These whirlwind journeys deliver the sensory rush of adventure with the comforting knowledge that you’ll be back in your own bed by midnight.
A new way to travel has arrived, and it’s changing the rules of the holiday game. Imagine catching an early-morning flight to a European city, wandering through cobbled streets, sipping mulled wine beneath twinkling Christmas lights and returning home by the evening — all in under 24 hours.
According to Google search data, “extreme day tripping” has reached record highs — with searches up nearly 10,000% from October 2023 to October 2025. But don’t be fooled by the name; this isn’t about daredevil feats or adrenaline-fuelled escapades.
Instead, it’s about the rise of what might just be the ultimate day trip. It’s an opportunity to taste the magic of a city without the constraints of hotel bookings or annual leave, and often at a cost that rivals a night out in London.
This festive season, Europe’s Christmas markets, historic streets and seasonal spectacles are calling. From the pastry-lined lanes to sparkling canals, L360 spoke to the travel experts at Iglu Cruise to discover the top destinations that promise a full day of cultural delights, culinary treats and festive cheer — all within the blink of a day.
Read more: Discover the most beautiful castles to visit for a magical winter escape
Best European ultimate day trips
(Average travel times are from London).
1. Lille, France
Average Eurostar journey: 1 hour 22 minutes
Hop on the early Eurostar from London and you’ll be in Lille before most of the city wakes. Begin your morning wandering the cobbled streets of the old town, pastry in hand, before heading to the Palais des Beaux-Arts, home to France’s second-largest art collection after the Louvre.
In the afternoon, browse the boutiques for Christmas gifts, then duck into a traditional Estaminet for a comforting lunch of carbonnades flamandes — beef braised in beer — or indulge in Lille’s most famous treat at Maison Méert, whose vanilla-filled waffles are worth the trip alone.
As evening falls, make your way to the Grand Place to ride the Ferris wheel above a sea of twinkling lights. The Christmas Village in Place Rihour, with its 90 wooden chalets, is the perfect place to sip mulled wine and watch the city glow before catching the train home.
2. Cologne, Germany
Average flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Start your morning at Museum Ludwig, which houses one of Europe’s most impressive Pop Art collections (and a generous helping of Picasso). Continue to the Fragrance Museum, the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, where the air still hums with citrus and history.
Spend the afternoon in the creative quarter of Ehrenfeld, wandering among street murals, record stores and vintage shops before stopping for a light lunch — and a Kölsch beer or two. Tradition dictates that the waiter will keep them coming until you cover your glass with a coaster.
As the sun sets, glide along the Rhine River on a Christmas lights cruise, then end the day at Heinzels Christmas Market, one of Germany’s finest. Before your flight home, take the lift up to KölnTriangle’s observation deck for one last panoramic view of the illuminated cathedral.
3. Basel, Switzerland
Average flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Basel’s compact charm makes it ideal for a festive day trip. Start in the medieval Old Town, admiring the kinetic whimsy of the Tinguely Fountain and the beautifully decorated “Magical Courtyards.”
At midday, drift across the Rhine on a motorless ferry decked out for Christmas, then browse the Barfüsserplatz Christmas Market, where locals queue for melted cheese and warm gingerbread. Climb the 13-metre-high Christmas Pyramid for a mug of glühwein with a view.
In the evening, take in a short Advent performance at the Basel Theatre, then climb St. Martin’s Tower for a fairy-tale view of the city’s twinkling rooftops.
Don’t forget to sign the Wish Book at City Hall before you go — a small ritual that feels like a moment of magic.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Average flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
An early flight north lands you in the Scottish capital in time for breakfast — perhaps a haggis bap (or vegetarian version) on Cockburn Street. Then it’s straight up Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views of the city framed by frosty hills and castle turrets.
At midday, explore Edinburgh Castle, timing your visit for the one o’clock gun, before lunching beneath chandeliers at The Dome, whose Christmas decorations are the stuff of legend. Afterwards, warm up with a whisky tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience.
As darkness falls, brave the Star Flyer, a dizzying 80-metre swing ride above the Christmas market, or cool off at the Polar Ice Bar, where everything — including the glasses — is sculpted from ice. For something gentler, stroll the Castle of Light, an after-dark art trail that turns the fortress into a glowing masterpiece.
5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Average flight time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Morning strolls don’t come better than along Amsterdam’s canals. Rent a bike or wander through the Jordaan district, stopping for breakfast in a corner café before heading to the Van Gogh Museum in the Museum Quarter.
In the afternoon, embrace the festive spirit at Winter Paradise RAI, a sprawling Christmas playground of indoor and outdoor ice rinks, live music, and steaming mugs of poffertjes (mini pancakes).
As night falls, board a boat for the Amsterdam Light Festival, when the city’s waterways become an open-air gallery of glowing installations. Glide under illuminated bridges and past golden houseboats before finishing your evening with a hearty bowl of bitterballen — rich beef croquettes that pair perfectly with a final Dutch beer before your flight home.
6. Vienna, Austria
Average flight time: 2 hours
Vienna’s imperial charm is particularly enchanting at Christmas.
Begin with a stroll through the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, then sip hot chocolate at a traditional café.
In the afternoon, explore the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, where a giant Christmas tree and twinkling stalls line the square.
End your day with a slice of Sachertorte and a performance at the Vienna State Opera before flying home.
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7. Prague, Czech Republic
Average flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes
The fairytale streets of Prague are made for a day of festive wandering.
Start at the Old Town Square, where the Christmas Market bustles beneath the Astronomical Clock.
Afternoon highlights include a visit to Prague Castle and the charming Charles Bridge, dusted with winter frost.
Cap the evening with mulled wine in a cosy cellar bar before your return flight.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Average flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Copenhagen’s hygge factor is off the charts during the holiday season.
Begin at Tivoli Gardens, where the rides, lights and Christmas market stalls make it feel straight out of a storybook.
Lunch at a Nordic bistro, then explore the Nyhavn canals and soak in the festive atmosphere.
For the perfect evening, enjoy a Danish pastry and hot gløgg before heading back home.
9. Stockholm, Sweden
Average flight time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Stockholm’s Christmas charm is all about its waterfront and winter markets.
Start with a walk through Gamla Stan, the old town, stopping for fika at a traditional café.
Afternoon highlights include the Skansen open-air museum, where Christmas traditions come alive, and a stroll along the snowy quays.
End the day with a harbour cruise under the city’s twinkling lights.
Read more: How to spend 48 hours in Stockholm
10. Salzburg, Austria
Average flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Known as the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a picture-perfect Christmas destination.
Explore the Mirabell Gardens and the historic centre, visit the Christkindlmarkt, and sample traditional Austrian sausages and mulled wine.
Before flying home, enjoy panoramic views from Hohensalzburg Fortress for a last taste of festive magic.
Feature image: Canva
