10 European cities for an alternative autumn break
Wander cobbled, crowd-free streets, admire historic architecture, and relax in cosy cafés. There’s plenty of fairy tale cities in Europe that often go under the radar in autumn…
There’s no need to book that break in the winter sun – grab your big coat, embrace the cold, and be rewarded with crowd-free cities.
Here are 10 European cities for an alternative autumn break to book now.
1. Aarhus, Denmark
Denmark’s second city is seriously underrated. Named the European City of Culture in 2017, Aarhus is home to several world-class galleries and museums. Among the most eye-catching attractions is Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson’s Your Rainbow Panorama, a multicoloured glass walkway located on the top of one of Northern Europe’s largest museum, ARoS.
A canal snakes through the centre where you’ll find plenty of open-air cafés (many with blankets and outdoor heating available). Another brilliant stop for foodies is at the permanent Aarhus Street Food Market, where you can choose from more than 30 different street kitchen bars.
For a chance to see some spectacular autumn colours, head to the Deer Park just south of the centre. Here, you can get up close and even feed the sika and fallow deer.
Read next: How to spend 3 days in Aarhus, Denmark
2. Évora, Portugal
The autumn temperature in crowd-free Évora makes for pleasant exploring. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is drenched in history, with huge rose-granite cathedrals, Roman temples and baths, and an impressive archbishop palace.
One of the most unique monuments in Évora must be the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones). Enter this small chapel and discover why it has been named so. The interiors are lined with skulls and bones – a morbid but fascinating viewing with a curious backstory.
Head out of the centre and search for The Cromlech of the Almendres – the Portuguese equivalent to Stonehenge. After seeing the magnificent stones, explore the region’s vineyards where you can try one of the many wine tours, tastings and local food on offer.
Read next: Short break: Évora, Portugal
3. Zaragoza, Spain
While Spanish cities like Barcelona are suffering from overtourism, there are plenty of smaller cities across the country that are welcoming visitors with open arms – like Zaragoza, the capital of northeastern Spain‘s Aragon region.
It may be the country’s sixth-largest city, but it’s actively encouraging UK visitors to come, particularly in off-season. Easily accessible – there are direct flights three times a week from London Stansted with Ryanair, and those visiting from other cities can make use of Spain’s extensive high-speed rail network – it makes for a fantastic autumn break.
Winter might called for mulled wine, but autumn for us means hot chocolate, and where better to try it than the city that claims to be the first place in Europe to drink it? Plus, October sees the city come alive for the week-long Fiestas del Pilar which honours Zaragoza’s patron saint, the Virgen del Pilar, with traditional costumes, giant costumed figures and concerts.
Read next: Barcelona has an overtourism problem. This is how it’s trying to fix it
4. Tallinn, Estonia
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the Estonian capital as the streets are emptied of tourists. The temperature drops to around 6 degrees in October, but it’s worth wrapping up to wander around this fairy tale destination. One of the best-preserved medieval cities, Tallinn has turreted towers dotted across the skyline with red tiled rooves, and the cobbled streets are full of artisan stores, traditional boutiques and coffee houses.
The history of the city is showcased in an array of museums and galleries, churches and castles. The first substantial fort was built here in the 11th century.
To see the spectacular autumn foliage, just an hour away from the Tallinn is Laheema National Park with great hiking and cycling routes. There’s a 3.5km trail through bog and forest landscapes. Walk along the long boardwalk with a lookout tower in the middle, allowing you to take in the view of Estonia’s natural landscape.
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Named Europe’s Green Capital in 2016, Ljubljana has a great selection of spots within the city to see autumn colours. Head to the much-loved Tivoli Park, its largest green area, or perhaps to take a scenic walk to Ljubljana Castle, where you can walk up forested hills and peer through the leaves to see exceptional views of the city.
The architecture here makes visitors compare Ljubljana with Prague. Essential landmarks to check out include Triple Bridge, the monastery complex of Križanke and Žale Cemetery. The city also has a great foodie scene, with the centre coming alive with markets stalls from March through to October, serving cuisines from all over the world. Enjoy a slice of culture visiting one of the museums and art galleries, or even by spending an evening at the opera.
