Summer’s glow is on the horizon, and Get My Trip Guide is here to help US and UK travelers plan a budget-friendly, unforgettable 2- or 3-day European city break! Shake off the winter blues and dive into a quick getaway—perfect as a prequel to a longer holiday, a romantic treat, or a respite from the workweek grind. These handpicked destinations promise memories to cherish for decades, all without breaking the bank. Explore the best European cities for a summer 2025 weekend escape!
Travel Tips for Your European Getaway
Book Early for Best Deals
Get My Trip Guide advises booking flights, trains, and accommodations early to snag the best rates. Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Eurostar often offer fares as low as £19 or €20 one way from London, with Skyscanner a go-to for comparing options.
Pack Light and Smart
For a short trip, a carry-on saves time and money. Get My Trip Guide suggests layers for Europe’s variable summer weather, comfy shoes for cobblestone streets, and a Type C or F plug adapter for most destinations.
Stick to a Budget
Affordable eats, free attractions, and budget lodging keep costs down. Get My Trip Guide highlights hostels, affordable hotels, and tourism cards for discounts on sights and transport.
1. San Sebastián, Spain
Why Visit San Sebastián?
Get My Trip Guide names San Sebastián the ideal spot for travelers craving exclusive, unforgettable experiences. Tucked in Spain’s Basque Country, this gem boasts conch-shaped bays, fresh seafood, and pintxos—bite-sized delights that outshine traditional tapas.
What to Do in San Sebastián
Marvel at the scallop-shaped Bahía de la Concha, a stunning bay fanning out to vivid blue seas, best viewed from a dizzying lookout. Hop on a historic funicular for panoramic vistas, then savor fresh anchovies, local cider, and wine. Roam the coastline or indulge in pintxos at every corner—perfect for a unique 2-day escape. Get My Trip Guide’s detailed guide and a short video offer a taste of this coastal paradise.
Where to Stay in San Sebastián
- Hotel Zenit San Sebastián: From €70 midweek for a double ensuite—modern design, outdoor hot tub, great Wi-Fi, and an affordable Basque restaurant.
- Green Nest Hostel via Tourism Site: From €74 per person for 2 nights, including a pintxos tour and San Sebastián Tourism Card—book directly via the San Sebastián tourism website for themed breaks.
How to Get to San Sebastián
Fly from London to Bilbao with Vueling, easyJet, or British Airways. Get My Trip Guide suggests checking Skyscanner for the best deals, with flights often under £50 one way.
2. London, United Kingdom
Why Visit London?
Get My Trip Guide recommends London for families, bibliophiles, and art or history lovers. This vibrant capital blends culture and fun, perfect for a budget-friendly weekend.
What to Do in London on a Budget
Museum-hop for free at the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and British Museum—ideal for kids on rainy days. Explore outdoor play spaces like Kensington Gardens’ Diana Memorial Park or Coram’s Fields. Get My Trip Guide’s article, “Is London the Best Value Family Destination in the World?,” lists more wallet-friendly ideas.
Where to Stay in London on a Budget
London offers savvy options if planned ahead. Get My Trip Guide points to budget hotels and hostels—check online resources for deals starting at £30-£50 per night in central locations.
How to Get to London
From the US, flights to London (Gatwick or Heathrow) start at $400 (€350) round trip via Norwegian or others on Skyscanner. Within the UK, trains and buses are affordable—check National Rail for fares from £20.
3. Paris, France
Why Visit Paris?
Get My Trip Guide calls Paris perfect for gourmands, art and fashion enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and romantics. The City of Love dazzles on a short summer break.
What to Do in Paris on a Budget
With just €100 and 48 hours, explore the courtyard where Joyce finished Ulysses, stroll Hemingway’s haunts from A Moveable Feast, sip coffee at Café Flore (a Sartre and de Beauvoir favorite), and dine heartily. Get My Trip Guide’s post on Paris for €100 reveals more budget gems.
Where to Stay in Paris on a Budget
Despite its pricey reputation, Paris offers hostels and hotels from €23 per night. Get My Trip Guide recommends checking “6 of the Best Budget Places to Stay in Paris” for top picks.
How to Get to Paris on a Budget
Book Eurostar from London for £58 return, or fly from New York with Norwegian for around $500 (€440) round trip in summer—check Skyscanner for deals.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why Visit Amsterdam?
Get My Trip Guide highlights Amsterdam for Dutch art aficionados, coffee lovers, and those who adore canal-lined streets rich with history.
What to Do in Amsterdam on a Budget
Trace Vincent van Gogh’s legacy at the Van Gogh Museum, visit his former haunts, and wander canal paths. Get My Trip Guide’s guides to Amsterdam activities and cheap eats uncover budget-friendly museums, cafes, and more.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam on a Budget
Options abound—check Get My Trip Guide’s “Best Budget Places to Stay in Amsterdam” and “10 Best Hostels & Hotels in Amsterdam” for deals from €30 per night.
How to Get to Amsterdam on a Budget
Take Eurostar from London for £49 one way, Ouibus for €19 (10.5 hours), or fly with easyJet from Gatwick for £19 one way—book early via Skyscanner.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Why Visit Copenhagen?
Get My Trip Guide loves Copenhagen for design and modernity enthusiasts—a sleek, stylish city for a summer escape.
