Fall is a season which most tourists traveling to Europe neglect to appreciate often yearning for the sunshine or snow and overlooking the beautiful falling leaves and chilly weather.

However, autumn is the best season to discover Europe’s culture, food and architecture. This season is great for the cheaper prices and fewer crowds.

1) Andalucía, Spain:

Autumn in south Spain is still sunny and warm which is a great opportunity for you to hit the beaches and escape the cold breeze. It is also far quieter than it would be in the summer, giving you the opportunity to avoid the long lines and the fully booked hotels.

North of Seville Sierra is the beautiful de Aracena national park, a must-see. Spend time exploring its wooded valleys, the whitewashed villages and chestnut groves where the autumnal colors of the leaves are red and gold.

Enjoy an authentic Spanish tapas lunch at Café-Bar Manzano, opposite the Aracena town market square with its limestone caves and 13th-century church built by the Knights Templar.

2) Cyprus, Greece:

Perfectly positioned in the south of Greece where the temperature is still warm even in the fall season. On cooler autumn days, it’s great to explore the surroundings on foot so grab a map and mark your must- see places and enjoy the scenery; after that cool off with a dip in the sea at Coral Bay, which is a large horseshoe-shaped cove backed by steep limestone cliffs.

3) London, United Kingdom:

It’s the perfect city to visit in any season. However, in autumn it is less crowded and more charming. A picnic in Hyde Park is perfect in the fall with the orange-yellow leaves crackling beneath your feet.

Visitors to the city can enjoy the Imperial War Museum, London eye, London Bridge, Tower of London, the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Shopping is a treat by itself where the rich and famous travel to this city just to enjoy the season’s best buys and duck into one of the famous Michelin star restaurants for a great meal.

4) Florence, Italy:

It is high season for food in Italy with Truffles and mushrooms, chestnuts, chocolate and nougat. You can’t miss the art scene which is celebrated both indoors and outdoors; the architecture is one of the things that make Florence so special. Known for its fashion and famous designers, the tour would be incomplete without passing by Gucci Feragamo museums to learn more about the history of the brands.

All you need is a map and comfortable walking shoes because Florence is a city you want to get lost in; everything is at walking distance and there is a surprise waiting in every corner.

5) Amsterdam, Netherlands:

Fall brings great colors to the streets of Amsterdam with the city covered in a warm blanket of golden leaves.

A very artistic city, it is home to the world-class Van Gogh Museum or the states museum, Rijksmuseum. Nine Streets is retail store where you can shop-till-you-drop and enjoy an authentic pancake and waffle at one of the small boutique restaurants and cafes in the streets.

Located southwest of the city center is the Vondelpark and the science center NEMO, which is a great place to see with the family. Most countries have their flowers shipped from the Netherlands to celebrate their significant occasions so make sure to pass by the Albert Cuypmark street market which is the largest flower market in the country. If you are lucky, you get to stay at some of the boathouses lining up on Amsterdam’s canals that are rented out to tourists.

6) Istanbul, Turkey:

There is no better time to visit Istanbul like the fall, when the weather is cold and street vendors start selling grilled chestnuts and corn.

This city is filled with Islamic history that will take you back to the Sultan era when castles and mosques were lined with gold and silver. The most important must-sees are the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia; you can walk around the area and admire the greenery and observe the architecture.

Turkish cuisine is fascinating and an important part of their culture so make sure to explore the menus and enjoy the many faces of the Turkish kitchen.

Shopping is an adventure by itself; pass by the Grand Bazaar and pick up some souvenirs and maybe try the famous apple tea and a bite of Raha. You cannot visit any Turkish city and not experience the famous Turkish Hammam and massage in one of their traditional baths.

7) Paris, France:

The city of lights and the most romantic city in the world must top the list in any tourist’s itinerary.

Even though it is a tourism hub throughout the year, the city becomes quieter in the fall, offering visitors a chance to see past the tour groups and into the heart of the city.

For some great shopping experience, take a walk on Champs Elysees or St. Honore which will take you to the globally celebrated fashion designers’ boutiques.

Montmartre is the old artists’ quarter of the city. There. you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and maybe have authentic Parisian onion soup. It is around the corner from the Moulin Rouge cabaret club. Wander along cobbled streets and visit the Café des Deux Moulins, location of the film Amélie.

8) Berlin, Germany:

This city offers one of the most fascinating histories in Europe.

Take a walk around the 360 acres of peaceful greenery in Tiergarten or explore the remains of the great Berlin Wall and the glorious dome atop the Reichstag, which is a famous parliament building.

One of the interesting things to do in Berlin is to take a bicycle tour around the historical areas and admire the architectural and natural scenery. Make sure not to miss the Museum Island for it is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites.

9) Lisbon, Portugal:

It is known for its colonialist history, original Fado music and the ornate Manueline architecture. The weather is beautiful and the trees are always green except for fall when it gets cooler and the leaves taken on beautiful red-gold hues.

You cannot miss the spectacular hilltop views, or the warm and friendly locals who welcome tourists with a smile. Learn more about their culture at their National Museum or visit the Monastery of St. Jerome, which is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage buildings.

Never leave your hotel without your camera, a map and comfortable shoes because you can walk around the whole city. Belem neighborhood has a beautiful waterfront and a great surrounding park for a picnic. Also don’t forget to head to the Santa Justa’s Elevator up to the rooftop to see a beautiful panoramic view of St. George’s Castle, Rossio Square and the Baixa neighborhood.

10) Vienna, Austria:

Autumn is the season for Vienna to shine; it’s the season when the leaves turn red, yellow, brown and gold carpeting the ground under the trees. If you are visiting in November and December you have to make it to the annual Christmas market and festive decorations.

Do soak up the rich cultural heritage at the Museum of Modern Art or try one of the many coffee houses.

And what could be better on a dry, crisp day than to take a tram to Vienna Woods and have a hearty meal at one of the restaurants overseeing the lake.

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