Weekend Escapes: Europe's best summer getaways from London
One of the best things about living in London as an international student is that Europe is right on your doorstep.
With dozens of direct flights leaving every day, you can finish your Friday classes, head to the airport, and be watching the sunset somewhere completely different just a few hours later. Whether you're dreaming of beach clubs, charming old towns, incredible food or long summer evenings by the sea, you don't need to take weeks off to experience it.
We've put together some of our favourite weekend destinations across Europe, including a few top picks that deserve a spot on your summer bucket list.
France: City Breaks & Riviera Escapes
France offers the perfect balance between culture, food and coastal luxury.
If it's your first visit, Paris, Nice and Lyon are classics for a reason. Spend the morning wandering through museums, enjoy long lunches on sunny terraces, and finish the day with wine overlooking the Seine or the Mediterranean.
If you've already visited the main cities, head further south.
Our top picks:
Saint-Tropez (fly to Nice, then 1.5–2h by car or ferry)
Monaco (25 minutes by train from Nice, or 30 minutes by car)
These smaller Riviera destinations offer crystal-clear water, colourful streets and a slower pace that's perfect for a relaxing summer weekend. Stay in Nice and explore the coast by train, or rent a car to discover some of France's most beautiful seaside villages.
Italy: La Dolce Vita
Italy never disappoints.
Whether you're visiting for the food, the beaches or simply the atmosphere, every region feels completely different.
The classics include Rome, Florence and Naples - three cities full of history, incredible architecture and some of the best food you'll ever eat.
But if you're looking for somewhere a little more exclusive, we'd recommend exploring beyond the obvious.
Our top picks:
Portofino (fly to Genoa or Pisa, then 1–2h by train + short taxi or ferry)
Forte dei Marmi (fly to Pisa, then 30–40 minutes by car or train)
Capri (fly to Naples, then ferry or hydrofoil ~1h)
Portofino is effortlessly elegant, Forte dei Marmi has become one of Italy's favourite summer destinations, while Capri offers dramatic cliffs, beach clubs and unforgettable boat days.
And of course, no Italian weekend is complete without fresh pasta, authentic pizza, creamy gelato and long dinners that somehow always turn into late evenings.
Spain: Sunshine, Beaches & Summer Energy
Spain is made for summer weekends.
Barcelona, Madrid and Ibiza each offer something completely different - from architecture and rooftop bars to world-famous nightlife and Mediterranean beaches.
If you're looking for somewhere slightly quieter while keeping that luxury summer feeling, our top picks are:
Formentera (fly to Ibiza, then 30-minute ferry)
Marbella (fly to Málaga, then 45–60 minutes by car or bus)
Take the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera for turquoise water that rivals the Caribbean, or spend a weekend in Marbella enjoying beach clubs, old town streets and sunset dinners by the sea.
Check out the full list of the best matcha spots in Covent Garden & Marylebone every student should try
Portugal: Beautiful Coastlines & Relaxed Summer Vibes
Portugal continues to be one of Europe's best-value destinations, and one of our favourites for a long weekend.
Most visitors head straight to Lisbon, Porto or Lagos, and it's easy to see why. Colourful streets, incredible seafood, beautiful viewpoints and a relaxed atmosphere make every trip feel effortless.
If you're visiting the Algarve, don't limit yourself to one beach. Rent a car or join a boat tour to discover hidden coves, sea caves and some of Europe's most spectacular coastline.
Other European Cities Worth Adding to Your List
Not every summer weekend has to be about the beach.
If you're in the mood for something different, these cities are all less than a few hours from London:
Amsterdam - canals, cafés and cycling everywhere.
Copenhagen - minimalist design, waterfront swimming and incredible bakeries.
Berlin - history, culture, nightlife and one of Europe's most creative atmospheres.
Each offers a completely different experience, making them perfect for spontaneous weekend trips throughout the year.
Why Living in London Makes Weekend Travel So Easy
One of the biggest advantages of studying in London is how connected the city is.
With direct flights to almost every major European destination, you can often find affordable return tickets if you book in advance. Airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton make it easy to escape the city for 48 hours and return in time for Monday morning lectures.
And if you're staying in one of our student apartments in central London, you're perfectly placed to make the most of London's airport connections, meaning your next weekend escape is never far away.
A Little About Us
At Student Luxe, we're more than just a student accommodation company.
Our team is made up of young professionals, international students and long-time Londoners who genuinely love exploring both London and Europe whenever we get the chance. From spontaneous city breaks to hidden coastal villages, many of the destinations we recommend are places we've visited ourselves.
We believe student life should be about more than lectures and deadlines. It's about discovering new places, making unforgettable memories and making the most of everything living in London has to offer.
Whether we're sharing neighbourhood guides, café recommendations or weekend travel inspiration, our goal is always the same: helping international students experience the very best of life in and beyond London.
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