What to Do in Copenhagen on a Budget
Enjoy a canal cruise for major sights, explore 14,000 years of history at the National Museum of Denmark, savor smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches with egg, shrimp, or caviar), or relax at public baths. Get My Trip Guide’s “Copenhagen on a Budget for Families” guide has more tips.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen on a Budget
Generator Hostel, Copenhagen: Central in Kongens Nytorv, near the metro, with privates, 6-8 bed dorms, and girls-only options—perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups.
How to Get to Copenhagen on a Budget
Fly from London with Ryanair or easyJet for €19 one way—check Skyscanner for the latest fares.
6. Berlin, Germany
Why Visit Berlin?
Get My Trip Guide picks Berlin for curious travelers, history buffs, and cultured souls seeking a blend of old and new.
What to Do in Berlin on a Budget
Reflect at the Berlin Wall, explore parks like a former airfield, hunt vintage finds at flea markets, or visit Deutsche Guggenheim on free Mondays. Get My Trip Guide’s posts on costs, cheap eats, and “15 Free Things to Do in Berlin” cover it all.
Where to Stay in Berlin on a Budget
Find deals in “6 Best Budget Places to Stay in Berlin” and a “48 Hour Guide to Berlin”—options start at €25-€40 per night.
How to Get to Berlin on a Budget
Fly from London with Ryanair, easyJet, or Eurowings for £30/€35 one way, or take a train via Voyages SNCF for €49 (10.5 hours).
7. Rome, Italy
Why Visit Rome?
Get My Trip Guide adores Rome for lovers of outdoor art, ancient history, gelato, and beauty around every corner.
What to Do in Rome on a Budget
Beat summer crowds by visiting in early spring or late summer. See the Sistine Chapel early at 11 AM, savor local dishes from “16 Delicious Dishes Known Only to Locals,” and explore “Cheap Eats in Rome” with Get My Trip Guide.
Where to Stay in Rome on a Budget
The Beehive Hostel/Hotel: Unbeatable spot by Termini station, with comfy, affordable rooms—check Get My Trip Guide’s “5 Best Budget Places to Stay in Rome.”
How to Get to Rome on a Budget
Fly from London Gatwick with easyJet or Ryanair for £34 one way—book via Skyscanner.
8. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Why Visit Edinburgh?
Get My Trip Guide suggests Edinburgh for walkers, pub-goers, and lovers of castles, cobblestone paths, and quirky eats like fried haggis.
What to Do in Edinburgh on a Budget
Take a self-guided walking tour of 50 unmissable stops—pubs, museums, and secret paths. Get My Trip Guide’s guides highlight the best of Edinburgh’s charm.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh on a Budget
Explore “12 Budget Places to Stay in Edinburgh” for deals from £25-£50 per night.
How to Get to Edinburgh
From London, fly with Ryanair or easyJet for £20-£30 one way, or take a train via National Rail from £25.
9. Bologna, Italy
Why Visit Bologna?
Get My Trip Guide calls Bologna a hidden gem for foodies and those craving a slower, tourist-light pace—nicknamed ‘La Grassa’ (The Fat One).
What to Do in Bologna on a Budget
Enjoy 48 hours with €200—savor pasta, explore arcades, and relax. Get My Trip Guide’s “48 Hours in Bologna with 200 Euros” guides the way. Bring good walking shoes!
Where to Stay in Bologna on a Budget
Albergo Centrale: Near Piazza Maggiore, with a great breakfast, nice decor, and clean rooms—budget-friendly from €50 per night.
How to Get to Bologna
Fly from London with Ryanair or easyJet for £30-£40 one way—check Skyscanner.
10. Madrid, Spain
Why Visit Madrid?
Get My Trip Guide loves Madrid for tapas fans, architecture admirers, and art and culture enthusiasts.
What to Do in Madrid on a Budget
Stretch £139 for a food tour, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Munch to Picasso), views at Palacio de Cibeles, and a tapas crawl. Get My Trip Guide’s reports and “Cheap Eats in Madrid” have the details.
Where to Stay in Madrid on a Budget
- U Hostels: Stylish, near a metro station.
- Room 007 Hostel in Chueca: Central and affordable, from €25-€40 per night.
How to Get to Madrid
Fly from London with Ryanair, Norwegian, or easyJet for £30-£40 one way via Skyscanner.
11. Dublin, Ireland
Why Visit Dublin?
Get My Trip Guide picks Dublin for literature lovers, Guinness fans, folk music enthusiasts, and history buffs.
What to Do in Dublin on a Budget
Explore Trinity College’s library, historic pubs, local cuisine, and Ireland’s nationalist past—all for £139. Get My Trip Guide’s “Dublin for Just 139 Pounds” spills the secrets.
Where to Stay in Dublin on a Budget
Check “Best Luxury Hostels of Europe” for stylish, budget options from €20-€40 per night.
How to Get to Dublin
Fly from London with Ryanair or Aer Lingus for £20-£30 one way, or from Boston for €234 one way via Skyscanner.
Plan Your Summer Escape
Whatever the weather, Get My Trip Guide echoes Keats: make this weekend getaway more delightful than years of routine. Pick a city, pack light, and let Get My Trip Guide craft a summer 2025 memory to last a lifetime!