Ten European City Breaks for This Fall

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As the summer sun mellows into a golden glow and a welcome crispness scents the air, the savvy traveller knows the season for discovery has arrived.

While Europe's headline acts play to packed houses, a quieter magic is stirring in its smaller cities. Forget the queues and the clamour; here are ten European gems perfect for a memorable autumnal escape.

Ghent, Belgium

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A city that wears its rebellious heart on its sleeve, Ghent is the brilliant, understated alternative to its more famous Belgian neighbours. Its history is one of defiant merchants and fierce independence, a spirit that now fuels a vibrant, creative scene. Canals, arguably more charming than those of Bruges, are flanked by a stunning ensemble of medieval guildhalls, soaring church spires, and the formidable Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts, standing sentinel over the city centre.

Why visit this fall: Autumn is when Ghent's moody, atmospheric charm truly comes to the fore. The low sun catches the grey stone of the castle, the canals reflect a tapestry of gold and crimson foliage, and the city's legendary brown cafés become irresistible sanctuaries of glowing candlelight and dark, warming ales. The throngs of summer tourists have dissipated, leaving the cobbled lanes of the Patershol district for you to explore in relative peace.

How to Get There: Ghent is a straightforward 30-minute train journey from Brussels-Midi station, which has Eurostar connections to London and other major European cities.

Bologna, Italy

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Known affectionately by three nicknames – La Dotta (The Learned), La Grassa (The Fat), and La Rossa (The Red) – Bologna offers a rich, sensory experience. Home to the Western world's oldest university, its intellectual verve is palpable. Its culinary reputation is legendary, a benchmark for Italian cuisine. And its distinctive terracotta-red buildings glow warmly under the autumn sun, sheltered by nearly 40 kilometres of elegant porticoes.

Why visit this fall: With the searing heat of summer gone, autumn provides the ideal climate for discovering Bologna's architectural and gastronomic treasures on foot. It is the season of harvest, meaning the city's markets and trattorias are overflowing with fresh porcini mushrooms, truffles, and new wines. The return of the student population breathes a fresh, youthful energy into the city's ancient streets and piazzas.

How to Get There: Bologna's Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is well-served by flights from across Europe. The city is also a major rail hub, making it easily accessible from Florence, Milan, and Rome.

Read more about Bologna: Leaning Towers & Lasagna to Die For!

Porto, Portugal

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Clinging dramatically to the steep banks of the Douro River, Porto is a city of stunning contrasts. Grand baroque churches sit beside crumbling, tile-clad townhouses; traditional boats bob in the shadow of the magnificent Dom Luís I Bridge; and a melancholic sense of saudade permeates its historic, labyrinthine streets. This is the home of Port wine, and its entire history is steeped in the trade that flows down the river from the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley.

Why visit this fall: Autumn sees the grape harvest, or vindima, in the Douro Valley, and the city hums with the energy of the new vintage. The often-misty mornings lend an ethereal quality to the Ribeira district, and the burnished colours of the season perfectly complement the city's rustic charm. The summer crowds have thinned, allowing for a more intimate experience in the famed port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

How to Get There: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is a major hub for both flagship and low-cost carriers. High-speed trains connect Porto to Lisbon in around three hours.

Read more about Port: 14 Rainy Day Ideas in Porto

Edinburgh, Scotland

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Few cities can match the sheer drama of Edinburgh's setting. Perched atop a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, its skyline is a theatrical silhouette of medieval tenements, Gothic spires, and the imposing Edinburgh Castle. The city is a tale of two towns: the winding, mysterious closes of the medieval Old Town and the elegant, Georgian symmetry of the New Town.

Why visit this fall: Edinburgh in autumn is atmospheric storytelling at its finest. A haar, or sea mist, can roll in, shrouding the castle in mystery, while the trees in Princes Street Gardens turn fiery shades of red and gold. The crisp air is perfect for a brisk walk up Arthur's Seat, and the city's famously cosy pubs, complete with roaring fires, become the ultimate refuge for a pint or a dram of whisky. It is also the season of storytelling, with festivals celebrating Scotland's rich oral traditions.

How to Get There: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) has extensive connections throughout Europe and beyond. The city is also a key rail destination, with frequent services from London and other major UK cities.

Read more about Edinburgh: Edinburgh: 20 must-sees in the Capital of Scotland

Bruges, Belgium

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Often dubbed the "Venice of the North," Bruges is a perfectly preserved medieval fairy tale. It is a city of tranquil canals, humpbacked stone bridges, and gabled houses that seem to have been plucked from a storybook. Once a powerhouse of European trade, its "Golden Age" is still visible in the grandeur of its architecture and the richness of its art collections, creating a magical, time-capsule atmosphere.

