The best European city breaks for September

September is a fantastic time of year to explore a new city. Summer crowds disappear. Temperatures take a pleasant dip. And some of the year’s best events take place. Here are our top five city breaks for September.

1. Berlin

Boasting vibrant culture, an unbeatable party scene and fabulous food choices, Berlin is a city to be visited over and over again. September sees the city spring to life with a fantastic variety of festivals. Check out the latest exhibitions at Berlin Art Week, take part in the Oktoberfest celebrations at Alexanderplatz or catch a concert during the Berlin Music Festival.

World-class music festival Lollapalooza also takes places on 07 and 08 September in Berlin’s Olympic Park. With Swedish House Mafia, Twenty One Pilots and Kings of Leon set to headline, it promises to be an incredible weekend of music. Check out your ticket options.

Fancy sampling some of Berlin’s best cuisine? Book a spot on a Secret Food Tour. The charming local guides are passionate about Berlin and its rich culinary offering. Highlights of my three-hour tour included finding the city’s best Döner kebab, enjoying a traditional German pizza (Flammkuchen) and sampling a delicious schnitzel.

2. London

Looking for the perfect short break? London’s calling. The week-long London Design Festival kicks off on 14 September. This year’s major installation, ‘Please be Seated,’ by British designer Paul Cocksedge is set to be unveiled at Broadgate. Visit the V&A Museum in South Kensington for more amazing projects.

Totally Thames, London’s annual river celebration, also runs throughout September in London. Dozens of events are held at different points along the river. Take tango classes on the Thames, try your hand at midnight mudlarking or enjoy a night of chamber music inside Tower Bridge’s majestic Bascule Chamber.

Legendary late festival, Emerge, takes place on 27 and 28 September in London. Dubbed ‘Night at the Museum meets Glastonbury’, the event takes over more than 30 of the capital’s iconic buildings, including Tower Bridge’s glass walkway to The Design Museum’s paraboloid room, for two nights of incredible music and culture.

3. Amsterdam

There’s something special about autumn in Amsterdam. As the trees lining the ancient canals turn rich shades of red and hold and the sprawling Vondelpark transforms into a spectacular sea of colours, the city takes on the new season in style.

The Amsterdam Fringe Festival (5-15 September) turns the entire city into a stage. Culture vultures will love the live art, theatre, musical theatre, comedy and dance productions. And with more than half the productions in English, it’s a very visitor-friendly event.

Golf fans can catch the KLM Open at The International Course in Amsterdam from 12 – 15 September. For lots more ideas, read our 48 hour guide to Amsterdam and plan your September trip.

Amsterdam Canal

4. Venice

Prefer to avoid the summer crowds? September is the perfect month to visit Venice. The weather is more pleasant than during the hot summer months and the Canal City comes to life with autumn events.

Movie buffs will love the glamour of the Venice Film Festival (29 August – 7 September). Why not make a trip to the heart of the action? The eyes of the movie world will be on the beautiful city, with Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Stewart and Ruth Negga all set to attend.

The iconic Regata Storica di Venezia, Venice’s biggest boat racing event of year takes place on 01 September. It’s well worth setting a day of your trip aside to enjoy the racing, the gondolas and get swept up in the excitement of the locals. Look out for the spectacular Serenissima boat in the colourful parade.

5. Munich

A trip to the home of Oktoberfest on your travel bucket list? Join the club.

Oktoberfest Munich

This year’s two-week celebration of German food, beer and culture kicks off in Munich on 22 September. Epic beer tents, unbelievable roller coasters and whole lot more fun await. Check out our complete guide to Oktoberfest in Munich.

 

Ready to plan your September city break? Check out our latest flight deals.