Embrace the outdoors this fall in these European cities.
Here are our top three cities for an autumn break.

Barcelona – Anytime is a pleasant time, when it comes to taking a break in Barcelona. Experience the culture of Catalonia, Mediterranean food and Art Nouveau architecture with a visit to this beautiful city; it never disappoints. Go where the locals go and dine like them; we would recommend the three-stop FoodLoverTour (FLT) to dive straight into the city’s food scene that is having a culinary rejuvenation. Besides, lovely cafes, bistros, tapas-bars and restaurants make it a foodie-haven. You could also indulge in a whirlwind shopping-tour. Popular beaches include Barceloneta, Bogatell and Nova Icaria, among others; for those wanting to get away from the city, the Castelldefels is a short ride by train or a short drive by car. Must-visit list should include Plaça Reial, Palau Guell, Santa Del Mar, Casa Mila and La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudí.  It is hard to miss Gaudí’s arresting and colorful architectural wonders that dot the city. Visit the museums and other artistic delights. The city offers plenty of choice from luxury hotels to small luxury and boutique hotels.  

www.barcelonaturisme.com

 

Rome – Stroll around in the city that’s known for its warmth, classical ruins, fascinating history, impressive palazzos and baroque architecture. Ensure your itinerary includes visits to the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City and museums, Basilica of St.Peter, Villa Borghese. UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon…the list goes on. If you are a culture-vulture, watch a play or two, and catch up with some music shows and theatre. Want to shop? Head to the streets of Via Borgognona, Via Condotti, Via Frattina and Piazza di Spagna that are dotted with jewelry salons and the best of Italian and international designer boutiques. Famed restaurants like L’Altro Mastai, La Pergola, Antico Arco, Imago, Il Pagliaccio, Mirabelle, Aroma make the culinary landscape impressive. Jewelry lovers can add jewelry shopping to their holiday agenda. Don’t forget to try the artisanal gelatos; it would be a shame to count calories on a ‘Roman Holiday’!
www.turismoroma.it

Dublin – Be warned, Dublin is not a shopper’s paradise. If you want a quiet holiday and avoid the summer crowds, you might consider a weekend break here. With its Irish culture and international influences, Dublin is undeniably a melting pot. The city center is defined by the Royal Canal to the north and the Grand Canal to the south. Folklore, music, and literature is what makes it appealing. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo, Trinity College are touristy highlights. It’s easy to explore the city on foot. It does tend to rain often, so pack an umbrella. Go hiking or ride a bike through the city. Walk through Drury Street for small boutiques and Irish design stores. Drive out of the city into the gorgeous countryside; you’ll be glad you’re surrounded by so much greenery!

Stay: Visit Preferred Hotels & Resorts for accommodation options in the city/cities of your choice. preferredhotels.com

Smitha Sadanandan