The 7 prettiest European cities for autumn
As the summer crowds fade and golden leaves blanket the streets, autumn is the perfect time to explore Europe’s most charming cities.
From cobbled lanes, to crisp café mornings and quieter sightseeing, these destinations truly shine in the shoulder season.
Best of all, three of them are just a train ride away from the UK, making that spontaneous autumn getaway even easier.
(Image: Getty)
Autumn is arguably one of the most magical seasons to explore Europe. The summer crowds have faded, the air turns crisp, and cityscapes transform into a canvas of golden leaves and warm, rustic tones. It’s a season that invites slower travel, café stops, long walks through historic quarters, and soaking up culture and beautiful sites without the chaos of peak season. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape by train or a longer adventure further afield, Europe is full of postcard-perfect destinations that truly shine in the autumn months.
Some are surprisingly accessible with Amsterdam and Lille reachable directly by train from the UK while others like Antwerp, Vienna, Zurich, Sorrento, and Bucharest offer the kind of timeless charm and vibrant atmosphere that make them worth the journey. From canal-lined streets and fairytale architecture to mountain backdrops and coastal sunsets, here are seven of the prettiest European cities to visit this autumn and why they deserve a spot on your travel wishlist.
1. Lille, France
Often overshadowed by Paris, Lille is a northern French gem that deserves its own spotlight, especially in autumn. It’s also the quickest and most convenient city break to get to on the list. You can hop on a direct Eurostar train from London St Pancras International and arrive at Lille Europe station in just 1 hour and 20 minutes, stepping from city centre to city centre with ease.
As for the city itself, Lille offers a fascinating blend of French and Flemish influences. The Grand Place (Place du Général-de-Gaulle) is not to be missed and is located in the heart of the city, lined with ornate buildings and lively brasseries. Don’t miss the Old Town as well with its maze of pastel-hued facades, boutique shops, and bakeries serving up local treats like traditional waffles.
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2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Easily one of the most accessible autumn getaways from the UK, Amsterdam is just under four hours away via direct Eurostar from central London, no airports, no hassle, just smooth rail travel straight into the heart of the Dutch capital.
In the autumn, the city takes on a truly magical atmosphere. The tree-lined canals explode in colour, with vibrant reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows reflecting in the water and draping the historic townhouses in seasonal charm.
Tourists can take a leisurely stroll through Vondelpark or Amstelpark, where the fallen leaves crunch underfoot, or settle into one of Amsterdam’s countless cosy cafés with a hot drink and a slice of Dutch apple pie before visiting one of the capital’s world-renowned museums.
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3. Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is another beautiful European city you can easily reach by train from the UK and it’s often overlooked in favour of bigger names.
To get there, simply take the Eurostar from London to Brussels-Midi/Zuid, then make a quick and easy transfer to a Belgian Intercity (IC) train to Antwerp. The total journey takes just over 3 hours, and you’ll arrive at Antwerpen-Centraal, one of the most stunning train stations in Europe, a grand building full of ticking clocks and sweeping staircases.
Once you step outside, Antwerp in autumn is a joy to explore. Tree-lined boulevards glow with golden foliage, and the city’s mix of medieval charm and modern design comes alive in the softer seasonal light. From the beautiful Grote Markt square to the leafy paths of Antwerp’s City Park, there’s plenty to discover on foot.
The Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens, one of the greatest Baroque painters of all time, has also partially reopened after a long renovation. It’s set to become one of the highlights of any cultural visit to the city.
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4. Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s famous parks and gardens, like the Schönbrunn Palace gardens and the Prater, come alive with fiery autumn colours throughout September and October. The city’s historic streets buzz with cosy coffee shops, perfect spots to warm up with a rich Viennese coffee and a slice of the iconic Sachertorte.
Be sure to visit Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Austria’s most popular tourist attraction. Visiting in autumn means you’ll avoid the summer crowds, allowing you to fully enjoy its beautiful gardens and majestic interiors at a more relaxed pace. Don’t miss exploring Vienna’s historic city centre and its many world-class museums, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s imperial past and vibrant culture.
(Image: Getty)