10 cheap trips to Europe for the May long weekend

The May long weekend is a perfect opportunity for an economical getaway through Europe We are taking advantage of the good weather and the still moderate prices before the summer. If you are looking for affordable destinations in this list you will find routes through cities, beaches and even islands with tips for save on transportation, food and lodging.

1. Portugal: do you know these routes?

Portugal is an ideal choice for the May long weekend, with affordable prices, good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Depending on the area of Spain where you live, you can organize a different route:

• From the north Oporto and the Douro Valley. If you travel from Galicia or Castilla y León, the best thing to do is to make a trip to Porto where you can tour the Ribeira, visit its wineries and cross the bridge Don Luis I to enjoy the views. It is also a good idea to take an excursion by boat or by car along the Douro Valley one of the most beautiful wine regions of the country. Here you have more details about what to see in Porto in 4 days.
• From the center and west Lisbon and surroundings. If you leave from Madrid or Extremadura, Lisbon is the best option. In a few days you can visit the Alfama district, taste the famous Belém pastries and go to Sintra or Cascais which are less than an hour away from the capital city.
• From Andalusia Algarve. For those who live in Seville or Huelva, the Algarve is a nearby destination and perfect for a route by car. Lagos, Albufeira and Tavira are some of the essential stops, with spectacular beaches and less tourists than in summer.

To save money, it is best to travel by bus or carpooling, avoid staying in the center of big cities and look for local restaurants instead of touristy ones. If you are going to Oporto, here you can see some options to eat well and cheaply.

• Recommended hotels in Porto
• Recommended hotels in Lisbon
• ➤ Budget for Portugal: $

2. Belgium: charming cities and good beer

Belgium is a perfect destination for the May long weekend, with cheap flights from many Spanish cities and a good train network to move between its main cities. In addition, it is a small country, so in a few days you can visit several of its most emblematic cities.

• Brussels The Belgian capital is a good base to explore the country. In one day you can see the Grand Place, the Atomium and taste its famous beers and waffles. If you are short on time, here is a guide to what to see in Brussels in one day.
• Bruges It is one of the most visited cities in Belgium and rightly so. Its historic center is fairytale, with canals, medieval houses and charming corners. Strolling through its streets aimlessly is one of the best plans, but you can also check out this list of must-see places in Bruges.
• Ghent Less touristic than Bruges but just as beautiful, Ghent is a city with a young atmosphere and a lot of history. Its medieval castle, the Saint Bavon Cathedral and the banks of the Lys river are a must. If you like gastronomy, here you have some recommendations about where to eat in Ghent.
• Antwerp Although less popular than the previous ones, Antwerp is an incredible city, with a great train station, an impressive cathedral and a modern atmosphere. If you pass through here, don't miss the diamond district and the port. To eat well without spending too much, you can take a look at these recommendations in Antwerp.

To save money in Belgium, it is best to travel by train with discounted weekend tickets. You can also consult this guide on getting around Belgium to choose the best option.

• What to see in Belgium
• Recommended hotels in Belgium
• ➤ Budget for Belgium: $$

3. The Netherlands: beyond Amsterdam

Although Amsterdam is the most famous city in the Netherlands, there are many other interesting and more economical options for a getaway in the netherlands on the May long weekend:

• Delft This small city is a great alternative to Amsterdam if you are looking for a destination with canals, charming houses and a quiet atmosphere. In addition to strolling through the old town, you can visit the Oude Kerk church and learn more about the famous Delft blue pottery. Here is a list of what to see in Delft.
• Rotterdam If you are interested in modern architecture, Rotterdam is a must. Unlike other Dutch cities, skyscrapers and futuristic buildings predominate here, such as the famous Cube Houses or the Markthal, a covered market with food from all over the world.
• The Hague The Hague: Known for being the seat of government of the Netherlands, The Hague combines historic buildings with beaches in nearby Scheveningen. It is a good destination if you want to see something different without going too far from Amsterdam.
• Cheese villages If you like cheese, you can't miss a visit to one of the cities where traditional markets are held, such as Gouda, Edam or Alkmaar. These markets recreate the old way of cheese trade and are a good opportunity to taste different local varieties.

To save money in the Netherlands, we recommend buying food in supermarkets Albert Heijn o Jumbo and take advantage of transportation cards such as the OV-chipkaart to move around by train and streetcar at a more economical price.

