Did someone say ‘girls’ trip’? Whether you’re planning a glamorous milestone birthday trip, celebrating a friendship anniversary, or simply craving some time away, there’s nothing quite like a girls’ weekend away to recharge, rejuvenate, and reconnect.
From the cobblestone streets of historic capitals to sun-drenched coastal retreats, we’ve rounded up the best girl weekend getaways in Europe and beyond to ensure your next group trip is one for the memory books.
Best Girls’ Weekend Getaways in Europe
Europe weekend breaks offer the ultimate convenience and affordability without compromising on stunning sights, chic bars, and delicious food. If you’re looking for exquisite dining and cultural immersion, these cities deliver in spades.
Weekend City Breaks
Paris
Few cities are as effortlessly glamorous (and Instagrammable) as Paris, which is why it remains the gold standard destination for a girls’ trip. The French capital offers world-class shopping, indulgent spa hotels, and iconic dining experiences. Spend your afternoons browsing the chic boutiques of Le Marais before ending the day at one of the many upscale restaurants with a view of the Eiffel Tower. If you time your dinner after sundown, you’ll be able to catch the mesmerising landmark in all of its twinkling glory.
Best time to visit: April to June for blooming gardens and the famous ‘Fête de la Musique’ festival, or September to October for crisp air and fashion week vibes.
London
London is another unbeatable go-to for a luxury weekend break with the girls. Think rooftop cocktails, West End shows, and indulgent brunches. Home to a multicultural mixing pot, you’ll be spoilt for choice of different cuisines to try. If you’re looking for the ultimate bottomless brunch with a view, Wagtail offers two rooftop terraces with 360-degree panoramic views of the city – the perfect spot for toasting to your friendship anniversary.
Best time to visit: May to September for buzzing outdoor terraces and Royal Ascot season, or December for magical Christmas markets and fairs.
Prague
Prague blends fairytale architecture with surprisingly affordable luxury, making it a favourite for group getaways. Known for its opulent five-star hotels and private opera boxes, it’s a fantastic choice for groups who appreciate history with a side of glamour. Spend your days exploring the Old Town, enjoying riverside dining along the Vltava, and don’t miss the chance to try a traditional Czech beer spa for a unique twist on pampering.
Best time to visit: May, June, and September offer the best weather for exploring the Old Town with fewer crowds. If you’re willing to deal with larger crowds, visit during December to witness their world-famous Christmas markets.
Porto
This Portuguese gem is perfect for a slower-paced city break. Famous for its port wine cellars and the stunning Ribeira district, Porto offers a blend of old-world charm and modern, affordable luxury. Expect wine tastings in the Douro Valley, strolling past tiled townhouses, and atmospheric waterside dining. Make sure to book a private river cruise for a sunset toast with your girls.
Best time to visit: June is wonderful for the São João Festival, but the shoulder months of May and September provide warmer weather for alfresco dining and slightly fewer crowds.
Wellness Getaways
Budapest
Dubbed the ‘City of Spas’, Budapest is a hotspot for wellness breaks. Home to over 120 thermal springs and 50 bathhouses, it’s an ideal location for a rejuvenating weekend away. Visit the neo-Baroque Széchenyi Baths for a dip in the thermal waters, or book a private session at the more intimate, Art Nouveau Gellert Baths. Don’t forget to explore the chic bars and cafes this beautiful city has to offer.
Best time to visit: April to May for temperate weather, perfect for walking between the city’s many bathhouses.
Reykjavík
For a bucket-list wellness getaway with the girls, Reykjavík is a standout destination, providing an ethereal backdrop. Expect geothermal spas, dramatic landscapes, luxury lodges, and the unforgettable Northern Lights from this Iceland holiday. Whether you choose the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, or both, there’s nothing quite like sinking into mineral-rich geothermal waters surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
Best time to visit: September to March for a chance to see the Northern Lights, or June to August for the “Midnight Sun”.
Istanbul
Istanbul offers a rich blend of culture, cuisine and wellness. Treat yourselves to the ultimate luxury of a traditional Turkish hammam experience – we recommend the 16th-century Hürrem Sultan Hamam, a breathtaking and opulent sight of white marble and intricate tiled designs. Then indulge in rooftop dining overlooking the Bosphorus, a beautiful balance of relaxation and exploration.
Best time to visit: April to May or September to October to avoid the intense heat and humidity of mid-summer.
Coastal Escapes
Ibiza
Beyond its reputation for nightlife, Ibiza is a sanctuary of luxury villas and hidden coves. It’s a top choice for a 30th birthday trip, offering world-class beach clubs like Blue Marlin and high-end agroturismo retreats in the quiet north of the island.
Best time to visit: May, June, and September for warm weather without peak-season crowds.
Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are classic girls’ holiday destinations. Spend your days hopping between beaches, eating your body’s weight in gyros, and relaxing in stylish villas overlooking the sea. For a bottomless brunch with a view, look to Mykonos or Santorini, where many beachside restaurants offer stunning coastal views alongside fresh Mediterranean cuisine and free-flowing prosecco.
Best time to visit: May to June and September to early October for guaranteed beach weather and calmer islands.
Lisbon
While technically a city, Lisbon’s proximity to the Cascais coastline makes it a perfect hybrid escape. Pastel streets, rooftop bars, and sweeping sea views, it’s perfect for relaxed weekend breaks with a touch of luxury. Known for its vibrant nightlife, Lisbon is the perfect spot for evening entertainment. Hit Bairro Alto for late-night cocktails, or explore the trendy bars of Cais do Sodré.
Best time to visit: March to May or September to October to enjoy comfortable temperatures for walking the hills and experiencing the vibrant street life.
Secret Escapes’ Top Travelling Tips for Groups
When planning a girls’ weekend away, comfort matters – especially when it comes to sleeping arrangements. If you’re wondering where a large group of girls can stay in luxury without sharing beds, consider serviced apartments, holiday homes, or villas.
If you prefer to be waited on hand and foot in a hotel (and why wouldn’t you?), always check for twin-bed options or interconnecting rooms. Secret Escapes offers incredible deals on luxury hotel stays, from boutique hotels to 5-star stays.
Discover the Best of Secret Escapes’ Group Getaways and Weekend Breaks
Whether you’re after a bustling city break to elevate your girls’ night out, a peaceful beachside retreat to get away from it all, or a wellness break to refresh and reset, there is a perfect destination waiting for you.
Secret Escapes can help you unlock these experiences with our unmissable deals on spa breaks, beach stays, and city breaks across the world. Start exploring our exclusive holiday deals and treat yourself to luxury for less today.
For more travel advice and inspiration, deep dive further into the Escapist magazine, or get in touch for more information.