4 European cities you can tackle in a long weekend
Hit the highlights on a quick trip to these European gems.
The summer holiday crowds have faded, and with direct flights from the U.S.'s East Coast, fall is perfect for a European getaway. If you're low on PTO, just know that three days is plenty of time to get the taste of a city. In my experience, I tend to reserve museum tickets, tours, and restaurant reservations a few weeks in advance so I know I'm not missing out on such short trips. Here, four European cities that you can sample on a fall long weekend, the must-book things to plan in advance, and the neighborhoods where you can be spontaneous.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Why now: Fall kicks off Iceland’s Northern Lights season—look for a cold, crisp night with clear skies and head to Grótta peninsula after dark to try to catch a glimpse. Bonus: There are a ton of festivals this time of year, including September’s Reykjavik International Film Festival, which hosts screenings in unexpected locations like swimming pools or caves, and November’s Iceland Airwaves, which showcases local and international musicians playing everything from hardcore metal to electronic pop.
You can’t leave without: Stopping by OmNom Chocolate, which serves up eccentric ice creams and chocolate flavors like licorice with sea salt, a local favorite.
Where to stay: Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Hotel Holt - The Art Hotel has modern and comfortable rooms.
Your trip, planned:
Get the lay of the land—fast—on a guided walking tour. The Viking Walking Tours will get you clued into the city’s culture and history, while a food-centric walk with Wake Up Reykjavík offers the chance to sample a ton of local bites. Still hungry? Family-owned Reykjavík Kitchen serves traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb ribeye, along with vegetarian options.
Get up early for fresh pastries or Icelandic skyr at Sandholt, and make sure to grab one of their hearty sandwiches to go before setting out for a day exploring Reykjavik’s stunning surroundings. Your Day Tours offers the chance to see geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls on its five-bubble South Coast tour—or you could snorkel between tectonic plates in Silfra.
Start at Braud & Co with a famed sweet cinnamon roll or flakey croissant. Then, head to Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, and visit Álafoss for an Icelandic wool sweater—the seasonal souvenir will keep you cozy long after the weekend is over. Pause for lunch at Icelandic Street Food, known for its soups and Icelandic bread topped with smoked salmon. Round your trip out at the National Museum of Iceland, where you'll find interactive displays covering history from the Viking era to today, plus insight into the island's cultural traditions.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Why now: Edinburgh’s castles, museums, and soaring hills are even more magnificent with autumn’s colorful backdrop. The cobblestone streets and pubs feel especially cozy this time of year, too.
You can’t leave without: A nightcap at Panda & Sons, a speakeasy with a rotating menu of innovative cocktails like the Sunseeker, a whiskey-based drink with smoked lemonade syrup, Aperol, grapefruit, and lemon.
Where to stay: Book a few nights at The Inn on the Mile, a former bank from the 1920s in the center of the Old Town.
Your trip, planned:
Your first day is all about Old Town. Kick off your trip on the Royal Mile before stopping for lunch at The Edinburgh Larder, where you’ll find award-winning soups, sandwiches, and brunch all day. Then, browse colorful Victoria Street for tasty Scottish souvenirs like whiskey, shortbread, or artisanal cheese at I.J. Mellis. Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle overlooking the hills to the sea, then wander through Prince's Street Garden, a decorative public green space. After dark, channel your jet lag and dive into Edinburgh’s eerie history on a ghost tour.
Prepare for a day of exploring the outdoors with a hearty brunch at Greenwoods—their proper Scottish breakfast is stellar. Join a guided tour or hike up Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views of the city, but if the weather isn’t great, head indoors to the (free) National Gallery to see works by Botticelli, Monet, and Van Gogh. Check out The Great Hall, a breathtaking space that often features temporary exhibitions. Have dinner at BABA, a local favorite for Middle Eastern mezze, before going to Sneaky Pete's or Whistle Binkies—both venues are vital to Edinburgh's live music scene.
Start early with banana bread, French toast, or eggs Benedict at The Pantry, but save some room for snacks at Stockbridge Market, a Sunday-only, open-air food haven around the corner. Stroll down the historic Water of Leith walkway towards the picturesque Dean Village, and have an afternoon caffeine boost at The Dean. From there, it’s a 20-minute stroll to stylish George Street, full of boutiques like Scottish Design Exchange highlighting locally made art and home goods. End the day with a traditional pub dinner at Auld Hundred—don’t miss the Balmoral chicken.
