EUROPEAN CITIES
Vienna, the Rathaus
VIENNA
Vienna comes into its own as autumn settles in: imperial palaces and coffee houses feel especially inviting, and the concert season returns in full swing. Crisp mornings suit long walks through the Ringstrasse, with fewer visitors at the Schönbrunn and Belvedere. Typically Vienna bursts with cultural events and experiences, from Vivaldi at the Karlskirche, to the Picasso-Bacon exhibition at the Albertina, and of course Christmas markets from 6 November until 26 December. Hotels: Hotel Sacher, Hotel Bristol, Hotel Kaiserhof.
NICE
Nice basks in a gentler autumn light, with the Promenade des Anglais far calmer and the old town’ s markets at their most colourful. Warm days still suit the Baie des Anges, while the surrounding hills offer cooler escapes into Provençal villages and vineyards. Visit Nice and celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau day in November, visit Merveilles et curiosites du Palais Lascaris until 11 January, and the lemon festival along the coast in Menton. Hotels: Hotel la Perouse, Hotel le Couvent, Hotel West End, Hotel Beau Rivage.
Nice
BORDEAUX
Bordeaux settles into its best season come autumn, as the harvest wraps up across the surrounding vineyards and wine estates open their doors for tastings. The city’ s elegant riverside quays are quieter too, ideal for exploring at an unhurried pace. November and December see wine estate open days, the Matisse and Frida Kahlo exhibitions at the Bassins des Lumieres and the Bordeaux Christmas market. Hotels: Hotel Burdigala, Hotel de Seze, Le Saint James, Les Sources de Caudalie.
Bordeaux
PRAGUE
Prague turns especially photogenic in autumn, with amber-toned trees framing the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle at their best for unhurried exploring. Cooler days suit walks through the Old Town, while classical concerts fill the city’ s churches and halls each evening. Prague offers advent concerts, Christmas markets, the gas lamp lighting on Charles Bridge, and the non-verbal Black Light Theatre. Hotels: Hotel BoHo, Hotel Aria, Hotel Mozart.
Prague
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