Picture this: You’ve arrived in London to study abroad and you are already planning your exciting visits around the amazing continent of Europe. Suddenly, it all gets a bit overwhelming as to where to find top places to visit, cheap flights, do I book with a group or on my own? The summer days are dwindling and leaves are brunching, autumn is a beautiful time to be in London.
However, you’re definitely ready to explore further afield so here are our top 5 places to visit in Europe during the Autumn.
1: For history and literature: Wales
Wales, a mere train ride away. Set foot in Cardiff, a city brimming with a tapestry of history and vibrant culture.
Hop on a train to Cardiff to explore a city full of rich history and vibrant culture. Highlights of a trip to Wales include a visit to Tintern Abbey, diving deep into the Roman Empire at the Caerleon Amphitheatre and views out to sea at Cardiff Beach.
Why not make an overnight trip of it and visit Caerphilly Castle and learn all about the mystery of mines at the Big Pit Mining Museum.
You can see why Wales is one of our top places to visit in Europe during the Autumn. To book onto our Wales trip to do all of this and more without any of the hassle of organising, head over to our upcoming trips page.
2: For landscapes and architecture: Scotland – Edinburgh and the Highlands
We’ve all seen Harry Potter and seen how enchanting the landscapes are and the cobbled streets. Did you know that Victoria Street in Edinburgh was the original inspiration of Diagon Alley in the films? But this is just the beginning of the Harry Potter pilgrimage that unfolds throughout the city, for it teems with places and landmarks that once ignited the imaginative brilliance of the esteemed author, J.K. Rowling, during her time in this literary haven.
Yet, Edinburgh’s allure extends beyond its bewitching wizardry, as a mere few hours’ journey from the capital transports you to the ethereal realms of the Highlands. There, amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes, nature herself casts a kaleidoscope of hues that seem plucked from the elusive Instagram filters.
The Highlands becomes an immersive experience that captures each of your senses. Venture into cosy cafes and welcoming restaurants that offer respite and warmth after a day of enchanting exploration.
Make sure you sample local Scottish food like Haggis before you hop on your train back along the coast. Eyes peeled for Berwick-upon-Tweed… Scotland deserves it’s place as one of the Top 5 places to visit in Europe during the Autumn.
3: For partying: Amsterdam
Amsterdam is more than just the red light district. It’s a place full of beautiful canals and brightly-coloured town houses. In the autumn, the city’s parks and canals are adorned with stunning autumn colours as the leaves change, creating picturesque landscapes throughout the city. The Vondelpark, Amsterdamse Bos, and other green spaces offer peaceful retreats.
If you’d like to step indoors, you won’t have trouble getting tickets because Amsterdam experiences fewer tourists in the Autumn. This means you can enjoy popular attractions, museums, and sights with less crowd and shorter queues, making your visit more relaxed and enjoyable. If you’re an art lover, go and visit the Van Gogh Museum.
Amsterdam also hosts numerous cultural events and festivals during the Autumn. Whether it’s art exhibitions, music concerts, or film festivals, there’s always something exciting happening in the city. Don’t forget to check out a list of all you need to know before travelling to Amsterdam.
4: For boujee life and love: Paris
Stroll along the Seine on a boat cruise, where you’ll be carried back in time to learn the history of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The city’s world-renowned museums and art galleries unveil their cultural treasures, inviting intellectual voyages of discovery. Sidewalk cafes offer refuge to indulge in the famous pastries and tasty coffees, while the vibrant gardens, like Jardin des Tuileries, provide idyllic settings for downtime. Embrace the Parisian charm amidst the cooler months, an adjoining of romance and culture that renders it a top place to visit during the Autumn.
