Dublin
Stockholm
Edinburgh
Milan
Reykjavik and beyond
Cagliari
Parga and beyond
Madeira
Tuscany
Berlin
October is a great time to travel to popular cities and places that usually see big crowds in the summer and even September. It is also the start of beautifully changing colours so, depending on where you visit, you’re in for a real treat - reds, yellows, orange and browns. Don’t forget the camera!
We've put together our recommended top 10 that we hope you’ll find interesting - whether you are actually getting out there or just enjoying the thought it.
Due to ever changing circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, please check up to date information on all museums and local events in case of closures or changing opening times.
Stay safe and travel responsibly during these unprectiable times. Check current rules and restrictions at your departure airports, arrival destinations and be aware of any additional restrictions when you return. You may need proof of negative results from Covid-19 testing. Other documents may well be required before leaving and/or when you arrive/return.
Ok, here we go …our top 10, in no particular order 😄
Dublin, Ireland
Such a fun and welcoming city to visit. Get ready for the some real Irish craic
Bustling pubs with live music bursting out the doors almost every night of the week - you are genuinely going to experience the real Irish Craic here. You’ll be right in the thick of things around the cobbled streets of Temple Bar area. Here you will find the iconic bar with the same name. The Storehouse Guinness factory, or St James Gate Brewery, founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759, has to be one of the top things you do while in Dublin. You’ll also recieve a free pint of the black stuff (or should I say ruby red!!) on the top level of the factory - the view all over Dublin is great if the weather is on your side. Historic Dublin will also keep you more than occupied with visits to Dublin Castle, St Patricks Cathedral, Christ Church and ,of course, Trinity college - specifically the library housing the Book of Kells.
A walk around Dublin’s Georgian area is highly recommended. You will find The National Gallery, National Museum and the statue of Oscar Wilde which is close by in Merridion Square. Keep a look out for house Number one, Oscar Wilde’s birthplace. Stephens Green is a lovely place for a stroll and in October the colours will be stunning. The list in Dublin is endless - don’t pass by Molly Malone (not far from Trinity College) with her cart carrying baskets of ‘cockles and mussels.’
Stockholm, Sweden
A truly unique city and clean air a plenty with woodlands, parks and an open-air museum.
This beautiful unique city is made up of 14 islands, situated on Lake Malaren which flows into the Baltic sea. Nice setting huh!
Interesting fact alert: there’s actually more water than land in the city centre!
This is a highly recommended city to walk around and with 50 bridges connecting the islands together, this is an easy task. Stockholm has a little bit of everything: contemporary, commercial, chic, artisanal, hipster … you name it! There are restaurants, cafes and shopping with a vibe for all requirements
Enchanting narrow cobbled streets make up the old town which is home to the Royal Palace and Swedish Paliament. On the adjacent small island of Skeppsholmen you’ll find the Moderna Museet - the gallery of modern art.
Other things not to miss include the Vasa Museum. The Vasa is a 69 meter warship that sank in the middle of Stockholm in 1628 on her maiden voyage. October is a great time to visit as there will be less crowds, although you still won’t be alone! Over one million people visit every year. The National Museum (free entry) should also be on the list and how can you not go to ‘ABBA The Museum’! Do a few vocal warm-ups before you go.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh will captivate you from the moment you arrive.
Sitting on top of a series of ancient volcanoes and hills, this historic city has something for everyone. You’ll enter a real timewarp as you take on the Royal Mile stretching from Edinburgh Castle all the way to the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyrood. Here you can visit the chambers of Mary Queen of Scots and the place where her secretary was brutally murdered 😳!
Make sure you meander all over the old town, both inside and out. If the rains come, don’t worry, Edinburgh has got you covered! ☔️ The National Galley of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the National Museum of Scotland are all excellent and FREE. If you need a little break, watering holes with great vibes are a plenty. Harry Potter fans will be have a great time here. The Elephant House cafe is the perfect stop for a cuppa - where J.K.Rowling spent time writing away. Diagon House in cobbled Victoria Street is THE shop for Potter fans and of course there's Tom Riddles grave stone in Greyfrairs Kirkyard cemetery.
