Fill your extra day on Feb 29 with fun filled day-trip
Time to Take a Leap: Fill your extra day on February 29 with fun filled day-trip from London Stansted
There's nothing better than a good reason to celebrate, and leap day on February 29 definitely qualifies.
At London Stansted we have got the perfect way to spend the extra 24 hours with a spontaneous day trip to Europe.
We have handpicked these 17 European cities that you can visit in just one day, using our unique airline network that connects you to more European destinations than any other UK airport.
From the romantic canals of Venice to the vibrant streets of Barcelona, there's something for everyone.
Most flights are under a two-hour flight away and return fares start as low at £34 return.
Neringa Ohrstrom, London Stansted’s Head of Marketing, said:
“The excellent choice of destinations available across our extensive route network, along with London Stansted's easy to use terminal and reliable operation, means people can really make the most of the extra day this February by jetting off to some really exciting cities across Europe.”
So why not pack a small bag, grab your passport, and jump on a plane to explore a new city, experience local cuisine, and immerse yourself in a different culture in one day?
Under £50 return
1- Edinburgh
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 7.50am, arrive 9.10am
Return: Depart 8.25pm, arrive Stansted 9.45pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £34
Five things to do:
- Visit the Edinburgh Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the historic Old Town and the Royal Mile.
- Take a stroll along the Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Visit the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
- Indulge in local cuisine at one of the many restaurants or pubs.
2 - Dublin
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 6.20am, arrive Dublin 7.40am
Return: Depart Dublin 9.30pm, arrive Stansted 10.50pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £34
Five things to do:
- Explore Trinity College and the Book of Kells, a world-famous medieval manuscript.
- Visit the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the iconic Irish stout and try a pint of Guinness.
- Take a walk along the River Liffey and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
- Visit the Temple Bar district, known for its vibrant nightlife.
- Explore Grafton Street, a famous shopping street in the heart of the city.
3 - Cork
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 5.55am, arrive 7.20am
Return: Depart 8.40pm, arrive Stansted 10.05pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £34
Five things to do:
- Explore the English Market, a covered food market dating back to the 18th century.
- Visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone, said to grant you the gift of gab.
- Take a tour of the Jameson Distillery and sample some of Ireland's finest whiskey.
- Visit the Cork City Gaol, a historic prison that now houses a museum.
- Visit the University College Cork, a renowned university known for its academic and cultural offerings.
4 - Belfast
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 7.45am, arrive Belfast 9.05am
Return: Depart Belfast 6.25pm, arrive Stansted 7.40pm
Airline: easyJet
Return fare: £39
Five things to do:
- Take a tour of the Titanic Belfast, a museum dedicated to the iconic ocean liner.
- Explore St. George's Market, a bustling food market with a wide range of local delicacies.
- Visit the Botanic Gardens, a beautiful park in the heart of the city.
- Visit the Belfast Peace Walls, a symbol of the divided history of the city.
- Stroll along the Lagan Towpath, a scenic walking trail along the banks of the River Lagan.
5 - Milan
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 7.15am, arrive Milan Malpensa 10.05am
Return: Depart Milan 9.20pm, arrive Stansted 10.25pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £37
Five things to do:
- Visit the Duomo di Milano, a stunning Gothic cathedral in the heart of the city.
- Take a stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th century shopping arcade.
- Visit the Sforza Castle, a medieval castle that now houses museums and art galleries.
- Take in the stunning architecture of the Castello Sforzesco.
- Explore the Navigli canals, a series of canals that wind through the city.
Under £80 return
6 - Venice
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 7.55am, arrive 10.55am
Return: Depart Venice 10.05pm, arrive Stansted 11.25pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £59
Five things to do:
- Visit the Piazza San Marco and marvel at its stunning architecture.
- Take a gondola ride through the canals and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.
- Explore the vibrant Rialto Market and indulge in local delicacies.
- Visit the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and take in the breathtaking views from the top.
- Visit the Doge's Palace and learn about the rich history of Venice.
7 - Stockholm
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 6.25am, arrive Stockholm 9.50am
Return: Depart 9.15pm, arrive Stansted 10.45pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £56
Five things to do:
- Take a stroll along the picturesque streets of Gamla Stan, the historic centre of the city.
- Visit the Vasa Museum, home to the famous Vasa warship that sank in Stockholm harbour.
- Explore the royal Djurgården and admire the iconic Skansen open air museum.
- Visit the Stockholm Palace, the official residence of the Swedish royal family.
- Go shopping at Södermalm, a trendy district known for its vibrant nightlife and fashion-forward boutiques.
8 - Turin
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 6.30am, arrive Turin 9.25am
Return: Depart Turin 10pm, arrive Stansted 11pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £69
Five things to do:
- Visit the Juventus Stadium and take a tour of the legendary football venue.
- Explore the Mole Antonelliana, a towering structure that houses the National Cinema Museum.
