Autumn is one of the very best times to go on holiday. The kids are all back at school, which keeps prices down across the board, and many places throughout Europe still benefit from decent weather right into October and beyond.
With a continuing cost of living crisis too, there are plenty of very cheap flights knocking about, to some of the world’s very best and most impressive cities. You can get to some of Europe’s best capital cities for less than a ticket to the Warehouse Project – which are perfect for a few days of exploring, a bit of culture and, naturally, plenty of eating and drinking.
Dublin
A big holiday for the drinkers, Dublin is a great city to enjoy pints of perfectly poured Guinness (they even have a Guinness brewery tour!), some premium whiskies and tap your toes to traditional Irish music down at the Temple Bar. There’s also a Zoo, the National Museum of Ireland and Dublin Castle to explore, which dates all the way back to the 13th Century and houses records relating to the social, cultural, economic and political history of the island from the middle ages through to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 and into the modern era.
From £26 return based on 1st – 4th October 2022.
Brussels
Brussels is absolutely beautiful in itself with architecture to die for and a history to match. You can even get a train to the wonderful Bruges for as little as 12 euros which, as a combined trip, is cheaper than a return to Birmingham. Don’t forget to drink your weight in strong lagers.
From £26 return based on 1st – 3rd October 2022.
Copenhagen
An easy city to walk around, Copenhagen is a destination to take in plenty of landmarks. The Little Mermaid sculpture, the Kronborg Castle and The National Museum are ideal for a cultural visit. There are also many Nordic restaurants and bars to sample whilst there, from budget to Michelin star, not forgetting their plethora of food markets. The dream!
From £36 return based on 14th – 19th October 2022.
Oslo
This one’s definitely for the nature lovers among us! Oslo is known for being one of the greenest cities you can visit, as the Oslomarka forest surrounds the city and is a great place for spending an afternoon exploring or even for a wild camp. The city is also full of lively neighbourhoods where you’ll find innovative architecture, hip bars, vegan eateries and loads of cool stuff to do. We think you’ll fit right in here.
From £65 return based on 7th – 10th October 2022.
Cologne
The place has pretty much been designed from the outset for a city break featuring some of the most famous Gothic architecture in Europe, loads of museums, a mint Carnival and of course – their massive beer halls. Cologne’s museum and art offering is amongst the best in Europe, but is also known as a proper party city.
From £57 return based on 12th – 17th October 2022.
Bucharest
The capital of Romania and a city that was effectively levelled and ravaged by communism in the late 20th Century – a fact evident in the huge Palace of Parliament – one of the largest buildings in the world and a monolith to dictatorial excess. There’s still plenty of gorgeous 17th and 18th-century architecture here, living up to its old name as the ‘Paris of the East’, plus one of Europe’s most exciting, dynamic, bohemian clubbing and cultural scenes.
From £56 return based on 8th – 12th October 2022.
Valencia
Valencia is a city of stark contrasts, where one second you’re walking past quaint old buildings housing family-run restaurants serving up the best paella ever, and the next you’re faced with the futuristic, metallic structures of la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences). Often overlooked by visitors in favour of Barcelona or Madrid, Valencia is a truly exciting Spanish city and is perfect for a few days’ visit this Autumn. Be sure to get out at night too – the clubs here are insanely good.
From £53 return based on 10th – 14th October 2022.
Paris
The ‘City of Love’, we all know what to expect from a visit to Paris; the Eiffel Tower, Monmarte, the Arc de Triomphe, great food, rude waiters… more than enough to fill a few days away from Manchester. You’re right in thinking that once you’re there it’s rather pricey, but for just £25 return this Autumn – you should have a bit of dosh left lying around to have a splurge.
From £25 return based on 3rd – 6th October 2022.
Madrid
Always a firm favourite for a short city break to Spain, you can’t go wrong with Madrid, a city that has pretty much everything you could ever need (except a beach). For centuries the city has been at the very centre of arts and culture in Spain, and there are countless boulevards, squares and stunning parks for you to walk around. Head off out at night too and tuck into some proper tapas and soak up that famous Spanish party life.
From £48 return based on 8th – 11th October 2022.
Venice
One of the most famous and recognisable cities in the world, Venice is unlike anywhere you’re ever likely to ever visit elsewhere unless you spend a few days in that casino in Las Vegas. The city itself was founded all the way back in the 5th century and is spread over 118 small islands. There’s always loads going on, and it can be easy to just wander around, get lost within minutes and then uncover a hidden gem.
From £36 return based on 2nd – 6th October 2022.
