Top Five European Cities to Visit this Autumn
*This is a collaborative post
Autumn is a fantastic time to travel. The weather is cooler, tourist destinations are less busy than visiting over the summer and you get to see cities full of all the beautiful, vibrant colours that autumn brings with it. So I thought I would share our top cities across Europe to visit in the autumn, whether travelling alone, as a couple or as a family.
The best way to travel across Europe
Unless you are lucky enough to live in any of our favourite cities in mainland Europe, the best way to travel would be by private plane, a luxury that really sets the scene for an adventure, whether that’s an autumnal weekend away or mini break.
The top five European cities to visit this autumn
Rome
Top of our list for an autumn trip is Rome. One of the most historic places in Europe, it is steeped in history and culture, with so much to see that you’ll want to spend as long as possible there.
From the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum, the Pantheon to the Roman Forum, Rome is a history lover’s paradise and somewhere you can easily walk between the sights. There are cafes on most corners and the gelato in Rome is some of the best in Europe so make sure you take the time to stop, watch the world go by and enjoy all the tastes and flavours that Rome has to offer.
When visiting Rome, make sure you also visit Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Climb to the top of St Peter’s Basilica to see practically the whole of Rome before you, visit the Sistine Chapel and maybe even hike to the top of Aventine Hill to look through the Aventine Keyhole, one of the best sights in Rome.
Paris
Another city that is wonderful to visit in the autumn is Paris. You can walk along the Seine, wander through the markets and see the world of Picasso, stopping by the Lapin Agile in Montmarte where he spent so much time.
Paris is so much more than just the Eiffel Tower, although having lunch halfway up with views across the city is something not to be missed. There are many other monuments to climb – like the Arc de Triomphe, the towers of the Notre Dame and the Montparnasse Tower.
If you prefer keeping your feet on the ground, take a boat trip, visit the Louvre and see the Mona Lisa or spend time in the Tuileries Garden, grabbing a picnic from one of Paris’ many boulangeries on the way.
Make sure you add a day to your trip to visit the Palace of Versailles, just 18km outside of Paris. The former royal residence commissioned by King Louis XIV is somewhere you can easily spend a whole day, touring the palace and enjoying the gardens. It will take your breath away.
Barcelona
Barcelona could not be more beautiful in the autumn and it’s another city where you can just keep walking, seeing the sights and grabbing a coffee or snacks whenever you feel like it.
One of the main attractions in Barcelona is the Sagrada Famรญlia which is known as the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, after building started in 1882. You can visit the church, and even climb the towers, but building work isn’t set to finish until at least 2034.
Barcelona is famous for being a city with a beach, and it’s lovely to walk along the coast – even in autumn – and take a boat trip to see the city from a completely different angle. Whilst near the sea, it’s worth taking a trip to the Barcelona Aquarium, one of the best aquariums we have ever visited.
But there is so much more to see and do in Barcelona. Make sure you visit the Tibidabo Amusement Park, a theme park set high on a mountain with fantastic views across the city. There’s also so much history and many places dedicated to famous artists – Park Guell and Casa Batllo are both worth a visit.
Amsterdam
Unlike the other cities where you walk everywhere, in Amsterdam you can cycle. Hire a bike and happily ride from place to place, seeing the whole city at your own pace. Famous for its canals, Amsterdam really comes to life in the autumn.
With museums all across the city, and fantastic architecture wherever you look, you can visit Van Gogh’s Museum, Anne Frank’s House or the Royal Palace, immersing yourself in all the culture and history that Amsterdam has to offer.
Amsterdam also has many parks that are great to experience in the autumn, walking amongst the trees or sitting on a bench enjoying a coffee. Amstelpark, Amsterdamse Bos and Beatrixpark are all wonderful places to spend time.
Copenhagen
Finally, Copenhagen is a beautiful city to visit throughout the year. Known for it’s colourful houses and culture, Denmark’s capital is full of cafes, shops and some of the best restaurants in Europe, creating a cosy city perfect for autumn.
Plus, you can visit Tivoli Gardens, a fantastic amusement park that is one of the top attractions in the whole of Denmark. Spend time at Amalienborg Palace or Rosenborg Castle, go shopping at Strรธget or book a canal cruise to see this glorious city from the water. There’s so much to do in Copenhagen that you’ll be booking another trip just as soon as the first one is over!
Wherever you decide to travel to in Europe this autumn you can be sure that there will be plenty to see, great food and culture at every step. I hope you make amazing memories, wherever you end up. Happy travels!
