The Best European Cities to Visit in September

Georgia’s location at the juncture between eastern Europe and western Asia is reflected in the eclectic combination of architectural styles in the capital, Tbilisi, with traditional Georgian, Byzantine, Moorish, Soviet and Art Nouveau buildings all on display. You can explore the city’s old quarter, and sample the unique local dishes like khachapuri – cheese-filled bread, which is considered Georgia’s national dish. Delve into the past at the Museum of Georgia, shop for fresh ingredients at the Dezerter Bazaar, and discover how to cook authentic Georgian cuisine in a cooking class in a local home before wrapping up your trip with a visit to the ancient sulphur baths. It’s a city like no other that’s growing in popularity for plenty of reasons.

Sicily can be scorching in the summer months, so September, when temperatures drop to around 22-25C, is a very sensible time to go. The island has a proud culinary heritage, heavily shaped by mainland Italy, Greece, North Africa and the Middle East, with arancine (stuffed rice balls, coated in breadcrumbs) and caponata (an aubergine-based stew) among the classics. There’s no better way to discover Sicilian food culture than by strolling through the rambunctious markets of the capital, Palermo, and taking part in a cooking class. You should also pay a visit to Syracuse, a city renowned for its ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and an atmospheric old town on the island of Ortigia, characterised by ornate, honey-coloured baroque architecture.

Florence brims with resplendent Renaissance architecture and art and is one of several spots worth visiting in Northern Italy. It’s particularly worthwhile heading there in September, when the dense summer crowds have dissipated and the weather is still pleasant enough to dine outside. See world famous works of art, like Michelangelo’s David, and the Duomo and the Palazzo Pitti.

The Czech capital is one of Central Europe’s greatest gothic cities and perfect to explore during the shoulder season, when the summer heat has eased and the throngs of tourists have left. The city’s magnificent old town and local craft breweries create a wonderfully unique atmosphere, while Sedlec Ossuary and the Sex Machines Museum are more original and obscure sights to explore.