Europe's Easiest Multi-Country Day Trip Combos
- oliviazolke
- May 5
- 8 min read
Updated: May 14
by Olivia Zolke
Whether you're planning a quick day trip, a weekend getaway to a second country, or simply want an easy multi-country route for your voyage, these are some of the best (and easiest!) cross-border city pairings in Europe.
Europe is perfect for multi-country exploration—border crossings are often seamless, and with excellent rail, bus, and car travel options, it’s easier than ever to check two countries off your list in a single day. Whether you’re already planning your dream trip or just looking to maximize your itinerary, these simple cross-border combos are worth adding to your list.
Travel planning tips:
Use Omio as a tool to search for transportation between cities— it will show you all the possible routes, including by plane, bus, and train, as well as the different prices, departure times, and duration of each! Always buy tickets in advance for high-speed or cross-border routes, as they can sell out.
Check visa/passport rules – Even though many routes fall within the Schengen Zone, it’s always smart to carry ID or check for any entry requirements based on your nationality.
Travel light – These trips are easiest with a small backpack or hand luggage, and no heavy suitcase.
Choose your accommodation type based on your length of stay and priorities— hotels/hostels are great for shorter stays and solo travel or smaller groups, while apartment rentals may be best for longer stays or larger groups (having the flexibility of a kitchen and laundry can be great!). Use Expedia and Hotels.com for the best deals and great filters to help you easily find a place that fits your needs.
Book tours based on your interests! With so many experience and activity options, it can be difficult to know where to start. Viator and GetYourGuide are great platforms to help you browse different types of tours, and narrow down the selections based on your personal interests and travel style!
Building an itinerary when there is so much to do and see in a new city can feel daunting. Click the button below for FREE Starter Pack Guides for the cities featured in this article! These will help you kickstart your planning, and give you lots of curated ideas for top sites and experiences, personalized to your specific interests and priorities.
Paris, France to Brussels, Belgium
Visit two capital cities! This is one of the most iconic and convenient cross-border city pairings in Europe.
Paris, with its timeless elegance, world-famous landmarks, and café culture, makes the perfect launch point for a day trip into neighboring Belgium. Hop on the high-speed train, and in less than 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll arrive in Brussels, Belgium's vibrant capital city with medieval charm. This pairing is ideal for travelers who love rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious local specialties. Paris offers world-class museums, romantic strolls along the Seine, and boulangeries on every corner, while Brussels delivers grand Gothic squares, quirky street art, and some of the best chocolate and beer in Europe.
Once in Brussels, begin your visit at the breathtaking Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by ornate guildhalls. Wander through cobbled streets lined with comic book murals, visit the Royal Palace, and don’t forget to indulge in a warm Belgian waffle (or two). For a sweet finish, stop by renowned chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini or Neuhaus for pralines that are truly next-level.
Whether you're a foodie, history lover, or just want to say you explored two European capitals in one day—this is one cross-border journey you won’t want to miss.
Check out my curated list of top tours and experiences for Paris and Brussels on my Viator Collection and GetYourGuide!
Vienna, Austria to Bratislava, Slovakia
Two of Europe's most unique and easiest capital-to-capital pairing!
Vienna, with its imperial history, elegant architecture, and vibrant café culture, is just about 1 hour by train or boat from Bratislava, the charming and walkable capital of Slovakia where medieval lanes, Baroque palaces, and views from the hilltop castle await. It’s the perfect duo for travelers who want to experience two distinctly different cultures in a single day or weekend without the stress of a long journey.
Vienna is a city of imperial palaces, classical music, and refined café culture. With its mix of Baroque architecture, grand museums, and world-famous opera, Vienna feels like stepping into a living work of art. It’s a destination where you can start your morning at a royal palace and spend your afternoon sipping coffee in a chandelier-lit café.
Once in Bratislava, explore the compact Old Town, admire the quirky street sculptures, and visit Bratislava Castle for panoramic city and river views. The city has a vibrant local feel and is known for its mix of Gothic, Baroque, and modernist architecture—not to mention hearty Slovak cuisine and local wines.
Together, Vienna and Bratislava offer a fascinating contrast: one is a grand imperial capital, the other a cozy, colorful riverside gem. If you want to experience two distinct cultures and atmospheres in a single day or weekend, this is a perfect—and incredibly easy—route to take.
Check out my curated list of top tours and experiences for Vienna and Bratislava on my Viator Collection and GetYourGuide!
Biarritz, France to San Sebastián, Spain
Two coastal gems, two cultures, and one unforgettable seaside escape.
This relaxed cross-border trip is a dream for foodies, beach lovers, and anyone craving laid-back elegance.
Start your day in Biarritz, a French Basque resort town known for its golden beaches, upscale boutiques, and surf culture. In less than 1 hour by bus or car, cross the border into San Sebastian, Spain—a jewel of Spain’s Basque Country and a world-renowned foodie destination.
Biarritz combines effortless coastal cool with classic French sophistication. Begin your morning with a walk along the Grand Plage or sip coffee at a seaside café while surfers catch waves below. Explore the Rocher de la Vierge for dramatic ocean views, shop local designer boutiques, or visit the covered market for fresh pastries and regional delicacies. Biarritz is perfect for unwinding in style while soaking up Basque charm.