6. Siena, Italy
You may associate Tuscany with the sizzling summer season, but with smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and stunning scenery, it’s definitely worth considering for an autumnal trip.
Siena’s city centre has a series of winding narrows streets and is largely pedestrianised, which just increases the cities charm. There are many medieval marvels to visit, including Siena’s cathedral, Duomo. It’s an awe-inspiring example of 13th-century Gothic architecture, with an interior of zebra-striped walls that will make your head spin. For a chance to see the city from above, climb up Torre del Mangia, a tower that offers stunning views that reach out to the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Being Italy, of course, you won’t go hungry either. There’s a wealth of restaurants, cafés, gelaterias and pasticcerias to eat your way through.
7. Ålesund, Norway
Possibly Norway’s most beautiful city, Ålesund was rebuilt in 1904 after a devastating fire swept across it. However, this relatively modern beauty still has its fairytale charm intact thanks to a restoration of Art Nouveau architecture, dotting the city with picturesque turrets and towers.
Ålesund is where the mountain and fjords meet the ocean. The landscape here is just jawdropping. Climb up 418 steps to the summit of Mount Aksla and enjoy the panoramic views of the city, coast and Sunnmøre Alps. Although the weather can be unpredictable, autumn is a great time to enjoy the exquisite scenery, eat delicious food and uncover the city’s history. A peaceful and magical visit.
Read next: Double bill: Ålesund & Bergen, Norway
8. Zagreb, Croatia
As travellers head to the country’s coastline hotspots, including Split, Dubrovnik and the many paradisal islands, Croatia’s capital gets overlooked as people opt for sun and sea. But they’re definitely missing a trick. Zagreb has everything a small city should have: history, culture and plenty of gastronomical delights.
The city’s highlights are all accessible on foot, and the cooler months of autumn make it ideal walking weather. You’ll likely spend most of your time in the colourful Gornji Grad (Upper Town), strolling between museums (without missing the unusual Museum of Broken Relationships), photographing St Mark’s Church in St Mark’s Square, and wandering the fruit and vegetable market at Dolac. Once you’re ready for a rest, head to the bohemian-styled Tkalčićeva street, lined with a number of charming cafés and bars, so you can relax with a coffee or a beer.
Our tip: Don’t miss Zagreb’s World Theatre Festival during September and October, when fantastic actors gather to entertain audiences with exciting and experimental productions.
Read next: Destination guide: Zagreb, Croatia
9. Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland
The city of Derry~Londonderry may be small, but it packs in a lot. Nicknamed the City of Walls, thanks to its 16th-century fortification which completely encompasses the Old Town, you’ll find plenty of cultural and historical attractions both within and outside them.
Derry~Londonderry’s location in the corner of Northern Ireland makes the weather here unpredictable, so make sure you bring a raincoat, as it’s best to explore the city on foot. Must-visit landmarks include the iconic Guildhall and the magnificent St Columb’s Cathedral; the latter presiding on a hilltop. The selection of museums also help you understand the city’s complex past, with the Tower Museum teaching you about its 1400-year-old history, from its first settlement in the 6th century right up until the present day.
But the reason Derry~Londonderry shouldn’t be missed in autumn is for its spectacular Halloween celebration, considered one of the biggest not just in Europe, but in the world!
Read next: A mini-guide to Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal
10. Tirana, Albania
Albania’s quirky capital retains its delightful temperatures throughout September and October, so much so it’s often referred to as ‘late summer’ in the country. As one of Europe’s underrated gems, you’ll be sure to enjoy all the sights crowd free.
Coffee culture is huge in Tirana, so stopping off for a morning macchiato is an essential before you begin exploring. Head to its central plaza, Skanderbeg Square, where you can can learn about the city’s interesting past in the National History Museum, and also climb to the top of its 1822 clocktower. Beyond the modern side of the city, and its buzzing Blloku neighbourhood, walking around some of the older quarters of the city is also recommended, where splashes of colour brighten up much of the concrete architecture, and the courtyards of homes overflow with fruit vines.
For experiencing autumn colours, Tirana has plenty of green spaces. The most popular is the Grand Park of Tirana, with a large artificial lake and botanical gardens.
Read next: 8 things you must do in Tirana, Albania
