CITY STEALS

Top 10 cheap Europe city breaks for October 2018 – from Barcelona to Berlin

If you're looking for a city break on a budget, read on for the best cities to visit in Europe this autumn

All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.

Clare Mellor

Published: 11:27, 5 Sep 2018
Updated: 13:57, 3 Oct 2019

HUNTING for a city break bargain this October? These European destinations are perfect for a combination of culture, great food and shopping during the autumn months.

Plus, check out ideas on how to see the best of these cities on a budget - whether you want to explore Dublin Castle for free or bag a bargain at a Berlin flea market.

Canal houses and bicycles along Herengracht in AmsterdamCredit: Getty - Contributor

1. Amsterdam

With a multitude of museums, canal-side cafes and buzzing bars; there's plenty to see and do on a weekend away in Amsterdam - and it's just an hour's flight away.

If you're travelling on a budget, there are plenty of free sights such as the floating flower market (on the canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein) and the famous Vondelpark to enjoy on a bright autumnal day.

are offering a two-night Amsterdam city break - including flights - from £124 per person - or browse for Amsterdam break deals with or

2. Lisbon

Rua Augusta Arch in Lisbon, Portugal, around sunsetCredit: Getty - Contributor

Whether you want to explore the Castelo de Sao Jorge and the historical Belem or have a night out in the Bairro Alto, October is the perfect time to visit Lisbon as the weather is still warm with plenty of blue skies.

A trip to this popular Portuguese city doesn't have to cost the earth, with quirky neighbourhoods and markets to wander around along with the family-friendly 'Jardim de Estrela' gardens and beaches just a short train ride out of the city.

have a three-night stay plus flights in Lisbon from £119 per person.

Plus, there are more Lisbon deals to be had from and this autumn.

3. Berlin

Jet off to multicultural Berlin in under two hours from the UK to discover the fascinating history, vibrant nightlife and incredible restaurant scene this autumn.

The weather should still be mild enough in October to take a free walking tour of the Berlin Wall or a trip through the famous Brandenburg Gate - plus there are plenty of museums to discover on a chilly day.

Or if you want to hold on for the festive season, the German city is equally entertaining in December, when the Christmas markets come to town.

Find hotels in Berlin from £35 per person per night on

And are offering Berlin holiday deals - including hotel and flights - from £202 per person. .

4. Dublin

The Ha'penny Bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin, IrelandCredit: Getty - Contributor

From St Patrick's Cathedral to the old Jameson's Distillery, there are tons of sights to see in the Irish capital - but it's the welcoming feel of the city that will make you feel right at home.

Just a short flight from London airports and you'll have a whole host of free tourist spots to explore - including the Dublin Castle, Phoenix Park and the National Gallery.

Find Dublin hotels on from £75 per night and have Dublin holiday deals - including flights and hotels - from £145 per person.

And have a two-night stay plus flights to Dublin from £121 per person.

Our tips for finding top holiday offers

There are plenty of choices to make with breaks away - even after you've decided on a destination. Here's how you can ensure you're getting a good deal

BOOK LAST MINUTE If you're able to look last minute you'll often find good deals, as companies look to encourage bookings and fulfill availability.

SPECIAL OFFERS Great offers depend on travel companies' willingness to cut prices, but some companies maintain a special offers section - like . Deal sites like are also worth checking.

BE FLEXIBLE Flexibility of travel dates and connections can save you money. As can travelling outside of peak periods, or - if not travelling with children - outside school holidays.

USE DISCOUNTS Find discount codes with The Sun Vouchers, including for TUI, Expedia, First Choice, Lastminute, and Jet2Holidays.

SET ALERTS Airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner provides alerts on air fares, so you can get flights at their cheapest. Kayak offers alerts for flights and hotels.

5. Budapest

Diners enjoying the restaurants on Zrinyi Utca in Pest with St. Stephen's Basilica in the backgroundCredit: Corbis - Getty

With a mild autumnal climate, wide choice of cultural and historical attractions, thermal baths and top-notch restaurants; Budapest is hard to beat as a top city break destination.

If you're on a tight holiday budget, don't worry as you can wander around many sights for free - from a climb up Castle Hill to a stroll around the Jewish Quarter.

Bag a deal with 3 nights and flights to Budapest from £114 per person.

Or browse holidays with flights and hotels from £140 per person.

6. Krakow

Colourful buildings in the medieval market square in KrakowCredit: Getty - Contributor

If a pretty city with a historic old-town and buckets of old-world charm sounds up your street for a city break, head to Krakow this October - just two and a half hours from the UK by air.

There's still much to enjoy if you're strapped for cash with many parks and squares to walk through - along with the pretty boulevards on the banks of the 'Wisła River' - and many museums, indoor markets and cosy cafes if it's too cool to be out and about.

are offering three-night Krakow hotel and flights deals from £155 per person.

Plus, browse great value Krakow city breaks with

7. Prague

People strolling on the Charles Bridge at sunset in PragueCredit: Getty - Contributor

Although there can be colder days come autumn, Prague is a popular city break destination whatever the weather - with plenty of cosy restaurants and candle-lit bars to warm up in.

Hit the cobbled streets in under two hours from the UK to discover amazing architecture, old-town streets and historical sights - including the Jewish Quarter and Charles Bridge, which you can explore for free.

Find a deal with 3 nights stay and flights to Prague from £99 per person.

Or compare budget Prague weekend breaks - from £129 per person - on

8. Barcelona

The Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain, is just one of the many sights the city has to offerCredit: Getty - Contributor

Uncover architectural gems, lush parks and sandy beaches in beautiful Barcelona - and October is a great time to go when the hot summer months have given way to warm and pleasant days for sightseeing, with less tourists on the streets.

There's plenty for budget travellers to see and do - from the Gaudi colourful mosaics to the buzzing Ramblas, where you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the free entertainment on offer.

Compare Barcelona city break deals - from £147 per person for flights and accommodation on

Plus, you can check out more Barcelona holiday deals with .

9. Brussels

View of the Grand Place in Brussels, surrounded by great bars and cafesCredit: Getty - Contributor

A satisfying mix of old-world ambience and a modern cosmopolitan city, Brussels has something for everyone - and is just a short flight - or train ride - from the UK.

The slightly chilly autumn days are the perfect excuse to cosy up with a hot chocolate or tuck into a locally brewed Belgian beer - plus there are flea markets and free walking tours of the city to enjoy on milder days.

Bag a Eurostar three-night break from £185 per person with

Or find Brussels hotel and flights holidays deals from £177 per person on

10. Valetta

Residential area in the old town of Valletta which borders the entrance to the Grand HarbourCredit: Getty - Contributor

Whether you want to shop for antiques, explore an UNESCO world heritage site or kick back on the beach, Valletta in Malta is an unbeatable city break destination.

Enjoy the warm autumnal days as you discover this medieval city - with many free attractions - such as the 'Upper Barracca Gardens' and the 'Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck'.