While many people travel in summer months and quite a lot around Christmas time, autumn, especially October, has its very special appeal in Europe. Trees are wearing their colourful autumn foliage and hot drinks are getting more attractive for keeping ourselves warm. Summer crowds of tourists are gone and you can enjoy your time, lower hotel rates and unobstructed views. Pack long sleeves and a jacket or a coat, and go! Here is my selection of four European cities for your inspiration.

Prague, Czechia

Why this city?

Prague is a beautiful city in its own right, no matter what time of year you visit, but it didn’t get its “Golden City” nickname for nothing.

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Where to go for autumn colours?

For some of the best views of autumn’s fall foliage, take a trip up to Petrin Hill for a panoramic 360 degree view from the top of the tower over the city’s colourful parks and hills. Take a funicular up to Petrin Hill. Alternatively, spend the morning watching city panoramas from the Castle Hill, or Hradcany. Then stroll down through castle vineyards and enjoy a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate in one of the cafes you’ll find along the way.

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What other interesting activities are there in autumn?

Travelling to Prague in autumn is totally relaxing. Fewer queues for visiting major attractions such as St. Vitus Cathedral make the city very enjoyable, so be sure to hit Prague's sights, not so easily available in summer.

Minsk, Belarus

Why this city?

Autumn colours in Minsk are beautiful. Moreover, did you know that Minsk fogs are no less amazing than famous London fogs? As research shows, Minsk is one of the top three most popular destinations for Russians in autumn. While Belarus might sound a bit daunting with visas, border crossings, paperwork etc., all this is quite a painless exercise, especially when travelling by plane using 30 days visa-free option.

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Where to go for autumn colours?

The city has many beautiful parks. I’d recommend visiting the Loshitsa Estate and park, one of the most beautiful places in Minsk. It looks very picturesque in autumn. One can walk along the old alleys and visit the residence-museum. It’s a popular place for weddings and art photographers.

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What other interesting activities are there in autumn?

Every October the international classical music festival of Jury Bashmet takes place in Minsk. It’s a great opportunity to hear the masterpieces of famous composers. Read more about things to do in Minsk clicking this link.

Stratford upon Avon, England

Why this city?

Autumn is just the time to admire fiery leaves and dramatic reflections in the Avon River.

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For Shakespeare’s hometown, quoting his passage about late autumn from Sonnet 73 seems very appropriate:

That time of year thou mayst in me behold

When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang

Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,

Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang.


Where to go for autumn colours?

Walking along the Avon and visiting Shakespeare places will do.

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What other interesting activities are there in autumn?

The Mop Fair is an annual fun fair held downtown. The original charter for the mop fair granted by Edward VI in 1553 is still kept to! This charter gives permission for fairs to be held throughout streets and lanes, and fairs still have every right to take over the town centre.

Farmworkers, labourers, servants and some craftsmen would work for their employer from October to October. At the end of the employment period, they would attend the Mop Fair dressed in their Sunday best and carrying an item to help identify their trade. A servant with no particular skills would carry a mop head – hence the name Mop Fair. Read more about things to do in Stratford upon Avon clicking this link.

Antwerp, Belgium

Why this city?

Whether for its smallness or lack of self-promotion, Belgium is often overlooked by visitors to Europe. I think it’s impossible not to fall for Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city. This port city’s attractive architecture is a startling contrast of medieval, Flemish Renaissance, neo-Gothic, industrial and modern buildings. You can get two reactions about Antwerp from people. Those who’ve never been there roll their eyes. Those who have, often claim it’s one of their favourite cities.

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Where to go for autumn colours?

They are everywhere: in the streets and in parks, even rabbits in parks wear colourful outfits, and MAS museum wears autumn colours all year around.

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What other interesting activities are there in autumn?

Rubens house is a must for Antwerp visitors. Antwerp is the world’s diamond capital. More than half of the diamonds sold around the world pass through this sparkling city. So visit the Diamond Pavilion to learn more. Try Belgian waffles! Belgian waffles are popular throughout Europe and the rest of the world, but nowhere do they taste better than in Belgium itself. For beer drinkers, I recommend trying a cherry beer, along with any of the other 800 beer types. 

What is your favourite autumn destination? Share in the comments section! Like it? Pin it!

Looking for the best European cities to visit in October to enjoy autumn colors and fall foliage? Check my suggestions about four great European cities to visit in Autumn for your inspiration. #travel #autumntravel #Europetravel #travelblog #autumnleaves #fallfoliage

  • Updated by Anita on September 22, 2018
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    Author: Anita Sāne

    Anita 03 18

    About the author
    Anita is a part-time traveler, passionate photographer, and a retired career woman from Latvia, 
    traveling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner planning and executing her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her also on FacebookInstagramPinterestTwitter, and Bloglovin.

     

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    Tweet: Looking for the best European cities to visit in October to enjoy autumn colors and fall foliage? Check these 4 great cities for your travel inspiration. https://bit.ly/2zmzmu1 by @thesanetravel #travel #autumntravel #Europetravel #travelblog #autumnleaves #fallfoliage

    Gravatar
    Suzanne Jones
    They all look gorgeous in their autumn colours but I'd love to see Antwerp first hand. Lovely photos
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    Candy
    What a great post! I'm going to Europe next month but will be in Southern Italy and I don't expect there will be much fall foliage. Your lovely photos have me wishing I was going further North!
    Gravatar
    Barbara
    Nice cities to travel. I will backpack next month to go there.
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    Ruth
    A fabulous post with amazing photos of the wonderful autumn colours. Isn't mother nature amazing? I will now have Prague on my list for Autumn, thanks very much.
    Gravatar
    Alison
    Just gorgeous! I live in Switzerland and all the vines are changing colour. You've inspired me to go out and take some photos!
    Gravatar
    Alma
    Beautiful blog with amazing photos! Love warm autumn colours.
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    Renee B.
    Such beautiful destinations, all dressed up in their autumn colors. I'd love to visit them all someday!
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    karen
    We love anywhere in the Pyrenees for Autumn, especially our trip to Lourdes. Such radiant colours. K x
    Gravatar
    V.VAIDEH
    A beautiful post. Loved reading it.
    Gravatar
    Bree
    Stunning photos. I have yet to experience Europe in Autumn. I think I want to since reading and seeing your stunning pictures. Thank you

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