13 Of The Best European Cities For An Autumn Break

Vienna’s imperial architecture, grand boulevards and classical music heritage feel especially atmospheric as the leaves fall and the cafés fill with locals sipping melange. Visit the Belvedere for Klimt, stroll through the Schönbrunn gardens, or take in an opera at the Staatsoper. The food scene leans into the season – schnitzel, strudel and warming stews –and the wine taverns in the outskirts offer a rustic counterpoint to the city’s polish. 

Over the last 18 months numerous hotel brands have opened outposts in the Austrian capital, including The Hoxton. Housed in a 1950s modernist building, it offers retro-inspired rooms, a rooftop bar and all-day dining. With co-working spaces and cultural programming, it’s a buzzy, design-led base that reflects Vienna’s new contemporary hospitality.

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Marbella in autumn is a different kind of luxury – softer, slower and more serene. With over 320 days of sunshine a year, the city has one of Europe’s sunniest microclimates – making it a reliable choice for off-season warmth and blue skies. During the autumn months (and even into December), the beach clubs quieten, the heat mellows and the old town comes into its own – think terracotta alleyways, bougainvillea-draped balconies and long lunches in sunny courtyards. The surrounding Sierra Blanca mountains offer hiking trails with sweeping views, while the coastline is perfect for paddleboarding or long walks. There’s still plenty of glamour – designer boutiques, art galleries and elegant restaurants – but it’s all more relaxed. 

Marbella Club, the city’s most iconic hotel, is open year-round and is the ultimate adult’s playground (though there’s plenty to do at the impressive kids’ club for little ones, too). There’s so much to see and do, you’ll want to carve out a few days for relaxing by its pools and beach club, eating around its destination restaurants and enjoying everything from padel to reformer Pilates at its slick studio. The hotel has numerous events to look forward to in the coming weeks, from wellness talks to an unmissable Halloween party.  

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Lisbon is golden in autumn – literally. The city’s tiled facades glow in the low light, and the miradouros (viewpoints) offer sweeping views of terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River. It’s a season of mellow warmth, with just enough sun for al fresco dining and just enough breeze for layering linen with knitwear. Explore the cobbled streets of Alfama, explore the coastline or head to Belém for custard tarts and riverside walks. Autumn brings a slower pace, with warm afternoons for exploring and cooler evenings for late dinners and live music.

The Verse is a recently opened, design-led aparthotel in Lisbon’s Estrela district, housed in a restored townhouse with 15 suites. Expect artisan-made tiles, wraparound balconies and marble kitchens. With a concierge on hand and a focus on local produce, it offers the ease of an apartment with hotel amenities.

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Athens in autumn is a masterclass in contrasts – ancient ruins bathed in soft light, modern cafés buzzing with locals, and balmy days that stretch into golden evenings. The Acropolis is quieter, the air is cooler, and the city’s cultural calendar kicks into gear. Beyond the classics, explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Psiri and Pangrati, where street art, wine bars and boutiques offer a fresh take on the Greek capital. The food scene is seriously exciting right now, and in the coming weeks seasonal produce on offer incudes figs, pomegranates and grilled game meats. Read our full Athens City Guide here. 

 In the heart of Plaka, The Dolli offers Acropolis views from its rooftop restaurant and infinity pool. Inside, expect sculptural art and richly styled rooms – with off-season prices you’ll want to take advantage of at this time of year.

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Prague is built for autumn. The city’s Gothic spires, cobbled lanes and baroque facades take on a cinematic quality as the leaves turn and mist rolls in. It’s a season of candlelit cafés, riverside walks and classical concerts in ornate halls. Explore the Old Town early, before the or cross the Charles Bridge at dusk for a view that feels straight out of a fairytale. The city’s beer halls offer warmth and character, while the art nouveau cafés are perfect for lingering over coffee and cake. 

The Julius Prague is an apartment-style stay near the city’s old town – ideal for longer visits. Expect spacious suites with kitchens, warm modernist interiors and a calm, residential feel. Communal spaces include a lounge, co-working area and restaurant.

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Autumn is one of the best times to visit Marrakech – the heat softens, the souks are vibrant and the city’s sensory overload becomes more manageable. Wander through the medina’s maze of alleys, shop for ceramics and spices, or escape to a rooftop terrace for mint tea and panoramic views. The Jardin Majorelle offers a burst of colour, while the hammams provide a dose of relaxation. As the sun sets, the call to prayer echoes across the rooftops and the city glows. It’s also the perfect time to head into the desert if you want to make a longer trip of it.

