London ranks first among the best European cities for day trips, new research shows
London has secured the top spot among the top 10 European destinations for day trips, according to a new survey by TUI Musement.
The study analyzed Google search volumes between March 2025 and February 2026 to determine which European cities travelers most often associate with day trips. Athens came in last, in 10th place, with 95,700 searches related to the term “day trips from Athens.”
Among the most sought-after excursions from the Greek capital are the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi and the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, famous for their dramatic rock-top setting.
The report also highlighted the popularity of nearby Greek islands such as Hydra and Aegina, which continue to attract visitors looking for easy island getaways from Athens.
According to the research, European travelers are increasingly searching for destinations that combine vibrant city experiences with convenient short escapes to cultural landmarks, nature, and coastal destinations.
London topped the ranking with more than 260,000 searches for day trips, followed by Paris and Rome. Other cities featured in the top 10 include Barcelona, Florence, Edinburgh, Milan, Dublin and Lisbon.
Europe’s top 10 cities for day trips
London – 260,300 searches
Paris – 207,600 searches
Rome – 206,800 searches
Barcelona – 131,800 searches
Florence – 112,800 searches
Edinburgh – 110,800 searches
Milan – 109,200 searches
Dublin – 106,600 searches
Lisbon – 99,700 searches
Athens – 95,700 searches
The methodology considered all European cities with populations above 150,000 inhabitants and examined search interest using both native city names and English translations.
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