From the natural hot springs and ruin bars of Budapest, to the turning leaves that frame Barcelona’s iconic architecture, and Rome’s truffle season, there’s a wealth of reasons to enjoy a European city break in the coming months.
For a truly immersive stay, Jet2CityBreaks offer great value trips to vibrant, diverse, cultural centres with handpicked, centrally-located hotels situated close to top attractions and transport links, so you can make the most of every day.
With deposits* at just £60 per person, 22kg baggage included, and flexible monthly payments** to help spread the cost of your holiday, it’s never been easier to plan your next city break. Here we outline five of the best destinations, places to stay while you’re there, and why there’s never been a better time to visit, so you can book the perfect seasonal Jet2CityBreaks stay.
Athens is dry and sunny for much of autumn and even the beginning of winter, and off-season, minus the crowds, it’s the perfect time to explore one of the oldest cities in the world. There are the classic sites to see (with good reason) like the ancient Parthenon, Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, but the city also plays host to the modern, from outdoor cinemas, to cafes and art galleries. Fuel your wanders with some of the city’s delicious traditional fare at some of the many Greek tavernas, ouzeries and grill houses serving up local, comforting dishes – ideal for warming up with as the temperature cools.
Where to stay: Guests at Brown Acropol can take in the surrounding views of the city and nearby Acropolis from the comfort of a rooftop terrace and bar, complete with whirlpools.
With UNESCO-listed sites, characterful ruin bars, food markets and thermal baths, the Hungarian capital is worth visiting year-round, but as autumn starts to set in, the city turns its attention to a calendar of music and food festivals. Temperatures typically stay mild and pleasant, with rays of sun shining through this pretty city. Stroll along the Danube River or visit Castle Hill, Parliament and Basilica of Stephen to get an insight into Budapest. Autumn and winter are particularly good times to see the leaves changing on a hike up Gellért Hill, the highest point in the city. Swim and spa in style in the natural hot spring waters of the stunningly ornate Széchenyi Thermal Baths, built in 1913 in a neo-baroque style, where you can bathe in 15 indoor and 3 outdoor pools. Finally head to the Jewish Quarter to check out the ruin bars – old, neglected buildings transformed into wonderfully unique bars (Szimpla Kert is a highlight).
Where to stay: The Boutique Hotel Budapest is centrally located, Close to the Danube and famous Central Market Hall, as well as Vaci Street, where you can stroll around boutiques, bars and restaurants.
With a blend of ancient ruins and modern art, Rome provides a multitude of experiences and city breaks. The Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Colosseum are some of the must-visit attractions in the city, but it can be equally as enjoyable to move at a gentler pace, strolling along the Piazza Navona with its baroque architecture and fountains. Come autumn, it’s white truffle season in Italy and there are dedicated restaurants in Rome that put the ingredient in the spotlight. Elsewhere, you can find warming dishes using autumnal, local ingredients, like sweet pumpkin and porcini mushrooms cooked up in pastas, stews and risottos.
Where to stay: The DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti is located in the heart of the Monti neighbourhood and provides a peaceful oasis in the city. It’s close to the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, with a rooftop terrace and bar with views over the Santa Maria Maggiore Abbey.
With the leaves turning fiery red and the crowds thinning out, autumn and winter are great seasons to visit the Spanish city. Life starts moving at a slower pace, so enjoy wandering around the city and taking time to take in the iconic architecture – from Gaudi’s Park Güell, to the UNESCO-listed Casa Battló and of course, La Sagrada Familia. The city turns its attention to food, wine and cultural events during these seasons, with plenty of tapas bars to hunker down in. La Boqueria Market is another great option for picking up some of Barcelona’s fresh, seasonal produce.
Where to stay: H10 Montcada Boutique Hotel boasts great views over the Gothic Quarter, while being close to Las Ramblas and other major sights. There’s also a chill-out terrace where you can sip cocktails while looking out across the city’s sparkling lights.
Vienna blends stunning architecture with fascinating history and a rich cultural scene – as the seasons change, there are plenty of things to do indoors in the city to fully soak these up, like gazing at Klimt’s famous painting The Kiss at Upper Belvedere Palace, walking around the Sigmund Freud Museum or catching a performance at Vienna State Opera. Vienna has plenty of outdoor spaces, providing beautiful grounds for catching the leaves changing colour, but it’s the city’s Christmas markets that make it particularly popular this time of year. Wiener Christkindlmarkt, set up on the Rathausplatz plaza is especially recommended.
Where to stay: The Art Nouveau-style Am Konzerthaus MGallery by Sofitel is centrally located and close to major attractions like Schwarzenberg Palace and State Opera House.
For more travel inspiration and hotel options head to Jet2CityBreaks
*Applicable on holidays departing 10 weeks or more from booking date. Full payment required by balance due date. **Jet2holidays Pay Monthly Terms and Conditions apply, please see jet2holidays.com/part-payment for details.
The Am Konzerthaus MGallery by Sofitel makes for a suitably stylish Vienna stay
Near the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, the DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti is a perfect base
