Pretty Cheap: Five Beautiful City Breaks for Autumn

With the leaves on the trees changing from green to red and that crisp breeze in the air, autumn is a brilliant season for going on city breaks.

It’s also often one of the cheapest times of year, when the summer rush has died down and the kids are back in the classrooms. So if you fancy wrapping up and taking off, here are some beautiful (and wallet-friendly) options.

New York

While autumn in New England and Vermont is really special, the Empire State also has its charms. The trees in Central Park display a rich array of colours, and dare we mention that it’s a great time to get in that early Christmas shopping before the December rush. Autumn’s highlight comes at the end of November with Macy’s famous Thanksgiving Day parade: expect turkeys, balloons and lots of festive floats.

Budapest

Budapest is famous for its autumn festival, which this year was renamed the Café Budapest Festival. Considered the highlight of the season, it’s a chance for you to discover the city’s vibrant contemporary arts scene, with cafés and bars in Budapest showcasing everything from children’s shows to pop and dance music performances. Still need convincing? We’ve got deals from around £105pp. Sold!

Dublin

Closer to home, Dublin is delightful. Enjoy picturesque walks out into the spectacular Irish countryside and feel the cool autumn breeze on your cheeks. We recommend blowing away the cobwebs at Malahide Castle and Dublin Bay. Malahide is the oldest castle in Ireland, and it’s just a short journey outside of the city centre. In the evening, enjoy the Irish craic in a traditional bar and watch Irish dancers and fiddlers perform as you raise a glass of the black stuff. You can grab two nights away (including flights) from just £179pp here.

Brussels

There are two reasons why Brussels is brilliant: the beer and the museums. They might seem worlds apart, but museums in this European capital stay open until 10pm on Thursday nights throughout autumn, which means you’re able to cram more into your day. At the other end of the spectrum, this season also sees some of the city’s best beer festivals take place. Try the Brussels Challenge in nearby Liege on 31^st October for a taste of some of the country’s best brews.

Disneyland Paris

Half term falls over Halloween this year, so if you want to take the kids on a spooktacular break, consider Disneyland Paris. The Halloween Festival stretches from 5^th October to the 31^st and sees some of your children’s favourite characters at their most mischievous. Don’t miss the popular Halloween parade with Pumpkin Jack, Sally, and Zero the dog.