• What to see in Holland in 4 days
• Recommended hotels in Amsterdam
• ➤ Budget for the Netherlands: $$

4. Switzerland: affordable plans in an expensive destination

Although Switzerland has a reputation for being an expensive country, with good planning it is possible to visit without spending a fortune. The key is to take advantage of the discounted public transportation search lodgings outside the center and eat in supermarkets or affordable restaurants. For a getaway during the May long weekend, these are some interesting options:

• Geneva Located next to Lake Geneva and overlooking the Alps, Geneva is an elegant city with many parks and free museums. A stroll through the old town and the Jet d'Eau Its famous water fountain is a must. If you are looking for cheap options to eat, here are some places where you can find eat well and cheaply in Geneva.
• Lausanne This university town has a more relaxed atmosphere and is a good choice for a quiet getaway. Its historic center, the gothic cathedral and the lakeside promenade are some of its strong points. If you want to find out more, here is an article on what to see in Lausanne.
• Montreux and Vevey If you are looking for spectacular scenery, a good option is to visit Montreux and Vevey, two small towns located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Montreux is famous for its jazz festival and its lakeside promenade, while Vevey is known for being the town where Charlie Chaplin lived. Here you can find more information about what to see in Montreux y what to see in Vevey.

To save on transportation, it is best to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass if you are going to move around several cities, or search for reduced fares on regional trains. You can also consult this guide on where to eat cheaply in Lausanne to avoid spending too much on food.

• Travel Guide to Switzerland
• Recommended hotels in Geneva
• ➤ Budget for Switzerland: $$$

5. Greece: peninsula or islands on an economy cruise

Greece is a perfect destination for the long weekend in May, since at this time the weather is ideal and there are still not as many tourists as in summer. Depending on your budget and the time available, you can opt for a route through the Greece mainland or make a cruise around the islands.

• Athens and Meteora If you are interested in history, Athens is a must-see. The Acropolisthe neighborhood of Plaka and the Ancient Agora are a must, and if you are well organized, they can be visited in one day. From the capital you can make an excursion to the monasteries of Meteora A group of temples located on huge rock formations that seem to be taken from another world. If you want more information about the route, we explain here how to get from Athens to Meteora y what to see in Meteora.
• Greek islands cruise Another interesting option is to take a mini-cruise that passes through several islands in a few days. Some of the most popular ones are Santorini, Mykonos and Patmos The islands, which combine beaches, white villages and spectacular sunsets. Many companies offer economic itineraries with stopovers in these islands, so it can be a good way to see several in a short time. If you want to know what to see in each one, here you have guides of Santorini, Mykonos y Patmos.

To spend less in Greece, it is best to eating in local taverns where prices are much lower than in tourist restaurants. If you are interested in Greek gastronomy, here we leave you some recommendations on what to eat in Greece.

• What to see in Greece
• Recommended hotels in Athens
• ➤ Budget for Athens: $$

6. Croatia: coast and medieval cities

Croatia is an affordable destination with a lot to offer, from historic cities to spectacular beaches. During the May long weekend, the weather is pleasant and there are still not so many tourists, which makes it an ideal time to visit.

• Dubrovnik The so-called "Pearl of the Adriatic" is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with its impressive city walls and cobblestone streets. Strolling through the old town, touring its fortifications and enjoying the views from Mount Srđ are unmissable plans. To avoid the high prices of the area, it is best to stay in the outskirts and eat in local restaurants.
• Ston If you want a quieter experience, Ston is a great alternative near Dubrovnik. This small town is famous for its medieval walls the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China, and for their oysters considered one of the best in the Adriatic. If you are interested in learning more about this destination, here is a guide to the best places to visit. what to see in Ston.
• Route along the Croatian coast If you have more days, a good option is to take a tour by car or bus along the coast. You can include Split with its impressive Diocletian's Palace, Zadar known for its marine organ, and Plitvice Lakes one of the most spectacular natural parks in Europe. If you want to plan a more complete trip, here is a list of the best places to visit. 12-day Croatia tour.

To save money in Croatia, the best way is to move around in intercity buses which are inexpensive and connect well to the main cities. It is also advisable to avoid tourist restaurants and try the food in konobas, traditional taverns with more affordable prices.

