Travel

Where to go on holiday in September: Sunshine breaks around the world to book now


Where are the best places to go on holiday in September? Reigo Eljas, Country Director for lastminute.com, advises Britons to venture to Paris, Galway, The Algarve and San Francisco for a trip away and great last minute deal.

Paris

The song may declare a love for Paris in the springtime but is there ever a bad time to visit this glorious, historic, romantic capital? September is certainly a fine option – warm, sunny, only a moderate chance of rain – and a fine array of events from the Biennale Des Antiques to a Korean Street Food Festival, not to mention Paris Fashion Week and a Techno Parade and all points – and points – in between. Add in the architectural joys of this oh so walkable city, the efficient Metro system and the wealth of bars, cafes and exceptional dining, and you’ve got a city that’s perfect for a short break.

What to see and do

To say Paris has something for everyone would be something of an understatement. Whatever your interests, Paris has you covered, like any modern capital city should. It’s ideal for unplanned wandering – Georges-Eugène Haussmann’s bold city planning saw to that – but, for those who like musical accompaniment to their sightseeing, the Techno Parade is a six hour procession along the city’s most beautiful avenues, accompanied all the way by mobile sound systems and big name DJs.

For those who prefer a more serene approach, either avoid September 21, or avail yourself of the city’s incredible museums, galleries and cathedrals. The Eiffel Tower remains a glorious landmark – and the views from the upper levels are worth seeing at least once in your life – while The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, Sacré -Coeur speak for themselves.

And if shuffling slowly past the remarkably tiny Mona Lisa isn’t your idea of a good time, then there’s always the Palais de Tokyo, Centre Pompidou and Musée d’Orsay to satisfy your artistic urges. Alternatively, there are worse ways to spend a day than a wander through the Tuileries followed by an hour or two of people-watching from a café table or, indeed, a look through the local listings to pick which opera, film, play or cabaret will occupy your evening.

Where to go on holiday in September: Sunshine breaks around the world to book now

What to eat

The Parisian reputation for food needs no introduction. While some critics have suggested that the French have rested on their laurels too long – and that cities such as London and New York, with their huge variety of cuisines, have overtaken them on the culinary stage – Paris is quickly moving into the 21st century.

While there are still many restaurants offering classic French cooking – and the bakeries and fromageries are still exceptional – the rise of gourmet burger, a flourishing vegan and vegetarian scene and the adoption of myriad world cuisines, has given the city a much-needed restaurant reboot. Whatever your preference, you will not go hungry…

Paris deals

4* Hotel Mercure Paris Alesia, 2 nights + train, departing 27th September from £219pp

4* Melia Paris La Defense, 2 nights + train, departing 20th September from £289pp

4* Novotel Suites Paris Nord 18eme, 2 nights + flights, departing 23rd September from £169pp

september holidays holiday 2019 best places to go

September holidays: The best destinations for a last minute break in 2019 have been revealed (Image: Getty Images)

paris france september holiday 2019

September holiday: Paris is always a good idea…whatever the season, with September being warm (Image: Getty Images)

Galway

Most recently famous as the hometown of Ed Sheeran’s fictitious musical girlfriend, Galway is a charming waterside city on the West Coast of Ireland, built at the point where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s long billed itself as “The City of Equals” and has been influenced by all sorts of cultures over the years. With spectacular views, a bohemian air, a wealth of live music, great pubs, shops and places to eat – the seafood, you won’t be surprised to hear, is particularly good – it’s a very friendly city that punches well above its weight. For those seeking a more rural retreat, the surrounding countryside, the Aran Islands and Connemara Peninsula are absolutely breath taking.

What to see and do

Start at Eyre Square – also known as John F Kennedy Memorial Park – the public space at the heart of the city, close to the main station and the shopping area of William Street and the brilliantly named Shop Street. If shopping is your thing, you’ll find all the familiar brands here but, explore a little further, from The Latin Quarter to the outdoor market in Church Lane, and you’ll find many more interesting options. The Latin Quarter is also home to many interesting cafes and galleries.

For those seeking a more mentally-stimulating visit, the Spanish Arch – one of two remaining arches from Galway’s city wall – Galway Cathedral and the Galway City Museum are a must. The latter is small but perfectly formed, and the perfect place to brush up on local history.

The city’s Church of Ireland St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is also the largest medieval church still in everyday use in Ireland. The countryside of County Galway is also legendary, while the coastal scenery of Connemara – a National Park – is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

galway ireland september holiday 2019

September holiday: Galway is one of the prettiest cities in Ireland (Image: Getty Images)

What to eat

While Irish cuisine isn’t spoken of in the same hushed tones as French or Indian, there’s much to recommend traditional local fare – in particular the remarkable produce in the region. That beautiful countryside and dramatic waterscape aren’t just there to be pretty and the fish and seafood, and local lamb, for example, are some of the best to be found. It probably won’t come as a big surprise to hear that potatoes are also great, whether part of an Irish stew, the topping on a Shepherd’s Pie or as the key ingredient in Colcannon (mash with cabbage) or Boxty (a potato pancake). That’s not to say it’s all just comfort eating. Local restaurant Aniar has a Michelin star for its contemporary, refined take on Irish food and the ingredients of the Galway “larder”.

