You have decided you are going to Europe this year. Congratulations. I hope you have a fantastic trip. You look at the calendar and realize you can only go for a long weekend. I’m here to tell you a long weekend in Europe is doable for most Americans. I will share five southern European cities perfect for a long getaway weekend.
Who should read this blog or watch the video?
This content is designed for Americans and Canadians who want to spend a long weekend in southern Europe. If you live in Europe or it’s easy to get there, this blog will probably not be helpful. You will have so many more options than the cities I will cover.
The criteria used to create this list
Below are the three criteria I used to create this list.
- I have to have visited the city in the past decade. I don’t want to provide dated information or discuss places I haven’t visited.
- I’m defining a northern city as Paris and any city north of Paris.
- The city has to be easy to get to by plane from America. You don’t want to spend an entire day getting there, much less coming back.
This last criterion eliminates several places I like, Porto and Florence, which will take you some time to get to, and remember it’s only a long weekend.
Southern European City #1 – Rome, Italy
I won’t get into excruciating detail about why I love visiting each of these cities. I have separate videos and blogs if you want to hear those details. Instead, I will talk about why I placed it on the list where I did and share one recommendation. Rome is a fantastic place to visit. I’ve only been there once. My recommendation is don’t be an idiot like me and wait till you’re over 50 years old to visit Rome. It is tailor-made for a long weekend. Trust me. You won’t run out of things to see or do in Rome. You will want to return. We’re hoping to go back this year.
City #2 – Munich, Germany
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and home to the world-famous Octoberfest celebration. There are a lot of great reasons to go to Munich. I’ve been there many times, and I always have a blast. If you like beer, Munich is the beer capital of the world. Oh, by the way, the most outstanding soccer team in the world is from this city. If you’ve never been to Germany before, start your trip to Munich. It is what most Americans picture when they think of Germany.
Southern European City #3 – Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, Spain. I’ve been to Barcelona two times, once alone and once with family. Barcelona is the most popular city in all of Spain to visit. There is a reason. It is great. There’s so much to see and do. My one recommendation for Barcelona is to go on a tapas tour. It’s a great way to see the city, eat some tapas, and learn about this incredible City on the med.
City #4 – Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. Portugal is super popular with Americans these days. The reason is that this country is fantastic, and part of that magnificence is its capital city. Kim and I took the kids there a few years ago, and we had a blast. My one recommendation for Lisbon is to wear comfortable shoes. This city is hilly. You do not want to ruin your long weekend because you brought the wrong shoes to Lisbon.
Southern European City #5 – Madrid, Spain
Madrid is the capital of Spain. Kim and I took the kids there last year for spring break. We were split about who liked Madrid or Barcelona better as a family. I enjoyed Madrid. It is a beautiful capital city with lots to see and do. My one recommendation when visiting here is to get a tour guide if you decide to go to the Prado, which is a world-class Art Museum. There is so much to see inside the museum. It’s helpful to have someone guide you through to see the highlights.
Bonus City – Milan, Italy
I feel like this Italian city doesn’t get its due. You hear a lot about Venice, Florence, and Rome. Milan is a modern city, probably why some people don’t care for it. I think you will also like Milan if you like New York City. I recommend getting onto the roof when you tour the Duomo. There are excellent views from the top of this beautiful church.
One thing you may not like about Southern Europe
Let’s shift gears and discuss one thing you may not like about Southern Europe. If you choose to visit in the summer, it will be hot. Look at the map of Spain below. It is a frying pan in the summertime. If you visit Southern Europe, I recommend going in the shoulder seasons. I’ve been in October and November. We had perfect weather then.
Three Southern European cities I want to visit soon
- Vienna, Austria.
- Prague, Czech.
- Athens, Greece.
I am Doug Keating, and this is my letter to my sons.