• Recommended hotels in Dubrovnik.
• Recommended hotels in Split.
• Recommended hotels in Zadar.
• ➤ Budget for the route through Croatia: $$

7. Central Europe: Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava.

If you are looking for a trip with several cities in a few days, this route through Central Europe is one of the best options. Train and bus connections between Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest are fast and inexpensive, which makes it possible to travel them without spending too much.

• Prague The Czech capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and perfect for a couple of days. Do not miss the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and Old Town Square where the famous astronomical clock is located. To save money, it is best to look for accommodation in the neighborhoods of Zizkov or Vinohrady which are more economical than the center.
• Vienna Although it is the most expensive city on the route, there are many free activities such as visiting the St. Stephen's Cathedral walk through the Schönbrunn Palace or tour the Ringstrasse the avenue that surrounds the historic center. To taste the local food without spending too much, a good option are the sausage stalls or the markets such as the Naschmarkt.
• Bratislava Small but charming, the capital of Slovakia is ideal for a day trip. The Bratislava Castle the old town and the UFO bridge with its panoramic viewpoint are some of its attractions. It is also the cheapest town on the route, so it is a good place to eat well without spending too much.
• Budapest The Hungarian capital combines history, architecture and a lively nightlife. Do not miss the Parliament, Fisherman's Bastion and thermal baths Budapest is one of the best experiences in the city. In addition, Budapest is quite affordable and you can eat cheaply at the local markets such as the Great Central Market.

To move between these cities without spending too much money, we recommend you to use the bus company FlixBus which usually has very cheap tickets, or look for discounted regional trains. In addition, in many of these cities there are tourist cards which include transportation and entrance fees to monuments for a reduced price.

• Recommended hotels in Prague
• Best hotels in Budapest
• Recommended hotels in Vienna.
• Recommended hotels in Bratislava.
• ➤ Budget for the route through central Europe: $$

8. Italy: classic route or Sardinia getaway

Italy is a destination that never fails and, if well organized, can be a very economical option for the May long weekend. Depending on what you feel like, you can make a route through historic cities or a more relaxed getaway to Sardinia The beaches are almost empty at this time of the year.

• Route through central Italy If it's your first time in the country, a good option is to visit Pisa, Florence and Rome in a few days. Pisa can be visited in a few hours, seeing the Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli. Florence, with its impressive cathedral and Ponte Vecchio, deserves at least two days. In Rome, the must-see is the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Vatican although there are a lot of interesting places. To save money, it is best to travel by train with the cheapest regional tickets and avoid the tourist restaurants in the center.
• Sardinia If you are looking for a quieter getaway, Sardinia is a perfect choice. The weather is already good in May, but the summer crowds have not yet arrived. The island has amazing beaches, such as the ones on the Costa Smeralda or the Gulf of Orosei in addition to charming villages such as Alghero. If you want to explore the island, it is best to rent a car, as public transportation is quite limited. For more information on what to see on the island, here you have a Sardinia route in 7 days.

To spend less in Italy, it is advisable to buying food in supermarkets or try the famous appetizers offered by many bars, where for the price of a drink you get a small buffet of food.

• Sardinia Travel Guide
• Where to stay in Sardinia
• ➤ Budget for Sardinia: $$

9. Ireland: a getaway to Dublin and surroundings

If you fancy a different destination for the long weekend in May, Ireland is a great option. Although the country is not particularly cheap, with a few tricks it is possible to visit it without spending too much. The best option for a short getaway is to focus on Dublin and surroundings combining history, nature and good atmosphere in the local pubs.

• Dublin The Irish capital is compact and easy to get around on foot. A must is to visit the Trinity College where the famous Book of Kells walk through the Temple Bar (although it is better to avoid its bars if you want to save money) and walk along the banks of the Liffey River. It is also interesting to visit the Guinness Storehouse although admission is not cheap.
• Nearby excursions If you want to see breathtaking scenery without going too far away, there are several options for excursions by public transport or with organized tours:
  • Howth A small fishing village just 30 minutes by train from Dublin, ideal for a cliff walk and fresh seafood.
  • Cliffs of Moher They are one of the most impressive landscapes of Ireland. They can be visited in a day trip from Dublin, although the bus ride is long.
  • Glendalough and Wicklow A perfect option for hiking lovers, with lakes and monastic ruins in a spectacular setting.

