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.
Thanks for the shout-out! 😀 Your posts from last year definitely made me want to go to Mallorca, I think September would be a great time to visit, less tourists and the water is still warm enough for a swim (I once got sunburned in Barcelona at the end of September…)
I think September would be good, too. I’m heading there in May for the same reasons – good weather but not too hot and not too many tourists!
Lovely list! I’ve been to all of these cities but sadly not during the off season so I guess I paid standard pricing. Highly recommend Belfast to anyone!
Thanks for your comment, Natasha – glad you liked Belfast as much as I did!
Ooh! I have a spare weekend when I’m in London later this year – I might take up your suggestion of Milan or Copenhagen, I’ve been seeing them in recommended lists a lot recently 🙂
Definitely do if you can! Milan might be a good escape from the grey weather 🙂
Oh, great list! I visited London and Milan last year, would love to go to the others you mentioned.
Great ideas for March/April. I love cities out of peak season. London is great all year and I imagine Milan and Copenhagen will be too. I’ve never thought of somewhere like Mallorca out of season but now I know how cheap it can be, that beach destination could go on the list!