City break in October?

[TeacherMcTeacherface]

It's my 20th wedding anniversary this year and I've persuaded DH that we should go somewhere exciting for a few days in Oct half term.

We're on a budget so Rome is out of the question.

I've suggested either Paris or Amsterdam (never been to either)

Any recommendations for which one you'd choose? Or somewhere I haven't even thought of?

Where are you based ? Would you prefer to go abroad ?

I loved Amsterdam but it was a flying visit for an art exhibition but we fitted in a canal trip which was excellent. It's very busy though and I must admit one of those places where I felt old. Not been to Paris but DH and adult DS loved it when they went for the end of the Tour de France several years ago.
Or how about Girona or Valencia, hopefully the weather would still be pretty good then. Going to Girona myself for a couple of days in Nov on the way home from a longer trip. Valencia I've visited, great restaurants, loads to do, historic centre, Science Park etc plus a beach if you want to chill out if the weather is great.

Prague is lovely and very affordable (or it was 10 years ago anyway!)

Paris is one of my favourite cities, so I would choose that over Amsterdam. So much to see and do, and can make it as cheap or inexpensive as your budget allows. I think hotels are cheaper in Paris too. Last year when I was looking at Amsterdam for a friends birthday the hotel prices were extortionate.

I also really liked Venice. Just wandering the narrow streets could keep you occupied for days. I found restaurant and bar prices to be much lower than the UK.

Lisbon is another fab city and maybe wouldn’t be anyone’s first choice, but again, lots to see and do; and you can take the train to Sintra for the day.

We have taken short breaks in both cities and loved both. They do have quite different vibes though so maybe comes down to what you are into? Paris to us was wide boulevards, stunning architecture and beautiful views, along with lots of interesting galleries and wonderful shopping. We loved the arty feel around Monmartre as well. Amsterdam was canals, merchants houses, millions of bikes and brown cafes. Amsterdam felt a bit edgier (although I’m sure there are cooler edgier areas in Paris that we just didn’t visit). We found the food much better in Paris. Do a bit of research before you go and avoid the tourist trap places in both cities and you’ll find nicer places to eat that are decent value.

Our favourite city break was probably Copenhagen which we just loved, Stockholm was also amazing….but they aren’t great if you are on a budget. I know people who have done Berlin on a budget….ditto Barcelona and had a great time…depends on where you can get cheap flights to.

Hope that you have a fabulous time wherever you go!

Prague is beautiful and still super cheap to a British purse

What do you like in a city break? History, art, food, nightlife etc? I really enjoyed Krakow and Grenada recently which were both reasonable prices. Seville too actually.

Think about total costs - flight accommodation, food for the places you are looking at.
I have always found Amsterdam has relatively cheap flights but expensive hotel costs.
What kind of thing are you looking for - museums, galleries, quirky, beach, food etc

What is your actual budget and where are you flying from? How can do Rome pretty cheaply

Rome is cheaper than Paris if you don’t eat at the touristy restaurants!

You can walk everywhere and most monuments and sights are free.

We loved Bratislava - you can also do a quick train trip to Vienna whilst there.

Another vote for Prague. It’s lovely in autumn as there are lots of parks.

Valletta is nice in October

If you are on a budget, I don't think Amsterdam or Paris will be any cheaper than Rome - my DS is recently back form Amsterdam and says prices seem to have risen steeply since the last time he went in 2021.

For a more reasonably priced break, look at places like Budapest and Prague, or on real budget break, places like Krakow, Bucharest, Bratislava are very cheap by our standards. We're going to Tirana in a few weeks for a budget break, and are looking at Bucharest for spring next year.

Valencia was lovely at that time of year.
Carcassone would be nice.
Bergamo is cheaper than Milan, but is a quick and easy train ride into the centre of Milan.

Thankyou all for your tips and suggestions. Lots to think about!

Flying from Birmingham so lots of options.

We also thought about going to London & travelling on the Eurostar if we go for Paris.

Athens would be my vote

Berlin is great on a budget, and loads to see and do.

I had an absolute corker in Belfast on a weekend with my friend. Hired a car and drove around the coast. Went to giants causeway. Game of thrones coast. Titanic experience. Irish bars and nice food. On a tight budget too!

Also been to Amsterdam with same friend and that was brilliant too. Beautiful place to stroll around but does get samey over a weekend.

What about Bruge? That's beautiful too but not much to occupy you for more than a day.

I'm going to follow this thread as I'm looking for ideas for October.

I've been to Amsterdam a few years ago and it was good. Lots to see in the city and day trips further afield. Reasonably priced and we stayed over the water from the main station. Nice quiet area that's only 10 mins by ferry. The ferry is free. Just hop on and off.

We did Madrid last October and it was fab. Not too expensive and loads to see.

Seville
The weather will probably be warm enough to still be in t shirts during the day and it's such a lovely city with a great vibe and reasonable food and drink.

Just coming on to say Madrid or Valencia

Marrakech