20 great places to visit in Europe in Autumn

Is there a more underrated time to travel in Europe than Autumn? Far from the scorching temperatures, overwhelming crowds and extortionate prices of the summer and late spring months, as well as the short, cold and rainy days of the winter season, the Fall offers a perfectly-balanced alternative. On top of that, the season has a charm of its own, which can often be found in the brown and orange foliage and in the cooler evenings that call for a warm drink as the sun sets, after spending the whole day exploring.

Truth be told, it’s rare to find a destination in the Old Continent that wouldn’t make a great autumn getaway. However, there are countries and cities that are particularly alluring during this time of the year – and those are the ones we want to show you! So, without further ado, here are 20 of the best places to visit in Europe in Autumn, so you can start planning your post-summer getaway!

Where to go in Europe in the Fall

Vilnius, Lithuania

In a bit of a surprising fashion, we kickstart our list with the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. Freezing in the Winter and surprisingly hot in the Summer, Vilnius shows its best face in the Fall months, when you can comfortably stroll through the ancient streets of the Old Town, climb the remnants of Gediminas Tower and admire the semi-bare trees of its many green spaces.

Besides, Vilnius is a university city (in fact, the university itself is a tourist attraction), with students from all over the world flocking to the city in early autumn for the start of the new academic year, filling the pedestrian streets and numerous cafés in the historic center. Additionally, you should also set aside a few hours to spend a morning or afternoon at Trakai Castle – another spot that is particularly charming during this time of year. Surrounded by a lake and several islets interconnected by bridges, this castle is the quintessential day trip for anyone visiting Vilnius.

Slovenia

Considered one of the top nature tourism destinations in Europe, the small and unsuspecting nation of Slovenia is usually a hit with outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, it’s certainly no coincidence that trekking is a national pastime and that the country — despite its tiny size — excels in cycling, mountaineering and skiing, with some of the world’s top athletes proudly hailing from Slovenia.

That said, Autumn is the most comfortable time to visit the country’s major natural attractions, without having to worry too much about extreme temperatures. During this season, you can (and should) explore the legendary Lake Bled and the underrated Lake Bohinj, venture underground in Postojna Cave, hit the trails of Triglav National Park and admire the stunning views of the Slovenian Alps. For a more urban and cultural experience, a visit to the lovely capital of Ljubljana is a must, as this is one of the most beautiful and underrated cities in Europe.

Copenhagen, Denmark

A great destination for both Summer and Autumn months, Copenhagen is a nice, well-organized and comfortable city, especially if you can avoid the harsh winter temperatures. There’s really no going wrong here, as all you have to do is just rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace, without the stress of chaotic traffic or getting too tired. Among the city’s many highlights are the extraordinary Tivoli Gardens, one of the most iconic amusement parks in Europe.

Since the park is only open during the Summer months, the Halloween season and the Christmas period, Autumn is a great time to visit during the Halloween festivities, especially if you want to witness some of the most spectacular themed decorations you’ll ever see. Beyond the fun rides, you should enjoy the city and take photos of the colorful Nyhavn, visit the royal palaces of Christiansborg, Amalienborg and Rosenborg and hop on a train to Kronborg Castle, the inspiration behind the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Bordeaux, France

On a completely different note, it’s important to remember that early autumn marks the grape harvest season across much of Europe, meaning that some of the destinations on this list will be wine-related. With that in mind, and as the French representative on this list, we’ve chosen to highlight the beautiful city of Bordeaux, which is deeply connected to wine culture. This presence can be seen and felt in the countless wineries and vineyards in the region, as well as in the ultra-modern Cité du Vin, an incredible interactive museum dedicated to the history of wine in the city.

A land of fine wine, delicious food and rich culture, Bordeaux makes for an extremely pleasant and accessible weekend autumn getaway. You can even extend your stay and visit some wineries on a day trip to the medieval town of Saint-Émilion. Apart from Bordeaux, other French destinations that are especially charming in autumn include the Loire Valley, Annecy, Toulouse, the Alsace region (particularly during Advent season ) or the ever-classic Paris.

