We are always on the lookout for Ryanair weekend destination ideas. One of the advantages of living our expat life in Europe is that there is an abundance of cheap places around the continent to fly to.
Airports like Dublin, London Stansted, London Gatwick, and Brussels Charleroi are low-cost hubs for Ryanair and offer flights to all popular city break destinations (not to mention some places you may never have heard of before).
Read on to find out my picks for the top European city break destinations for any season of the year based on more than a decade of personal experience taking budget-minded trips with Ryanair.
It doesn’t matter if you’re flying in Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn; I’ve got you covered with ideas for places to visit in Europe for a weekend.
Of course, you could always plan a longer trip, but in that case, you should hone your skills on how to pack for a week in a carry-on to minimize your costs and maximize your flight deals on Ryanair!
Let’s fly!
Ryanair Weekend Destination Ideas: Winter Wonderlands (December – February)
Winter is a great time of year to travel around Europe. Prices (even by Ryanair standards) tend to be more economical.
You can also take advantage of seeing European destinations decorated for the holiday season or covered in snow. Here are the Ryanair winter destinations that I personally recommend.
1. Vienna, Austria
Sit reading a newspaper on a pole while eating cake and sipping a coffee (or something stronger) in the classic cafes that dot the city.
Vienna Resources
- Official Vienna Tourism Site
- What to do in Vienna, Austria by Ytravel Blog
- Things to do in Vienna in December
2. Wroclaw, Poland
There is something so magical about dwarf hunting while bundling up in layers of coats and scarves. Yes, it’s cold in Poland in winter but that’s part of the experience.
Wroclaw Resources
- Exploring Wroclaw, Poland for Less than $25 per Day on eTramping.com
- Gnome Hunting in Wroclaw, Poland – Sidewalk Safari
- The Best Things to Do in Wroclaw in Winter – Sidewalk Safari
3. Tenerife (Spain)
Decamp to the Canary Islands for a bit of sunshine and warmth. Tenerife offers something for everyone including the obligatory beaches plus a majestic volcano and beautiful parks.
Tenerife Resources
4. Lanzarote (Spain)
Speaking of the Canary Islands…Lanzarote is another Ryanair destination I recommend. To me, Lanzarote in winter is not about the “fly and flop” (on the beach) but rather about great food, unique wines, and fun volcanic adventures.
Lanzarote Resources
- 10 of the Best Things to do in Lanzarote in January
- 10 of the Best Ways to Savor Lanzarote Food and Wine
5. The Algarve (Portugal)
The Algarve in winter is the quintessential Ryanair sun holiday destination. As one of the perks of living in Portugal, this stretch of coast is practically on our doorstep. Fly Ryanair to Faro and explore from Sagres in the west to Vila Real de Santo António in the east.
Algarve Resources
- The Algarve in December: Discover Portugal’s Coastal Haven on a Winter Escape
- The Algarve in Winter: What to Expect & Things to Do by Pina Travels
- Sagres Birdwatching Festival
6. Málaga, Spain
Málaga is one of my favorite winter destinations for a Ryanair weekend. Chow on churros y chocolate or make your way to the beach at Marbella. Did you know that Picasso was born in Malaga, and that the city is an excellent gateway to Granada and the majestic Alhambra? If you love art and history, this is the place to go.
Malaga Resources
- How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Malaga, Spain
- Why You Should Celebrate Christmas in Granada, Spain
Ryanair Weekend Destination Ideas: Spring Flings (March – May)
Spring is my favorite time of year for a Ryanair weekend. Weather is improving in many destinations around Europe. You’ll also find some fabulous festivals worth flying in for.
7. (London)Derry
The (London)Derry jazz festival is the perfect excuse to visit Northern Ireland. There are tons of free gigs and you can also take the opportunity while you’re there to learn more about the history of The Troubles in the region on both sides of the fence. 
(London)Derry Resources
- Cool Things to do in Derry and Nearby in Northern Ireland
- History in Walls: Derry on the Perceptive Travel Blog
8. Amsterdam
Flying to Holland during tulip season for a Ryanair weekend is a must despite the larger number of tourists. From Amsterdam, you can easily access the Keukenhof or rent bikes to ride through less crowded tulip fields. White asparagus is an added bonus at this time of year.
Amsterdam Resources
- 10 Fun Things to do for Weekend in Amsterdam on a Netherlands Workcation
- Amsterdam Travel Tips by the Blonde Abroad
- 17 Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands – Sidewalk Safari
9. Valencia
You’ll notice a bit of a theme here. Festivals are a great excuse to visit a destination and Valencia in Spain is no exception.
Las Fallas showcases hundreds of larger-than-life papier mache creations all around town that are then burned in a blaze of glory on the last night of the festival.
Valencia Resources
- An Insider’s Guide to Valencia on National Geographic Blog
- The Juice: Valencia on Urban Travel Blog
- Things to do in Valencia Spain During Las Fallas – Sidewalk Safari
10. Carcassonne and Toulouse, France
Looking for off-the-beaten-track destinations in France? Consider a Ryanair weekend in Carcassonne and Toulouse. Carcassonne is anchored by an impressive restored castle and fortress, while Toulouse is known for unique and comforting cuisine. The two cities are just 45 minutes apart by train, so catch a Ryanair flight into one and fly out of the other.
