Head off on a capital city break without splashing the cash

Jet setters can celebrate the start of autumn with a visit to a European capital city without digging deep in their pockets.

The money saving gurus at online site PromotionalCodes.org.uk have researched the best deals for short holidays this October – and Rome is the place to explore if you’re on a budget.

It was discovered that a traveller could enjoy three nights in the Italian capital city, with flights and hotel stay included, for just £142.

At the other end of the scale, Copenhagen in Denmark was revealed as the most costly trip, with a total price of £305 for flights and accommodation for one person.

Figures for cheap capital city breaks this October:

City Flights Hotel Total cost
1. Rome, Italy £83 £59 £142
2. Berlin, Germany £95 £49 £144
3. Prague, Czech Republic £118 £31 £149
4. Amsterdam, Holland £76 £93 £169
5. Madrid, Spain £107 £73 £180
6. Paris, France £77 £126 £203
7. Stockholm, Sweden £104 £100 £204
8. Vienna, Austria £134 £106 £240
9. Brussels, Belgium £98 £144 £242
10. Budapest, Hungary £207 £42 £249
11. Lisbon, Portugal £154 £135 £289
12. Copenhagen, Denmark £101 £204 £305

Summer is now officially over and the kids are back at school but if you’re flexible with your holidays, autumn is the perfect time to head off on a short break.

And if beach resorts aren’t your thing, then exploring a European capital city is both exciting and cost-efficient.

The team looked at the cost of a three-night stay from Saturday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 4, in 12 of the most popular European capitals – including flights from London Heathrow Airport and accommodation at a three-star hotel.

Surprisingly, Rome is the best place to head to if you’re looking for a bargain break, with flights available from £83 and a room with a view for only £59.

Coming in as the second cheapest holiday was a break to Berlin, the capital of Germany. A short break this October would cost around £144, with flights from £95 and three nights in a city centre hotel just £49.

This was then followed by a visit to the stag-do city of Prague in Czech Republic, costing £149 for a wild weekend away.

Also among the list of cheap capital city breaks were Madrid, Paris, Vienna, Brussels, Budapest and Amsterdam.

If you’re wanting a spot of luxury and don’t mind paying a bit extra, Copenhagen is the city for you with a total cost of £305 for a three-night stay. While it’s still not breaking the bank too much, the capital was discovered as the priciest for an October jaunt.

Also up there as the biggest spends were Lisbon and Budapest. A three-night vacation in the Portuguese capital will set you back around £289, while a holiday in Hungary will cost just under at £249.

A spokesperson for PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “The autumn season is a great time to tick somewhere off the bucket list – the weather is normally just right and it’s less costly than a summer vacation.

“Visiting a capital city is always fun as there’s always lots to explore and see, and we’re only a few hours plane ride away from some amazing cities.

“We thought it would be both interesting and useful to find out which city options are out there and where would come out as cheapest. Surprisingly, Rome was revealed as the most bargain option for a weekend away, but you may need to start saving now for a jaunt to Copenhagen.”