
Booking a last-minute getaway? The best cities to visit right now can be found in the Netherlands, Germany and Croatia.This is according to experts at Park Plaza, who spoke to GB News to reveal their top European city breaks. September is a brilliant time for a city break – prices are often lower, but the weather is still pleasant enough for wandering around the streets. The experts named where is best to go now, and what holidaymakers should not miss when they are there. Amsterdam, NetherlandsPerhaps unsurprisingly, Amsterdam is a great place to visit at this time of year. It is known for its pretty canals, diverse culture and affordable prices.Britons can beat the crowds by visiting Amsterdam in September | GETTYUtrecht is a quieter option if visiting the Netherlands | HOLLANDAnd by going in September, you can miss the crowds and enjoy the last of the mild weather, with temperatures reaching 19°C this month. Park Plaza experts shared their recommendations. Things to doStroll or cycle along the canals of Jordaan, De Pijp and Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) for boutique shops and cafésVisit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum in the Museum QuarterVisit the Anne Frank museumTake a calming autumn canal cruise to enjoy the quieter waterwaysBrowse the flower stalls at the Bloemenmarkt and sip coffee at canal-side cafésRent a bike and explore Vondelpark, or take a ride to the charming village of Broek in WaterlandUtrecht, NetherlandsFor an alternative in the Netherlands, consider Utrecht. It also boasts gorgeous canals, independent shops and scenic cycling routes – “perfect if you want the Amsterdam vibe without the crowds”. Things to doWander the unique sunken canals (Oudegracht) lined with terraces, shops, and restaurantsClimb the Dom Tower for sweeping views over the city’s medieval streetsExplore family-friendly cycle routes that connect the city to the surrounding countrysideVisit the Centraal Museum (art and history) and the quirky Museum Speelklok (musical clocks)Discover the city’s independent boutiques and craft coffee spotsTake the kids (or your inner child) to the Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum)Berlin, GermanyAnother popular option is Berlin, which is the ideal place for a getaway full of history and culture. There are plenty of museums to visit during the day, and lively nightlife to enjoy after dark. Things to do Walk the East Side Gallery, an open-air stretch of the Wall covered in muralsTake a walk around Tiergarten, known as Berlin’s ‘green lungs’Close to the city centre and bordering such major sights as the Brandenburg Gate or Potsdamer Platz, the forested grounds cover nearly 519 acres – slightly more than Hyde ParkVisit Checkpoint Charlie Museum and the DDR Museum for Cold War history.Reflect at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of EuropeExplore Museum Island, home to the Pergamon and Neues Museums. Every first Sunday of the month, many Berlin museums open their doors for freeTake in Berlin’s nightlife in neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg and FriedrichshainBerlin is a great place for history and culture | GETTY Trier in Germany is a great option for wine-lovers | TRIERAnother lesser-known spot gives holidaymakers the chance to mix “Roman history, seaside relaxation, and unique natural wonders like dinosaur footprints” | GETTYTrier, GermanyBritons can visit Germany’s oldest city to take in the Roman ruins, medieval streets and a host of wineries. While Germany may not be known for its wine, the Moselle Valley’s wine festivals are worth adding to your travel list.Things to do Explore the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins, including the Porta Nigra, amphitheatre, and bathsVisit the Trier Cathedral and Liebfrauenkirche (both medieval masterpieces)Wander the charming Hauptmarkt square with its half-timbered housesTaste regional wines in the Moselle Valley, especially during the autumn wine festivalsExplore Karl Marx’s Birthplace Museum for historical insightTake a scenic boat trip on the Moselle RiverPula, CroatiaFinally, the experts recommended another lesser-known spot that gives holidaymakers the chance to mix “Roman history, seaside relaxation, and unique natural wonders like dinosaur footprints”. This is the ideal option for soaking in the last of the summer sun, as temperatures can reach 25°C and beyond in September. Things to doTour the Roman amphitheatre (Arena), one of the world’s best-preserved sitesStroll through the Old Town with its Roman Forum, the Roman Arch of the Sergii, and the Temple of AugustusFor some very picturesque retail therapy, Sergijevaca Shopping Street offers modern shopping in centuries-old buildingsWalk the coastline to find real dinosaur footprints at nearby beaches like KamenjakVisit the Archaeological Museum of Istria for more Roman historyRelax on beaches along the Adriatic coast, perfect for autumn sunshineTake a trip to the Brijuni Islands, a national park with wildlife and Roman ruinsEnjoy a spot of kayaking or scuba diving, and try to meet Koki: a yellow-crested cockatoo who speaks, struts, and, if you’re lucky, will shake your handEnjoy a day out at Jangalooz Pomer Adventure Park for the ultimate outdoor adventure, packed with zip lines, 12-metre-high free falls, rope climbing, treetop trails, and more