Architecture and fall vibes: Top 5 European cities for your October trip

• Edinburgh, Scotland

The beauty of Scottish landscapes in October is captivating. The city's architecture and historical landmarks look especially charming against the backdrop of fall shades.

Edinburgh Castle

Locating on a high volcanic rock, the castle is the city's most famous landmark.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The official residence of the British monarchs in Scotland. The name comes from the distorted Anglo-Scottish Haly Ruid. The luxurious palace is situated on the southern slopes of Arthur's Seat. Here, you can explore the royal apartments, take a stroll in beautiful gardens, and learn about the residence's history.

Photo: Holyroodhouse (unsplash.com)

Royal Mile

It is a number of streets in the city center that connect Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The quarter is full of various shops and cafes that represent the traditions and culture of Scotland.

Photo: Royal Mile in Edinburgh (wikipedia.org)

The history of the Royal Mile dates back to the first half of the 12th century when King David I of Scotland settled in the fortress on Castle Rock, which he ordered to be rebuilt into Edinburgh Castle. The king granted the settlement, located at the foot of the castle, the right to trade, and an open market was set up on Lawnmarket.

Then, David ordered to build High Street, which was called Via Regis (Royal Road) at the time, likely giving rise to the name Royal Mile.

Photo: City center view (unsplash.com)

Princes Street Gardens

Located in the heart of the city, these gardens are the perfect place for walks and relaxation. They separate Edinburgh Castle from the shops and restaurants on Princes Street.

Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat

Holyrood Park is located near the city center and adjoins the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The highest point in the park is Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano standing at 251 meters above sea level. It offers a magnificent view of the city. In the park, you can also visit St. Anthony's Chapel, a medieval chapel from the 15th century; Salisbury Crags, a series of 150-foot cliffs; and Duddingston Loch lake.

Photo: View of the city from the Arthur's Seat (wikipedia.org)

• Barcelona, Spain

In the fall, Barcelona has pleasant weather, making October and November the perfect time to explore the city's architecture, beaches, and outdoor attractions.

Sagrada Familia (Basilica of the Holy Family)

The legendary and as of yet unfinished basilica created by the great architect Antoni Gaudí. The monumental structure of the Sagrada Familia can accommodate around 13,000 people simultaneously. When architect Gaudí passed away in 1926, the basilica was only 10-15% completed. At that time, only one transept, the crypt, and a part of the apse wall had been constructed.

By the way, the construction of the famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is nearing completion. Recently, the construction of the towers of the evangelists was finished.

Photo: Sagrada Familia in fall (unsplash.com)

Park Güell

Another masterpiece by Gaudí – a park filled with stunning colors and forms. Within the park, you can find marvelous ceramic creatures, arches, and other unexpected architectural elements.

La Rambla

The famous La Rambla boulevard is the center of street life in Barcelona and the most renowned boulevard in the city, located between Catalonia Square and the Old Port. It boasts numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes, while street musicians often perform in the evenings.

Photo: Tourists in the center of Barcelona (unsplash.com)

Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso)

Located in the old part of the city, this museum holds one of the largest collections of works by Pablo Picasso in the world. It offers a deep dive into various periods of the life and art of the renowned artist.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)

For contemporary art lovers, this museum is a must-visit in the city. It houses an extensive collection of artworks from the second half of the 20th century.

• Vienna, Austria

The charm of old Vienna is especially noticeable in the fall colors. Here, you can enjoy the famous Viennese coffee culture in cozy cafes, and attend concerts and performances.

Schönbrunn Palace

This magnificent palace is one of Vienna's main architectural landmarks. Beautiful gardens surround the palace, and inside, you can explore historical rooms and apartments that reveal the rich history of the city and the country, particularly during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Photo: Area near Schönbrunn Palace (unsplash.com)

Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum)

A true treasure trove of art, with a collection of works by artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. It's Austria's largest art museum and ranks among the world's most significant art museums.

Photo: Cafe in Vienna city center (unsplash.com)

Belvedere

A splendid baroque palace complex, the Belvedere is one of the largest and most art-rich museum complexes in Europe. It consists of the Upper Belvedere (Oberes Belvedere) and the Lower Belvedere (Unteres Belvedere).

The Lower Belvedere is home to an Austrian Baroque art gallery, featuring works by renowned artists like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. The Upper Belvedere is known for its collection of Austrian porcelain and ceramics. The palace is surrounded by a vast park with fountains, pavilions, and alleys.

Photo: Belvedere, Vienna (unsplash.com)

St. Stephen's Cathedral

A grand symbol of Vienna. We recommend ascending the tower to enjoy a view of the city.

Hofburg Palace

The former winter residence of the Habsburgs and the main imperial palace in Vienna. The palace has 2,600 rooms and chambers. Some of the premises serve as the official residence of the President of Austria. It's one of Vienna's key historical landmarks.

• Ghent, Belgium

The canals of Ghent are surrounded by medieval architecture, and the vibrant fall leaves further enhance the city's charm. Ghent is known for being bicycle-friendly, and the warm fall is a great time to explore the city's streets and parks on two wheels.

Photo: Ghent tourists (unsplash.com)

Belfry of Ghent (Belfort van Gent)

The Belfry of Ghent is a bell tower in the city of Ghent. It's the tallest belfry in Belgium, standing at 91 meters in height. It is one of the three medieval towers in the old city center, with the other two belonging to St. Bavo's Cathedral and St. Nicholas' Church.

Gravensteen

A medieval castle in Ghent, its history dates back to 1180. It served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. Later, it was used as a courthouse, a prison, a mint, and even a cotton factory.

This is the only medieval castle in Flanders with its defensive system almost entirely intact to this day.

Photo: Medieval castle in Ghent (wikipedia.org)

Graslei

Graslei is a waterfront in the historical center of the city, located on the right bank of the river. The waterfront opposite Graslei is called Korenlei. Both of these waterfronts were part of the medieval port and are now cultural and tourist hubs of the city, featuring a high concentration of picturesque courtyards and dining facilities to suit every taste.

Photo: City embankment (unsplash.com)

During the fall, parks, gardens, and streets in European cities are covered in red, golden, and orange leaves, making a beautiful atmosphere for walks and photo shoots. Many theaters, concert halls, and museums launch new seasons in the fall, offering a variety of cultural events and exhibitions, while hotels provide fall discounts to guests. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this season in Europe!

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