Top 5 City Breaks for Autumn & Winter

With the intensity of the summer holiday season behind us, Lisa de Silva recommends autumn as an ideal time to enjoy a city break – here are her top five picks 

With cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, cheaper prices and spectacular seasonal beauty, the autumn and winter months are perfect for enjoying a city break. Here, we explore some less obvious destinations to inspire your adventures. 

BOLOGNA 

For food & drink lovers 

For lovers of Italian cuisine, Bologna, also known as La Grassa (the Fat One), is the food capital of Italy and well worth a visit. Head to the Quadrilatero district, a vibrant marketplace since Roman times, to explore the city’s culinary heritage and local specialities including Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and traditional Bolognese ragù. Highlights include food tours and pasta making classes with a real nonna. 

Bologna is also one of Italy’s most beautiful and best-preserved historic cities with impressive piazzas, medieval towers and miles of UNESCO-listed porticoes (covered walkways). The university founded in 1088 is the oldest in the Western world, while the medieval main square, Piazza Maggiore lined with magnificent churches and palazzos, is one of the country’s oldest and a lovely spot for people watching. 

ANTWERP

For romantic & stylish lovers

Belgium’s second city, Antwerp is a fabulous blend of old-world charmand contemporary architecture, with excellent museums, a buzzing food scene, stunning artworks and upscale shopping opportunities. Soak up the historic grandeur of the city’s medieval cobbled streets, enjoy the cosy bars and bistros around the Grote Markt Grand Market Square, discover spectacular Art Nouveau buildings and marvel at the contrast with the cutting-edge architecture of the River Scheldt Port House designed by Zaha Hadid.

For culture, visit Rubens House, the MoMu Fashion Museum, Chocolate Nation Museum and the Red Star Museum, documenting the stories ofthe 2 million passengers that left from here for a new life in North America. At the heart of the international diamond trade, Antwerp is a superb destination to make the ultimate romantic gesture and celebrate with a glittering souvenir. 

LIVERPOOL 

For culture & history lovers

With a strong music, maritime and football heritage, Liverpool enjoys an illustrious cultural identity and lively social scene, with many world-class museums and galleries. In fact, Liverpool has the most museums in the UK outside of London. Take the ferry across the Mersey to enjoy the city’s skyline in its full glory. Architectural highlights include the Royal Albert Dock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Royal Liver Building with its iconic Liver Birds, Bertie and Bella. 

Cultural and historic highlights include the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum. Art lovers can browse Tate Liverpool and the Walker Art Gallery, while boththe Roman Catholic and Anglican Cathedrals are worthy additions to any itinerary. Beatlemania lives on here and fans should head to Mathew Street’s Cavern Club and take a guided Beatles tour of the city. 

MARRAKECH 

For sunshine & adventure lovers

For those looking for a burst of warm sunshine to brighten up the cooler months, Marrakech makes a great destination. A sensual mix of history, culture and hospitality, the city is full of colour and character. Lose yourself in the labyrinth streets of the bustling medina, shop for traditional souvenirs in the souks and enjoy panoramic views across the Atlas Mountains from the many rooftop bars and restaurants. 

For authentic charm, stay in a riad, a traditional Moroccan home tucked away behind high walls and wooden doors, leading to an oasis of calm featuring serene courtyards, lush gardens, ornate tilework and tranquil water pools, alongside a chic bohemian vibe. Enjoy wonderful cuisine spiced with cumin, cinnamon and saffron, experience ritual bathing and massage with a hammam visit and wander through the exotic Jardin Majorelle. 

INNSBRUK

For outdoor & winter sport lovers

For Tyrolean charm and the chance to enjoy an afternoon on the ski slopes, head to the beautiful city of Innsbruk. The capital of Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruk is surrounded by 13 ski areas, with Nordkette easily accessible from the city centre via a funicular and network of cable cars, making it perfect for combining a city break with winter sports. Also popular, is the cable car ride up to the viewing platform of the Bergisel Ski Jump, for Olympic history and panoramic mountain views. 

Back in the city, explore the colourful medieval buildings, cobbled courtyards and alleyways of the Old Town, or Aldstadt and visit the Imperial Palace, once an important royal residence of the Hapsburg Empire. During the Christmas Market season, the city comes alive with the magical ambience of warm winter lights, Tyrolean markets and superb street food, including Austria’s version of mac and cheese, Käsespätzle.