Autumn isn't just about the yellow leaves.

Girona, Spain -Climb the hill to admire the autumn scenery.

Nestled between Perpignan and Barcelona, ​​Girona, guarding the gateway to the Costa Brava region, boasts a distinctive Mediterranean charm. Bridges, flower-filled balconies, Arab baths, and majestic monasteries are just some of the surprises that its narrow alleyways will lead you to. And that's not all; the bustling city center awaits, where the familiar sounds of laughter and conversation emanate from local tapas stalls.

*MYou must try it.:Many tourists choose to follow the narrow, steep steps up the hill to admire the autumn scenery. But you'll stand out if you carry a bag of roasted chestnuts and panellets, just like a true local.

Lake Como, ItalyA peaceful oasis

The expansive lakes at the foot of the majestic Alps are one of the most memorable impressions of Italy. The most prominent among them is Lake Como, where, nestled in the year-round cool weather, the silhouettes of magnificent castles and private villas can be seen.

The scenery here has been a source of inspiration for famous poets and composers. If you are a golf or sailing enthusiast, you can find your enjoyment at the resorts in the area.

*MYou must try it.:When visiting Tremezzo, a city on Lake Como, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to try the pizza at Pizzeria Balognett. The highlight is the fragrant garlic sauce and the unusually crispy crust.

Leyden, NetherlandsSmall street along the canal

What is so special about the oldest university city in the Netherlands? The answer doesn't lie in a single landmark, a famous person, or a mysterious history, but rather in the overall peaceful flow of life along its cobblestone streets, beside flower-filled bridges, or simply in the regular market day in the town square.

Leyden, the birthplace of the renowned painter Rembrandt, is considered one of the most charming and picturesque ancient cities in Germany, thanks to the tranquil pace of life of its people. If you are captivated by the beauty of flowers, you can leisurely cycle back towards the city center to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrances of the nearby flower gardens.

*MYou must try it.:"Broodje Haring" is a sandwich made with raw, salted herring, served with chopped onions. A quintessential Dutch dish, it's sold in bustling streets everywhere. The Dutch prefer to eat it without bread; instead, they hold the fish by the tail, tilt their head back, and let it slide down their belly!

Munich, GermanyOktoberfest season

Berlin, with its parks bathed in golden autumn sunshine, is probably your first destination, but Munich offers even more than you might expect. From September 17th to October 3rd this year, millions of visitors from around the world will be immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the world's largest and most famous beer festival: Oktoberfest. During this event, six major breweries (Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Spaten, and Hofbräuhaus) will offer a special feast of beers brewed exclusively for the festival.

*MYou must try this:White sausage (Weisswurst), a dish made primarily from ground veal and cured pork, is one of the dishes originating from Bavaria. It's also a great snack to pair with a good beer.

Budapest, Hungary -Immerse yourself in the autumnal atmosphere of Eastern Europe.

Why visit Budapest this season? Because it boasts the classic beauty of numerous Baroque architectural structures shimmering in the honey-colored afternoons, creating a rare and poetic scene alongside the clear blue Danube River.

It would be a shame to visit and not try soaking in the natural hot springs of these centuries-old baths. Széchenyi, the largest medicinal bath in Europe, is certainly the ideal destination for those chilly days in this city known as the "Paris of the East."

*MYou must try it.:Lángos, a street food consisting of sour cream, garlic, cheese, ham, and sauce, is a Hungarian culinary pride now found in many other European countries, each with its own variation – sometimes topped with tomato sauce, other times with a stronger cabbage flavor.

Minho, Portugal -Enjoying drinks in the middle of the "green garden

During the changing seasons, what could be better than exploring Portugal's largest wine-growing region, a place with a long-standing winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times? After witnessing the incredible natural beauty of the valley, you can stop at a rural winery to chat with locals about the grape varieties, the harvests, or simply enjoy the sweet, smooth drops of Vinho Verde white wine.

*MYou must try it.:Pasteis de nata is a dessert you won't forget after just one bite. Behind the crispy baked crust lies the refreshing scent of lemon, the rich aroma of cinnamon, and the creamy taste of vanilla that lingers on.

Corsica, FranceThe muse of France in the Mediterranean.

Corsica acts as a bridge between modern society and wild nature. There are many options for exploring it: Visit the ancestral home of the great emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, stroll through the centuries-old citadel of Bonifacio, or be captivated by the mysterious stories drawn from the volcanic limestone mountains stretching along the Gulf of Porto. Or simply rent a car and drive through the vineyards, olive groves, and vast pine forests connecting the cities as the leaves change color... All are worthwhile choices for your journey.

*A must-try dish:Nothing beats an afternoon on a secluded island, ordering a platter of charcuterie with figatelli (pork liver and sausage), coppa (dried pork tenderloin), lonzu (cured pork tenderloin), bulagna (salted and peppered pork belly), and many more meats marinated in various ways. But having plenty of meat without a glass of wine flowing through your lungs is like mentioning Napoleon without listing all his love affairs.

Article by: Trang Ami

The Thanh