Six European cities that attract autumn travelers

Autumn is the perfect time to explore the old continent, when the air is fresh, the scenery is poetic and the pace of life is leisurely and gentle. The six cities below are great destinations to fully experience the beauty of Europe in the golden leaf season.

Athens: Autumn sunshine on the Greek coast

Plaka area, below the Parthenon, and Monastiraki Square, Athens.

Autumn in Athens still has the warmth of summer, where gentle waves lap the shore and salty breezes from the Aegean touch the skin. Along the 60-kilometer-long Riviera, coves and white sand beaches invite visitors to stop. Vouliagmeni – the green gem of the Athens suburbs – features a natural hot mineral pool nestled under limestone cliffs.

After a dip in the crystal clear waters, visitors can visit Sardelaki, a seafood restaurant famous for its meze dishes and local wines, and watch the sunset dye the sea pink.

Vouliagmeni beach, south of Athens.

In the afternoon, the sunlight gently slopes over the Nymphs and Muses hills, which offer panoramic views of the ancient city and the Argo-Saronic Gulf.

Athens this season has a strangely peaceful air. The streets around the old Plaka district are lined with bougainvillea, and soft music plays from small restaurants.

Palermo: The passionate heart of the Mediterranean

A 16th-century sculpture at the Piazza Pretoria fountain.

If Athens is the light, then Palermo is the flavor. The capital of Sicily is alluring with its wild, free-spirited, Mediterranean beauty. In October, the sun is still golden but milder, perfect for exploring the lively markets like Ballarò or Vucciria, where you can try arancini (cheese-filled rice balls), sweet cannoli or a strong espresso.

The 12th-century church of San Cataldo (front, left) in Palermo.

Along the old streets, Palermo’s architecture is a magical blend of Arabic, Norman and Baroque. The Palermo Cathedral is a magnificent symphony of stone, while the Massimo Theatre – one of the largest in Europe – still resonates with the passionate sounds of opera.

As the afternoon falls, head out to Mondello Beach, where soft white sand and towering palm trees hug the clear blue water. Beach bars play jazz, serve cold Sicilian white wine, and the sun sets slowly behind the Tyrrhenian Mountains – a moment that makes anyone want to linger a little longer.

Vienna: Autumn Concerto

Vienna's parks are a colorful delight in autumn.

Vienna in autumn is like a Mozart piece: peaceful, delicate and full of emotion. The Ringstrasse is covered with golden leaves, and old palaces are reflected in the calm lake.

A cold wind blows through the old coffee houses where Viennese people sit for hours over a hot cup of melange and a slice of cinnamon-dusted apple pie.

Café Central is a symbol of the coffee culture here, once a meeting place for Freud, Trotsky and many European intellectuals in the early 20th century.

On an autumn afternoon, just sitting there, listening to the soft sound of the piano, feeling the warmth of a cup of coffee spread in your hands, you can understand why Vienna is called the "romantic heart of Europe".

In the evening, visit Belvedere Palace to watch the sun set over the golden dome of St. Charles Cathedral. Whether it's a concert at the State Opera or a stroll along the Danube, Vienna always has a strangely slow and elegant feel to it.

Budapest: City of light and water

Autumn at Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest Castle District.

Budapest is a gem on the Danube, most beautiful in autumn. In the morning, a thin mist covers the Chain Bridge, reflecting the golden light from the magnificent Hungarian Parliament . People leisurely walk back and forth between the two banks, Buda and Pest, one ancient, the other modern.

In the chilly weather, there is nothing better than soaking in the Széchenyi hot springs. The steaming pools, surrounded by the distinctive golden domes, create a scene that is both classic and poetic.

At night, when the lights shine on the water, Budapest becomes a sparkling city. Cruise ship bars play music and serve sweet Tokaji wine, the pride of Hungary.

For tourists, this is not only a place to sightsee, but also a place to feel the romance mixed with a bit of nostalgia, as if time also wants to stop by the Danube River.

Zurich: Elegance by the lake

Beautiful autumn scenery of Zurich.

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is elegant and tranquil, especially in autumn. Lake Zurich’s crystal clear waters mirror the mist-shrouded Alps in the distance. Maple leaves fall sparsely on the ancient cobblestone streets, and church bells ring out steadily in the clear afternoon.

Stroll along the Altstadt, the old town, stopping in boutiques for artisan chocolates or a steaming cup of fondue. On the Limmat River, cute little cafes serve grilled cheese sandwiches and watch the boats go by.

When the sun sets, the entire city lights up in a warm yellow light. From Uetliberg Hill, looking down at the sparkling Zurich, we can clearly see the beauty of the balance between modernity and peace - a Switzerland that is sophisticated, standard, yet strangely poetic.

Lyon: Where autumn is filled with the scent of wine

A view of Lyon.

Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, is a colorful picture in autumn. The vine-covered hillsides turn golden, the scent of Beaujolais fills the air, and dinner at a traditional bouchon becomes unusually cozy.

The Vieux Lyon old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, retains its medieval appearance with narrow cobblestone alleys, red-tiled roofs and flowered windows. On Fourvière hill, the white cathedral stands silently overlooking the glowing city.

In the afternoon, you can stroll along the banks of the Rhône or Saône rivers, where the sunlight reflects on the water, people leisurely cycle, and tourists sit and sip local wine. Lyon in autumn is not noisy, but charming in its own way, slow, delicate and full of love.

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