Looking for a weekend away on the continent?
A quick flight or train ride from the UK can land you in vibrant cities like Barcelona for tapas and sunshine, Amsterdam for laid-back canal strolls, or Bruges for medieval charm and Belgian beer. Europe’s endless weekend options mean you can easily mix iconic sights with lesser-known spots, even if you’re watching your budget.
Below you’ll find advice on where to go, secret spots locals love, which companies offer standout deals, and how much extra you’ll likely pay travelling at the weekend—so you can maximise your trip without overspending.
Latest weekend breaks in Europe we've found
How to find genuine deals on European weekend breaks
Weekend breaks usually cost more, but that doesn’t mean good value is off the table. The best deals often come from lesser-known cities, early Saturday departures, and packages where the flight and hotel are bundled together. Knowing when to book, which airports to use, and which extras to check for can make a big difference to the final price.
Moneysaving travel guides
Aim to book 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Prices usually rise as the departure date gets closer—especially for Friday and Sunday flights. Last-minute deals do exist, but they’re less common for weekend breaks because demand is high.
Ryanair and easyJet tend to have the lowest base fares, but you’ll need to travel light to avoid extra fees. Jet2 also has competitive weekend rates from regional airports, and Wizz Air can be great value for Eastern European cities.
Often, yes—especially for short stays. Sites like Jet2CityBreaks, Loveholidays, and British Airways Holidays bundle flights and hotels in a way that can undercut booking everything yourself, particularly if you’re booking within a few weeks of departure.
You can easily pay £40–£100 more per person for peak weekend slots. Flying out early Saturday and returning Monday morning usually offers better value, and some airlines release cheaper fares for less popular flight times (think late-night or very early departures).
Weekend trips to Europe can be brilliant, but only if the deal stacks up. Always check what’s actually included in the price: things like breakfast, late checkout, hand luggage, or transfers can seriously affect the total cost. Watch out for hidden extras too. Some hotels charge city taxes or add-on fees for basics like Wi-Fi or parking that aren’t clear upfront.
If you’re open-minded about where you go, you’ll get more for your money. Big-name capitals like Paris or Rome tend to carry weekend premiums, but second cities - like Porto, Valencia, or Kraków - can be just as fun for less. You’ll often find cheaper hotel rates, better local food prices, and a more relaxed pace.
Flying out early Saturday and back late Sunday or early Monday often costs less than peak Friday evening or Sunday night flights. Budget airlines crank up prices at the busiest times, so adjusting your schedule by a few hours can save £50-£100 per person. Look at multiple departure airports too. Regional airports sometimes offer cheaper weekend combos than London hubs.
If a deal looks suspiciously low, it’s worth a closer look. Check if the hotel has good reviews, what’s actually included (like meals or luggage), and whether you’re landing at a distant airport with pricey transfers. The best-value weekend breaks strike the right balance – saving money without cutting corners that matter.
At Flight Tribe, we’re dedicated to helping you find budget-friendly travel deals, from flights and hotels to last-minute getaways. We believe in making travel more affordable, so you can make the most of your holiday.
Learn more about our values on our About Us page.
