How far would you travel in a single day for the sake of adventure?
If you're up for a new experience, you might want in on the travel challenge currently catching fire across the UK - extreme day tripping.
How Do Extreme Day Trips Work?
There are entire online communities of people in the UK fully embracing the extreme day tripping trend and sharing the highs and lows of their experiences.
And the rules are simple - go somewhere and back again in the same day.
Sharing wins, pictures, summaries and advice with other EDT-ers on social media isn't just encouraged - it's basically mandatory.
Extreme Day Trips from Birmingham Airport
If you're in the Midlands and considering taking on an EDT challenge, Birmingham Airport is the perfect launchpad.
And below, you'll find some top picks for extreme day trips from Birmingham Airport.
I've sorted them by approximate flight time from Birmingham Airport. Or in order of the level of challenge you're willing to accept – novice, intermediate, expert or just simply off-the-charts. Let's go.
Novice Extreme Day Tripper: 1-1 Hour 30 Mins Flight Time
Dublin
Adobe Free Stock / Uwalthie Pic Project
Flight Time: 1 hour.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: Aer Lingus, British Airways, Ryanair.
If you're a novice when it comes to extreme day tripping, you might like to start your adventures close to home. And where better than Ireland's capital?
Just a short flight from most UK airports, Dublin offers big city buzz with small city friendliness, lashings of literary charm and the kind of pub culture that turns a quick pint into a philosophical life chat with someone you'll probably never see again.
You'll get coast, culture and craic, all packed neatly into a single day.
Things to Do in Dublin on an Extreme Day Trip
- Head straight into the centre of Dublin and sink a pint of Ireland's finest in the famous Temple Bar pub, or the Dawson Lounge, Dublin's smallest pub.
- Get your lens ready and head to the ridiculously photogenic Old Library of Trinity College, with its breathtaking architecture, or Ireland's oldest public library, Marsh's Library.
- Take the train to Howth for a rugged coastal hike. If you take the Cliff Path Loop, expect dramatic sea views, seabird colonies and the occasional Atlantic storm for added drama.
Intermediate Extreme Day Tripper: 1 Hour 40 to 2 Hours Flight Time
Zurich
Adobe Free Stock / paulgsell
Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: Swiss International Airlines.
Why settle for a soggy Midlands morning when you could be tucking into fresh rösti by a glittering lake by lunchtime?
Zurich is an ideal extreme day trip from Birmingham Airport for Brits looking to combine Swiss efficiency with alpine adventure.
Compact, clean and ridiculously good-looking, this city makes it absurdly easy to squeeze in culture, adrenaline and a splash of luxury, all in one day.
Things to Do in Zurich on an Extreme Day Trip
- If you're feeling cultural and fancy learning a bit about Swiss history, then the National Museum isn't a bad place to start.
- Head to Interlaken or Lucerne if you're chasing mountain magic. Both are reachable in under two hours and offer jaw-dropping views en route. Swiss trains = punctual and panoramic.
- Take a train into the mountains for an unforgettable tandem paragliding experience.
Berlin
Adobe Free Stock / rh2010
Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: easyJet, Ryanair.
Craving chaos, currywurst and Cold War history before bedtime?
Berlin is the ultimate extreme day trip for Brits who want a blast of bold culture, rebellious energy and gritty city adventure.
All without straying too far from the beaten flight path.
Things to Do in Berlin on an Extreme Day Trip
- Take a rapid deep dive into 20th-century history, from Checkpoint Charlie to fragments of the Berlin Wall. This city wears its past on its sleeve and turns every street corner into a museum.
- Refuel on the fly with Berlin's legendary street food. Whether it's a classic döner kebab, a tray of currywurst or a vegan schnitzel, Berlin never disappoints a hungry visitor.
- Explore cutting-edge art and brutalist architecture on Museum Island or in Berlin's independent galleries.
- Jump on a train or bike and head up to Teufelsberg. There's nowhere like it on Earth for incredible street art, history and truly unique spaces rolled into one. Not to mention the views over the city - unbeatable.
Expert Extreme Day Tripper: 2 Hours to 2 Hours 55 Minutes Flight Time
Barcelona
Adobe Free Stock / ake1150
Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: British Airways, easyJet, Iberia, Jest2, Ryanair, Vueling.
Barcelona is the ultimate hit of city, sunshine and style - an extreme day trip that delivers on every level.
You can beach, brunch and bask in Gaudí brilliance all before your return flight boards.
Things to Do in Barcelona on an Extreme Day Trip
- Marvel at Gaudí's architectural fever dreams, from the iconic Sagrada Família to the surreal mosaics of Park Güell. Mind-bending design in the kind of weather we dream of back home.
- Get lost in the back streets of the Barri Gòtic, where medieval alleyways give way to hidden plazas, indie boutiques and hole-in-the-wall bars serving vermouth on ice and anchovy-stuffed olives.
- Kick off your shoes and sink your feet into Barceloneta beach, just minutes from the city centre. Because yes, you can sunbathe, snack on patatas bravas and still make it back to the airport before dark.
Palma
Adobe Free Stock / Concept Island
Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair.
