It’s great to get together with your best girl pals for a spot of shopping, a great meal and a night out.

But what about getting away for a whole weekend of fun instead? The UK is blessed in that it’s a hub for major airlines and budget flights connect the region to the rest of Europe. Here are some of the best cities to visit with the girls.

Barcelona

The Catalan capital in the north of Spain is the country’s most cosmopolitan city and one of the best all-round places for you to hang out with friends.

You can literally have it all – from cheap camping to top class five star hotels with a roster of international DJs flown in to keep guests entertained no matter the season.

There really is something for all walks of life – from clubbers to history enthusiasts and everyone in between. When you get hungry, you have the world’s cuisine at your fingertips plus avant garde Spanish tapas to feast on. Fancy some art? The city’s galleries are sure to impress. And let’s not forget the glorious almost year-round sunshine.

Rome

The Eternal City – as it’s known – makes a great weekend getaway and like Barcelona, the city is whatever you want it to be. It goes without saying that there’s plenty of culture to get your teeth stuck into, not to mention the amazing historical sites.

Of course, the food needs little in the way of introduction either – you and the girls can easily enjoy a lip-smacking meal with delicious wine to wash it down and spend whatever you like. Want to blow some serious cash? It’s easily done in one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants. On the other hand, catch aperitivo hour in many of the capital’s bars and you can feast for free.

Lisbon

A sense of relaxed fun permeates this pretty capital, which is big enough to have plenty of variety but small enough to navigate comfortably on foot. Start your first day up in the old quarter, where the city’s Castle of Sao Jorge sits proudly watching over the city and Tagus River – the views are spectacular from here.

Make your way back down into the town and explore the shops lining the quaint cobbled streets. These are also dotted with fantastic places to enjoy a spot of lunch with a cold glass of wine. As day turns to night, the place to go is the Barrio Alto – a spot filled with bars and clubs that has gained the reputation as one of Europe’s hippest party destinations.

Paris

The City of Love may well be thought of as a romantic destination to visit with your other half, but it’s a great place to spend a weekend with your closest mates too. After taking in the obligatory sights and galleries – Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame – you’ll be ready to sit down and gossip with the girls.

Paris has plenty of budget restaurants, but it really is worth splashing out on some fine French dining and excellent wine. And, if you like playing bingo you could be in with the chance to win some money so you can treat yourself to some Champagne with your meal – find out more here.

Once you’ve refuelled, it’s time to hit the shops and find something flattering to wear while drinking cocktails later in the evening. And when you’re ready to hit the town, keep your ear to the ground and look at local publications to find out which DJs or live artists are around.