The five best places for 'Extreme Day Trips' and what to do there in 24 hours
The trend for visiting a different country for a matter of hours is on the rise - but where's best to go for a day trip?
If you're short on annual leave or want to pack as much as possible into your weekends off, an Extreme Day Trip could be the answer. The bonus is you can save on accommodation and very often end the day back in your own bed.
Thousands of people are fans of the concept of booking a cheap flight which leaves early in the morning and spending the day in another country before flying home with a head full of memories and some great pictures for their Instagram feed. And they're not alone.
According to Google Trends Data, searches for these types of whistle strop trips achieved an all-time high in March, increasing by 9900 percent since March 2024.
Travel experts at Iglu Cruise said: “Extreme Day Tripping simply means going to another country and returning home within one day. Often, people will catch an early morning flight and return home in the evening, meaning they’ll have less than 24 hours to explore a city or destination.
“The term has gathered popularity over the last few months, with many travellers acknowledging the benefits of such a trip. Using less annual leave is one of the main benefits, especially for those who struggle to take time away from work.
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"Some people also argue that it can be cheaper than a night out in the UK, as you’re not spending money on accommodation.”
And the trend is a hit on social media too with the hashtag #extremedaytrip on TikTok gathering millions of views, with content creators flying out to locations such as Rome, Reykjavik, Lisbon and more.
If you fancy giving it a whirl there's a few things to consider. You need to go somewhere with a shortish flight so you're not spending hours and hours in the air there and back. And a red eye flight is the key with a late one back. You can, of course, stay over for one night and it is still classed as an Extreme Day Trip.
And these five cities, complied by Iglu Cruise, could be a great starting point for a day-long adventure. They've also given a run down of what to do when you get there to make the most of your time. Just wear comfy shoes.
Flight times have been calculated from Scottish airports.
1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Average flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Morning
Amsterdam is a city full of charm, culture, and history. Start your day at Dam Square, in the heart of the city. Here you’ll find historical buildings like the Royal Palace and the National Monument. It's a great starting point to get a feel for the city’s atmosphere.
Afternoon
Just a short walk from Dam Square, you’ll find the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. Make sure to book ahead before your trip, as queues can be long. From here, you can head to the Rijksmuseum, one of the world’s greatest art museums. It houses masterpieces by Dutch painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, including the famous Night Watch and The Milkmaid. It's a must-see for art lovers.
Evening
And of course, Amsterdam is famous for its canals. Take a walk along the Grachtengordel (Canal Belt) or, if you have time, hop on a canal cruise to get a unique perspective of the city. End your day in a local cafe. Amsterdam is known for its cozy cafes and coffee shops. Enjoy a hot drink or an evening cocktail at a local cafe, especially in areas like the Nine Streets.
2. Dublin, Ireland
Average flight time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Morning
Start your day at Trinity College, Dublin’s oldest university. Visit the Old Library, home to the famous Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript that’s a must-see for history fans and art lovers. You’ll also find plenty of breakfast spots in the area to enjoy a tasty bite to eat, including The Woollen Mills, located on Ormond Quay, and Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street.
Afternoon
From Trinity College, you can walk to Dublin Castle, which has played a central role in Ireland's history. Here you can explore both the State Apartments and the Medieval Undercroft. From there, you can walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Ireland. It's an architectural masterpiece and offers fascinating exhibits about Ireland’s patron saint.
Evening
No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse, where you’ll learn all about the brewing process and the history of Ireland’s most famous beer. Then, you can head towards the Temple Bar area, known for its vibrant nightlife, packed with pubs, restaurants, and galleries. And of course, here you’ll find the iconic Temple Bar Pub.
3. Paris, France
Average flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Morning
There is plenty to see with only one day in Paris. Begin your day early with a trip to the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic landmark in the city. Then, cross the Seine River to Trocadéro Gardens, which offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Afternoon
Enjoy a scenic walk to the Louvre Museum. You’ll be able to see some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. If you’re short on time, just enjoy the Pyramide du Louvre from the outside. After the Louvre, take a short walk across the Pont des Arts bridge to the Île de la Cité. Visit the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, an iconic landmark in the city, which re-opened to the public in late 2024.
Evening
Finish your whirlwind day by relaxing at a Parisian café near Place de la Concorde or along the Seine River. Alternatively, you could take a Seine River Cruise to see the illuminated landmarks of Paris as night falls.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Average flight time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Morning
Grab breakfast in Nyhavn, one of the most iconic spots in Copenhagen. The colourful buildings lining the canal are perfect for photos, and it’s a great place to sit and enjoy a coffee at one of the cosy cafes along the water. You can also take a canal tour from here to get an overview of the city from the water.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Whether you want to ride the roller coasters, enjoy the beautiful gardens, or just soak in the nostalgic atmosphere, Tivoli is a magical spot.
Evening
End your day with dinner at Torvehallerne, a trendy food market with a variety of local and international foods. From there, you can enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar, such as Lidkoeb or The Tower at the Copenhagen Opera House. Both offer great views of the city, especially at sunset.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Average flight time: 2 hours 48 minutes
Morning
Begin your day early by visiting La Sagrada Familia, the world-famous basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. It's best to get there early to avoid crowds, and if possible, book tickets in advance to skip the line. The interior is breathtaking with its intricate design and stained-glass windows, and the exterior is equally spectacular.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, take a metro or taxi to Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s famous creations. This public park is filled with whimsical sculptures, colorful mosaics, and panoramic views of the city. It's a great place for a leisurely walk while taking in some of the best views of Barcelona.
Evening
In the evening, explore the El Raval or El Born neighbourhoods, both of which have a wide variety of tapas bars, traditional Catalan cuisine, and trendy restaurants, some of which may host a live flamenco show.