Are you planning a last-minute getaway or wondering where to spend the weekend? City breaks are a great way of exploring and discovering a new city without breaking the bank. Whether you want to walk down the beautiful cobblestone streets of Rome to people-watching in Harajuku , there is something for you. We have gathered some of the best destinations for city breaks in October 2023 for you to explore.
Europe
A continent that has a rich history going back to thousands of years ago. Europe is definitely on top of our list when it comes to city break destinations. You can always stick to the classics like Paris, London, and Rome. However, there is an abundance of charming underrated cities that is worth exploring. Here are our top picks for the best city breaks in Europe
Budapest, Hungary
Sometimes referred to as the “Paris of the East,” Hungary has a distinctive charm that draws tourists from all over the world. In the historic hangouts of poets, and painters, enjoy the view from a café while perusing one-of-a-kind shops and stores.
Thermal Bath in Hungary
For the ultimate relaxation, enjoy a soak in one of the city’s renowned thermal baths that dates back to the 16th century.
Athens, Greece
The Greek capital continues to be one of Europe’s top spots for a city break, spend 3-4 days in Greece and fit in some island-hopping to Mykonos or Crete to your itinerary! There is a lot more to see and do in the city, especially if you are a fan of Greek mythology.
Enjoy the weekend with a casual stroll around the Monastiraki Neighbourhood filled with rooftop bars, a cable car ride to Lycabettus Hill to enjoy the scenic views of the city, and finally ending the day with a visit to the Temple of Poseidon, the sunset is not to be missed.
Ready to discover Athens? Join TripLeader Lama to discover the best scenic spots of ancient Athens.
Manchester, United Kingdom
It’s not always about London or Cambridge, the Northern city of Manchester is bursting with character – there are all sorts of locations with stores, restaurants, bars, taverns, and clubs. Every neighborhood has a distinct personality, which gives each one a special charm.
We would recommend spending the day discovering the Manchester Science and Industry Museum and Manchester Art Gallery which showcases a huge array of British art. The best part? Both are free of charge to enter! Also, if you are a football fan, make sure to visit the Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium. Small yet amazing – Manchester is one of the best destinations for city breaks in October 2023.
Venice, Italy
Venice is made up of 117 small islands, connected by a number of bridges and spaced apart by a system of canals. It is home to a rich history, an abundance of art, and a wonderland of canals. it should come as no surprise that there are countless things to do and see in this city – other than a quick and mandatory stop at the Gran Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Ponte di Rialto.
Relaxing Gondola ride in Venice
Grand Canal of Venice
We would recommend taking a boat ride to Murano and spending the day on Torcello island which is a 45-minute ferry ride from the main part of Venice.
Or wander together and get lost in the city with your travel buddies in Italy!
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels might just be one of the most underrated cities in Europe. You can feel its captivating history by walking down the streets and alleyways packed with historical buildings. Be sure to visit the iconic Notre Dame du Sablon – a mesmerizing 14th-century chapel.
or have a relaxing picnic in Parc Du Cinquantenaire which houses over 35,000 thousand artifacts. Don’t forget to sample some of the staples including fries, mussels, and of course a pint of beer. If you are a fan of the drink, there are tons of beer tours available for you to have a taste of the finest breweries in the city.
Prague, Czech Republic
There are a lot of reasons to visit the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague. It is a city that can offer you a variety of activities and so much more. Whether you love history, art, fashion, architecture, or just love to appreciate the beauty, there’s bound to be something you love.
If you’re in for a more romantic stroll then visit Charles Bridge which links Prague Castle to the Old Town, a little tip is to visit in the morning or at night if you’re trying to avoid the crowd.
In addition to its parks decorated with statues, a serene cemetery, an impressive cathedral, and one of the city’s greatest beer gardens, the hillside views of Vyšehrad are almost too good to be true! Not to mention, October means autumn in Prague. Get ready to enjoy a picturesque landscape of reddish foliage in this remarkable city. Therefore, Prague is one of the best options for city breaks in October 2023.
Asia
With over 48 countries to choose from, each with its own unique charm and culture – from the Buddhist temples in Cambodia, the Waterfalls of Bali, to the fresh mountain air in Hunza Valley, it’s a no-brainer that the countries of Asia should be added to your list.
If you’re already in Asia, particularly in the Southeast part of it, here are the 2 countries that you should be visiting
Japan
One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Tokyo offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, including historical sites, unusual museums, cool skyscrapers, and cultural experiences. Here are some things you must do while visiting Tokyo:
Typical izakaya in Tokyo
An array of side dishes Izakaya style
Tokyo is home to thousands of upscale eateries and bars that provide delectable, high-quality fare, but for a more distinctive drinking experience, Izakaya alley is a fantastic dining choice. Izakaya (pub) is a where the local salarymen gather for drinks after work, they usually offer relatively cheap prices.
A little tip is to not be afraid to sample the local delicacies in Izakaya, one of the most unusual ones but commonly eaten by locals in Japan is Shirako AKA fish sperm.
If you want to see the cultural side of Japan without having to leave Tokyo, head over to Sensoji Temple. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo. You can rent a Kimono, snap pictures of the Kaminarimon gate, or take a rickshaw tour in the area. While in this contemporary Metropolis, Asakusa is an excellent place to discover traditional Japanese culture. With all it has to offer, Tokyo is one of the best destinations for city breaks in October.
Singapore
Singapore is one of the smallest countries in Asia, spanning just about 710 square kilometers. It is safe to say that you can explore the country in less than a week. But don’t let that fool you, there is always something new in Singapore. There is an abundance of inner-city gardens and jungles that were created as green retreats for the residents of Singapore.
It may simply appear as a concrete jungle, but it’s worth looking for among the towering buildings. Singapore not only provides all of this but many events, such as the renowned light and sound display at Gardens by the Bay, are also made available for free.
Another option is to let your hair down and visit the Sentosa Islands artificial beach. Or put on your hiking shoes for a visit to MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Our favorite part of the park is the Treetop Walk which is an aerial walkway that has incredible views of the lush greenery.
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore
Siloso beach in Sentosa island
Rain fortex, Jewel Changi Airport
Singapore is only 30 mins plane ride from Malaysia and 1,5-hours ride to Bali. It is also a perfect base for you to explore other Southeast Asian countries. For that reason, it is an awesome destination for city breaks in October 2023, especially if you are staying in Asia.
Ready to plan your city break for October? Whether you’re in Germany or soaking up the sun in Greece, we will definitely help you find your like-minded travel buddy. Travel with JoinMyTrip and create new unforgettable memories!