Galway deals

5* The G hotel and spa, 2 nights, departing 27th September (Oyster Festival) from £209pp

3* The Connaught Hotel, 3 nights, departing 15th September from £179pp

4* Jurys Inn Galway, 2 nights, departing 3rd October from £149pp

The Algarve

Seven million people a year can’t be wrong… Named after the west (Al-Gharb in Arabic) and located in at the southernmost point of Portugal, The Algarve remains one of Europe’s most popular destinations. The weather is virtually guaranteed – and the scenery is wonderful, from imposing cliffs to golden beaches, coves, caves and sandy islands. With the Atlantic on both sides of the coastline, The Algarve is also a paradise for surfers. For those of a less energetic bent, it’s also celebrated for a vast array of produce and impressive range of hotels and places to stay. It’s also home to a large number of music festivals throughout the summer months, such as September’s dance music-themed BPM Festival.

What to see and do

While many will visit The Algarve to sit on the beach and just switch off from modern life, there’s a vast amount to do in the region, from the historical to the culinary, and all points in between. Golfers are particularly well catered for, with a vast range of courses spreading through the region.

The capital city, Faro, is home to remarkable architecture – with much of the area still reflecting the Moorish influences that dominated in the 13th century. The centre of culture in these times was Silves, which is still dominated by a red sandstone castle from that era. The nearby Roman Bridge is also worth the detour.

For those looking for slightly drier aquatic pursuits than surfing, there are multiple boat tours available, exploring everything from the caves that dot the coastline to the marine life, with dolphin watching a firm favourite with many visitors. The wealth of the ocean can also be witnessed in local fish markets, with the market at Olhao a particularly fine example. The region is also dotted with beautiful, simple, whitewashed churches, many of which give no indication of the spectacular interiors.

algarve portugal september holiday 2019

September holiday: The Algarve is one of the most popular spots for British holidaymakers (Image: Getty Images)

What to eat

You’ve seen the fish market a Olhao, now eat the produce… Terra I Mar, opposite the market, is one of the finest places to sample the seafood of the region, although it’s unlikely anywhere will disappoint. The Portuguese take food VERY seriously, whether the tapas-style snacking of petiscos de taberna, the hearty joys of feijoada (a filling stew of beans, pork, cured meats and herbs), slow-roasted suckling pig or a wealth of things from the sweeter, stickier end of the spectrum.

The classic custard tart pasteis de nata has – happily – spread all across Portugal although the Dom Rodrigo – a crispy sugary concoction of egg yolks, sugar, ground almonds, cinnamon and thin egg threads known as fios de ovos – is an Algarve speciality. Thanks to the wealth of hotels in the region, fine dining, often by celebrity chefs, is plentiful but stop for a cerveja somewhere and ask your fellow drinkers where’s good to eat and you’ll soon be pointed towards some fabulous backstreet gems.

The Algarve deals

4* Muthu Clube Praia da Oura 4 nights + flights departing 22nd September, from £189pp

3* Auramar Beach Resort 7 nights + flights departing 27th September, from £339pp

4* Jupiter Marina Hotel 4 nights + flights departing 30th September, from £229pp

san francisco california usa september holiday 2019

September holiday: Don’t miss the “Painted Ladies” of San Francisco (Image: Getty Images)

San Francisco

One of the most historic parts of the US, what we know as San Francisco today effectively dates back to the 19th century’s Gold Rush, but the earliest evidence of human habitation in the region dates back to some 3000BC. The city’s natural harbour has, clearly, always been a desirable feature. These days, the city is more famous for notable landmarks such as Chinatown, Telegraph Hill, Alcatraz and, of course, The Golden Gate Bridge, as well as more recent history, such as the rise of hippy culture that originated in the city’s Haight-Ashbury district. As it happens, the San Francisco we know today also owes much to the San Andreas Fault, most recently the 1989 earthquake which destroyed the Embarcadero Freeway and, as a result, opened up the city’s waterfront to fine effect.

What to see and do

San Francisco’s occasional nickname of “The Paris of the West” is actually a fair reflection on this city’s role in modern society, particularly with regard to the creative arts. The music scene is well-documented – the city was a Mecca to the likes of The Grateful Dead, Santana and Janis Joplin – and there are some excellent walking tours on offer to give an insight into this more recent history.

Elsewhere, there are several fantastic art galleries, with a particular nod to the de Young, not least as its location in Golden Gate Park means you can easily combine with its marvellous neighbour, the California Academy of Sciences. Alcatraz is also a must see although pre-booking is advised, particularly for the delightfully creepy night tours.

Should you want to combine art and the open air, head to the Mission District, and the spectacular protest-themed murals that adorn many of the buildings, particularly down Balmy Alley. The Mission District is also home to some of the best Mexican food in the city, while a couple of streets over, the more gentrified Valencia Street is home to Dandelion, hands down the city’s best chocolatiers, and some very charming cafes and independent shops.

What to eat

Can we suggest Dandelion Chocolate again? Their daily selection of baked goods and desserts is exceptional and provides a good finish to nearby bakery Craftsman + Wolves, whose “The Rebel Within”, a sausage-flecked muffin encasing a still runny egg, is still one of the cleverest things to eat in the City. As you’d expect with a place with such a vast Chinatown, Chinese food is also massive in San Francisco, ranging from the Michelin-starred to proper little hole-in-the-wall places.

Also still deeply impressive is the Market Place at The Ferry Building, where you can graze happily from Humphry Slocombe’s incredible range of ice creams (with flavours such as Brown Sugar Fennel and the bourbon-spiked / cornflake creation that is Secret Breakfast) via Slanted Door’s highly rated Vietnamese dishes (also available to take away from their sister shop Out The Door), to the grilled cheese delights of a Cowgirl Creamery sandwich and the impressive caffeine hit of Bluebottle Coffee.

San Francisco deals

4* Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel 4 nights, departing 18th September, from £879pp

3* Holiday Inn San Francisco Fishermans Wharf 5 nights, departing 27th September, from £839pp

4* Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown 7 nights, departing 13th October, from £1169pp



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