Autumn city break: Cities worth visiting by bus

When the heat and crowds pass, and cities breathe in the autumn rhythm, it's the right time for a short getaway. We bring you six cities that you can easily reach by bus, without a car or stress, and in the process make the most of the charms of September, October and November.

Graz – an Austrian classic for an autumn walk

Graz is an Austrian city with just the right amount of elegance, charm and urban rhythm. Autumn suits it perfectly – the colours of the Schlossberg hillside park, the scent of roasted chestnuts and the city market under golden leaves create the perfect backdrop for a relaxed weekend.

• Distance: about a 3 hour drive from Zagreb
• What to visit: Schlossberg and the clock tower, Kunsthaus (museum of modern art), old town (UNESCO heritage site)
• Autumn vibe: Local food fairs, designer shops and cafes where you can take shelter from the first autumn rain

Ljubljana - a small city with great autumn atmosphere

Ljubljana is an ideal city break destination for any time of year, but it becomes especially photogenic in autumn. Strolling along the Ljubljanica River as the leaves cover the streets, visiting modern galleries and dining in the warm interior of a local bistro – that’s autumn in Ljubljana.

• Distance: about 2 hours by bus from Zagreb
• What to visit: Ljubljana Castle, Tivoli Park, Central Market, Metelkova
• Autumn vibe: relaxed atmosphere, riverside cafes, cultural events and the feeling that autumn lasts longer here than elsewhere

Zagreb – a local city break that always surprises

If you’re from another part of Croatia, Zagreb is the perfect autumn choice. The capital offers a mix of architecture, parks, museums and good food – all within easy reach. Autumn in Zagreb is the time for film festivals, exhibitions and long walks along Zrinjevac.

• Distance: Easily accessible from all major cities in Croatia
• Things to see: Upper Town, Grič Tunnel, Botanical Garden, Museum of Broken Relationships
• Autumn vibe: A combination of city hustle and bustle and autumn peace, ideal for solo travelers, couples or friend

Osijek – a Slavonian city that takes on a new dimension in autumn

Osijek has a special atmosphere in autumn – warm colors, the smell of earth, food and wine festivals. The city on Drava becomes an ideal place for anyone who wants a combination of nature, culture and gastronomy without stress and crowds.

• Distance: about 4 hours by bus from Zagreb
• What to visit: Tvrđa (old baroque part of the city), promenade along the Drava, Kopački rit
• Autumn vibe: Wine days, craft beer festivals, local cuisine and peace that is hard to describe, but easy to experience

Venice – when the lagoons become quieter, the city becomes a fairy tale

Venice in autumn? Perfect. There are no summer crowds, prices are lower, and the city breathes at a special pace. The lagoons reflect the gray sky and golden leaves, and a walk through the alleys becomes a cinematic experience. Ideal for anyone looking for inspiration, romance, or simply - silence.

• Distance: about 6 hours by bus from Zagreb
• What to visit: St. Mark's Square, Dorsoduro, Gallerie dell'Accademia, vaporetto ride
• Autumn vibe: reflection of gondolas in the calm water, morning fog, dinners with wine, and silence that is rarely experienced in this city

Maribor – a wine capital with a soul

Maribor is a lesser-known destination, but it’s a real gem for those who love autumn, wine and nature. Known for the oldest grapevine in the world, this Slovenian city celebrates grapes, autumn and local traditions in September and October.

• Distance: about an hour and a half by bus from Zagreb
• Things to see: Lent (old town along the Drava River), Maribor Park, Pohorje
• Autumn vibe: The Stara trta Festival, wine tours, walks along the Drava River and the feeling of being in a European movie

Tips for an autumn city break by bus

• Travel on a weekday – less crowds and lower prices
• Dress in layers – autumn can surprise
• If you're going outside Croatia – don't forget your ID
• Check out the festivals – autumn is full of cultural and gastronomic events!

Nomago InterCity makes it all easy

• No car? No problem! On the Nomago InterCity platform you can:
• Quickly compare bus lines and carriers
• Book tickets online
• Organize the perfect city break without stress