London Southend Airport destinations

The best places to visit if you're flying from London Southend Airport.

An hour from central London by train and convenient for the east of the city and Essex, London Southend airport serves a rapidly expanding list of destinations.

Whether it’s a Mediterranean island escape or a short city-break you’re after, you’ll find somewhere that tempts you from this small, fuss-free airport. Here are 12 of the best London Southend Airport destinations.

1. Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian capital has a grandeur that impresses and an immediate feel-good factor that guarantees an enjoyable weekend away. Take the funicular up to the imposing castle for spectacular views then cross the Danube and tour the majestic, neo-Gothic parliament building.

And for indulgence? Budapest’s spas are justifiably popular – you could easily spend a day at the gorgeous, yellow baroque outdoor pools of Széchenyi Baths. Come evening, the bars of District VII spill out into the courtyards of this atmospheric Jewish Quarter.

Where to stay in Budapest:
If you want the full Budapest spa experience with a 5-star stay, indulge yourself at the Corinthia Budapest Hotel. For a charming mix of 19th-century elegance and contemporary design, try Hotel Moments.

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2. Dublin, Ireland

With several flights now serving the Irish capital daily, London Southend to Dublin is a convenient option for a short getaway – you’ll be off the plane and in a pub drinking a pint of the black stuff before you know it. In this famously literary city, a visit to the Dublin Writers Museum or a James Joyce walking tour both offer good introductions both to the city and the books it has inspired.

Where to stay in Dublin:
For traditional charm right by the parliament and National Museum, Buswells Hotel is just the ticket. For a more contemporary stay in the city, the 5-star Marker Hotel offers on-point service in the tech hub of the Docklands.

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3. Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Its blindingly white stone walls and perfect patchwork of red terracotta roofs, lapped by the azure waters of the Adriatic, have ensured the enduring popularity of Dubrovnik with both visitors and film and TV locations scouts.

Despite visitor numbers, Dubrovnik retains all of its charm and is also a wonderful starting point for a longer sojourn to nearby islands and the Dalmatian coast. Flights run for summer season only.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik:
For location Fresh* Sheets Kathedral can’t be beaten, with its small selection of rooms, studios and family suites decorated in cool, pale tones, right in the heart of the old town. The Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is an elegantly restored 19th-century hotel, with wonderful terrace views.

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4. Prague, the Czech Republic

With its impeccably preserved old town, Prague is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. Parades of statues line the Charles Bridge while the old castle watches over medieval city’s winding cobbled streets and narrow lanes.

For a superb panorama over squares and church spires, climb the town hall tower which bears its famous astronomical clock. After that climb, you’ll deserve a beer – only fitting in the country that invented pilsner. You’ll find many cosy, traditional pivnice (pubs) and some inventive newcomers to the brewing scene.

Where to stay in Prague:
The Dancing House Hotel, named for the way the building’s shape alludes to a pair of dancers, exemplifies contemporary Prague design and has superb riverside views. If you’re looking for glamorous gilt and chandeliers, the opulence of Alchymist Prague Castle Suites, with just seven rooms and discreetly located near the castle, will appeal.

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5. Vienna, Austria

Elegant Vienna is one of the continent’s most refined and gloriously beautiful cities. Think Baroque palaces, grand town houses, intricate Art Nouveau decoration and a city life that revolves around lingering in old-world coffee houses over cake and conversation.

The city’s art collections and palaces are breathtaking, from the unique ensemble of works by Klimt and Schiele to the extraordinary lavish Habsburg Schönbrunn. You’ll also find hip neighbourhoods, excellent street food markets and superb local wines.

Where to stay in Vienna:
For a central location overlooking Stephansdom, the upmarket and super stylish Do & Co is a real treat. For quirky and contemporary – and well situated for the museums and for Vienna’s hip District 7 neighbourhood – book a stay at 25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier.

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6. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Compact and easily walkable, Amsterdam is a charming classic whatever time of year – from springtime tulip season to the chill of winter when cosy pubs come into their own.

You’ll want to return time and time again to enjoy canalside strolls, discover quirky museums and explore quaint neighbourhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp. For first-time visitors the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House are two must-visits.

Where to stay in Amsterdam:
For a picture-perfect canalside location in a traditional townhouse, try the Max Brown Hotel Canal District, decorated in rustic but stylish raw wood and checked fabrics. A chic conversion of a former newspaper headquarters INK is another well-located choice.

