Six of the best city breaks from easier-than-ever East Midlands Airport this October half term

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The popular hub that’s renowned for providing effortless travel now offers even easier security checks at both ends of the journey. New scanners on the way out make things quicker by letting passengers leave electricals and liquids in bags, while on their return home, Brits can now leave passports in their bags after East Midlands became the first UK airport to introduce facial recognition eGates.

The only difficult decision is where to fly to. Here are six of the best city breaks from East Midlands Airport this October half term:

·       Berlin (pictured) has evolved into a unified and effortlessly cool city with a reputation for its party-hard spirit. Hip bars pull in a trendy crowd of locals and tourists, particularly in the Mitte and Charlottenburg districts, and if you delve into the nightlife scene, you’ll discover everything from secret jazz clubs to boisterous beer halls, to intense all-nighter techno clubs.

Berlin boasts hundreds of museums and galleries, as well as era-defining graffiti and street art from anti-government protestors in the 1960s. East Side Gallery is one of the best places to see street art, and it’s an iconic landmark – the longest outdoor art gallery in the world. But Berlin’s bohemia is artfully balanced with an elegant and upmarket city vibe too, with grand luxury hotels and Michelin Star restaurants ensuring it keeps its chic European status.

Flight time 1hr 50mins, temperature 12°C

·       Barcelona is one of the world’s most dynamic and stylish cities. It buzzes all year round with cutting edge restaurants, contemporary style, music, and good vibes.

Barcelona has a wide spectrum of different accommodation options, from no-frills and budget-friendly, to classic five-star stylings and comfort. Shopping boulevards are home to designer stores, while the creative El Born district is great for quirkier independent outlets. In the middle of the famous La Rambla you’ll find Boqueria Market where you can sit and enjoy a glass of cava after browsing the heady mixture of food stalls.

The artist Gaudi is behind many of Barcelona’s cultural highlights, and you can spot his influence on buildings all over the city. A tour of the incredible Sagrada Familia and a walk around the colourful Park Güell should be on your list of top things to do here. Fans of modern art should also visit the Picasso Museum and the Fundació Joan Miró. 

Flight time 2hrs 30mins, temperature 22°C

·       Dublin is another great spot for a fabulous city break that’s not too far away from home. If you’re here to discover more about one of its most famous exports, head to The Guinness Storehouse, a superb tourist attraction with floor after floor of fun facts about the black stuff. There are plenty of other fascinating galleries and museums here, and Trinity College is a gorgeous place to explore.

Dublin boasts a fun and fashionable shopping scene where curio shops mingle with flashy department stores, designer boutiques and Victorian arcades. The city’s retail heartland runs from O’Connell Street to Grafton Street, home to the famous Brown Thomas department store and Powerscourt Town House shopping centre. Trendy Temple Bar has some unique little shops, Nassau Street is good for traditional Irish crafts, and Francis Street is the place for antiques and boozy souvenirs.

Dublin has blossomed into a foodie mecca, with sophisticated restaurants offering creative menus using local produce and international flavours. Traditional Irish dishes can be enjoyed with a Guinness in Temple Bar’s many long-established pubs.

Flight time 1hr, temperatures around 15°C

·       Budapest is an intriguing city with surprises around every corner. Belle Époque-era opulence sits beside contemporary street art, and Michelin-starred restaurants sit alongside trendy street food stalls. It’s also home to ‘ruin pubs’, a collection of different bars which have taken over abandoned buildings decked out with graffiti, plants, and furniture.

These fascinating contrasts mean visitors can range from backpackers and bloggers to boozy stag and hen groups and city breakers. Culture-seekers also flock to the city to soak up the nouveau architecture and relax in one of Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths, which are a must-visit as part of the Budapest experience.

Flight time 2hrs 50mins, temperature 15°C

·       Kraków boasts a beautiful Old Town and impressive buildings, and balances the historic with the cosmopolitan. Its medieval town square is the largest in Europe, with cafés, museums, bars, shops, town houses, historical landmarks, and places to stay.

Kraków is full of excellent galleries and museums, and you can save on admission prices if you buy a KrakowCard. Be sure to visit the Cathedral and the magnificent 16th Century red-roof turrets of the Royal Apartments. With attractions so close together, Kraków is the ideal city to explore on foot. 

The Old Town was one of the first ever urban UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is where you’ll find many charming bars and restaurants serving Polish and Eastern European specialities. And if you’re keen to really explore authentic Polish cuisine, guided tasting tours are very popular.

Flight time 3hrs 40mins, temperature 11°C

·       Prague, along with its many cultural and historical attractions, is also a lively and contemporary spot with an extensive range of bars where visitors can get a feel for the local passion for pilsner.

Prague’s fascinating history can be uncovered through an abundance of museums and attractions on every corner. The Charles Bridge over the Vltava River connects the Old Town to Prague Castle, an enormous fortification which has been a seat of power for centuries. Here you’ll also find the gothic St Vitus Cathedral from which you can get great views of the city.

If you fancy doing a bit of shopping, head to the Old Town and Wenceslas Square. Make sure you explore the side streets around the square as it’s the best way to stumble across even more places to eat and drink, from grand historic cafes to trendy restaurants.

Flight time 2hrs 15mins, temperature 13°C

Flights can be booked here: https://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/flights-and-hotels/book-flights/