- Visit the Museo Egizio, a renowned Egyptian museum housing an extensive collection of artefacts.
- Go on a culinary adventure and indulge in Turin's famous chocolates and wines.
- Stroll through the Parco del Valentino and admire the picturesque gardens.
9 - Glasgow
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 9.15 am, arrive Glasgow 10.20am
Return: Depart Glasgow 7.15 pm, arrive Stansted 8.35pm
Airline: easyJet
Return fare: £68
Five things to do:
- Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a renowned cultural institution housing a diverse collection of art.
- Explore Glasgow Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 12th century.
- Visit the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery known for its elaborate grave monuments.
- Take a tour of the Scottish Whisky Experience and sample some of Scotland's finest whiskies.
- Visit Glasgow Green, a large park in the heart of the city, and enjoy a picnic or a leisurely walk.
10 - Vienna
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 9am, arrive Vienna 12.10pm
Return: Depart Vienna 10.05pm, arrive Stansted 11.20pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £78
Five things to do:
- Explore Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former summer residence of the Habsburgs.
- Visit the Hofburg Palace, the official residence of the Habsburg emperors.
- Take a ride on the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
- Explore the Naschmarkt, a bustling market filled with diverse food vendors and fresh produce.
- Go for a Viennese waltz lesson and relive the magic of the Viennese waltz.
Under £100 return
11 - Berlin
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 8.05 am, arrive Berlin10.50am
Return: Depart Berlin 6.20 pm, arrive Stansted 7.10pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £80
Five things to do:
- Visit the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building.
- Explore the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall.
- Take a boat tour along the River Spree and admire the city's skyline.
- Visit the Pergamon Museum and the Berlin Cathedral.
- Explore the vibrant districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.
12 - Copenhagen
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 10.05am, arrive 12.50pm
Return: Depart 10.20pm, arrive Stansted 11.15pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £83
Five things to do:
- Cycle through the charming streets of Tivoli Gardens.
- Visit the Little Mermaid statue and take a stroll along the Langelinie.
- Explore the iconic Nyhavn district with its colourful houses and boats.
- Visit the Frederiksborg Castle and stroll through the surrounding gardens.
- Explore the National Museum of Denmark and learn about Danish history and culture.
13 - Rome
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 6am, arrive 9.25am
Return: Depart 8.50pm, arrive Stansted 10.30pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £85
Five things to do:
- Visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, iconic remnants of ancient Rome.
- Explore the Vatican City, home to the Pope and the Vatican Museums.
- Stroll through the Campo dei Fiori market and taste authentic Italian cuisine.
- Take in the stunning architecture of the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.
- Visit the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, both popular squares.
14 - Madrid
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 6am, arrive Madrid 9.30am
Return: Depart Madrid 9.50 pm, arrive Stansted 11.20pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £94
Five things to do:
- Visit the Prado Museum, home to a vast art collection including works by Goya and Velazquez.
- Explore the Royal Palace, residence of the Spanish royal family since the 16th century.
- Take a stroll through Parque del Retiro, a large park in the heart of the city.
- Indulge in tapas and sangria in the lively Barrio de las Letras.
- Visit the Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid football club.
Over £100 return
15 - Barcelona
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 7.35am, arrive Barcelona 10.45am
Return: Depart 10.10pm, arrive Stansted 11.35pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £103
Five things to do:
- Visit the Sagrada Familia cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Stroll along the iconic Las Ramblas street, lined with colourful buildings and street performers.
- Take a bicycle tour to discover the hidden corners of Park Ciutadella.
- Explore the city's vibrant food scene, including tapas bars and Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife, with bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning.
16 - Bucharest
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 6am, arrive Bucharest 11.05am
Return: Depart Bucharest 9pm, arrive Stansted 10.25pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £118
Five things to do:
- Visit the Palace of the Parliament, the largest administrative building in Europe.
- Take a tour of the Roman ruins of Caracal, including a well-preserved amphitheatre.
- Explore Bucharest's communist history by visiting the Ceaușescu regime's former headquarters.
- Visit the National Village Museum, showcasing traditional Romanian architecture.
- Indulge in Bucharest's music scene, with concert halls, music festivals, and a vibrant underground scene.
17 - Lisbon
Flights
Outbound: Depart London Stansted 7.20am, arrive Lisbon 10.05am
Return: Depart Lisbon 8pm, arrive Stansted 10.50pm
Airline: Ryanair
Return fare: £120
Five things to do:
- Visit the Belém Tower, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Take a tram ride through Lisbon's picturesque old town, admiring the historic architecture.
- Go on a guided walking tour to learn about the city's rich history and heritage.
- Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a majestic Gothic structure famous for its ornate architecture and history.
- Explore the Miradouro da Graça viewpoint to enjoy stunning views of the Tagus River and the city skyline.
Prices were gathered from official airline websites and Skycanner searches and were correct as of February 12, 2024.
Visit stanstedairport.com for more information on booking flights from London Stansted to any of these destinations.