cape is an incredible phenomenon that is worth coming here many times.
What to do in Lisbon in three days:
- Day 1: Bairro Alto District + Santa Justa Elevator + Old Town – Alfama District + Miraduro Santa Lucia Viewpoint + streets with restaurants and bars where you can listen to Portuguese fado singing. Tram No. 28 is a classic for exploring historical Lisbon.
- Day 2: Go to Belém District – here is the Jerónimos Monastery + Torre de Belém Tower + Museum of Modern Art and they say that this is where they make authentic pas de nata – custard cakes (in fact, they are the same through and through – the main thing is that they are fresh).
- Day 3: Go to Sintra – watch the palaces and the sunset at Cabo de Roca.
You definitely won’t miss the yellow tram or the famous miraduros – the city’s observation decks. But I also advise you not to miss Livraria Ler Devagar – one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world with its own cafe. Drink a cup of coffee and admire the books. There are a lot of them here. And not only books, you can also find gramophone records and posters here.
How to get from/to Lisbon Airport:
- Humberto Delgado Airport: Metro – Aeroporto station on the red line, to the center ~20-30 min. lisbonairport.pt
- Buses / shuttles: Bus No. 5 reaches the destination in 40 minutes, the ticket price is 1.8 euros. Terravision shuttle buses run from the airport to the center of Lisbon daily from 8:00 to 21:00. The ticket costs 18 euros one way.
- Uber – ~15-20 min in light traffic, the price is very pleasant – 12-15 euros depending on the area of the city.
Where to stay in Lisbon:
- B in B Lisbon Downtown Suites – A cozy hotel in the heart of Lisbon.
- Rossio Apartments – Tiny but cozy apartments overlooking Rossio Square.
- Memmo Alfama – Design Hotels – The boutique hotel, one of the few in the area, has rooms with a terrace offering stunning views of the river.
Useful articles and links:
- Berlin for three days – what to see in the German capital
- Top 20 places to see in Malta
- 15 things must do in Budapest
- Top 20 places for visit in Lisbon
Rent a car – Rentalcars.com
Find train tickets in Europe conveniently on Trainline
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
