As the colder months and darker nights begin to creep in, you already be thinking about your next holiday. 

The autumn is a great time to get away and enjoy some sunshine with flights throughout September, October and November being reasonably priced. 

Here are six of the best cities for a city break from Edinburgh Airport this autumn. 

Barcelona 

Situated on the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant, culturally rich city offering everything from relaxing beach days to unforgettable sights. Art and architecture lovers can explore the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, the UNESCO-listed La Pedrera and the famous La Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona is also a paradise for food lovers, with superb seafood, delicious paella and unmissable tapas. Be sure to explore La Rambla too, a lively street filled with markets, monuments, performers, shops, restaurants and museums.

Porto 

Set on the banks of the River Douro, Porto is a colourful northern gem known for its historic old town, beautiful bridges, local markets and famous Port wine. Explore the picturesque Ribeira district, with its riverside views, craft markets, street performers, bars and restaurants, or admire the stunning Palacio da Bolsa and iconic Clerigos Tower.

When you need a break from sightseeing, head to one of Porto’s golden beaches to relax in the Portuguese sunshine, cycle along the promenade or enjoy fresh local seafood.

Milan 

Milan combines creativity, sophistication and style, from its striking architecture and exceptional cuisine to its world-famous fashion scene. The city is home to some incredible landmarks, including Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, the magnificent Gothic Duomo and the impressive Castello Sforzesco, which houses several museums.

Beyond the city, Milan is surrounded by beautiful Italian countryside, with peaceful lakes and rolling hills providing the perfect escape after a day of sightseeing. It’s an ideal destination for combining culture and city life with the tranquillity of the great outdoors.

Berlin 

There’s always something happening in energetic Berlin, making it a firm favourite for city breaks. With excellent nightlife, green spaces, shopping and fascinating history, there’s plenty to explore, from the famous Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie to the Reichstag Building and Berlin TV Tower, which offers fantastic views across the city.

Berlin is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with everything from all-night raves to relaxed beer gardens serving local lagers. And no visit would be complete without trying the city’s famous currywurst. 

Vienna 

Austria’s capital is full of charm, elegance and culture, with a rich musical heritage shaped by composers such as Mozart. Its UNESCO-listed city centre is packed with beautiful landmarks, including the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, while the colourful Hundertwasserhaus offers a strikingly unusual sight.

Vienna is also famous for its museums, grand balls, theatres and opera, with the MuseumsQuartier Wien home to more than 100 cultural institutions. Add its beautiful Baroque streets, traditional cafés and classical music scene, and Vienna is a city that effortlessly combines history, sophistication and culture.

Toulouse 

Welcome to La Ville en Rose, where Toulouse’s distinctive pink buildings, charming cafés and impressive galleries create a city that’s easy to fall in love with. Stroll along the Canal du Midi, enjoy delicious French flavours and soak up the relaxed atmosphere as you explore this beautiful French city.

Must-see sights include the grand Le Capitole, the Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the landscaped gardens of Grand Rond. For something a little different, visit the Cité de l’Espace to discover Toulouse’s fascinating aerospace history and see full-scale aircraft replicas.