Bruges, Belgium

Too touristy and expensive in the summer, and too grey and rainy in the winter, Bruges is the perfect example of a European destination that shines brightest during the shoulder season – like the Fall! Nicknamed the “Venice of the North”, a title it proudly shares with Amsterdam due to its canals and medieval architecture, it’s hard not to fall in love with this city.

Especially in late Autumn, when the Christmas markets are already popping up, Bruges becomes especially magic, allowing you to climb the Belfry Tower, step inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood and enjoy a fresh waffle while taking the sights of the imposing Grote Markt. If the weather allows, you can dig a bit deeper into Belgian culture and rent a bike to cycle along Kruisvest Park, where you’ll find four traditional Flemish windmills (yet another cultural connection with the neighboring Netherlands). Lastly, should you have enough time, we suggest completing the Flanders trifecta by also visiting Ghent and Antwerp.

Bavaria, Germany

Sure, we could talk about the historic cities, the lakes and landscapes of the Bavarian Alps or even the fairy tale castles that look like they’re straight out of a Disney movie (and in a way, they are), but everyone knows that visiting Bavaria in Autumn means one thing and one thing only: Oktoberfest! Based in the city of Munich, this legendary beer festival is much more than just an excuse to get tipsy, as it represents the culture, traditions and history of the Free State of Bavaria. A lively concoction that is part festival, part amusement park, part ethnographic museum, as well as a truly unique event that is famous all around the world!

Of course, visiting Munich during this period can be quite costly – hotel prices and flight fares can be quite outrageous – but it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences! Either way, if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, you can still visit just about any German city during Advent season — such as Berlin, Dresden or Koln — to discover some of the best Christmas markets in Europe!

Poland

While we could highlight the classic stops of Krakow and Warsaw – the polish destinations that receive the most visitors annually – the truth is that Poland is a country with so much to offer that it would be unfair to mention only one specific city. In this case, the appeal of visiting in Autumn comes down to comfort, daylight hours and prices, since Summers can be unbearably hot (and surprisingly expensive), while winters are quite gloomy, dark and cold.

Be that as it may, if you’re planning a trip to Poland this Fall, other destinations you should consider (in addition to the two big names mentioned above) include the beautiful port city of Gdansk, the massive Malbork Castle, the university towns of Wroclaw and Torun, the old towns of Poznan and Lublin, the colorful tiny village of Zalipi, the hidden gem of Zamosc and the mountain resort town of Zakopane, nestled in the Tatra Mountains.

Tuscany, Italy

Was there ever any doubt that Italy would make the list? Much like Poland, it feels almost unfair to highlight just one city or region… but someone had to do it! In the end, we went with a seasonal activity, as the region of Tuscany is one of the top wine-producing areas in Italy, boasting over 40 DOC wines under its belt. Naturally, visiting a few wineries is a must for aficionados, with options for all tastes in towns like Chianti (the most famous wine), Montalcino and Montepulciano.

Still, even for those who aren’t that into wine, Tuscany is jampacked with magnificent places to visit. In addition to the inevitable Florence – one of the most mesmerizing cities on Earth – other top-tier destinations include the medieval city of Siena, Lucca, the towers of San Gimignano, the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia and the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Madeira, Portugal

Possible one of the trendiest destinations in Europe right now, we couldn’t publish such a list without including at least one Portuguese entry! That said, and while we could have easily gone with mainland Portugal, there’s nothing quite like getting a little taste of the island life. Enter the Madeira Archipelago, a destination steadily rising on the international travel scene. While you can choose between the main island of Madeira and the more remote Porto Santo, the former is probably the best bet if it’s your first time visiting.

Furthermore, as the island is also quite famous for its nice, warm temperatures all-year-round, Madeira is one of the few places in Portugal where you can still enjoy decent days at the beach in the Fall! Add to that the island’s iconic “levadas” (man-made water irrigation channels) and hiking trails, the Old Town of Funchal and its gardens, breathtaking peaks and viewpoints and an increasingly celebrated culinary scene, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable autumn getaway!