Set across seven interconnecting riads in the Medina, Izza is a chic, mid-priced stay with boutique polish. Following an eight-year renovation, it offers 14 individually designed rooms, three courtyards, rooftop and plunge pools, plus a spa and hammam.

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Stockholm is up there as one of the coolest cities on this list and autumn is the loveliest time to visit, before the temperature drops to uncomfortable lows. The city’s archipelago setting means crisp walks along Djurgården and ferry rides between islands, with golden light bouncing off the water. Culture is front and centre – the Nationalmuseum, Moderna Museet and Fotografiska offer everything from Old Masters to contemporary photography. Gamla Stan’s cobbled streets are best explored early, before the day-trippers arrive, while Södermalm is home to vintage shops, ramen bars and natural wine spots. Fika (dedicated times for coffee and sweet treats) is a ritual and visitors are spoiled for choice with the abundance of excellent bakeries on nearly every street.

Ett Hem is a former townhouse turned design-led hotel. With just 12 rooms, the property is home to warm Scandi interiors, open fireplaces and a help-yourself kitchen. Guests can linger over seasonal dinners, curl up in the library and enjoy morning coffee in the garden.

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If you’re after autumn or winter sun, Seville more than fits the bill, offering average temperatures of 20°C in November. The city’s Moorish architecture, flamenco heritage and orange-tree-lined streets are best enjoyed when the pace slows and the, often extreme, summer heat wanes. Explore the Alcázar’s gardens, climb the Giralda for panoramic views, or simply wander through the Santa Cruz district with a coffee in hand. Tapas culture thrives year-round, but autumn brings heartier dishes and fewer queues. 

 Tucked into Seville’s Barrio Alfalfa, Corral del Rey is a 17th-century townhouse turned luxury, boutique hotel. There are just 17 rooms ranging from comfortable doubles to larger suites with freestanding baths. Head up to the roof terrace to see the cathedral at night and enjoy delicious Sevillian dishes at the on-site restaurant.

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More travellers are waking up to Kraków’s quiet charm – a city where medieval architecture meets modern energy, and café culture, galleries and green spaces offer a slower pace compared to other neighbouring cities. The medieval old town, with its pastel facades and cobbled squares, feels especially inviting as the air cools and the cafés warm up. Visit Wawel Castle, explore the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz or take a walk along the Vistula River as the trees turn amber. The city’s cultural scene is lively – from jazz bars to underground galleries –and the food is hearty and comforting. Think pierogi, mushroom soup and apple cake. 

H15 Palace Kraków, part of Marriot’s Luxury Collection, is a restored 17th-century residence near the Main Market Square, where Baroque architecture meets contemporary design. Expect frescoes, sculptural interiors and standout dining at Artesse. With a spa, rooftop terrace and just 46 rooms, it’s a quietly opulent base for exploring the city.

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For something a little different, head to Slovenia, where its capital Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. The city’s compact size, leafy riverbanks and pastel architecture make it perfect for slow exploration. Cycle along the Ljubljanica River, browse the central market for seasonal produce, or take the funicular up to the castle for panoramic views. The café culture is strong – locals linger over coffee and cake – and the food scene offers a mixture of Alpine and Mediterranean influences. 

Vander Urbani Resort is a chic hotel in Ljubljana’s old town, set along the river with striking modern interiors and a rooftop plunge pool. Expect minimalist rooms, a buzzy restaurant and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s in a great location for exploring the city’s galleries, cafés and cultural landmarks.

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Granada in autumn is golden and atmospheric, with warm days, cooler evenings and fewer crowds. The Alhambra remains the city’s crown jewel – a hilltop fortress of Moorish architecture and lyrical gardens – but there’s plenty beyond the palace. Wander the Albaicín’s winding streets, stop for tapas at one of the many bodegas and catch a flamenco show in Sacromonte’s hillside caves. The city’s layered history is everywhere, from Renaissance churches to Arabic baths, while boutique hotels and rooftop bars offer the typical Andalusian experience. Plus, this is another city where you can sunshine well into the winter months. 

Palacio Gran Vía is a glamorous – and fun – hotel in central Granada. It’s set in a 19th-century building with soaring ceilings, sculptural staircases and a rooftop terrace that peers over the Alhambra. Inside, expect rich materials, elegant rooms and excellent service. Artesse, the hotel’s restaurant, offers smart Andalusian dishes, thought the hotel is within walking distance to some of the city’s best restaurants.

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