When you’re out and about, don’t forget to do a little warm up before you head up to Arthur’s seat, which stands at 251m. Your climb will be rewarded by views right across Edinburgh. If you venture outside the city centre, check out Leith and its medieval port.
Edinburgh is known as the festival city but sadly due to obvious reasons, August did not see the infamous Edinburgh Festival this year. However, don't be downhearted, the Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival IS gong ahead!! A little whoop I hear you squeal 😆 - or was that just me 🤔🤭. It’s being held on the 9 -10 October, outside, at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Info at https://edinburghcraftbeerfestival.co.uk. Cheers 🍻
⚠️ UPDATE: Sadly, the Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival has now been postponed until July 2021
Milan
Milan is arguably the art and fashion capital of the world! Reason enough no? Oh, but there's so much more you lucky things!
A good old look around Milan is an architectural joy. There are an abundance of neoclassical buildings with a bunch of renaissance, art nouveau and gothic styles thrown in for good measure. The most famous Gothic example is the Duomo cathedral - absoulutely stunning and smack bang in the centre of Piazza del Duomo. This is also the location of the splendid La Scala Opera House and the grandiose Galleria Vittorio Emanuele! Only in Milan will you experience such elegance in a building while shopping! If shopping is your thing, head over to Via Monte Napoleone and the collection of streets known as the Quadrilatero d’Oro. Here you will find fashion, fashion and fashion shops galore.
There is much to do in Milan but we can’t leave our recommendation for visiting this city without a shout out to Leonardo Da Vinci’s fabulous ‘The Last Supper’. This famous Renaissance piece is sitting on the wall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Ensure you book in advance and remember your ticket will be for a 15 minute viewing time-slot only. Please read in advance in case the ever changing Covid-19 situation is affecting visits.
Reykjavik and beyond, Iceland
Oh my goodness, wowzers Iceland.
Ok, so Milan may be the art and fashion capital of the world but I think Iceland must be the superlative capital of the world! Nature heaven - glaciers, erupting volcanos, geysers, waterfalls, valleys, mountains, geothermal waters … my hand is getting tired 🤣 With a capital city that’s surrounded by snow-capped mountains you know you’ve reached a stunning place.
October is the start of the winter months so wrap up warm, but it will be worth it. There are fewer crowds and just imagine if you experience the Northern Lights! October sees the nights becoming dark enough to be in a with a good chance. If you base yourself in Reykjavik there’s lots to do and you'll still benefit from every tour possible including the Northern Lights. Don't forget, it's also possible to see them from the city - especially cool if you take a boat trip from the harbour. Other tours include whale watching, visiting glaciers, the well known Blue Lagoon, countryside horse-riding and more. Of course, you can always pick up a car and do it yourself! You can even go diving and snorkeling - yep, I really did say diving and snorkelling - in October! Possibly more appealing knowing you can jump into a nearby hot pool eh! 🤭 Iceland - get ready for a fabulously unique experience.
Cagliari
A thriving historical city in the south of Sardinia.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little warmer, this might be just the ticket for you. Cagliari is a very elegant historic city to visit.
Its history dates back to roman times, showcased with the remains of an impressive roman amphitheatre.
Castello, the old town, is home to a scattering of piazzas, narrow streets, and coloured houses. The old city walls boast early 14c towers (note the elephant at the top of one) and you will find centuries old churches and flutterings of roman remains. Bastione San Remy is maybe the most iconic landmark here. You can climb the staircase or take the elevator to a large terrace giving wonderful views over the city and the port. The tree lined promenade by the marina also gives a very pleasant view of the harbour and port area. Notably, the archeolgical museum is well worth a visit. If you have time and are visiting Sardinia for longer, the coastline further afield is also stunning.
Parga and beyond, Greece
This beautiful town feels like an island!
