Autumn in Europe fits Aussies perfectly. Softer light. Cooler days. Smaller queues. Airfares ease after summer. Parks glow, menus shift to comfort food, and locals slow down. Pack a jumper and an appetite. Here are five cities that shine from September to November, plus how to get around and where to try the real local speciality.
Lisbon, Portugal
Why go. Warm days, golden light, friendly prices.
Non touristy picks. LX Factory for studios and bookshops. Jardim da Estrela for a quiet hour under the trees.
Getting around. Get a Navegante occasional card. Tap on metro, trams, and buses. Top up with pay as you go credit.
Eat this. Seafood at Cervejaria Ramiro. Order clams or scarlet prawns. Expect a queue or book ahead.
Valencia, Spain
Why go. Beach weather lingers. The city glows in late light. Home of paella.
Non touristy picks. Cycle the Turia Gardens in the old riverbed. Wander Ruzafa for cafés and street art.
Getting around. The Valencia Tourist Card covers metro, tram, and buses, including the airport. Bikes are easy to hire.
Eat this. Paella at La Pepica on the seafront. Classic spot with local pride.
Rome, Italy
Why go. Softer light on ancient stone. Shorter queues at the big sights.
Non touristy picks. Mercato di Testaccio for Roman snacks. Ride a short stretch of the Appian Way and visit the catacombs.
Getting around. ATAC tickets are simple. The 100 minute BIT works across metro, bus, and tram. Day passes suit busy days.
Eat this. Roman pasta at Roscioli. Carbonara or cacio e pepe. Book ahead.
Prague, Czechia
Why go. Autumn colours over spires and bridges. Prices stay friendly.
Non touristy picks. Vyšehrad for river views and legends. Sunset beers at Letná Beer Garden above the Vltava.
Getting around. One simple ticket covers metro, trams, and buses. Visitor passes keep it easy.
Eat this. Lokál Dlouhááá for Czech comfort food. Try pork schnitzel, svíčková, or pork knuckle with a lager.
Budapest, Hungary
Why go. Thermal baths feel perfect in crisp air. Parks and river islands turn gold.
Non touristy picks. Margaret Island by bike. Leafy loops through City Park.
Getting around. Use the BudapestGO app for tickets and routes. The 100E bus links the airport to the centre.
Eat this. Hungarikum Bisztró near Parliament. Goulash, chicken paprikash, and dumplings done right.
How to plan it
Fly into Lisbon or Rome, then hop low cost within Europe. Book central, walkable stays. Use city cards if you will ride public transport and visit multiple sights. Pack layers and comfy shoes. Reserve key restaurants. With kids, aim for one big sight in the morning, then parks or markets after lunch.
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