Ideal destinations for short weekend trips in Europe

Europe is full of cities that are ideal for sudden and quick trips. A continent with a rich history, different attractions and a wide range of everything, gives you the opportunity to have a good time in any city you like. Besides everyone’s favorites, such as Milan, Paris, Berlin, Europe offers cities that aren’t so well known, but promise you an equally unforgettable experience.

Lisbon, Portugal

An exploration point during the fifteenth century, today this European city is a great discovery for its visitors. An explosion of luxury restaurants and tastefully arranged bars, the streets of Lisbon seem like real little celebrations every day. The city itself exudes the art nouveau movement, which left an indelible mark, and it is up to visitors to recognize and embrace it. The most visited area in Lisbon is Belém. Due to the large number of monuments after the bloom of Portugal, this area is an attractive destination for every tourist. The Pantheon, a former church and today a national monument, was turned into a crypt where famous Portuguese people were buried. In the Pantheon there is also the empty tomb of Vasco de Gama, who was buried in the Geronimos Monastery.

Barcelona, Spain

Gaudi’s architectural wonders make this city a tourist attraction and a work of art. Your eyes will surely wander to the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, as well as to the Park Guell, which is fairy tale-like. If you are in the mood for gastronomic pleasure, this Spanish city offers restaurants with Michelin stars, which will certainly justify them with a fantastic atmosphere and the richness of the taste of traditional dishes. Barcelona is one of the main centers of culture in Europe. Apart from Picasso, Dali and Miró, which are in museums, at every turn you feel that this is a city of culture – open-air theaters, galleries on the streets, street artists. Barcelona has good weather all year round. Even in the coldest period of the year from December to February, the average temperature ranges between 10 and 12 degrees.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta, one of eleven municipalities, represents the capital city of Malta and has been the historical, cultural and administrative seat of this island for centuries. It became the capital of Malta in 1570, and it is interesting that the walls of this city are protected by UNESCO. In addition to this historical treasure, St. John’s Cathedral is also under the protection of UNESCO, and was formerly the monastery church of the Venetian Knights. This island city is a real historical heritage full of interesting things that the locals keep from being forgotten.

Padua, Italy

This Italian city is not on everyone’s travel list because of its neighborhood, but it is definitely worth a visit. At 45km west of Venice, the city is filled with Venetian charm, yet the uniqueness that every Italian city carries with it. Padua is one of the oldest cities in northern Italy, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, dating back to 1222. By walking through the narrow streets, you can admire the architecture of the city, as well as see attractions that are sure to catch your attention. One of the important attractions is the Scrovegni Chapel, which contains Giotto’s frescoes, which are considered to be his most complex series of frescoes that he painted in his mature age.

Skopje, Macedonia

The capital of Macedonia is ideal for a weekend trip during the summer and spring months. Since it is not a big metropolis, it is a perfect destination for quick trips, and yet it will provide you with a full travel experience. Although at first glance the center of Skopje seems kitsch, believe me it is worth a visit. Most of the buildings have been restored by now, and the main plateau features huge sculptures inspired by the past. An interesting fact of Skopje is that there are bridges over which you can come to the Bazaar and drink authentic Turkish coffee, eat rahtluk and experience a real Eastern experience. Skopje is an ideal combination of modern and traditional, and this is exactly what makes this city special, which attracts tourists to visit it.