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7. Cologne, Germany

At first glance, Cologne is all about one building: the huge, intricate and imposing cathedral, arguably the greatest Gothic structure in the world. Soaring above the city centre, this architectural marvel is worth the journey alone, but it would be a mistake to miss some the quirkier aspects of the city.  

Among them is the city’s idiosyncratic take on Carnival. One of the biggest in Europe, the entire city dresses up and parades its satirical floats. Whatever time of year you visit, make sure to try kölsch, the local, distinctively hoppy beer.

Where to stay in Cologne:
Imaginative conversions of old buildings make for unique places to stay: a stylishly adapted neo-Gothic building has become a chic retreat at the Qvest Hideaway, while Romantik Hotel im Wasserturm is an inspired adaptation of a huge old water tower. It’s got superb views from the rooftop restaurant and bar.

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8. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona fizzes with energy. With a fiercely independent identity as the capital of Catalunya, Barcelona is visually distinctive, largely forged by the architect Gaudí whose highly decorative style seen throughout the city, including the extraordinary church of Sagrada Família.

You can also fly from London Southend airport to Reus, just over 60 miles south of Barcelona. It’s convenient to reach the coast and the Roman city of Tarragona but is over an hour from the city itself. Read our full guide to Barcelona here.

Where to stay in Barcelona:
Located just off Las Ramblas, the Hotel España is a sumptuous renovation of a classic modernist hotel. A more recent example of the city’s design pedigree, Casa Camper is a simple but stylish hotel.

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9. Geneva, Switzerland

Famous as the home of such distinguished institutions as the UN and International Red Cross, Geneva is situated on the edge of its idyllic namesake lake and framed by the glorious peaks of the Swiss Alps.

In one compact, quaint city you can visit CERN and learn about the phenomenal work done at the Large Hadron Collider, explore impressive collections of art, tour the UN, and cruise across the lake to visit the vineyards of the region.

Where to stay in Geneva:
For discreet luxury right in the heart of the old town, the independent Les Amures is a particularly refined stay. For cosy comfort, the Kipling Manotel is a good choice.

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10. Málaga, Spain

Long a popular flight destination to reach the Costa del Sol, Málaga is much more than a jumping-off stop for beach holidays. This underrated city is coming into its own as a city-break destination or as part of a tour of Andalucía.

It offers all you’d expect from southern Spain with Moorish citadels and cheap tapas bars, while retaining the character of its port city origins. Artistic highlights include the Museo Picasso Málaga, celebrating the city’s most famous son, and an outpost of Paris’ Pompidou Centre, located in new building crowned with a jewel-coloured glass box.

Where to stay in Málaga:
The boldly decorated hotel near the waterfront, Room Mate Valeria, has a fantastic rooftop bar and pool. For full-blown Riviera style, splash out on the Gran Hotel Miramar with its excellent facilities including a beautiful pool and spa.

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11. Ibiza, Spain

If you’re after a summer beach-and-beats break, Ibiza should be top of your list. The beautiful island is famous the world over for attracting the biggest DJs to its clubs but it’s more varied than you might expect. You can party hard at the main resort beach of Playa d’en Bossa but leave time to explore the busy historic port of Ibiza Town, enjoy the island’s increasingly sophisticated dining scene, and explore secluded coves and hidden corners. Read our full guide to Ibiza here.

Where to stay in Ibiza:
For a classic hotel in the heart of Ibiza Town, stay at Gran Hotel Montesol Ibiza, Curio Collection by Hilton which dates to 1933 but has been given a discreet, luxe makeover. For a real escape, the rural retreat Agroturismo Azaró in the north of the island is ideal.

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12. Lyon, France

Think French holiday and the chances are it’s the food you’ll think of first, which is why a trip to Lyon is a must — it’s considered the gastronomic capital of the country. The city is renowned for its bouchon, traditional eating houses that specialise in typically Lyonnaise cuisine which is heavy on pork and offal.

The foodie culture extends beyond the classics to include wonderful food markets surrounded by small bistros, informal wine bars, inventive new restaurants and Michelin-starred dining rooms.

Where to stay in Lyon:
For a hip designer stay at good-value prices, Mama Shelter is excellent. Cute and central Hôtel Silky cleverly incorporates antique items like bobbins and vintage threads into its elegant interior to evoke the city’s history of silk merchants and trading.

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