Stunning European Cities to Visit in Autumn

Autumn has arrived! Check out our list of must-see European cities which are ideal for a wonderful autumn getaway.

It’s officially October which means that autumn is finally here. It’s been one hell of a summer this year, but I think I speak for the nation when I say we are so ready for the next season… Autumn is the most colourful, scenic and naturally beautiful season of the year which comes with colourful foliage displays, seasonal hot beverages and fluffy dressing gowns. Autumn in the UK is truly exciting, and it’s also very exciting in other cities in the world… There are so many beautiful destinations to visit during autumn, the season of dramatic price drops on flight and hotels, scenic landscapes and pleasant weather with crisper air, as well as less tourists and queues, as the summer crowds have dispersed. We have put together a list of some of the best destinations to visit in Autumn.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s stunning capital city Lisbon boasts a Mediterranean climate, so it’s a very idyllic destination to visit during Autumn. The chances of rain are slightly higher, but the weather is still pleasant and mild, and hotel rates drop quite significantly as tourist season is well and truly over. In autumn, you can do sightseeing, take pleasant strolls without the crowds and take some wonderful photos at the city’s tourist attractions, such as the stunning São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower. Roasted chestnuts and Portuguese egg tarts dusted with cinnamon can be enjoyed during the autumn in Lisbon, sold in the many street vendors. If this all sounds like your cup of tea, why not explore our flight and hotel packages and start planning a wonderful autumn city break in Lisbon?

 

 

Bruges, Belgium

Beautiful Bruges is a medieval town that looks like it’s been transferred from a story book into real life, especially in autumn when the colourful emerald, golden and crimson tones paint the town. Autumn is an ideal time to browse Bruges’ local open-air markets and try some delicious hot Belgian chocolate beverages. Markt is the epicentre of Bruges markets, home to the impressive Belfry bell tower and other beautiful buildings, as well as plenty of cafes, restaurants and themed market days. Exploring Bruges’ cobbled streets, beautiful canals, stone bridges, gothic buildings and quaint little streets on foot is a truly wonderful autumnal experience, or why not even enjoy a horse and carriage ride around town and get a feel of the local cultures?

 

 

Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria has some of the most astounding scenery in Europe, with snow-capped mountain backdrops and lush Alpine forests – this scenery is particularly phenomenal in autumn. The weather is still pleasant in Bavaria during the autumn months and is often considered as an Indian summer, with the last warm weeks of the year being the best to visit. It’s the perfect time for a horse-drawn carriage ride around picturesque towns and visits to Bavarian wineries and historic fairy-tale buildings. The most magical building of them all is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, a hill-top Romanesque beauty in southwest Bavaria. An early autumn highlight in Bavaria is the famous Almabtrieb celebrations – this festivity involves cattle being bought down from mountain pastures into the valley wearing flower crowns and festive accessories, which can be witnessed from many hiking trails.

 

 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a glorious Croatian city set along the Adriatic coast. It’s cheap to travel here anyway, so it’s especially great value in the autumn. During this season, the weather is still quite warm with a welcome breeze, but the summer crowds would have faded and the heat isn’t unbearable so you can make the most of the beautiful beaches - the water is still warm enough for swimming in early autumn. Exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town makes for some magical sights; there are boundless churches, monasteries, palaces and Renaissance fountains here, as well as food festivals and traditional live music performances held in autumn. Beyond the city, you can take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands and explore even more beaches – ferry prices are such great value out of the summer season.

 

 

Prague, Czech Republic

Visiting Prague in autumn makes for the most beautiful getaway; colourful autumn hues start to transform the entire city, along with the low angle of the sun, making it shine golden. To see the best of Prague’s stunning autumn scenery, you can visit the public parks and take a walk up Castle Hill, offering panoramic views of the city. There is more of a chill in the air during autumn in Prague, but local Czech beverages and hot dishes are much more appealing when it’s cooler. There are plenty of seasonal events in Prague during autumn, including the Strings of Autumn music festival. This year the festivities begin on 9th October and go on until 10th November, so if you’d like to experience this unique musical event, you can get some last minute flights booked in with Brightsun.

 

 

Florence, Italy

Florence is the ultimate sightseeing destination, which is best completed when the weather isn’t too hot or cold… Autumn! The crowds have thinned massively come October, yet the daily temperatures are still quite warm, and the hotel prices are a lot more affordable. It will be a refreshing welcome dining in Florence’s authentic restaurants and exploring the city’s famed churches and museums, particularly the Uffizi Gallery – one of the world’s best art museums without the crowds; the trip will feel more exclusive and authentic. Siena, a stunning Tuscan city with architectural wonders and a medieval charm is worth exploring, often hosting many art and food festivals in the autumnal months. Also, wine lovers rejoice, autumn is wine harvesting season in Italy!

 

 

Barcelona

Barcelona makes for the perfect autumn city break. Cooler temperatures kick in, as well as the city’s colourful festivals and cultural events. The chance of rain is slightly higher, but queuing for the city’s iconic landmarks involves much less waiting time, so you can visit the likes of Sagrada Família and the Royal Basilica without the crowds. Walks along Barcelona’s beaches and within public gardens and parks are peaceful in the autumn, with lots more scenery to enjoy. Barcelona is more laid-back, less rushed and ultimately more beautiful in autumn, and the city sells traditional panellet deserts at street vendors during this season, which are truly delicious. Speaking of food, some of Europe’s most excellent restaurants are located in Barcelona, and visiting during autumn means you probably won’t have to reserve a table far in advance.

 

 

With the October half term coming up, it might just be the perfect time to get a last minute getaway in  we have an array of half term packages featuring cities not only in Europe but all around the world.