Autumn in Europe, A Season of New Discoveries

Autumn is the time when Europe's peak tourist season passes and you can truly experience its charm. The 10 autumn destinations in Europe selected by Spanish daily El Mundo are places you can fully enjoy even on a short weekend trip.

Marseille, The Mediterranean Rebel

Marseille, France's second-largest city, is a wonderful place to rediscover in autumn. The vibrant atmosphere of the Old Port (Port Vieux) and the worn yet charming alleyways of Le Panier district, once a fishermen's village, showcase the city's unique identity.

The old port warehouse district, reimagined by world-renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel, Rudy Ricciotti, and Massimiliano Fuksas, represents Marseille's modern transformation. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (Mucem) is a cultural space dedicated to 21st-century Mediterranean civilization, while Friche la Belle de Mai, a converted old factory complex, hosts diverse events from sports to exhibitions.

You cannot miss the city's signature dish, bouillabaisse. This traditional soup made with fresh Mediterranean seafood is another compelling reason to visit Marseille.

Rotterdam, An Architectural Laboratory

Rotterdam in the Netherlands is an essential destination for modern architecture enthusiasts. The entire city serves as a stage for architectural experimentation, filled with cutting-edge buildings.

Markthal is one of Rotterdam's iconic structures. This horseshoe-shaped complex innovatively combines a market with residential spaces, featuring impressive colorful murals that cover the interior ceiling.

With the upcoming opening of the new National Photography Museum building, Rotterdam is further solidifying its status as a city where architecture and culture converge.

Copenhagen's Hygge, Nordic Autumn

Copenhagen, Denmark, is the best city to experience 'hygge,' the distinctly Nordic sense of warmth and coziness. Autumn in Copenhagen, with its crisp weather, is the perfect time to experience this special atmosphere.

The Advantages of Autumn Travel in Europe

What these destinations proposed by El Mundo have in common is that they are easily enjoyable on a weekend trip. Autumn, when tourist crowds thin out after peak season, is also the season when you can experience local daily life more intimately.

Each city has its own character in culture, cuisine, and architecture, allowing you to choose according to your preferences. From the Mediterranean sunshine of Marseille to Rotterdam's modern sensibility and Copenhagen's Nordic sentiment, diverse experiences await across the European continent.