Why visit this fall: Autumn in Bruges feels like stepping into a painting by a Flemish Old Master. The crowds of summer day-trippers have gone, leaving the cobblestone streets and canal paths quiet enough to hear your own footsteps. The creeping vines that cover many of the historic buildings turn a spectacular shade of crimson, and the low sunlight casts long, dramatic shadows across the Markt square.

How to Get There: Bruges is easily accessible by a one-hour train journey from Brussels. It is also easily reachable by train from Paris and Amsterdam.

Annecy, France

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Nestled on the shore of a startlingly turquoise lake and crisscrossed by canals, Annecy is the jewel of the French Alps. Its old town, the Vieille Ville, is a romantic warren of pastel-coloured houses, flower-adorned bridges, and arcaded streets. Overlooking it all is the formidable Château d'Annecy, the former home of the Counts of Geneva, while the surrounding snow-capped peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop.

Why visit this fall: As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the fiery oranges and deep reds of autumn, Annecy and its surrounding mountains are at their most picturesque. The crystal-clear lake reflects the stunning alpine scenery, and the cool, crisp air is perfect for outdoor pursuits, from cycling the lake's perimeter to hiking in the hills. It is also the season for hearty Savoyard cuisine, the ultimate comfort food.

How to Get There: The most convenient airport is Geneva (GVA) in Switzerland, located just 45 minutes away by car or direct bus service. Annecy also has a train station with TGV connections to Paris.

Tallinn, Estonia

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Tallinn's UNESCO-protected Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe, a bewitching place of cobblestone lanes, hidden courtyards, and soaring 14th-century church spires, all encircled by stout defensive walls. Yet, just beyond these ancient ramparts lies a dynamic, modern city —a hub of tech innovation and cool Nordic design.

Why visit this fall: In autumn, a mystical quality descends upon Tallinn. The crisp Baltic air sharpens the colourful facades of the Old Town, and a gentle mist can sometimes swirl through the narrow lanes. The shorter days make the city's cosy, candle-lit cafés and restaurants even more inviting. It's the perfect time to explore its many museums and galleries, free from the summer cruise ship crowds.

How to Get There: Tallinn Airport (TLL) is located just 4km from the city centre and is served by several European airlines. Ferries provide a popular and scenic connection to Helsinki, Finland.

Krakow, Poland

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Emerging remarkably unscathed from the tumult of the 20th century, Krakow is Poland's cultural and intellectual heart. Its magnificent Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is one of the largest and most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, dominated by the splendid Cloth Hall and the twin-spired St. Mary's Basilica. From the regal grandeur of Wawel Hill to the poignant, bohemian streets of the former Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, the city is a treasure trove of history, art, and resilience.

Why visit this fall: Poland has a name for the beauty of this season: Złota Polska Jesień (Golden Polish Autumn). Kraków's many parks, especially the Planty, which encircles the old town, become a spectacle of golden leaves. On Zaduszki (All Souls' Day) in November, the city's cemeteries are illuminated by the light of thousands of candles, a profoundly moving and beautiful sight.

How to Get There: John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK) is well-connected internationally. The city's main train station has excellent links to Warsaw, Prague, and other central European cities.

Read more about Krakow: This Polish City is a Jewel of Culture and History

Bergen, Norway

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Set against a backdrop of seven mountains and fringed by deep fjords, Bergen possesses one of Europe's most dramatic and beautiful settings. Norway's second city has a proud history as a key port of the Hanseatic League, a legacy beautifully preserved in the iconic, colourful wooden warehouses of the Bryggen wharf. It is a city with a deep connection to the sea and the wild nature that lies at its doorstep.

Why visit this fall: The mountains surrounding Bergen erupt in hues of ochre, copper, and gold. The air is fresh and invigorating, and the city's indoor attractions, from its excellent art museums to its cosy cafés, offer a welcome respite from a refreshing shower. It's a fantastic time for a fjord cruise.

How to Get There: Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), is Norway's second-busiest airport with good European connections. The spectacular Bergen Line railway journey from Oslo is an attraction in its own right.

Read more about Bergen: The city with a village vibe

Ljubljana, Slovenia

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Green, charming, and impossibly picturesque, Ljubljana is one of Europe's most delightful and liveable capitals. The city centre is largely pedestrianised, its cobbled streets meandering alongside the willow-lined Ljubljanica River, which is crisscrossed by elegant bridges. Overseen by a medieval castle perched on a wooded hill, the city has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that feels more like a large town than a bustling metropolis.

Why visit this fall: In autumn, the city's abundant green spaces and the trees lining the riverbanks turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The city's vibrant café culture moves indoors, creating a cosy buzz. It's also a key time for oenophiles; St. Martin's Day (Martinovanje) on 11th November is a major celebration across Slovenia, when the year's grape must is ceremoniously "baptised" into new wine.

How to Get There: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is about 30 minutes from the city centre. The city is also easily reached by train from neighbouring Austria, Italy, and Croatia.