Palma isn't just a beach bolt-hole, it's a mini masterpiece of a city.
This is where cathedral spires rise above palm trees and backstreets echo with the clink of wine glasses and the hum of mopeds.
For Brits craving a Mediterranean hit without the commitment of a full holiday, Palma delivers sunshine, seafood and side streets galore.
It's compact, classy and practically designed for extreme day tripping.
Things to Do in Palma on an Extreme Day Trip
- Marvel at La Seu, Palma's iconic Gothic cathedral, perched dramatically by the sea. Gaudí had a hand in its design and it shows. This is church as spectacle, not a snooze.
- Wander the old town's winding alleyways, ducking into local bakeries for ensaïmada, Mallorca's answer to a croissant, and pretending you're house-hunting in the sun.
- Stretch out on the sands of Playa de Can Pere Antoni, just a short walk from the centre. You can sunbathe, swim, and still have time to dry off before your flight – the ultimate power move.
Alicante
Adobe Free Stock / Jose D'Alessandro
Flight Time: 2 hours 40 minutes.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: easyJet, Jet2.
Think Alicante's all just sangria and sunburned shoulders? Not so! This coastal city delivers more than just cheap beers and English breakfasts.
It's an ideal extreme day trip for Brits craving sea views, historic streets and a shot of vitamin D.
With quick access from the airport to the city and at a manageable size, it's a brilliant one-day escape that'll leave you golden, fed and annoyingly smug on the flight home.
Things to Do in Alicante on an Extreme Day Trip
- Make your way up to Santa Bárbara Castle for epic views across the Med. It's a bit of a climb, but totally worth it for the breeze and that peak selfie.
- Difg into fresh seafood and sip something cold at a marina-side restaurant. Among sizzling squid and flowing rosé, you'll start to fantasise about moving here.
- Wander the colourful alleyways of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, Alicante's old quarter.
Krakow
Image Owned By Author
Flight Time: 2 hours 25 minutes.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: easyJet (from Nov 2025), Jet2, Ryanair.
Kraków is one of those cities that punches way above its size.
Think medieval market squares, some of the best comfort food in Europe and buzzing nightlife.
Its impressive arts scene also covers everything from 19th-century Polish paintings to contemporary sculpture and a thriving street art community.
For Brits looking to trade British queues for castle views, it's a no-brainer. Plus, it's walkable, beautiful and friendly on the wallet.
Things to Do in Kraków on an Extreme Day Trip
- Explore the Rynek Główny, Europe's largest medieval town square. Here, buglers still play from the church tower and horse-drawn carriages make you feel like a 19th-century aristocrat on a jaunt.
- Visit Wawel Castle and its apparently dragon-infested cave perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula River. It's all towers, tapestries and a dash of Polish legend.
- Tuck into a plate of pierogi or a bowl of zurek soup at a traditional milk bar, preferably washed down with a shot of cherry vodka before your flight home.
Stockholm
Adobe Free Stock / william87
Flight Time: 2 hours 25 minutes.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: Ryanair.
Sweden's capital might be spread across 14 islands.
But it makes the perfect day trip for travellers who like their culture curated, their meatballs handmade and their playlists heavy on the ABBA.
Stockholm is smooth, stylish and delicious.
It's the sort of city where even a quick day out feels like an Instagram campaign for your best life.
You may be back home by bedtime, but mentally you'll still be meandering through the colourful streets of Gamla Stan.
Things to Do in Stockholm on an Extreme Day Trip
- Start with an indulgent brunch at the lavish Grand Hôtel. The fancy decor, excellent food and views across the water will get your photos off to the best possible start.
- Explore Fotografiska, Stockholm's world-renowned photography museum. The industrial chic building is worth a visit in itself. Not to mention its award-winning panoramic restaurant with its emphasis on local seasonal produce.
- Swing by Museum Island (Djurgården) for the ultimate cultural triple-hit. The Vasa Museum's massive 17th-century warship, the Skansen open-air museum and the holy grail - the ABBA Museum. You might want to pack that gold jumpsuit.
- Wander the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town. Pastel buildings and cosy bars invite you to linger. Sample the top-rated craft cocktails at Pharmarium before heading to Restaurant C & C for Swedish meatballs and lingonberries.
Malaga
Adobe Free Stock / barmalini
Flight Time: 2 hours 50 minutes.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair.
Málaga isn't just the gateway to the Costa del Sol. It's a full-on culture hit with a side of sunshine and sea views.
This Andalusian gem gives world-class art, rooftop bars, Roman ruins and beachy vibes that kick in the moment you step off the plane.
For an extreme day trip that balances culture with salt-in-your-hair freedom, Málaga hits hard.
Things to Do in Málaga on an Extreme Day Trip
- Wander through the Picasso Museum and tip your sunhat to the city's most famous son.
- Trek up to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, where you'll get sweeping views of the coastline, tiled courtyards, and the kind of photo ops usually reserved for week-long holidays.
- Once dubbed the world's most dangerous walkway, the Caminito del Rey is perfect for thrill-seeking and certainly doable in a day. Walk above dizzying drops in the Gaitanes Gorge before cooling off with a dip in the nearby lakes.
