Some people spend weekends doing laundry. Others hop on a plane to Europe for the day.
If you're in the second camp, welcome to one of the biggest travel trends captivating travellers in 2024 - extreme day tripping.
Extreme day trips are not for the faint-hearted, or the chronically unorganised. But for the brave, the rewards are there.
New cities, wild experiences and a packed social media feed, to name a few. Not to mention a collection of weekend adventure stories that beat "I went for a hike and a roast dinner".
Extreme Day Trips in Europe from Dublin Airport
So - for those who are ready and willing, here's your guide to extreme day trips in Europe from Dublin Airport.
I’ve sorted them by approximate flight time from Dublin Airport (which is also basically the same as your extreme day trip endurance level) and have skipped the obvious spots.
No Paris or Rome here. Just cool, under-the-radar places that may not have sprung to mind at a first glance.
Novice Extreme Day Tripper: 1-1 hour 30 mins flight time
Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 1 hour 30 mins
Think Amsterdam, but cooler and less crowded. Rotterdam’s skyline is all futuristic architecture and edgy art.
Rotterdam's Markthal is a foodie's dream. And don’t miss the cube houses, they'll blow your mind.
Lille, France
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 1 hour 30 mins
Lille offers French flair with a Flemish twist.
Check out the old quarter's cobbled streets, hit France’s second-largest art museum, the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, and indulge in some moules-frites.
Brussels, Belgium
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 1 hour 40 mins
Waffles, chocolate and comic strips. Brussels packs a punch.
Start at Grand Place, wander through the quirky Marolles district with its street art and vintage stores, then hunt down a proper Belgian waffle.
And for some truly unique snaps, check out the Atomium - wonderfully weird and worth it.
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 1 hour 50 mins
Luxembourg City is the definition of 'tiny but mighty'.
Explore the Bock Casemates, an underground tunnel network, then stroll the Corniche for epic views and marvel at the blend of old and new.
It’s like a medieval village with a modern twist.
Intermediate Extreme Day Tripper: 1 hour 40 to 2 hours 30 mins flight time
Hamburg, Germany
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 2 hours 5 mins
It's hard to rival Berlin for an all-round excellent city, but Hamburg certainly gives the German capital a run for its money.
Think canals, cool cafes and a red-light district that makes Amsterdam's look tame.
Go right to the top of its incredible Elbphilharmonie concert hall for free for the best views over the city.
Nantes, France
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 2 hours 5 mins
Known for its giant mechanical animals and outstanding creative scene, Nantes is a place you'll remember.
The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, home to the aforesaid animals, is like something from a steampunk dream.
Also, you'll be guaranteed top-class crepes. Lots of them.
Cologne, Germany
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 2 hours 5 mins
Cologne is all about that iconic cathedral. Climb the tower for views that’ll make your legs wobble.
Wander the old town's colourful streets, then grab a kölsch, a local beer that comes with its own culture and etiquette, at one of the city's traditional pubs.
Bilbao, Spain
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 2 hours 20 mins
You've heard of Barcelona. But Bilbao? This cozy city in Spain’s Basque Country has it's own thing going on.
The Guggenheim is the star here - the prollific art museum that looks like it’s from the future. Even if you don't go inside, the building alone is worth the trip.
Geneva, Switzerland
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 2 hours 25 mins
If saving money isn't your main motivator for an extreme day trip, Geneva's your place.
Stroll along Lake Geneva, check out its famous Jet d'Eau fountain and maybe pop into a watch shop for some window shopping.
For a nature fix, hop on a tram or cable car to Mont Salève, the 'balcony of Geneva'.
Expert Extreme Day Tripper: 3 to 4 hours flight time
Zagreb, Croatia
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 3 hours 5 mins
Zagreb in a day? Totally doable.
Explore the Upper Town, take the world’s shortest funicular and share your tales of heartbreak at the Museum of Broken Relationships.
Tallinn, Estonia
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 3 hours 5 mins
Tallinn is like stepping into a fairytale, only without the tourist traps. The Old Town is all cobblestone streets and medieval towers.
But the real fun is in the alternative Kalamaja district. Here you'll find hipster cafes, street art and factories repurposed into creative spaces.
Malaga, Spain
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 3 hours 10 mins
Forget Marbella - Malaga's got Picasso, tapas and a beach that's perfect for a winter escape.
Climb the Alcazaba fortress for panoramic views. Bonus: it's less touristy in winter.
Naples, Italy
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 3 hours 20 mins
Naples is chaotic, gritty and completely unforgettable. It's also the birthplace of pizza. So, obviously, your first stop is a pizzeria.
After that? Head to its UNESCO-listed historic centre for narrow streets and buzzing piazzas.
Bucharest, Romania
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Flight Time from Dublin Airport: 3 hours 30 mins
Romania’s capital is full of surprises. Visit the colossal Palace of the Parliament, explore the Old Town and check out its quirky cafes.
Don't leave without trying a covrig, Romania’s answer to the humble pretzel.
Say "No" to Roaming Fees and "Yes" to Adventure
Stay connected on your extreme day trip from Dublin with an Airalo eSIM.
No roaming drama - just seamless connectivity and data wherever you go.
Your next adventure's calling - check out the best data package for your trip here.