Carcassonne and Toulouse Resources
- How to make the best of a quick Carcassonne weekend
- 15 of the Best Restaurants in Toulouse on 2Foodtrippers
11. Normandy, France
Normandy is a region full of amazing and heart-wrenching history. If you are a WWII history buff, this is the Ryanair destination for you.
Ryanair flies to “Paris”. Beware that Paris Beauvais Airport (Ryanair’s hub) is more than an hour outside of the city. That said, Paris Beauvais Airport is a great gateway for a road trip in Normandy. Le Havre is just two hours away by car.
Normandy Resources
12. Poznan and Bydgoszcz, Poland
Ryanair offers extensive coverage of cities in Poland. In fact, Ryanair flies to some Polish cities that you may never have heard of. Combine Poznan and Bydgoszcz for a unique weekend city break.
Explore Poznan’s charming old town. See the iconic tightrope walker over the river in Bydgoszcz. Eat your way through both cities as you indulge in comforting Polish cuisine. Take a day trip to Torun, birthplace of Copernicus.
Poznan and Bydgoszcz Resources
- 23 of the Best Things to do in Poznan on a Ryanair Weekend
- 13 Fun Things to do in Bydgoszcz in a Day and a Night
Ryanair Weekend Destination Ideas: Summer Stops (June – August)
Summer is the high tourist season in Europe so choose your destinations wisely. Ryanair adds additional destinations seasonally. Check the schedule at the beginning of the year and book early for the best prices for your weekend getaway.
13. Munich
Sit in the sun and sip from a giant stein of beer while noshing on a pretzel to match in the Englischer Garten in Munich.
Munich Resources
- Things to do in Munich – Sunday Spotlight by Ytravel Blog
- My Adventures in Munich Blog
- How to Have Fun on a Business Trip in Munich Germany
- How to Spend 2 Days in Munich in the Spring
14. Edinburgh
Once again, festivals rule the day and no one does festivals better than Edinburgh. We go every year for the Fringe in August where there are literally thousands of performances on offer ranging from comedy, music, experimental theatre and more.
Edinburgh Resources
- How to Experience Summer in Edinburgh Scotland
- Walk the Water of Leith in Edinburgh
- Is the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Worth Seeing in the Summer
15. West of Ireland
Fly Ryanair into Knock, Shannon, or Kerry Airports and explore the West of Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher are one of few places in the world where you can spot puffins without having to board a boat making this one of my favorite summer destinations.
Drive the Ring of Kerry or visit charming Irish towns like Westport, Sligo, or Letterkenny on a Donegal weekend.
West of Ireland Resources
- Is Westport Ireland Worth Visiting?
- Is Mount Falcon the Best Place for a Hawk Walk in Ireland?
- The Best Places to Visit in Donegal on a Weekend Road Trip
- Cliffs of Moher
- The Best Places to See on a Ring of Kerry Drive in Ireland
- 17 Great Reasons Why Sligo Ireland is for Foodies
16. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn features a medieval core guarded by “Fat Margaret”, and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also a fantastic workcation destination, with some of the best and fastest internet service in Europe.
Tallinn Resources
17. Manchester and Liverpool, England
Ryanair offers great coverage of destinations in England. Why not combine Manchester and Liverpool for the perfect weekend city break? The cities are less than 45 minutes apart by train.
You can easily spend a day walking around Manchester without too much pre-planning. In Liverpool, explore Titanic history and check out the interactive Beatles museum. If you have more time, spend a day in Chester with its charming Medieval core and Roman-era history.
Manchester and Liverpool Resources
- 9 Cool Things to do in Manchester in a Day
- The Best of Liverpool in One Day
- 17 Cool Things to do in Chester for a Wonderful Weekend
18. Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is one of the Tricities in the north of Poland on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Gdansk is where the first shots of World War II were fired and also home to the Solidarity labor movement of the early 1980s. If you are interested in history, Gdansk is the perfect Ryanair destination for a summer trip.
Gdansk Resources
19. Vilnius and Kaunas, Lithuania
I loved Lithuania! Most people who visit stick to Vilnius. However, Ryanair flies to both Vilnius and Kaunas. We flew into Vilnius and out of Kaunas to make the most of our Lithuanian city break.
Steep yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage ambiance of Vilnius and then head to Kaunas for a less touristy look at the country. I marveled at the fantastic street art and communist-era cafes in Kaunas.
Vilnius and Kaunas Resources
- 19 Fun Things to do in Vilnius on a Quick Trip
- 10 Great Reasons Why Kaunas is Worth Visiting for a Day
Ryanair Weekend Destination Ideas: Autumn Leaves (September – November)
The Fall season is another of my favorite times of year to take a Ryanair city break. You’ll find a wide selection of seasonal destinations still available during shoulder season, but the prices tend to be lower and the destinations less crowded. Where shall we go in Autumn?
