Focus on: Autumn City Breaks
The Autumn is for city breaks
I always have a severe case of wanderlust. The focus changes depending on the time of the year but the state is constant.. In the Autumn all I long for are city breaks. To travel to a city and have endless walks along rainy city streets covered in multi colored leaves, stop for a coffee in a cosy cafe with a fire place, eat a comfort food themed dinner in flickering candle light… I think you get the picture!
Many times when going on these kind of city breaks it is easy to go for the obvious destinations like London, Paris, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Berlin or Rome. And these are all great cities but what I realized lately is that the second or third cities (or even further down on the size list) are often hidden gems with a totally different vibe than the capital and usually so much cheaper when it comes to hotels and restaurants.
And when it comes to choosing the hotel, an Autumn city break hotel has to be dark and colorful (not to get depressed). I want it to feel like getting a warm hug in the cold October night. A hotel that invites you to sleep in, to have breakfast in bed, to hang around and just chill. No expectations just let your mood guide you through the day.
So here are 5 cities with an Autumn-perfect Selected by RG hotel that are on my wish list to return to this Autumn:
Gent, Belgium and Hotel 1898 The Post
Gent is the third largest city of Belgium. It is a place that is very up and coming and it feels like it is slowly finding its new feet after having been in Antwerp’s shadow for years.. it is like the youngest sibling is catching up with it older siblings. If you want to go here on an Autumn city break the perfect hotel to stay at is 1898 The Post. Situated in an old post office in the centre of town, right by the river.
Read more about my stay at 1898 The Post here.
Gothenburg, Sweden and Hotel Dorsia
Gothenburg is the second city of Sweden. A place that has a very industrial heritage with what used to be one of Europe’s largest harbors and also being the home of Swedish car giant Volvo. When a lot of the industry moved east to Asia Gothenburg had to find a new voice. And trust me, it has been found. A very eclectic, exciting city with so much going for it. If you go here in the Autumn the perfect place to stay at is Hotel Dorsia. A colorful, fun hotel in the center of town with a really great in-house restaurant.
Read more about my stay at Hotel Dorsia here.
The Hague, Netherlands and Hotel Indigo
When people think of the Netherlands they almost immediately think of Amsterdam. Which makes sense since it is such an amazing place. But this small, flat country has so much to offer, especially when it comes to cities. The second city Rotterdam is really exciting and so is the third city, The Hague. Make sure you get your hands on a bike and explore the city from the saddle. Bike along endless canals, through leafy parks down to the beach and great the roaring North Sea. When you come back into the city there is an excellent Autumn hotel to stay at, the Indigo. Situated in an old bank right next to the main shopping area with plenty of cafés and bars just waiting to welcome you in.
Read more about my stay at Hotel Indigo here.
Hamburg, Germany and Hotel Altes Hafenamt
I have such a soft spot for Germany and especially German cities. My love story with the capital Berlin has been going on for many year. And the same goes for the pearl of the south, the Bavarian capital of Munich. But my relationship with the second city, Hamburg is pretty new. I went here for the first time some 5 years ago not knowing what to expect. What I discovered was a town much like my home town Gothenburg that was created around a lively harbour. And harbour cities has a certain kind of grit to them. Something unpolished that really appeals to me. Because there is so much perfection in the imperfect. Come here in the Autumn and go for long walks along the Elbe, maybe a boat ride on Alster if the sun is shining. If you want to get a sense of the old seafaring past of this harbour town I can reckoned this great Autumn hotel, the Altes Hafenamt located in the old harbour.
Read more about my stay at Altes Hafenamt here.
Antwerp, Belgium and Hotel Pilar
Antwerp might be the best kept secret when it comes to fun European cities. This Belgian second city is located a short train ride from capital Brussels. And if all the official buildings are to be found in Brussels, this where you find all the fun. Restaurants, bars, cafés, museums, fashion, shopping, architecture and great hotels. Basically, this is the perfect city for a weekend break, especially in the autumn. I love to walk along the narrow city streets, looking at buildings and all the fashionable people hanging out here. And when you need to rest your feet there is a café/bar on every street corner so just take your pick. And the best Autumn hotel in town is easily the Pilar, located in the buzzing south.
Read more about my stay at the Pilar here.
So what are you waiting for? Chose your city, book tickets, book a room and just go! See you when you get there!
/RG
