From Italy to Portugal, Travelgo.gr recommends autumn trips in Europe for every taste.
Summer may be over, but travel never stops. Autumn is on its way and is perhaps the best time for a getaway to Europe. The cool weather is ideal for sightseeing, while landscapes take on a special allure with the season’s warm hues. Now is the perfect time to visit a European city and admire its sights, architecture, museums and parks with fewer tourist crowds. Below we suggest 10 wonderful destinations to visit at this time of year, even for a long weekend.
Florence, Italy
There are places you can’t help but fall in love with at first sight. Florence is one of them. Built on the banks of the Arno River, the capital of Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Intertwined with the Renaissance, art, romance and aesthetics, Florence is a vast and vibrant open-air museum. Its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overflows with unique masterpieces of art and architecture that are worth seeing up close. Florence is also the ideal starting point for a road trip through Tuscany, which in autumn is simply enchanting. From rolling cypress-studded hills to fairytale medieval villages, every corner of this region looks like a living painting. Pisa with its famous tower, Lucca, San Gimignano and Siena are some of the stops worth adding to your itinerary.
Valletta, Malta
The capital of Malta is the ideal destination for a sunny autumn city break. Autumn is an excellent time to visit Valletta, to stroll its cobbled lanes, tour the sights, admire the architecture and learn about the fascinating history of the medieval city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the city’s entrance stands the imposing Valletta Gate, designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano. Be sure to visit St. John’s Cathedral (a masterpiece of Baroque architecture), the impressive Grandmaster’s Palace and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The city’s pulse beats on Strait Street. Take a seat at its bars and restaurants and snap photos by the red London phone boxes. Your urge to explore will lead you to take to the water. Directly opposite Valletta, like a postcard, appear the Three Cities: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla), offering an authentic glimpse of Maltese life.
Prague, Czechia
Built on the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is, as Goethe put it, “the most beautiful jewel in the stone crown of the world.” When you find yourself in the Czech capital you’ll understand why it’s considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The distinctive blend of Baroque and Gothic architecture, the deeply atmospheric Old Town, the iconic Charles Bridge, the fairytale castle, the towers and churches make you fall in love with this city at first sight. Autumn is the ideal time to admire the sights of the “Golden City” before the cold and snow make their appearance. The best way to explore Prague is on foot. The city is full of street musicians, while many of the churches host concerts. Next to the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter is dotted with synagogues, historic buildings and traditional cafés.
Lyon, France
France’s third-largest city is a beautiful place with distinctive architecture, excellent museums and a high gastronomic culture that’s well worth discovering. Encircled by two rivers (the Rhône and the Saône), Lyon has its main tourist draw in its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll lose yourself in hidden passageways, marvel at giant murals in public spaces and savor flavors and fine wines you won’t forget. Some of the world’s top chefs began their journey in this city, such as Paul Bocuse, founder of nouvelle cuisine. Food lovers put the bouchons high on their list, the rustic restaurants serving local - and not flashy - dishes. Grab a table at one of them and try coq au vin (rooster braised in wine).
Amsterdam, Netherlands
There’s always a good reason for a getaway to Amsterdam. One of the most beloved destinations in Europe, the Dutch capital offers everything a traveler seeks: distinctive architecture, great museums, wonderful parks, vibrant markets and a buzzing nightlife. Autumn has its own magic in Amsterdam, with golden leaves on the trees and the canals taking on warmer tones. In addition, the city’s autumn agenda is filled with interesting events. Note the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) in October, which draws lovers of electro, house and techno music, as well as Museumnacht in November, with 55 of Amsterdam’s top museums opening after hours.
Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city by population and its biggest port. It isn’t seaside, but it’s one of the largest and liveliest ports in Europe. The city is crossed by the Elbe River, which flows another 100 kilometers before meeting the North Sea. It’s a city with a rich maritime history, wonderful architecture and cosmopolitan allure. Hamburg has around 2,500 bridges, more than Venice and Amsterdam combined! The exceptionally aesthetic buildings (such as the magical Elbphilharmonie, the new building of the Elbe Philharmonic), the old warehouses converted into museums, restaurants, hotels and galleries, the lakes and the lush parks will make you fall in love with this city like no other.
Antwerp, Belgium
Europe’s most famous diamond port, a metropolis of fashion and art, Antwerp is a destination worth adding to your list for an autumn escape. It’s Belgium’s second-largest city and the capital of the province of Flanders. It doesn’t have the canals and tourist fame of Bruges and Ghent, but it has a charm all its own. Away from the tourist crowds of other cities, you’ll have the chance to get to know the authentic daily life of locals and see some of the country’s most important sights and museums, such as the impressive Grote Markt, the iconic Antwerpen-Centraal railway station, the Rubens House, the Fashion Museum and the Jewelry Museum.