Amsterdam
Why now: Autumn is one of my favorite times to experience Amsterdam, my adopted hometown, because it looks like an open-air museum with its gabled buildings and elm trees that turn ochre along the romantic canals. Thousands arrive in October to catch their favorite DJs during Amsterdam Dance Event and cinema buffs connect at the International Documentary Film Festival in November, too.
You can’t leave without: Trying fresh, hot stroopwafels (caramel cookies) from Rudi's.
Where to stay: Settle into a modern and chic room at The Hoxton Hotel along the idyllic Herengracht canal.
Your trip, planned:
Grab a flavorful wrap from The Lebanese Sajeria before exploring Amsterdam's old town, De Wallen, via Dam Square. Design your own chocolate bar at Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore, or visit The Museum of the Canals to learn about the city's history. Graze through Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp to sample Dutch cheese and plenty more. Dine at Ku Kitchen & Bar for sushi and dangerously good cocktails, then take a peaceful evening walk along the canals.
The narrow streets and scenic canals in the historic Jordaan are picture-perfect. I often wake up early for photowalks in this area before it’s too busy. Visit the corner of Brouwersgracht and Prinsengracht to snap a postcard-worthy Amsterdam scene. Noordermarkt has organic food and vintage goods, while Winkle 43 serves thick slices of apple pie that are worth the wait. Nearby, Harlemmerstraat has great people-watching and concept shops like Six & Sons, where I always find eclectic gifts and accessories. For a night out, Paradiso, Tolhuistuin, or Melkweg host live music, while Leidseplein caters to the party scene.
Start with breakfast at Bakkerij Wolf, and explore the quaint yet bustling 9 Streets area—it’s full of vintage stores like Concrete Matter. For an afternoon of art and culture, check out the Rijksmuseum for Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Dutch masters or view colorful Impressionism at the Van Gogh Museum. Walk through Vondelpark for spectacular autumn leaves and stop at ‘T Blauwe Theehuis for a snack or Dutch beer. Inside De Hallen, a cultural hub and food hall, The Maker Store is my go-to for colorful home goods and prints made by local artists. For dinner, savor classic Indonesian dishes like spicy satay skewers at Amoi before an evening boat ride through Amsterdam’s iconic canals.
Porto, Portugal
Why now: In fall, blue skies meet a Mediterranean climate in Porto and the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air. Relaxed and charming Porto is less crowded than the capital Lisbon which has grown increasingly popular, even during shoulder season. Throughout November, Misty Fest draws fans in for a range of performances including jazz, classical, and world music.
You can’t leave without: Sampling port wines with an impressive view at Arco de Verdades.
Where to stay: Stay at Torel Avantgarde, a boutique hotel with a rooftop pool that overlooks the river.
Your trip, planned:
Head to Ribeira, a historic neighborhood known for its waterfront views and medieval streets. Take the Funicular dos Guindais for sky high sights, or walk over the Ponte Luís I bridge and look back at the city from above. Grab a few of Portugal's famous custard pastries at Castro Atelier de Pastéis de Nata—in my experience, one flaky pastel de nata is never enough. End the day with dinner at Bacalhau, for a taste of Portuguese cod served at the water’s edge.
Have breakfast at Floresta Cafe—their French toast with pistachio creme is a feast for the senses. Then, venture out of the city on a leisurely all-day river cruise along the Douro River, followed by a wine tasting. Rather stay close to town? Take the vintage Tram 1 along the shore and hop off at the last stop to visit Foz do Douro, a popular seaside town. Watch the sunset at Miradouro da Vitória before heading to Alibi by YoursPorto for Portuguese-fusion cuisine and local wines.
Take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Mercado do Bolhão, which has tons of local delicacies, from sweet and crunchy jesuíta pastries to savory sardines. Visit highlights like Livraria Lello, a bookstore famous for its art nouveau interior, and discover more during a guided walk or food tour. Nearby, shop for vibrant ceramics, gourmet olive oil, and other locally made souvenirs at A Vida Portuguesa. End the weekend with tapas at Petisqueira Voltaria, where you can try Porto’s iconic francesinha, a sandwich stacked with meat and doused in cheese and a spicy sauce.