To save money in Ireland, it is best to buying food in supermarkets such as Tesco or Lidl look for accommodations outside the center of Dublin and opt for pubs with food and drink offers. It is also advisable to moving by bus instead of train as it is usually cheaper.

• Recommended hotels in Dublin.
• ➤ Budget for the route through Ireland: $$

10. Germany: inexpensive cities and free plans

Germany is an interesting destination for the May long weekend, with affordable flights and many travel options for all budgets. Although some cities can be expensive, it's easy to find free plans, cheap transportation and affordable food in local markets and breweries.

• Berlin The German capital is one of the most affordable cities in the country and perfect to explore in a few days. You can tour the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie You can also visit some of the museums on the Museum Island. A good trick to save money is to make a free walking tour Many companies offer with local guides.
• Munich Although it is known for being an expensive city, there are ways to visit it without spending too much. You can walk around the old town, see Marienplatz and City Hall or visit the English Garden Munich is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. In addition, Munich is famous for its biergartens where you can eat well for a reasonable price.
• Hamburg This port city is a less touristic but very interesting alternative. Its area of the Speicherstadt with old red brick warehouses, is a World Heritage Site. You can also walk around the port, visit the alternative neighborhood of St. Pauli or climb up to the church of San Miguel to enjoy the views.

To save money in Germany, it is best to buy a daily transport ticket in large cities, as it usually includes subway, streetcar and bus for a fixed price. It is also advisable to eating at markets and street food stalls where you can taste typical dishes such as the bratwurst or currywurst sausages without spending too much.

• Recommended hotels in Berlin.
• ➤ Budget for the route through Germany: $$

11. United Kingdom: beyond London

London is an interesting destination, but also one of the most expensive in Europe. If you want to take advantage of the May long weekend without spending too much, it is better to explore other cities in Europe United Kingdom where prices are more affordable and the cultural offer is still very interesting.

• Liverpool Liverpool: Known for being the city of the Beatles, Liverpool is a perfect choice for a short getaway. You can visit the Albert Dock, The Beatles Story museum and cathedral in a single day. In addition, the city has several free museums, such as the Tate Liverpool or the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
• Manchester If you like soccer and music, Manchester is a great alternative. You can visit the National Soccer Museum touring the neighborhood Northern Quarter known for its alternative ambience, and enter one of its historical breweries without spending too much.
• Scotland (Edinburgh and Glasgow) If you can find cheap flights, a getaway to Scotland is well worth it Edinburgh is a fairytale city, with its castle, the Royal Mile and Arthur's Seat, a hill with spectacular views Glasgow On the other hand, it is more alternative and less touristic, with a lot of cultural offerings and live music.

To save in the United Kingdom, it is advisable to book trains in advance or use buses from companies such as Megabus which usually have very cheap tickets between cities. It is also a good idea eating in pubs offering prix fixe menus or take advantage of supermarket offers to buy food ready to take away.

• Recommended hotels in Liverpool.
• Recommended hotels in Edinburgh.
• ➤ Budget for the route through the United Kingdom: $$

12. Slovenia: nature and good food for a good price

Slovenia is a lesser known destination but perfect for a budget getaway for the May long weekend. It is a small country, easy to travel around and with an ideal combination of charming cities, natural landscapes and good gastronomy.

• Ljubljana The Slovenian capital is one of the most beautiful in Europe and can be explored in one day. Its hilltop castle the Dragon Bridge and the pedestrianized old town are a must. In addition, the city is quite affordable compared to other European capitals, both in terms of accommodation and food.
• Lake Bled It is the most iconic place in Slovenia and an obligatory stop on any route through the country. You can take a walk around the lake, go up to the Bled Castle to enjoy the views or take a traditional boat (pletna) to the small island with its church in the center of the lake.
• Postojna caves and Predjama castle One hour from Ljubljana, these impressive caves are among the largest in Europe and can be visited on a subway train tour. Nearby is the Predjama Castle built inside a cave in the middle of a cliff.

To move around Slovenia without spending too much, the best way is to rent a car Public transportation does not always reach the most touristic places. As for the food, it is advisable to taste the menus of the day in local restaurants where you can eat well for a very affordable price.

• Recommended hotels in Ljubljana.
• ➤ Budget for the route through Slovenia: $$

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement 10 cheap trips to Europe for the May long weekend you can visit our posts about International routes.