UK travel lovers seeking cheap holidays with extreme day trips have lots of options to choose from

Extreme day tripping is popular with many tourists, thanks to the low costs and thrill the adventures offer. The trend, which sees travel lovers visit a destination for 24 hours or less, is increasingly popular.

As the travel experts at Iglu Cruise explain: “Extreme Day Tripping simply means going to another country and returning home within one day. Often, people will catch an early morning flight and return home in the evening, meaning they’ll have less than 24 hours to explore a city or destination.

“The term has gathered popularity over the last few months, with many travellers acknowledging the benefits of such a trip. Using less annual leave is one of the main benefits, especially for those who struggle to take time away from work. Some people also argue that it can be cheaper than a night out in the UK, as you’re not spending money on accommodation.”

In other words, the viral craze helps visitors enjoy locations for less. As the experts mentioned, there’s no need to pay for a hotel, and many opt for last-minute travel deals – going wherever they can for the lowest price.

However, if you’re looking for inspiration before booking a destination, the travel experts have some recommendations and ideas for what you can do when you arrive. Here are five European city breaks that could be ideal for extreme day trips from the UK. While Iglu Cruise’s experts calculated the average flight times based on one-way flights from London airports, you can expect similar times for direct flights from most UK cities.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Average flight time: 1 hour 10 minutes

The Iglu Cruise experts said: “Amsterdam is a city full of charm, culture, and history. Start your day at Dam Square, in the heart of the city. Here you’ll find historical buildings like the Royal Palace and the National Monument. It’s a great starting point to get a feel for the city’s atmosphere. Just a short walk from Dam Square, you’ll find the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II.

“Make sure to book ahead before your trip, as queues can be long. From here, you can head to the Rijksmuseum, one of the world’s greatest art museums. It houses masterpieces by Dutch painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, including the famous Night Watch and The Milkmaid. It’s a must-see for art lovers.”

Sharing recommendations for the evening, they added: “Of course, Amsterdam is famous for its canals. Take a walk along the Grachtengordel (Canal Belt) or, if you have time, hop on a canal cruise to get a unique perspective of the city. End your day in a local cafe. Amsterdam is known for its cosy cafes and coffee shops. Enjoy a hot drink or an evening cocktail at a local cafe, especially in areas like the Nine Streets.”

Dublin, Ireland

Average flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes

“Start your day at Trinity College, Dublin’s oldest university. Visit the Old Library, home to the famous Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript that’s a must-see for history fans and art lovers. You’ll also find plenty of breakfast spots in the area to enjoy a tasty bite to eat, including The Woollen Mills, located on Ormond Quay, and Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street,” advised the experts.

“From Trinity College, you can walk to Dublin Castle, which has played a central role in Ireland’s history. Here you can explore both the State Apartments and the Medieval Undercroft. From there, you can walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Ireland. It’s an architectural masterpiece and offers fascinating exhibits about Ireland’s patron saint.”

They concluded: “No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse, where you’ll learn all about the brewing process and the history of Ireland’s most famous beer. Then, you can head towards the Temple Bar area, known for its vibrant nightlife, packed with pubs, restaurants, and galleries. And of course, here you’ll find the iconic Temple Bar Pub.”

Paris, France

Average flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes

The pros at Iglu Cruise said: “There is plenty to see with only one day in Paris. Begin your day early with a trip to the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic landmark in the city. Then, cross the Seine River to Trocadéro Gardens, which offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

“Enjoy a scenic walk to the Louvre Museum. You’ll be able to see some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. If you’re short on time, just enjoy the Pyramide du Louvre from the outside. After the Louvre, take a short walk across the Pont des Arts bridge to the Île de la Cité. Visit the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, an iconic landmark in the city, which re-opened to the public in late 2024.

“Finish your whirlwind day by relaxing at a Parisian café near Place de la Concorde or along the Seine River. Alternatively, you could take a Seine River Cruise to see the illuminated landmarks of Paris as night falls.”

Copenhagen, Denmark

Average flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes

“Grab breakfast in Nyhavn, one of the most iconic spots in Copenhagen. The colourful buildings lining the canal are perfect for photos, and it’s a great place to sit and enjoy a coffee at one of the cosy cafes along the water. You can also take a canal tour from here to get an overview of the city from the water.

“In the afternoon, visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Whether you want to ride the roller coasters, enjoy the beautiful gardens, or just soak in the nostalgic atmosphere, Tivoli is a magical spot.

“End your day with dinner at Torvehallerne, a trendy food market with a variety of local and international foods. From there, you can enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar, such as Lidkoeb or The Tower at the Copenhagen Opera House. Both offer great views of the city, especially at sunset,” suggested the experts.

Barcelona, Spain

Average flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Iglu Crusie’s experts said: “Begin your day early by visiting La Sagrada Familia, the world-famous basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. It’s best to get there early to avoid crowds, and if possible, book tickets in advance to skip the line. The interior is breathtaking with its intricate design and stained-glass windows, and the exterior is equally spectacular.”

They added: “In the afternoon, take a metro or taxi to Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s famous creations. This public park is filled with whimsical sculptures, colourful mosaics, and panoramic views of the city. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk while taking in some of the best views of Barcelona.

“In the evening, explore the El Raval or El Born neighbourhoods, both of which have a wide variety of tapas bars, traditional Catalan cuisine, and trendy restaurants, some of which may host a live flamenco show.”