Top 5 Bleisure Destinations in Europe

‘Bleisure’ is a hot travel trend that combines business travel with leisure activities.  Recent research indicates that a stunning 2 out of every 3 European business travellers plan to extend their business trips further to enjoy the destination (Egencia).  The most popular reasons to blend work and pleasure on the road are sightseeing, dining, and arts and cultural experiences, making several major European cities ideal for an extended stay.

Here are 5 of the hottest destinations in Europe for bleisure:

Frankfurt

Though the 5th largest city in Germany, Frankfurt is a bustling business hub full of stunning history, culture, and architecture.  It is traditionally known as the “Gateway to Europe” as it is a great jumping off point geographically for an extended vacation after a business trip, but in 2019 it has emerged as an exciting new destination to explore.  There are many seasonal events like the infamous Oktoberfest as well as the Frankfurt Book Fair and Annual Christmas Market to visit, as well as many delicious traditional German dining options and plenty of shopping (check out Hayashi for all things fashion) year-round.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a vibrant, walkable (and very bikeable!) city chocked full of natural wonders and cultural treasures.  You can explore the city in so many ways without ever setting foot in a car – including the famous canal tours that weave through the city.  Affordable accommodations and a wide arrange of culinary delights are on every corner with colorful, quirky, and delightful architecture and people filling out this charming city.  Tourist highlights include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank House, and infamous Heineken beer factory.

London

It’s no surprise that London made the list. The major business destination is also one of the world’s most popular travel destinations – bursting with interesting history, amazing museums, colourful pubs and an active nightlife scene. There’s so much to do, see, and eat in London you can pack it all in while you ride the Underground to anywhere you want to be – fast.  Or take a relaxing spin on the London Eye and plan your day exploring Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and that great Indian place you heard about for dinner. London is also perfectly situated to extend the trip to mainland Europe, with the Eurostar at the ready to whisk you away to Paris.

Paris

In many ways, Paris and London are on par in terms of being iconic, history packed cities with a distinct buzzing culture you can’t help but be attracted to.  Paris has its own stunning array of museums, shops, and restaurants, complete with an extensive train route that will take you anywhere you need to go.  You can pack your days with the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and walking the Champs-Elysees, or you can sip Champagne and watch the world go by with a delicious meal on a relaxing terrace – in Paris the choice is yours.

Madrid

The ‘golden metropolis’ capital of Spain is on the rise for business travel and quickly becoming a bleisure must-do in Europe. Known for world-class art museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, designer shopping experiences, and a vibrant (and super late) nightlife, Madrid is an elusive, indulgent city that that is emerging with new prosperity and cultural attractions for the world to enjoy.  It is a true blend of old and new, with something for every traveller to enjoy under a blanket of light and bright sunny skies nearly year round.