Autumn is the perfect time for a super city break; the weather is still warm (but it’s not too hot), and the crowds have gone so you’ll be able to see the true character of the city without the high prices and queues! Take a look at our six super flight bargains for £60 or less
Cologne, Germany – £40
The ‘Bauhaus’ (beer halls) of Cologne will keep you toasty warm on a chilly autumn day. If the sun’s shining, the Altstadt (Old Town) is beautiful to browse on foot. With over 3000 cafes, bars and restaurants you can stop anytime for a taste of traditional German cuisine. Medieval architecture, pastel painted houses, cobbled streets and elegant cathedrals give the city an enchanted air, while the museums, galleries, live music venues and theatres embrace the modern.
Cologne is wonderfully green too; enjoy the gold and auburn colours of autumn in the Rheinpark which can be reached on foot, by cable car or by ferry. Walk around, or row a boat on, the beautiful Fühlinger Lake or visit the Claudius Therme thermal baths; the place to relax before enjoying Colognes nightlife. Find flights to Cologne.
Verona, Italy – £42
Looking for a romantic autumn break? What could be more so than the home of Romeo and Juliet and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Founded in the 1st century B.C, Verona has preserved a remarkable number of medieval and Renaissance buildings and monuments.
Explore the Arena, a vast Roman amphitheatre, Juliet’s house complete with balcony, Castle Scaligeri, Verona Cathedral and the Capuccin Church where Juliet’s tomb resides. Climb the Lamberti Tower for sweeping views, shop on Verona’s golden mile or take a wine tour of Valpolicella. Dine on perfect Italian pasta as day turns to night. Listen to live jazz in a friendly bar and look forward to the coffee and cotton-wool soft brioche you’ll have for breakfast. Find flights to Verona.
Prague, Czech – £44
Like something out of a fairy-tale, Prague, with its ruby-red rooftops and hill-top castles, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Artistic, poetic and freedom loving, this is a city that coined the velvet revolution, where a poet and playwright became president and where art and culture are held in high regard. Wherever you look, historic monuments, elegant bridges, marble sculptures, dignified statues and ornate palaces gaze back. Dumplings, goulash and beer, a Kafka bookshop and the tiny Golden Lane with its colourful buildings and the famous red trams all make Prague its unique and beautiful self. Find flights to Prague.
Bordeaux, France £47
Known as ‘Sleeping Beauty’, elegant and Neoclassical Bordeaux has awoken from its slumber. Given over to pedestrians, Bordeaux has stunning wide boulevards and fantastic public transport, nestled on the banks of the Garonne River. Visit Gambetta Square also known as ‘Little Paris’ or take a stroll under the Victory Arch. Immerse yourself in culture in the Musee D’Art Contemporain or the Musee D’Aquitaine, delve into local food markets or take the air in the beautiful Jardin Botanique.
A wine tour of St Emilion, Medoc, Graves or Sauternes is a must; after all Bordeaux is the second largest wine growing region in the world! Shop for clothes and crafts or settle down to some gastronomic French cuisine and the exciting nightlife of La Victoire. Find flights to Bordeaux.
Valencia, Spain – £48
If you’re longing for autumn sunshine, Valencia is a beautiful, historical city, located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Full of traditions and festivals, Valencia is vibrant and lively. Boasting beautiful gardens and parks like the Turia, The Botanic and The Ayora Gardens, it’s known as the ‘City of Flowers’. Wide, cobbled plazas are the perfect place for coffee and sunshine, while museums and galleries peek out from between ancient buildings.
Should you feel like doing far less, Valencia has gorgeous beaches on which to soak up the autumn sunshine; Cabañal- Arenas has an amusement park for kids while El Saler beach has 6km of blissfully soft sand. Feast al-fresco on mouth-watering paella, giant prawns and tasty tapas before bar-hopping and partying into the Spanish night. Find flights to Valencia.
Amsterdam, Netherlands – £52
Amsterdam has its gently rippling canals to thank for the calming vibe they bring to an otherwise lively, vibrant and classy city. From coffee shops and sinful streets to glorious green parks and tree lined avenues showing off their stunning architecture, Amsterdam is a wonderful mixture of naughty and nice, culture and fun.
Explore the 37 museums and galleries before sipping a beer in a cool canal-side bar while tucking in to some delicious food. As autumn turns to winter, the outdoor ambiance turns into one of indoor cosiness as a dusting of snow heralds the return of the traditional outdoor market, turning the city into a winter wonderland. Find flights to Amsterdam
