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Writer's pictureJordan Hinsch

35 Best Weekend Getaways from Manchester, England (within a 4-hour flight)


35 Best Weekend Getaways from Manchester, England (within a 4-hour flight)
35 Best Weekend Getaways from Manchester, England (within a 4-hour flight)

Manchester, England, pulsates with a dynamic energy that blends industrial heritage with modern creativity. Renowned as a powerhouse of industry during the Industrial Revolution, Manchester today boasts a vibrant cultural scene and a thriving music and arts community. From the historic canals of Castlefield to the cutting-edge architecture of MediaCityUK, Manchester's skyline is a testament to its progressive spirit. Explore the city's rich history at the Manchester Museum or catch a game at Old Trafford, home to Manchester United. With its bustling Northern Quarter offering trendy boutiques and lively nightlife, and its diverse culinary offerings reflecting global influences, Manchester promises a unique blend of history, innovation, and cultural vitality at every corner.


If you're a local seeking a weekend escape, read on. With a wide selection of nearby destinations, both domestic and international, there's something for everyone. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for residents in the Manchester, England area, all accessible within a direct 4-hour flight. Best of all, these trips can be enjoyed without the need to take annual leave (perfect for those working Monday to Friday, 9 to 5). It all comes down to what you wish to do at your chosen destination.






Berlin, Germany (BER) - 1 Hour 55 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Explore Berlin's dramatic history, cutting-edge architecture, and dynamic cultural scene.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 70+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) - 1 Hour 15 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Amsterdam combines rich history with a vibrant cultural life and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere (more than just what you read or hear about).

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 80+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Barcelona, Spain (BCN) - 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Explore Barcelona’s unique blend of Catalan culture, innovative architecture, and vibrant street life.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 50+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Dublin, Ireland (DUB) - 1 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Enjoy Dublin’s literary pubs, historical treasures, and the warm hospitality of its people.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 20+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?





Valletta, Malta (MLA) - 3 Hour 30 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Valletta offers a compact historic city, steeped in history and surrounded by the Mediterranean’s blue waters.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 100+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Lisbon, Portugal (LIS) - 2 Hour 50 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Discover Lisbon's enchanting blend of traditional heritage and contemporary culture, set against a backdrop of seven sun-drenched hills.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 90+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






Budapest, Hungary (BUD) - 2 Hour 40 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Budapest is known for its dramatic cityscape, thermal baths, and a nightlife pulsing with energy.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 100+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Athens, Greece (ATH) - 3 Hour 45 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Step back in time in Athens, where ancient history stands side by side with a lively, modern metropolis.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 150+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Madrid, Spain (MAD) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Dive into Madrid's rich tapestry of art, history, and lively culinary scenes in Spain’s capital.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 100+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Copenhagen is a synthesis of picturesque canals, bike-friendly streets, and innovative cuisine.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 150+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Munich, Germany (MUC) - 2 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Munich boasts a mix of traditional Bavarian culture and modernity, famously celebrated in its annual Oktoberfest.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 150+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


London, England (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN, LCY, SEN) - 1 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • London is a bustling metropolis packed with world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and historical landmarks.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Summer

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 100+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






Venice, Italy (VCE) - 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Venice enchants with its intricate canal system, historic architecture, and striking art scene.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 100+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Santorini, Greece (JTR) - 4 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Experience breathtaking sunsets and stunning volcanic landscapes in Santorini, a jewel of the Aegean.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Summer

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 150+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?





Vienna, Austria (VIE) - 2 Hour 25 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Indulge in Vienna’s world-renowned music scene, imperial history, and enchanting coffee house culture.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 60+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Marrakesh, Morocco (RAK) - 3 Hour 45 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Marrakesh enthralls with its vibrant souks, stunning palaces, and bustling Djemaa el-Fna square.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 60+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Dubrovnik, Croatia (DBV) - 3 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Visit Dubrovnik for its stunning Old Town encircled by massive stone walls and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 100+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Seville, Spain (SVQ) - 2 Hour 50 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Immerse yourself in the heart of Andalusian culture in Seville, where flamenco, festivals, and historic architecture abound.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Spring, Fall

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 150+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






Paris, France (CDG, ORY, XCR, BVA) - 1 Hour 15 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Paris entices with its unrivaled art, architecture, cuisine, and a timeless sense of style.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: €v30+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






Porto, Portugal (OPO) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Porto charms with its stately bridges, historic port wine cellars, and a beautiful riverside area.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 150+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Milan, Italy (BGY, LIN) - 2 Hour 15 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Milan is a fashion powerhouse, offering a stunning mix of modernity and history, with incredible shopping and dining.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 70+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Rome, Italy (FCO, CIA) - 2 Hour 40 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Rome presents a spectacular display of ancient history, baroque art, and vibrant street life.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 100+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






Stockholm, Sweden (ARN) - 2 Hour 15 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Stockholm spreads across islands connected by bridges with a historic old town and vibrant modern culture.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 150+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) - 2 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Zurich combines cultural vibrancy and rich history with a backdrop of picturesque lakes and mountains.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 200+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Krakow, Poland (KRK) - 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Krakow captivates with its medieval core, Jewish heritage, and vibrant cultural life.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 90+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Valencia, Spain (VLC) - 2 Hour 35 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Valencia blends history, culture, and modernity, with stunning architecture and a famous paella scene.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 100+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Oslo, Norway (OSL) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Oslo offers a unique mix of cultural attractions and stunning natural scenery, all within the city’s limits.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 40+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






Helsinki, Finland (HEL) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Experience Helsinki’s design-forward aesthetic, waterfront beauty, and innovative cuisine.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 200+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Split, Croatia (SPU) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Step into the past within the walls of Diocletian's Palace in Split, a vibrant Adriatic port with rich history.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 70+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Geneva, Switzerland (GVA) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Geneva showcases international diplomacy amidst the backdrop of the Alps and a vibrant city life.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 70+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Marseille, France (MRS) - 2 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Marseille features a vibrant old port, multicultural atmosphere, and access to stunning Calanques National Park.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 200+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Zagreb, Croatia (ZAG) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Zagreb offers a lively cultural scene, picturesque architecture, and accessible nature.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 20+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Pisa, Italy (PSA) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Pisa is renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower, beautiful duomo, and vibrant student culture.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

  • Airfare: 90+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Gothenburg, Sweden (GOT) - 1 Hour 50 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Gothenburg is known for its maritime history, vibrant arts scene, and the archipelago right at its doorstep.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 50+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Brussels, Belgium (BRU) - 1 Hour 25 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Brussels is the heart of European culture and politics, with a rich history and vibrant gastronomic scene.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to fly there?

  • Airfare: 20+

Want to take the train instead?

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?



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Hey! I'm Jordan, a native New Yorker who is addicted to adventure travel, photography, content creation, investing, and fitness. Read on, enjoy, and Never Run Out of First Times!

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