Booking a last-minute getaway? The best cities to visit right now can be found in the Netherlands, Germany and Croatia.
This is according to experts at Park Plaza, who spoke to GB News to reveal their top European city breaks.
September is a brilliant time for a city break - prices are often lower, but the weather is still pleasant enough for wandering around the streets. The experts named where is best to go now, and what holidaymakers should not miss when they are there.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Amsterdam is a great place to visit at this time of year. It is known for its pretty canals, diverse culture and affordable prices.
Britons can beat the crowds by visiting Amsterdam in September
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Utrecht is a quieter option if visiting the Netherlands
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And by going in September, you can miss the crowds and enjoy the last of the mild weather, with temperatures reaching 19°C this month. Park Plaza experts shared their recommendations.
Things to do
- Stroll or cycle along the canals of Jordaan, De Pijp and Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) for boutique shops and cafés
- Visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum in the Museum Quarter
- Visit the Anne Frank museum
- Take a calming autumn canal cruise to enjoy the quieter waterways
- Browse the flower stalls at the Bloemenmarkt and sip coffee at canal-side cafés
- Rent a bike and explore Vondelpark, or take a ride to the charming village of Broek in Waterland
Utrecht, Netherlands
For an alternative in the Netherlands, consider Utrecht. It also boasts gorgeous canals, independent shops and scenic cycling routes - "perfect if you want the Amsterdam vibe without the crowds".
Things to do
- Wander the unique sunken canals (Oudegracht) lined with terraces, shops, and restaurants
- Climb the Dom Tower for sweeping views over the city’s medieval streets
- Explore family-friendly cycle routes that connect the city to the surrounding countryside
- Visit the Centraal Museum (art and history) and the quirky Museum Speelklok (musical clocks)
- Discover the city’s independent boutiques and craft coffee spots
- Take the kids (or your inner child) to the Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum)
Berlin, Germany
Another popular option is Berlin, which is the ideal place for a getaway full of history and culture. There are plenty of museums to visit during the day, and lively nightlife to enjoy after dark.
Things to do
- Walk the East Side Gallery, an open-air stretch of the Wall covered in murals
- Take a walk around Tiergarten, known as Berlin’s ‘green lungs’
- Close to the city centre and bordering such major sights as the Brandenburg Gate or Potsdamer Platz, the forested grounds cover nearly 519 acres - slightly more than Hyde Park
- Visit Checkpoint Charlie Museum and the DDR Museum for Cold War history.
- Reflect at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
- Explore Museum Island, home to the Pergamon and Neues Museums. Every first Sunday of the month, many Berlin museums open their doors for free
- Take in Berlin’s nightlife in neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain
Berlin is a great place for history and culture
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Trier in Germany is a great option for wine-lovers
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Another lesser-known spot gives holidaymakers the chance to mix "Roman history, seaside relaxation, and unique natural wonders like dinosaur footprints"
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Trier, Germany
Britons can visit Germany's oldest city to take in the Roman ruins, medieval streets and a host of wineries. While Germany may not be known for its wine, the Moselle Valley’s wine festivals are worth adding to your travel list.
Things to do
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins, including the Porta Nigra, amphitheatre, and baths
- Visit the Trier Cathedral and Liebfrauenkirche (both medieval masterpieces)
- Wander the charming Hauptmarkt square with its half-timbered houses
- Taste regional wines in the Moselle Valley, especially during the autumn wine festivals
- Explore Karl Marx’s Birthplace Museum for historical insight
- Take a scenic boat trip on the Moselle River
Pula, Croatia
Finally, the experts recommended another lesser-known spot that gives holidaymakers the chance to mix "Roman history, seaside relaxation, and unique natural wonders like dinosaur footprints". This is the ideal option for soaking in the last of the summer sun, as temperatures can reach 25°C and beyond in September.
Things to do
- Tour the Roman amphitheatre (Arena), one of the world’s best-preserved sites
- Stroll through the Old Town with its Roman Forum, the Roman Arch of the Sergii, and the Temple of Augustus
- For some very picturesque retail therapy, Sergijevaca Shopping Street offers modern shopping in centuries-old buildings
- Walk the coastline to find real dinosaur footprints at nearby beaches like Kamenjak
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Istria for more Roman history
- Relax on beaches along the Adriatic coast, perfect for autumn sunshine
- Take a trip to the Brijuni Islands, a national park with wildlife and Roman ruins
- Enjoy a spot of kayaking or scuba diving, and try to meet Koki: a yellow-crested cockatoo who speaks, struts, and, if you’re lucky, will shake your hand
- Enjoy a day out at Jangalooz Pomer Adventure Park for the ultimate outdoor adventure, packed with zip lines, 12-metre-high free falls, rope climbing, treetop trails, and more