The nights are drawing out, the weather is on the up and spring is just around the corner. It’s been a long, cold winter and you definitely deserve a break.
Each of the cities below offers great value in March – thanks to either cheap flights, low accommodation prices or great events. So check out these 5 suggestions for budget-friendly breaks next month.
Milan
Let’s be honest: Milan is no Rome. You won’t find an amphitheatre here or endless Roman relics. But you will find a dazzling cathedral, beautiful architecture and enough sights (and shops) to keep you busy for a few days. Stroll around Sforzesco Castle and grounds, bar hop through canal-side bars and restaurants in Navigli – and of course, enjoy Italy’s biggest draw: the food.
Why now? Fly from just: £20.29* return (London Stansted) or £29.66* return (East Midlands – Bergamo).
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a beautiful city and a great introduction to Scandinavia. Highlights include colourful Nyhavn, the regal Rosenborg Castle and the unique hippie commune of Christiana. The compact city is easily accessible by foot, boat or bike, with a bike tour being one of the best ways to get to know the city. Copenhagen is also a foodie hub, but luckily prices are not quite as high as Scandi-neighbours Sweden and Norway.
Why now? Accommodation in the Danish capital is at a low point in March – and any saving helps in Scandinavia. The famous Tivoli Gardens are unfortunately closed, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Read more: 9½ things you need to know before visiting Copenhagen
Belfast
Queens University, Belfast
Belfast turned out to be one of my favourite places of 2015 and is somewhere I would recommend to anyone. Visitors can get to know the city’s turbulent history on a Black Cab tour, relive the glory days of the industrial boom and ship-building at Titanic Belfast, before tucking into an Ulster Fry at one of the city’s great cafes.
Why now? Fly from just: £23.42* return (London-Stansted) | £33.56* return (Glasgow) | £33.56* return (Edinburgh) £61.66* return (Manchester) | £61.66* return (Birmingham)
Read more: The tourists’ guide to West Belfast
London
There’s no denying London makes a great weekend break. Whether you’re joining tourists at Buckingham Palace, partying with hipsters in Hoxton or battling shoppers on Oxford Street, the city rarely disappoints.
Why now? There’s also no denying that London is hugely expensive. Accommodation prices are low in March, making it a great time to bag a bargain.
Read more: Visiting London on a budget
Mallorca
I was very pleasantly surprised by Mallorca when I visited last year. Instead of swathes of drunken Brits, we found traditional villages, beautiful hidden beaches and some incredible restaurants. Going to Mallorca outside of the peak season might mean cooler weather but you’ll also be fighting off fewer people for a spot on the beach.
Why now? Fly from just: £47.61* return (London-Stansted) | £47.61* return (Birmingham) | £51.51* return (Bristol) | £55.43* return (East Midlands) |
Read more: Mallorca: more than Magaluf
*Prices correct at time of publishing. Prices courtesy of Skypicker.com.