Driving in Europe can be a great way to spend a holiday on the continent, with many historic and incredible cities to stay in.

Getting behind the wheel and taking the ferry or Eurotunnel into France can be the start of a great adventure.

Here, we have selected 20 of the best cities to visit this Autumn.

Before you set off, it is important to pack your car for a European road trip.

However, you will also need some important documents with you on your journey.

Aside from your passport and valid driving licence, holidaymakers will also need to have their car insurance documents and information on their European Breakdown Cover easily accessible.

Some countries in Europe also have emission stickers and vignettes in order to travel and drive within their borders – so researching your destinations ahead of the trip is something all drivers should do.

France, Germany, and Switzerland are just three examples of places where emission stickers are needed to be displayed on your vehicle.

Every European country has different laws and road regulations in place, so reading up on what to expect is important.

Use the RAC’s Route Planner to find the best roads to take to get to your final destination.

• Checklist for driving in Europe – are you ready?
• What is a vignette and where do they apply?
• Can you drive a rental car between countries in Europe?

According to the latest data from Statista there were more than 86 million international visits from Brits in 2023 – with the majority of these being in Europe.

Here are the top 10 most popular European tourist destinations for Brits in 2023:

1. Spain (17.8 million)
2. France (9.2m)
3. Italy (4.9m)
4. Greece (4.1m)
5. Portugal (4m)
6. Republic or Ireland (3.4m)
7. Turkey (3.2m)
8. Poland (2.8m)
9. The Netherlands (2.7m)
10. Germany (2.4m)

Although these are the European nations most visited by Brits last year, more than a million travelled to other countries including Romania, Belgium, Switzerland, Cyprus, Hungary, and Austria.

If you are planning your trip to Europe and are wondering how long it will take to reach some of these countries, here is a rundown of how long you can expect to be behind the wheel.

These times are from London to the capital cities of each of these nations:

1. Madrid, Spain – 19-21 hours
2. Paris, France – 6-8 hours
3. Rome, Italy – 21-23 hours
4. Athens, Greece – 34-38 hours
5. Lisbon, Portugal – 24-26 hours
6. Dublin, Republic or Ireland – 9-11 hours
7. Ankara, Turkey – 37-41 hours
8. Warsaw, Poland – 19-21 hours
9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 7-9 hours
10. Berlin, Germany – 13-15 hours

These times are subject to ferry/Eurotunnel times, traffic, border crossings, and rest stops.

No matter what country or city you are planning to visit on your drive across Europe, you will need to top up fuel along the way.

The RAC’s European Fuel Prices can keep you up-to-date with the latest cost for diesel and petrol across the continent.

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• How to pack a car for a European road trip
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One of the world’s most iconic cities is a must-visit during the autumn season. Offering comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 10°C to 15°C, it is perfect for exploring the many sights it has to offer.

The city's parks and gardens, such as the Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, showcase beautiful autumnal colours as you walk to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Arc de Triomphe.

Compared to the bustling summer months, autumn sees fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate experience.

As the temperature drops, French dishes such as boeuf bourguignon and onion soup are commonplace, and very popular with tourists.

Paris Fashion Week is held in the Autumn and the city's many boutiques are filled with visitors.

Driving from the UK to Dublin is an easy journey for most, and it is something that a lot of holidaymakers do every year.

Autumn in Dublin is typically mild with temperatures that are similar to most of the UK, and the season provides a beautiful backdrop for the many festivals and events that happen in the city.

With the summer crowds gone, autumn offers a more relaxed experience of Dublin, where you'll encounter shorter lines at popular attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the Book of Kells exhibition.

Also, as the temperature drops more people head to Dublin’s many famous pubs

Cozying up in a traditional pub with a pint of Guinness and enjoying live music is a must for all visitors.

Pubs like The Brazen Head, Temple Bar, and O’Donoghue’s are very popular.

Ireland is also the birthplace of Halloween, so expect some spooky events across the city.

