Three budget city breaks for October
In need of a holiday? Grab a last minute deal with these budget European city breaks, ideal for escaping the dreich Scottish weather this month.
All flying from Scottish airports, these budget breaks are too good to say no to. Book yourself a long weekend off work, and spend a couple of days exploring a new city.
Bologna
The historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, Bologna is the perfect place to go for hisotry, culture and - of course - food. The beautiful medieval city has a bit of an edgy feel to it and is much less touristy than other Italian cities like Rome and Florence. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do - by day you’ll be kept busy visiting historic sights like the Basilica di Santo Stefano and the Museo della Storia di Bologna, and by night you’ll be stuffing your face with the most delicious pasta you’ve ever had and sipping wine in a charming trattoria.
Emilia-Romagna is the home of many of Italy’s most famous foodie exports (like balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, Parma ham and Bolognese sauce), so make sure you pack plenty of stretchy clothes for your trip. Don’t miss Osteria dell’Orsa for a relaxed, traditional dining experience, and definitely pay a visit to Osteria Della Fondazza for properly authentic Bolognese.
How To Get There:
Fly from Edinburgh Airport with Ryanair
Prices start from £81 per person (return), flying during October
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the perfect city for a chilled Scandi holiday, full of cafe hopping, people watching and boutique shopping. The beautiful parks, gardens and canals make a wonderful backdrop for walking through the city on crisp autumn days, stopping for a little fika (that’s Swedish for socialising over coffee and cake, didn’t you know?) along the way.
Sweden’s second city has lots of events and attractions to keep you busy during your stay. Visit the Liseberg Amusement Park during October for cute and kitsch Halloween celebrations, or opt for a leisurely tour of the city’s canals on a Paddan boat.
Fish and shellfish is a bit of a speciality in Gothenburg. Visit the Feskekorka (fish church) indoor fish market, and head upstairs to Gabriel’s restaurant to enjoy the freshest catch of the day.
How to get there:
Fly from Edinburgh Airport with Ryanair
Prices start from £65 per person (return), flying during October
Munich
Where better to visit during October than Bavaria’s beer capital, Munich, in time for their world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations. A must-visit for beer lovers, the world’s biggest beer festival is something you can tick off the bucket list this year.
Even if you’re not in it for the beer, Munich is a fantastic city to visit later this month once Oktoberfest is over. A unique city where traditional Bavarian culture and architecture sits alongside modern German buildings and businesses, Munich is perfect for exploring over a long weekend.
There are museums, galleries and historic buildings aplenty, along with trendy restaurants and bars. As well as trying out international street food, don’t leave without tucking into some traditional Bavarian fayre and a stein of beer or two at Fraunhofer.
How to get there:
Fly from Edinburgh Airport with Eurowings
Prices start from £91 per person (return), flying during October