Autumn, a time of rosy apples, changing leaves, and shorter days that beckon us to Bonfire Night and showy sparklers in the night sky. However, there are more activities available in Europe than just kicking conkers and stomping through leaves. Spend the weekend shopping in Antwerp, take advantage of the late-season weather in Madeira, catch some early-season rays on the slopes in Zermatt, and dance the night away in Amsterdam. The greatest destinations to visit this fall are highlighted below:

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Amsterdam

As the leaves change colour on the tree-lined canals and candles are placed in the crooked windows of its townhouses, autumn is especially beautiful in Amsterdam. Every October, ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) hosts electro, house, and techno evenings at venues all throughout the city. Then, in November, comes Museumnacht, when 55 of Amsterdam's best museums stay open late. While exploring the Van Gogh Museum and having a party in the glasshouses of the historic Botanical Gardens, listen to live DJs spin music.

Madeira, Portugal

The soils of Madeira, which is located to the west of Morocco, get steady warming from the north African sun throughout the year, with peak temperatures in September. The Portuguese archipelago is home to a diverse range of flora and animals due to its subtropical environment. Visit the botanical gardens to experience the complete range, from enormous prickly cacti to colourfully petalled plants, or go in October when the annual flower festival takes over the streets with parades and events. Follow the old levadas on hiking trails that wind around the island to get even closer to nature, or take the ferry to Porto Santo, Madeira's little sister, where a stunning 9km stretch of wild beach is the perfect site for swimming.

Vienna

Autumn brings crisp, cool air, and Vienna's café culture comes to life. Spend an afternoon in a cozy Viennese cafe with a hot cup of coffee and play an online casino. There are numerous locations where you can try this magical mixture, which quickly warms even the most obstinate cold. Start at Café Landtmann, a classic Ringstrasse café and Sigmund Freud's favourite, where he would sit with his newspapers and watch the customers enjoying their apfelstrudel. Demel is another old-world favourite where you may stop in the café and then get the most beautiful chocolate gift boxes to take home. At Hotel Sacher, the birthplace of the decadent cake with layers of apricot jam, those with a sweet tooth can enjoy their hot chocolate with a slice of Sacher torte.

Wye Valley, Wales

With a designated 50-mile drive for visitors to follow, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean are recognised as the UK's top location for leaf-peeping since they are home to more than 20 million trees. It's advisable to leave the car at home and put on your walking shoes if you want to witness the splendor of the trees turning red. Starting from Chepstow Castle, the Wye Valley Hiking Trail leads you through Welsh upland, through valleys, and alongside the River Wye. From October through to the beginning of November, the walkway will be lined in gold by the autumn hues of oak, ash, and beech trees.

Bilbao

There is no welcome like a puppy’s, and that is exactly what awaits you when you enter the Guggenheim Bilbao. One piece in the vast permanent collection of contemporary and 20th-century art is Jeff Koons' West Highland terrier, which is covered in flowers. Admire Frank Gehry's titanium architecture, which is shaped like the Nervion river in Bilbao, both inside and outside the gallery. Using the Zubizuri bridge by Santiago Calatrava, cross the water, and then make your way through the city's shopping malls, stopping at one of the many pintxo bars along the way for a snack.

Tuscany

The Umbrian countryside is lush and golden in the fall, and the vines are turning crimson. The vendemmia, or grape harvest, is in full swing, so you'll see lots of people out picking grapes in the fields as well as small tractors zooming through the lanes. The precious bounty of the area, including truffle, mushrooms, chestnuts, and olive oil, is available at this time in addition to the wine. In every little town, the locals hold sagra feasts, and in true Italian style, everyone is welcome. Truffle hunting is only one of the many activities available at the Hotel Castello di Reschio, which also hosts Bland Badger's creative retreats every autumn in this location.

 

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