- Refuel at the beachside chiringuitos with grilled sardines and cold cañas, then stroll along the palm-lined promenade.
Porto
Adobe Free Stock / rh2010
Flight Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: Jet2, Ryanair.
If Lisbon is Portugal's extroverted older sibling, Porto is the cooler one who listens to vinyl and surfs before breakfast.
With its mix of cobbled streets, tiled facades and world-class wine, Porto makes a cracking extreme day trip for Brits who want culture, coastline and caffeine in one tight itinerary.
You can squeeze in sea air, serious carbs and a cultural fix before floating home on a pastel-tinted sunset after far too much port.
Things to Do in Porto on an Extreme Day Trip
- Head straight to Matosinhos Beach for some of the best surfing in Europe. With consistent waves for all skill levels and easy metro access from the city centre, it's a laid-back surfer's paradise just minutes from downtown.
- Explore Ribeira, the city's riverside district, where medieval alleyways open onto wine cellars, street art and views of the Dom Luís I Bridge that feel like they were designed for Instagram.
- Refuel with a francesinha - Portugal's answer to the croque monsieur. Think steak, ham, sausage and melted cheese drowned in beer sauce, eaten in full knowledge that you've got a plane to catch and no regrets.
Extreme Day Tripping Level: Off-the-Charts – 3 Hours or More Flight Time
Bucharest
Image owned by author
Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: Ryanair, Wizz Air.
Romania's capital is bold, eccentric and full of surprises.
Perfect for an extreme day trip that veers from Communist mega-architecture to leafy boulevards and unexpected luxury.
Bucharest has one foot in history and the other firmly in Therme - one of the most incredible spas you'll ever see.
Sitting conveniently next to the airport, Therme has truly caught the attention of travellers from all over Europe and is worth a visit in itself.
Things to Do in Bucharest on an Extreme Day Trip
- See the Palace of the Parliament - the world's heaviest building and one of the largest on Earth. Book your guided tour in advance or you'll be left viewing from the outside. Which, to be fair, is also a great experience.
- Catch the fountain show at Unirii Square from May through to autumn. A high-drama water, light and music spectacle that rivals Vegas, but with Eastern European energy.
- Unwind at Therme Bucuresti, one of Europe's biggest wellness centres. With heated pools, palm trees and saunas galore, it's the most relaxing way to kill airport stress before you fly home like a glowing water nymph.
Marrakech
Adobe Free Stock / Maurizio De Mattei
Flight Time: 3 hours 40 minutes.
Airlines flying to/from Birmingham Airport: Jet2, TUI.
Marrakech isn't just a city, it's a full sensory ambush.
From the moment you step off the plane, it hits you with heat, colour, incense and sound. And somehow, it all works.
Think spice markets, rooftop terraces and tiled everything - this is the ultimate extreme day trip destination.
Prepare to sweat, haggle, eat and grin your way through the chaos.
Things to Do in Marrakech on an Extreme Day Trip
- Dive headfirst into the medina. Weave through souks, dodge mopeds and haggle over ceramics, slippers and lanterns you absolutely don't need but must have. Bonus points if you don't get lost (you will).
- Recharge with rooftop mint tea or a tagine in the shade, preferably overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque or the Atlas Mountains.
- Soothe your senses at a hammam spa. Whether you go luxe or local, nothing beats being scrubbed down and steamed within an inch of your life before boarding a plane like a silky-skinned sultan.
How to Make the Most of Your Extreme Day Trip
- Book Early Flights: The earlier you go, the more time you have for your adventure. There's nothing worse than getting there and realising you have to come straight back home again.
- Pack Light: A small backpack with the absolute essentials will keep you nimble - definitely no suitcases.
- Stay Connected: Using mobile data abroad can be expensive - avoid roaming fees with an Airalo eSIM.
Whether you're skydiving in Zurich, surfing in Porto or racing through the desert in Marrakech, these extreme day trips prove you don't need a week off work for a proper adventure.
Grab your passport, book that flight and make the most of your 24 hours.
FAQs About Extreme Day Trips
1. Can you really explore a whole city in just one day?
Absolutely - with an early flight, light packing and a clear itinerary, you can tick off major sights, meals, and even a little shopping before flying back the same day.
2. What should I pack for an extreme day trip?
Travel light. Think passport, charger, card, sunglasses, suncream and a refillable water bottle. A crossbody bag or small backpack is ideal.
3. Are extreme day trips worth the cost of flights?
If you plan ahead and book budget airlines, it can be cheaper than a weekend away. And the thrill of exploring a whole new city for less than a round of drinks? Priceless.
4. Which cities are best for first-time extreme day trippers?
Start with short-haul favourites like Dublin, Amsterdam or Paris - all under 1.5 hours from the UK and packed with things to do close to the airport.
5. How do I stay connected abroad without paying roaming fees?
An eSIM from Airalo solves all of your extreme day trip data problems. Visit the store, select the eSIM for your destination country or region, download and install and you're good to go. No wasting time on free Wi-Fi or spending thousands on a few MB.