20. Dubrovnik
Famously overrun by tourists, this picturesque walled city in Croatia starts to calm down a bit in October. Head to Dubrovnik on one of the last Ryanair flights of the season where you’ll enjoy lovely weather and thinner crowds. Rent a car and take a day trip into Montenegro to add to your list of countries visited.
Dubrovnik Resources
- How to Avoid the Crowds on a Holiday to Dubrovnik Croatia?
- The Best Things to See on a Dubrovnik to Kotor Day Trip
- 48 Hours in…Dubrovnik – gadventures
- Dubrovnik Survival Guide – Adventurous Kate
21. Porto
Sip a glass of port as old as you are and marvel at the setting sun. In Fall, you can even take a sunset cruise on the Douro and make it back in time for supper along the river.
Alternatively, head from the airport to Matosinhos (less than 15 minutes by car or taxi) on the coast for a beach escape instead of a city break.
Porto Resources
- Why Vila Nova de Gaia is a Great Home Base When You Visit Porto
- 25 Things to Do in Porto – edreams blog
- 3 Days in Porto, Portugal: An Ideal European Weekend Citybreak
- 7 of the Best Porto Day Trip Destination Ideas
22. Venice
Italy’s famous city of canals is sinking so you’d better go while you still can. This is another place that is famously overrun by tourists but is worth visiting nonetheless.
We’ve visited twice in late November and enjoyed nice (albeit chilly) weather and far fewer people to elbow our way past. Shoulder season for the win!
Venice Resources
23. Sofia and Plovdiv Bulgaria
Sofia is another off-the-beaten-track Ryanair destination in Europe. If your goal is to visit every EU country like ours was, Ryanair can get you there. Spend a day or two wandering around Sofia and soaking in the local atmosphere and culture. Then head to Plovdiv for a day of Bulgarian wine and Roman-era history.
Sofia and Plovdiv Resources
- The Best Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria in a Weekend
- What It’s Like to Travel from Sofia to Plovdiv for a Weekend
- 21 Awesome Day Trips from Sofia for True Explorers on NTripping
24. Riga, Latvia
If you love Art Nouveau architecture, Riga will be your Ryanair destination of choice. You’ll find an interesting juxtaposition of whimsical buildings from this era combined with brutalist reminders of Soviet times.
Riga Resources
25. Marrakech, Morocco
Did you know that Ryanair flies to Morocco? Plan a unique Ryanair weekend in Marrakech where you can explore the riotous souks, indulge in piping hot and incredibly filling tagines, and then escape to the quiet courtyard of your riad to rest and relax.
Marrakech Resources
26. Bergamo, Italy
Bergamo is the quintessential Ryanair destination. Originally billed as Ryanair’s gateway to Milan (located about an hour away), Bergamo is a city worth visiting in its own right.
Walk the charming streets of the upper and lower city and indulge in amazing Italian cuisine. From Bergamo, you can also easily escape to the Italian Lakes.
Bergamo Resources
- A Weekend in Bergamo: 17 of the Best Things to See, Do, and Eat
- How to Spend an Enjoyable Weekend from Bergamo to Lake Iseo
- 2 Days in Milan
27. Loire Valley, France
Nantes is another popular Ryanair airport and is a gateway into the Loire Valley in France. Fly into Nantes, rent a car, and explore the spectacular chateaux and amazing wines of the Loire Valley on a weekend (or longer) road trip.
Loire Valley Resources
- The Best Places to See on a Loire Valley Road Trip
- A First Timer’s Guide to the Quirky French City of Nantes
28. Dublin, Ireland
Want to know my favorite Ryanair destination of all? It has to be Dublin. Having called Dublin home for over a decade, I know this city inside out. Fly in for a weekend city break and experience the legendary craic. Spend the night in one of countless pubs or head to the theatre or a gig. And if you love photographing beautiful doors, Dublin is paradise.
Dublin Resources
- Dublin in October: 31 of my Favorite Things to See, Do, and Eat
- A Local’s Guide to the Best Free Things to do in Dublin
- A Local’s Guide to 20 of the Best Hidden Gems in Dublin
Beware of Low-Cost Carrier Gotchas When Embarking on a Ryanair Holiday
If you are new to travel with low-cost carriers like Ryanair, there are a few things you should be aware of to make sure that your European city break goes smoothly.
- Book at least a couple months in advance for the best deals. Prices go up at the last minute and there is no such thing as a last minute fare with Ryanair.
- You’ll pay for everything; whether it’s a seat assignment, priority boarding, a checked bag, or even a small carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin (anything that won’t fit under the seat in front of you) be prepared to shell out some cash and factor these ‘extras’ into your budget.
- Print your boarding pass out before you get to the airport. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to have your boarding documents reprinted.
- If you are flying on a non-European Union passport, make sure you stop at Ryanair’s check-in desk even if you are not checking bags to get your visa check stamp. You’ll be turned away at the gate without it.
- If you haven’t paid for Priority Boarding, Plus, Flexi Plus, or Family Plus class of service, you’ll only be able to bring one cabin bag on board. All wheelie bags that could be carried on previously will go into the hold.
