Autumn allure: Cultural gems and free delights in European cities

Autumn is a delightful time in southern Europe, with pleasant weather and a chance for popular tourist destinations to recuperate from the bustling summer crowds. Here are a few cities that are particularly worth visiting during this season. Additionally, there are numerous free attractions available.

Visiting Barcelona, Rome, and Paris in the autumn comes with lighter crowds, which is just one of the many advantages. These cities also host a variety of cultural events during this time.

A trip to Barcelona is especially worth organising for the beginning of the month, such as November. Many museums offer free access to their collections on select days, primarily on the first Sunday of the month.

The Picasso Museum is a must-visit. Its collections date from the artist's early years and highlight his connection with the Spanish city. The museum houses over four thousand works, including drawings, paintings, and ceramics. You can enter for free on the first Sunday of the month and every Thursday after 5 p.m.

It would be best if you also considered visiting the National Art Museum of Catalonia, which offers free admission on Saturdays from 3 p.m. and on the first Sunday of the month. The Barcelona City History Museum also has free entry on the first Sunday.

A romantic stroll and a hot drink in a café courtyard in Paris sound like the perfect plan for an autumn getaway. During this season, the French capital also features interesting and additionally free events. On 14th October, the La Fête des Puces de Saint-Ouen 2024 will take place – a night antique market in the atmospheric Saint-Ouen, which this year is sponsored by the celebrated French designer Jacquemus.

Moreover, every first Friday of the month, the Louvre opens its doors completely free from 6 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore masterpieces from antiquity and the Renaissance in a unique nighttime setting.

For those looking for lighter entertainment, La Seine Ouverte is an ideal option. Every Monday evening, a free stand-up comedy show takes place on a barge over the Seine, offering beautiful views coupled with an informal atmosphere and plenty of laughs. It's a great way to start the week with humour and discover local comedians.

The third suggestion is the Eternal City, cherished by tourists.

In October, the Settimana della Cultura, or Culture Week, takes place. During this initiative, many Roman museums and galleries open their doors for free. This allows you to visit places like the Capitoline Museums, the Roman Forum, or the Colosseum without purchasing a ticket.

Additionally, the Romaeuropa Festival runs in Rome until 17th November. While most events require tickets, there are also free performances and workshops available.