Where to Go in Europe for a Day Trip: The Best Destinations for Short Trips

Pompeii, Coimbra, and Nazaré made the list of the best short trips. Learn more about 10 places in Europe for day trips

Pompeii, Český Krumlov, and Coimbra topped the list of the best destinations for day trips in Europe in 2026. The top ten also included small historic towns, nature parks, and coastal resorts in five countries. The ranking was published by Euronews based on data from the Daytrip platform. All locations can be visited on their own or added as a short stop on a longer trip through Europe.

In our previous article, we wrote about 5 European countries that tourists are hardly visiting in 2026.

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How was the ranking of one-day trips in Europe compiled?

The ranking was prepared by the Daytrip platform, which organizes car transfers between cities. The company analyzed bookings from travelers who were touring Europe and booked additional sightseeing stops along the way.

The list shows which historic cities, natural landmarks, and small resorts were most frequently included in itineraries between major tourist hubs. Instead of several hours of nonstop driving, passengers stopped at UNESCO sites, observation decks, or ancient cities.

The ranking does not identify Europe’s least-visited places nor does it evaluate them based on cost or the number of tourists. It reflects the popularity of short stops that can be visited in a few hours without taking an extra day off.

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The 10 Best Places in Europe for a Short Trip

The ranking includes archaeological sites, medieval towns, nature parks, and Atlantic resorts. Most of these destinations can be easily combined with a visit to popular cities or incorporated into a road trip itinerary.

1. Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii took first place in the Daytrip ranking. The ancient Roman city at the foot of Mount Vesuvius covers about 44 hectares, so it’s difficult to see the entire archaeological complex in a single day. For a short visit, it’s worth checking out the Forum, the Great Theater, the Odeon, the amphitheater, and one of the ancient villas.

The most convenient way to get there is from Naples or Sorrento. The Circumvesuviana train reaches the Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station in about 30–35 minutes. The Porta Marina entrance is located next to the station. The archaeological park’s official website also provides directions for traveling by car and bus.

You should set aside at least four hours to see the main attractions. Pompeii is by no means a quiet destination, especially in the summer. To avoid the heat, lines, and large tour groups, it’s best to arrive before the site opens and purchase your ticket in advance.

In our previous article, we discussed, which destinations topped the ranking of the quietest and noisiest countries in the world.

2. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov is located in South Bohemia. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city’s main attraction is the large castle complex overlooking the Vltava River. In 4–5 hours, you can walk through the Old Town, see Unity Square, St. Vitus Church, and the Cloak Bridge, and climb the castle tower.

The most convenient way to get there is from České Budějovice: the trip by bus or car takes about 30–40 minutes. From Prague, a direct bus takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, so a day trip will require an early departure. The train is less convenient, as the train station is about a 20-minute walk from the center.

In 2026, admission to the Castle Museum and the tower costs 280 CZK for adults. A basic guided tour of the castle’s interiors costs 300 CZK and lasts about 55 minutes. The schedule varies by season, and some routes do not operate in winter

In our previous article, we wrote about the TOP 5 uncrowded Mediterranean resorts where you can relax without lines or noise.

3. Coimbra, Portugal

Coimbra is conveniently located between Lisbon and Porto. The high-speed train from Lisbon takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and from Porto—about an hour. Intercity trains arrive at Coimbra-B Station, located about 2 km from the historic center. Be sure to check the current schedule on the Comboios de Portugal website.

The city’s main attraction is the university complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets to the Joanina Library must be reserved for a specific time. You should also include the Royal Palace, St. Michael’s Chapel, the Old Cathedral, the Church of Santa Cruz, and the Montegu River promenade in your itinerary. You’ll need about 5–6 hours for the tour, but because of the steep streets, it’s best to start at the university and gradually make your way down to the center.

A ticket to the university, including the Joanina Library, costs €13.50 in 2026. It is valid for two days, though the entry time for the library is fixed.

4. Obidos, Portugal

Obidos is a compact medieval town located about 85 km from Lisbon. Direct buses depart from the Campo Grande station, and the trip takes about an hour. The bus stops near the main gate, Porta da Vila, so no additional transportation is needed.

In 2–3 hours, you can walk along Rua Direita, visit the Church of Santa Maria, the castle, and part of the city walls. Admission to the historic center and most major sites is free. The castle operates as a hotel, so its interiors are not open to the public as a museum.

The route along the walls features steep stairs, uneven surfaces, and sections without guardrails. Comfortable shoes are required for the walk, and it’s best to stay on the main streets if you’re traveling with small children. Most organized tour groups arrive between approximately 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., so it’s quieter to explore Obidos in the morning or later in the day.

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5. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

The national park consists of 16 lakes connected by waterfalls and wooden walking trails. For a first visit, Route B is a good choice: it starts at Entrance No. 1, is 4 km long, and takes 3–4 hours. It includes the Lower Lakes, the Big Waterfall, an electric boat ride, and a panoramic shuttle ride.

If you have 4–5 hours, Route C covers the Lower and Upper Lakes. It is 8 km long. Entrance No. 1 is best for a short hike to the Great Waterfall, while Entrance No. 2 is ideal for walks around the Upper Lakes. The distance between the entrances is about 3 km.

The most convenient way to get to the park is by car or bus from Zagreb or Zadar. The trip takes about 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on the city and the route. Tickets must be purchased for a specific entrance and time slot. In 2026, the price is €40 for adults from June through September, €23 in April, May, and October, and €10 in winter. The price includes boat rides and panoramic transport.

6. Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is ideal for a day trip from Vienna: a direct train covers the route in about an hour. From the main train station, you can walk to the Old Town in 15–20 minutes or take public transportation. Another option during the warmer months is a high-speed catamaran ride on the Danube.

You’ll need 5–6 hours to explore the city center. Start your tour at Bratislava Castle, then head down to St. Martin’s Cathedral. Next, walk through St. Michael’s Gate, Main Square, the Old Town Hall, and the Primatial Palace. A good place to end your walk is near the Blue Church or the Danube embankment.

Most of the central attractions are within walking distance. The climb up to the castle is steep, so people with limited mobility may find it more convenient to take the bus. The Bratislava CARD is only worth it if you plan to visit several paid museums: it includes public transportation, a walking tour, and a number of museum admissions.

In our previous article, we wrote about the TOP 5 uncrowded Mediterranean resorts where you can relax without lines or noise.

7. Aveiro, Portugal

The most convenient way to visit Aveiro is from Porto. A direct commuter train from São Bento or Campanhã stations takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs about €4. It’s a 15-minute walk from the train station to the canals and the historic center.

A stroll through the city takes 3–4 hours. Plan your route from the azulejo-adorned train station to the Canal Central. From there, you can explore the Art Nouveau buildings, the fish market, Aveiro Cathedral, and the salt flats. A ride on a traditional moliceiro boat through the canals takes about 45 minutes.

If you have a full day, you can add Costa Nova, located about 10 km away, to your itinerary. The area is known for its striped fishermen’s houses and wide Atlantic beach. You can get there by local bus or taxi. It’s best to allow 7–8 hours for Aveiro and Costa Nova combined.

8. Kutná Hora, Czech Republic

Kutná Hora is located about 70 km from Prague. A direct train from Praha hlavní nádraží to Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží takes about an hour. The main station is located in the Sedlec district, not in the historic center. To reach the central station, Kutná Hora město, you’ll need to transfer to a local train or bus.

It’s best to start your visit at the ossuary in Sedlec and the nearby Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Then you can head to the old town, where you’ll find St. Barbara’s Cathedral, the Jesuit College, the Italian Court, and a medieval stone fountain. The full itinerary takes 5–6 hours.

The number of visitors to the church is limited. You must purchase a ticket in advance for a specific date and time on Sedlec’s official website. It’s best to plan your visit around this time slot, since St. Barbara’s Cathedral is about 3 km from the ossuary. Walking between all the sites on your own will take at least 40 minutes.

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9. Montepulciano, Italy

Montepulciano is situated on a hill in Tuscany, between the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys. The most convenient way to get there is by car from Siena, Arezzo, or other cities in the region. The historic center is closed to non-resident vehicles under the ZTL zone, so you’ll need to park in the lots near the city walls.

Getting there by public transportation is more difficult. The most convenient train station is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, from which you’ll need to take a bus or taxi for another 30–50 minutes. There are fewer departures on weekends, so be sure to check the return bus schedule before starting your trip.

The route through the city runs from the Porta al Prato gate up to Piazza Grande. Along the way, you can visit historic wine cellars, and in the square, you’ll find the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Comunale. Below the city center lies the Church of San Biagio. It takes 4–5 hours to tour the city and enjoy one wine tasting. The streets are steep, and the wine cellars often only accept visitors by advance reservation.

10. Nazaré, Portugal

Direct buses run from the Sete Rios terminal in Lisbon to Nazaré. The trip takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. The bus station in Nazaré is a few minutes’ walk from the main beach. Taking the train for this route is less convenient, as the train station is located outside the city.

Nazaré consists of the lower coastal district and the upper district of Cítio. A funicular runs between them. In a single day, you can walk along the Praia da Nazaré promenade, climb up to the Miradouro do Suberco observation deck, and reach the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo. From there, you’ll have a view of Praia do Norte, where the famous giant waves break.

The big-wave season usually lasts from October to March, but the waves only appear under the right weather conditions. Even in winter, there’s no guarantee you’ll see them on any given day. Before your trip, be sure to check the ocean swell forecast and local announcements. When the swell is strong, do not go down to the water at Praia do Norte or approach the edge of the cliffs.

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How can you plan a day trip without rushing?

Plan a short itinerary around transportation and attractions with fixed entry times. The biggest mistake is trying to fit in too many locations without allowing enough travel time.

- Check the departure time of the last train or bus before buying admission tickets

- Choose a destination that can be reached in no more than two hours one way

- Book tickets in advance for Pompeii, Plitvice Lakes, the University of Coimbra, and the Sedlec Ossuary

- Allow at least 30–45 minutes for transfers, finding the entrance, and waiting in line

- Store your luggage at the train station or in a luggage locker. It’s inconvenient to navigate cobblestone streets and steep hills with a suitcase

- Download an offline map and save your tickets on your phone. Cell service in national parks can be unreliable

- Check the weather and trail conditions. This is especially important for Plitvice Lakes, Nazaré, and walks along the city walls of Obidos

- Leave one optional stop that you can skip in case of transportation delays

For the city, plan on spending 4–6 hours there. National parks require more time, appropriate footwear, and an early departure. If the round trip takes more than five hours, it’s more practical to stay overnight.

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We remind you! Popular tourist destinations can be a trap. We have already told you which 8 places in the world Fodor’s advises to avoid in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tension – and what alternatives to choose instead.

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