October 15, 2025
Top 30 city breaks: TUI Musement reveals Europe’s favourite weekend getaways
Tours & Activities
56% of Europeans choose short trips of up to three nights
The ranking, based on Google searches, places Rome, Paris and Prague at the top
Holidays within Europe, whether at home or abroad, are the preferred option for 65% of Europeans, according to a recent report from the European Travel Commission. Amid rising demand for short getaways of one to three nights – already accounting for more than 56% of trips according to Eurostat – TUI Musement, a leading provider of tours and activities, has compiled a ranking of the 30 most popular European cities for an express getaway, based on Google search volumes.
The ranking highlights destinations rich in culture, gastronomy and leisure, perfect for enjoying over a long weekend.
The top 10
Rome (Italy). With more than 525,000 searches, the Italian capital tops the list of Europe’s most popular express getaways. Rome is an open-air museum where every corner reflects the grandeur of the Empire. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Castel Sant’Angelo are among its most iconic landmarks, joined by Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Wandering through its piazzas or sampling local cuisine complete the experience. Recommended experience – Colosseum and Roman Forum Small-Group Tour
Paris (France). The French capital remains one of Europe’s most searched-for city breaks thanks to its excellent transport links and cultural richness. Strolling along the Seine, admiring the enigmatic Mona Lisa at the Louvre or climbing the Eiffel Tower are musts for any visit. Adding to its appeal is the charm of its neighbourhoods, from Montmartre to Le Marais. Recommended experience – Guided Paris Tour with Seine River Cruise
Prague (Czech Republic). This city captivates with the magic of its UNESCO-listed historic centre. The Castle, Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and Jewish Quarter are all within easy reach, making the city ideal for a two-day trip. Its romantic atmosphere, enhanced by traditional cafés and taverns, invites travellers to slow down and enjoy. In autumn, mild weather and seasonal colours make it even more enchanting. Recommended experience – Prague Castle Tour
Amsterdam (Netherlands). Compact and accessible, Amsterdam is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike during a weekend getaway. Its UNESCO-listed canals, world-renowned museums dedicated to Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, and alternative districts offer something for everyone. More original options include discovering the secrets of beer at the historic Heineken Brewery. All of this makes the Dutch capital one of the most versatile destinations in the ranking. Recommended experience – Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Barcelona (Spain). The Catalan capital ranks high in the top 10 thanks to Gaudí’s unmistakable legacy, visible in the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and Park Güell. But Barcelona has much more to offer: from strolling along the beach and Las Ramblas to exploring the Gothic Quarter’s alleys or enjoying tapas at La Boqueria market. Its pleasant climate, even in autumn, makes it an attractive year-round destination. Recommended experience – Sagrada Familia Tickets
Berlin (Germany). Berlin stands out as an ideal express getaway thanks to its unique mix of history, culture, modernity and nightlife. In just two or three days, visitors can see iconic sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Museum Island and the Reichstag, take a Spree River cruise or dance until dawn in Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain clubs. Recommended experience – Walking Tour of Berlin Highlights
Dublin (Ireland). The Irish capital offers plenty for a short break: exploring Trinity College and its stunning library, visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral or discovering beer history at the Guinness Storehouse. Dublin is also known for its lively pub atmosphere and unusual experiences, such as theatrical ghost bus tours during Halloween. Recommended experience – Guinness Storehouse Visit
Vienna (Austria). Vienna enchants travellers with its imperial elegance and musical heritage. Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg and the State Opera are must-sees, along with its traditional cafés. In November and December, the opening of Christmas markets adds extra appeal for a quick getaway. Recommended experience – Guided Tour of Schönbrunn Palace
Budapest (Hungary). On the banks of the Danube, Budapest combines historic landmarks like the Parliament and Chain Bridge with unique experiences such as its famous thermal baths, Széchenyi and Gellért. In autumn, golden hues in the parks and boulevards highlight the city’s beauty. A weekend is enough to enjoy its main attractions. Recommended experience – Széchenyi Thermal Bath Entry
Venice (Italy). Closing the top 10, the city of canals never goes out of style. In just two days, visitors can explore St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and Teatro La Fenice, as well as enjoy a gondola ride. With more time, excursions to Murano and Burano add a colourful, artisanal touch. Venice blends romance, art and tradition in a unique setting. Recommended experience – Private Gondola Ride
See the full list of the top 30 city breaks on the TUI Musement blog: https://blog.tuimusement.com/uk/cities-to-visit-in-europe/
Sources:
Eurostat – Tourism statistics
*Methodology: All European cities with over 150 000 inhabitants were considered. For each city, Google search volumes were added up for four representative terms related to short getaways: «2 days in [city]», «[city] city breaks», «weekend in [city]» and «[city] weekend breaks», both in the city’s original language and in English. For example, for Madrid the search volumes for «2 days in Madrid», «Madrid city breaks», «weekend in Madrid» and «Madrid weekend breaks» were included. Analysis conducted in September 2025 for the period August 2024 – July 2025.
Ranking:
1. Rome: 525 200 searches
2. Paris: 412 500 searches
3. Prague: 287 200 searches
4. Amsterdam: 215 800 searches
5. Barcelona: 206 260 searches
6. Berlin: 203 020 searches
7. Dublin: 200 200 searches
8. Vienna: 178 800 searches
9. Budapest: 160 900 searches
10. Venice: 159 360 searches
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TUI Musement is a global Tours & Activities business that combines a highly curated product portfolio, scalable digital platforms and in-destination service by local teams, to source, develop, distribute and deliver products in three categories:
- Experiences: Excursions, activities & attraction tickets
- Transfers: Between airports, hotels and ports
- Tours: Multi-day itineraries encompassing hotels, experiences, guides and transportation
Available in all major beach and city destinations, products are sourced from leading travel businesses or developed in-house by TUI teams, including the TUI Collection, the flagship experiences portfolio of TUI Group, and National Geographic Day Tours, unique and immersive small group guided experiences.
Products are distributed to customers, including the 20+ million TUI customers, through TUI websites and apps – such as the Tours & Activities dedicated TUI Musement app, as well as in-destination local teams and B2B partners, including some of the world's leading OTAs, tour operators, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and cruise lines. TUI Musement is one of the major growth areas of the TUI Group and employs approximately 8,000 people worldwide.
