Four budget-friendly European destinations to visit for a day trip in March for under £100

DAY trips in Europe always make for exciting adventure – and it’s even better when they’re this cheap.

We’ve rounded up the four cheapest destinations to visit next month, and prices start from just £26pp.

Getty

With the good weather starting and longer daylight hours, spring is the perfect time to explore a new destination without being under the scorching sun or rainy winter days.

Travellers can maximise their time discovering a new area without the bother of long-haul travel thanks to short flight times from regional airports.

These low-cost flights are available for less than £100pp, which makes these day trips to Europe almost the same price as a day out in London.

The deals include flying out on one of the first morning flights and returning at night.

These are the cheapest destinations to visit next month:

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

With return flights costing from £30pp, Copenhagen is one of the best cities to visit in a day.

To ensure you make the most of your day, prioritise the must-see sights and plan how to get there.

Visitors should explore Nyhavn’s historic district first, which is home to brightly-coloured buildings (which make the perfect background for taking pictures) and seaside restaurants.

Then, for a peek into Danish history, you should head to the neighbouring Kastellet and see the famous Little Mermaid monument.

Tivoli Gardens is also a must-see – the amusement park in central Copenhagen has rollercoasters, games and entertainment.

Bikes, buses and the metro are the easiest and fastest ways to get around Copenhagen – and a “city pass” travel card for 24 hours costs around £10.

If you want to turn this into a family day away from home, an adult can bring two children under 12 for free on public transport when buying a city pass.

Here are the best deals we’ve found for day trips to Copenhagen:

• Return flights from Edinburgh – from £30pp in March
• Return flights from London – from £35pp in March
• Return flights from Manchester – from £39pp in March

Alamy

2. Lyon, France

Although not always one of the first choices to come to mind when thinking about going to France, Lyon is an excellent choice for a day of exploring.

Visit the Vieux Lyon old quarter, known for its Renaissance architecture and secret alleys called “traboules”.

A trop to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière should also be on your list, as it is on top of Fourvière Hill and has fantastic city views.

When the time to eat comes around, you’ll have to head to Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse.

The famous food market is said to be one of the reasons that Lyon is dubbed France’s capital of gastronomy, and has been open since 1859.

There are more than 45 stalls, so something will suit everyone’s taste.

Visiting the Berges du Rhône neighbourhood is also one of the highest-rated free activities on TripAdvisor, so make sure to hit that as well.

Here are the best deals we’ve found for day trips to Lyon:

• Return flights from London – from £25pp in March
• Return flights from Liverpool – from £39pp in March
• Return flights from Birmingham – from £48pp in March
• Return flights from Manchester – from £53pp in March

Getty

3. Milan, Italy

Known as Italy’s fashion capital, this one might be the best choice for shopping lovers.

That being said, Milan offers much more than just boutiques and shops.

You should start your morning with a tour of the Duomo, which also has amazing city views.

Next to it is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a retail arcade ideal for a stroll and shopping.

La Scala Theatre can also be visited during the day without seeing a show too.

And the Sforza Castle is home to the Museum of Ancient Art and is highly recommended along with the Sempione Park

You can end the day in the Navigli neighbourhood, where Milan’s ancient canal system is the perfect place for an Italian “aperitivo” before you head back home.

Here are the best deals we’ve found for day trips to Milan:

• Return flights from London – from £26pp in March
• Return flights from Bristol – from £28pp in March
• Return flights from Liverpool – from £28pp in March
• Return flights from Belfast – from £35pp in March
• Return flights from Manchester – from £37pp in March

Getty

4. Venice, Italy

Thanks to its compact city structure, Venice is a great idea to visit in a day.

Once you get there, stroll around its quaint alleyways and have a traditional breakfast in one of the city’s many coffee shops.

For those interested in the history and culture of Venice, there are a number of guided tours during the day.

Most excursions will include visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, but these can also be visited on your own.

For the authentic Venetian experience, you’ll have to explore the city from the water – be it by gondola, kayaking, or even rowing your own boat.

If you have enough time and can book ahead, you could even participate in glassblowing workshops.

Here are the best deals we’ve found for day trips to Venice:

• Return flights from London – from £28pp in March
• Return flights from Bristol – from £34pp in March
• Return flights from Manchester – from £34pp in March
• Return flights from Birmingham – from £37pp in March
• Return flights from Edinburgh – from £61pp in March

Getty

For more deals, there’s a huge sale with beach holidays under £200pp, and European city breaks from £97pp this spring.

We’ve also found four-night beach holiday deals that cost less than £300pp this spring.

Meanwhile, a newly launched British Airways sale has US city breaks from £582pp to Miami, New York and Boston

_{Prices correct at the time of publication.}

Alamy