With warm temperatures of around 15-20°C, cultural richness, and world-renowned cuisine, visiting the Eternal City in autumn is a popular European tourist destination.

The cooler weather is perfect for sightseeing as opposed to the blistering heat in the height of summer.

Although the temperature is more pleasant, crowds for Rome’s major attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter's Basilica are a bit shorter.

Rome’s parks and gardens, such as Villa Borghese, Villa Doria Pamphili, and the Orange Garden, are lit up with golden and red hues, providing a picturesque setting for the city.

With many cultural and historic events, festivals, markets, and the celebration of the harvest season, there are many things for visitors to enjoy away from the traditional tourist destinations.

Like many locations along the Mediterranean, the autumn season will still see temperatures of more than 20°C – meaning that it is popular with Brits looking to escape the colder temperatures.

With the peak summer season over, and the Formula 1 long gone, autumn sees fewer travllers on the streets during the day – making it easier to get into the prestigious venues in the city, such as the Prince's Palace, Oceanographic Museum, and Casino de Monte-Carlo.

The legendary Monaco Yacht Show is often held in late September, which showcases luxury yachts and attracts boating enthusiasts from around the world.

When you are not walking amongst the rich and famous, you can enjoy fine dining at Michelin-starred establishments or savour local specialties at cozy bistros.

The Belgian capital of Brussels is popular all year round, and in autumn its picturesque scenery is just as stunning as it is in the summer months.

With similar temperatures to British autumn, it is fine to walk around the city in its many parks and gardens, such as Parc du Cinquantenaire, Bois de la Cambre, and Parc de Bruxelles – as well as The Grand Palace.

Major attractions like the Grand Place, Atomium, and Manneken Pis are less crowded, and are highly rated by tourists.

Autumn is also a great time to enjoys Belgian beers in the evening, with many breweries offering seasonal brews to visitors.

Amsterdam's charming canals, parks, and vibrant culture continues through the autumn season – and is ever-popular with Brits.

Festivals and many cultural events are the highlights of the city’s calendar – and many of them take place over the summer and autumn seasons.

Amsterdam is known for its wide range of tourist hotspots – and they remain popular during autumn. However, the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum will likely have shorter lines and less congestion compared to the previous months.

The cooler weather makes autumn the perfect time to relax in one of Amsterdam’s many cafés and bars.

Amsterdam is also known for its biking culture, and autumn is a great time to explore the city on two wheels. The cooler weather and beautiful scenery make for enjoyable rides through the city and its parks.

A lesser-known autumnal holiday, the country of Luxembourg provides breathtaking landscapes for travellers.

Luxembourg's lush forests and parks transform into a spectacular array of colours in autumn.

Although it might drop down to single digit temperatures, it provides perfect hiking and photography opportunities.

Other major attractions like the Luxembourg City Old Town, Casemates du Bock, and the Grand Ducal Palace are well worth the visit.

The capital city itself is a blend of old and new, with its medieval fortifications, modern architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

The Spanish capital of Madrid offers the best of southern European weather, a great culinary history, and popular tourist destinations for all the family.

Like many other major cities during the autumn, the season is perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and exploring the city’s parks and gardens.

Places like Retiro Park, Casa de Campo, and the Royal Botanic Garden, come alive with vibrant autumn colours and pop-up food vendors.

Attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and Plaza Mayor are always popular, but you’ll avoid waiting in the blistering heat, like people visiting in the previous months.

An annual event in early September, called La Noche en Blanco, is known for when the city stays awake all night, offering free access to museums, galleries, and cultural performances throughout the city.

A few hours away from Madrid, the city of Malaga provides a warm weather location for the autumn.

The Costa del Sol is often viewed as the go-to location for many Brits every year, due to its summer-like temperatures, beautiful beaches, and delicious seafood.

The city's iconic landmarks, including the Málaga Cathedral, Roman Theatre, and the historic centre, with its beautiful squares and narrow streets are filled with tourists year round.

Autumn is grape harvest season, making it a great time for wine tasting in the region.

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