Copenhagen, Denmark
A trip to Copenhagen can offer unique thrills. Design lovers will be delighted by the museums and galleries, those who love fairytales will enjoy the romantic canals, palaces, beautiful gardens and the enchanting atmosphere of the city of the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, while food lovers will discover a fascinating culinary scene. The Danish capital is an exciting experience for every traveler. Walk alongNyhavn,Copenhagen’s historic New Harbor, see Viking treasures at the National Museum, visit the TorvehallerneKBH food market, which serves everything - from organic porridge to superb smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) - and take a stroll through Nørrebro, the multicultural neighborhood filled with trendy boutiques, bars and cafés.
Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second-largest city is a romantic destination worth discovering. Porto will steal your heart with its architecture, rich cultural heritage, exquisite flavors and world-famous wine. Spread along the mouth of the Douro River, in the north of the country, about 3 hours by train from Lisbon, Porto is one of Europe’s oldest centers and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1996. Take your time enjoying riverside strolls, discover Ribeira, the city’s most beautiful and historic neighborhood, gaze at the old houses with pastel facades and painted azulejo tiles and, of course, taste, wherever you are, the famous Port wine.
Madrid, Spain
Cosmopolitan and colorful, Madrid can satisfy every type of traveler. With a wealth of impressive sights, great museums, markets and parks, the Spanish capital is an ideal destination in every season. In autumn, however, Madrid has a special charm. The city’s famed parks, such as Casa de Campo and Parque del Retiro, dress in shades of brown and orange, while the cultural agenda is full of interesting events such as the Madrid International Jazz Festival and the Autumn Festival. Madrid is one of those cities you need to give time to, to explore, to wander through its streets, squares and neighborhoods, for it to win you over. Even if you don’t love walking, this city will make you adore it. After all, it’s the best way to discover its charm and... burn off the calories from the tapas you’ll enjoy.
Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second-largest city is a romantic destination worth discovering. Porto will steal your heart with its architecture, rich cultural heritage, exquisite flavors and world-famous wine. Spread along the mouth of the Douro River, in the north of the country, about 3 hours by train from Lisbon, Porto is one of Europe’s oldest centers and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1996. Take your time enjoying riverside strolls, discover Ribeira, the city’s most beautiful and historic neighborhood, gaze at the old houses with pastel facades and painted azulejo tiles and, of course, taste, wherever you are, the famous Port wine.
Madrid, Spain
Cosmopolitan and colorful, Madrid can satisfy every type of traveler. With a wealth of impressive sights, great museums, markets and parks, the Spanish capital is an ideal destination in every season. In autumn, however, Madrid has a special charm. The city’s famed parks, such as Casa de Campo and Parque del Retiro, dress in shades of brown and orange, while the cultural agenda is full of interesting events such as the Madrid International Jazz Festival and the Autumn Festival. Madrid is one of those cities you need to give time to, to explore, to wander through its streets, squares and neighborhoods, for it to win you over. Even if you don’t love walking, this city will make you adore it. After all, it’s the best way to discover its charm and... burn off the calories from the tapas you’ll enjoy.
Copenhagen, Denmark
A trip to Copenhagen can offer unique thrills. Design lovers will be delighted by the museums and galleries, those who love fairytales will enjoy the romantic canals, palaces, beautiful gardens and the enchanting atmosphere of the city of the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, while food lovers will discover a fascinating culinary scene. The Danish capital is an exciting experience for every traveler. Walk alongNyhavn,Copenhagen’s historic New Harbor, see Viking treasures at the National Museum, visit the TorvehallerneKBH food market, which serves everything - from organic porridge to superb smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) - and take a stroll through Nørrebro, the multicultural neighborhood filled with trendy boutiques, bars and cafés.
Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second-largest city is a romantic destination worth discovering. Porto will steal your heart with its architecture, rich cultural heritage, exquisite flavors and world-famous wine. Spread along the mouth of the Douro River, in the north of the country, about 3 hours by train from Lisbon, Porto is one of Europe’s oldest centers and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1996. Take your time enjoying riverside strolls, discover Ribeira, the city’s most beautiful and historic neighborhood, gaze at the old houses with pastel facades and painted azulejo tiles and, of course, taste, wherever you are, the famous Port wine.
Madrid, Spain
Cosmopolitan and colorful, Madrid can satisfy every type of traveler. With a wealth of impressive sights, great museums, markets and parks, the Spanish capital is an ideal destination in every season. In autumn, however, Madrid has a special charm. The city’s famed parks, such as Casa de Campo and Parque del Retiro, dress in shades of brown and orange, while the cultural agenda is full of interesting events such as the Madrid International Jazz Festival and the Autumn Festival. Madrid is one of those cities you need to give time to, to explore, to wander through its streets, squares and neighborhoods, for it to win you over. Even if you don’t love walking, this city will make you adore it. After all, it’s the best way to discover its charm and... burn off the calories from the tapas you’ll enjoy.