Mainland Greece, on the north western side, is home to a beautiful picturesque town by the name of Parga. This little beauty has an island feel about it and due to the crowds of tourists visitng here between May and Sept, you will enjoy it’s tranquilty in October. Parga benefits from a coastline of turqouise blue coves and an old town with a Venitian castle which provides wonderful views. The harbour and it’s vibrant promenade is exquisite and a great spot to stop for refreshments or a meal. The Archeon River (25km) is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and where birds of pray nest. This area is not (as yet) hugely well known so remains unspoilt. Long may it last! If you are flying to/from Preveza airport (or you just fancy a day trip), the ancient archeological city of Nicopolis is 100% worth a visit - built in 31BC by the Roman ruler Octavian Augustus. (20 mins form Preveza airport, 50 mins from Parga).
Madeira, Portugal
Beautiful Maderia, a majestic volcanic island.
Madeira is part of an archipelago approximately 250 miles (400 km) north of Tenerife. This subtropical island has several nicknames including the island of eternal spring and the pearl of the Atlantic. It’s not hard to see why! You’re in for a nature bonaza here. Madeira is known or its Laurel forests, which is home to unique plants and animal species.
This is an all year round destination but October sees less tourists and cheaper prices. October is a warm month to visit with average temperatures ranging from 18 - 24°C. Rains may become more frequent at this time but downpours pass quickly and there's usually somewhere on the island where it’s dry. The famous Levada irrigation pathways and tunnels are a hiking lovers dream - stunning sea views, high cliffs, fountains, waterfalls, lagoons … you will be treated to stunning lanscapes and natural beauty. Madiera is also known for its black sand beaches and magnificent botanical gardens. I don't about you, but I’m ready to pack my bags after this!
Tuscany, Italy
Ahhhhhhh, wonderful, wonderful Tuscany. You will be spoilt for choice!
October is a great chance to visit wonderful Tuscany and it’s usually very busy towns and cities. Florence, Siena and Pisa are heaving places in the summer months! With fewer tourists and beautiful autumn colours turning red, orange and yellow, Oct is a great opportunity to visit both the popular AND less well known sites. Lucca is fabulous at this times of year, and if you’re looking for places futher afield (with the outdoors and nature being the priority) try the Garfagnana Valley which is to the north of Lucca. This area is mostly untouched by tourism and you will discover uncontaminated forests, small picturesque villages and hamlets. Check out the site Discover Tuscany for an examle of a fabulous day trip from Lucca.
You are spoilt for choice in Tuscany, which ever direction you go in. You can quickly get away from it all, visiting stunning hilltop medieval towns and being surrounded by terraced vineyards - you know, the kind of picture postcard stuff!
Berlin, Germany
An incredibly vibrant culture and a 20th century history that gives you a good old slap in the face the moment you arrive.
There are some obvious and not so obvious sites to visit in and around Berlin. Highlights include the East Side Gallery (an open air gallery of more than a hundred paintings on what was once the Berlin Wall - this is the longest section of the wall in existence today), Checkpoint Charlie, the location of the former Fuhrerbunker, the Topography of Terror museum (on the site of the former Gestapo building giving a disturbing account of heinous crimes committed during the Nazi era) and the Jewish Museum Berlin.
For a more light hearted element to your trip, don’t forget to try a currywurst and of course, a next level pretzel - or should I be saying bretzel?🤔 If you are in Berlin on a Sunday, don’t miss the flea market at Mauerpark with live karaoke in the afternoon (from around 15.00 if the weather holds) - come on, you know you want to 🙌!
Oh, and definitely take a stroll around Scheunenviertel, the eastern part of the old jewish quarter, Spandauer Vorstrade.
You will find contemporary art galleries, vibrant courtyards, street art, boutiques and cafes. Take a beer or a coffee stop at the Cafe Cinema on Rosenthaler Str, to plan your next move 👍. Other ‘must sees’ include Tiergarden park, which is near the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), The Holocaust Memorial and of course the Raichstag.
That's our 10 ☺️. We hope you found this an enjoyable read. Feel free to share your travel thoughts on these or other interesting places you'd recommend in October. It's always great to hear about your experiences and ideas.
Happy travelling and stay safe :)
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