Then, head south to San Sebastian (Donostia), where the scene is vibrant and full of flavor. Framed by the crescent-shaped La Concha Beach, this coastal city is home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe—but you don’t need a reservation to eat well. Spend your afternoon hopping pintxos bars in the Old Town (Parte Vieja), where locals spill into the streets with glasses of txakoli wine and plates of bite-sized delights. If time allows, hike up Monte Urgull for panoramic city views or simply relax on the beach.
This trip is perfect for travelers who crave a mix of seaside relaxation, cultural flair, and world-class food. Whether you're drawn by the surf in Biarritz or the pintxos in San Sebastian, this easy cross-border pairing offers the best of both worlds—all in a single unforgettable day or weekend.
Munich, Germany to Salzburg, Austria
From Bavarian beer gardens to Baroque palaces—this duo delivers charm, culture, and Alpine beauty.
This easy cross-border trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience two culturally rich cities in one day—each with its own unique personality. Start your morning in Munich, a dynamic Bavarian capital known for its historic architecture, lively beer culture, and sprawling green spaces. In just 1.5 hours by train, you’ll arrive in Salzburg, Austria—a city that feels straight out of a fairytale with pastel buildings, hilltop castles, and musical history around every corner.
Munich offers a vibrant mix of old and new. Begin your day with a visit to Marienplatz to watch the Glockenspiel in action, then explore the English Garden, one of Europe’s largest urban parks. Grab a pretzel or bratwurst from a local vendor, or stop at Viktualienmarkt for regional specialties. If you're interested in history, visit the Residenz or one of Munich’s many museums before heading out.
In Salzburg, immerse yourself in the city’s Baroque beauty. Tour the Mirabell Gardens, climb to Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views, or walk in the footsteps of Mozart with a visit to his birthplace. For fans of The Sound of Music, many filming locations are within walking distance of the city center. End your visit with an apple strudel and a stroll along the Salzach River.
This pairing is ideal for history lovers, classical music fans, and anyone who enjoys a mix of big-city energy and small-town elegance. With minimal travel time and maximum charm, it’s one of the best day trips in the region.
Visiting in December? It may be cold, but you’re in for a magical treat—both Munich and Salzburg are home to dozens of traditional Christmas markets. Expect twinkling lights, handmade ornaments, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and plenty of festive cheer spread throughout both cities.
Check out my curated list of top tours and experiences for Munich and Salzburg on my Viator Collection and GetYourGuide!
Nice, France to Bordighera, Italy (Bonus: Stop in Menton!)
Three scenic towns, two countries, and one sun-soaked Riviera ride.
This sun-soaked cross-border escape is ideal for travelers seeking culture, coastal charm, and slower-paced sophistication. Begin your journey in Nice, France’s glamorous Riviera capital, glide along the coast by train with a picturesque stop in Menton, and end your day in the Italian seaside town of Bordighera—home to palms, peaceful promenades, and one of the Riviera’s most unique museums.
Nice is the perfect launch point for this coastal adventure. Start with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or explore the colorful Old Town (Vieux Nice). Browse local produce and flowers at Cours Saleya Market, grab a café crème, or climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
Next, hop on the scenic TER train heading east and make a stop in Menton, the last French town before the Italian border. Known as the “Pearl of France,” Menton is famous for its pastel facades, citrus gardens, and serene seaside vibe. Visit the Jardins Biovès or the Jean Cocteau Museum, and if you’re visiting in February, don’t miss the annual Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival).
From Menton, continue on to Bordighera, just across the border in Italy. Quieter than its more touristy neighbors, Bordighera is full of old-world charm. Wander through its peaceful old town, relax by the palm-lined Lungomare Argentina promenade, and enjoy lunch at a local trattoria. Then head to the Museo Biblioteca Clarence Bicknell—a hidden gem celebrating the life and work of the British botanist, archaeologist, and artist. The museum blends botany, books, and regional history in a beautiful villa surrounded by gardens—a must for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.
This cross-border journey is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed day full of Riviera views, cultural gems, and local flavor. With an easy train route and three stunning towns, it’s an effortless way to experience the best of both France and Italy in just one unforgettable day.
Check out my curated list of top tours and experiences for Nice on my Viator Collection and GetYourGuide!
Why Pairing Countries in Europe is so Magical
One of the most unique joys of traveling in Europe is just how easy it is to cross borders and experience the contrast between countries, cultures, and landscapes—all in a single day. Whether you’re hopping between capital cities, lounging by the sea, or mixing medieval towns with alpine views, pairing destinations gives your trip a sense of adventure and variety without adding stress.
These cross-border combinations are perfect for day trips or quick weekend getaways. They allow you to see more, taste more, and experience the richness of Europe’s diversity—all while staying on a convenient route. With efficient trains and scenic roads linking so many iconic (and underrated!) spots, you don’t have to choose just one.
So whether you’re sipping wine in France and ending the day with tapas in Spain, or exploring castles in Austria before grabbing a stein in Germany, these pairings prove that in Europe, the journey really is just as special as the destination.
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