Ultimate 24-hour trips to five European tourist hotspots according to travel experts

Extreme day tripping has seen avid travellers taking to iconic destinations with less than 24 hours before they head home. This saves money as well as annual leave days while still giving thrill seekers their city breaks. However, it can also be incredibly tricky to plan.

Lending a hand, Iglu Cruises has put together the perfect itineraries for Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Dublin and Paris that will have you back in the UK on the very same day you left. The experts remarked: "Some people also argue that it can be cheaper than a night out in the UK, as you're not spending money on accommodation."

Amsterdam

Roughly one hour and 10 minutes from London, an early flight can set you up for a dawn start at Dam Square, basking in the morning glow as you revel in views of historic edifices such as the Royal Palace. Just a stone's throw from Dam Square lies the Anne Frank House. The experts strongly urge advance bookings to avoid losing time to entry queues.

Then you can explore the Rijksmuseum, an art museum housing iconic pieces including works by Van Gogh, the renowned Night Watch and The Milkmaid. As dusk falls, take a stroll along the Grachtengordel, the Canal Belt, or even embark on a canal cruise to capture the rest of Amsterdam's iconic sights and snapshots before rounding off your trip at one of the numerous cosy cafes in areas like the Nine Streets.

Dublin

With a flight duration of just one hour and 15 minutes, you can kick-start your day in Dublin at Trinity College, the city's oldest university, with plenty of breakfast spots available on Grafton Street.

From there, it's a short walk to Dublin Castle where you can explore both the State Apartments and the Medieval Undercroft. St Patrick's Cathedral is also in the area.

Finally, reserve your evening for a must-see trip to the iconic Guinness Storehouse, and round off your 24 hours by soaking up the nightlife in the Temple Bar area.

Paris

Just an hour and 20 minutes away by plane, Paris is a popular day-break destination for those in the South of England.

Begin your day with the iconic Eiffel Tower and cross the Seine River to Trocadéro Gardens, which offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The Louvre Museum is just a picturesque stroll away, and a brief walk will also take you to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which only reopened its doors to the public late last year.

As the day draws to a close, drop into a Parisian cafe near Place de la Concorde or along the Seine River. Alternatively, embark on a Seine River Cruise to witness the illuminated landmarks of Paris as dusk descends.

Copenhagen

Less than two hours by plane from London will land you in Copenhagen. Upon arrival, head to Nyhavn for breakfast, home to the iconic colourful buildings that line the canal, perfect for a quick snapshot.

From here, you can also embark on a canal tour to get a waterside overview of the city. If not, pay a visit to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks.

Round off your day with dinner at Torvehallerne, a fashionable food market offering a variety of local and international cuisines. Afterwards, enjoy a tipple at a rooftop bar, such as Lidkoeb or The Tower at the Copenhagen Opera House.

Barcelona

Barcelona is approximately two hours and 10 minutes from London by plane. While it's a slightly longer journey, there's still plenty to squeeze into your 24 hours.

Kick off with a visit to the globally renowned basilica La Sagrada Familia, where it's advised to book tickets in advance to bypass the queue.

In the afternoon, consider a trip to Park Güell via the metro. This park is brimming with quirky sculptures, vibrant mosaics, and offers panoramic views of the city.

Come evening, venture into the El Raval or El Born districts, both renowned for their extensive selection of tapas bars, traditional Catalan eateries, and fashionable restaurants. Some of these establishments may even host a live flamenco performance.