Malta

Keeping the focus on possible Autumn beach destinations in Europe, let’s now head to the tiny and unassuming island of Malta, one of the places in Europe with more stuff to see and do per square meter. Yes, the island (or rather, the two islands) is really small, but rest assured there’s more than enough to keep you busy for at least one week. To start with, it’s still perfectly possible to enjoy the beach during early Autumn, as the weather is still usually quite warm. For a great beach day, check out the turquoise waters at the Blue Lagoon in Comino!

Nonetheless, and even if you get unlucky with the weather, there’s still plenty to enjoy! From the beautiful architecture of the capital of La Valletta to the walled city of Mdina (a shooting location for Game of Thrones), the archaeological ruins of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, the Popeye Village in Mellieha, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and the island of Gozo, you might not even miss the beach at all!

Riga, Latvia

Back to the Baltics, having already covered Vilnius, it’s now time to dedicate a couple paragraphs to its neighbor upnorth. The capital of Latvia, Riga is one of the coolest cities in the Old Continent, packed with stylish bars, hidden themed restaurants, beerhalls and plenty of clubs. In fact, it’s no coincidence that Riga is known for having one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe, largely driven by its massive student population.

Alongside the comfortable temperatures at this time of year, it’s the start of the academic calendar and Riga’s buzzing atmosphere that earn it a spot on this list, with the city feeling more alive than ever! That said, don’t be fooled into thinking Latvia’s capital is only for party lovers, since its historic center is absolutely stunning, filled to the brim with medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, colorful façades, monumental Art Nouveau architecture and countless bizarre legends and quirky stories behind some of its most unusual statues.

Cotswolds, United Kingdom

Given the UK’s global reputation, it’s somewhat surprising that the Cotswolds haven’t yet gained widespread recognition among international travelers. A picturesque region made up of historic villages, traditional markets, castles and royal estates, the Cotswolds spread across several counties, though the best-known attractions can be mainly found in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.

The landscape is famous for its rolling green hills, but the real highlight is the region’s feature architecture, known for its beige stone façades. Plus, the rural atmosphere that surrounds the local towns is a big plus, as the setting hides a multitude of hiking trails perfect for gentle walks under the Autumn sun. Some of the most charming villages to visit in the region include Castle Combe, Bibury, Broadway, Chipping Norton and Bourton-on-the-Water. Alongside the villages, don’t miss Blenheim Palace, Sudeley Castle, Gloucester Cathedral or the Westonbirt National Arboretum.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Intersected by more than 150 canals and spread across nearly a hundred islands, Amsterdam is one of the most iconic and popular capitals in Europe, often ranking high on travelers’ bucket lists. Understandably, and while it’s undeniably beautiful and photogenic, the real strength of the Dutch capital lies in its diversity.

After all, do you know any other European city that speaks to so many different types of travelers? If its peaceful canals and quaint historical buildings appeal to the casual tourist looking for an Autumn city break, its many museums attract lovers of art and culture. On the other hand, the city’s laissez-fare attitude toward soft drugs and legalized prostitution – centered in the iconic Red Light District – also make it a hotspot for parties, fun and bachelor/bachelorette trips. That’s Amsterdam, a place where no two experiences are ever the same!

Georgia

Get used to seeing Georgia in these kinds of articles, because soon enough the country will be one of the major tourist hubs in Eurasia (this isn’t a prediction, it’s a spoiler). Truth be told, any time is a good time to visit this Caucasus nation, but Autumn makes everything easier and more comfortable, as some regions are prone to extreme temperatures. For two quick examples, the magnificent capital of Tbilisi can feel unbearably hot in the Summer months, while the roads and trails in the region of Svaneti – one of the top trekking destinations in the country – can be closed and/or blocked in the Winter and early Spring.

However, one of the coolest things about visiting Georgia at this time of year is being able to take part in the grape harvest in Kakheti, the province where the first wine in the world was officially produced! In fact, the wine culture is truly wild around here, fitting perfectly against the backdrop of lush valleys, charming towns (like Sighnaghi), ancient monasteries and temples, and a culinary tradition that’s among the richest and most indulgent you’ll ever try.

Rome, Italy

For our second stop in Italy (we could easily fill a list with nothing but Italian destinations), we now bring you the Eternal City. Capital of both Italy and the ancient Roman Empire, Rome is a millennia-old city and one of Europe’s greatest archaeological, cultural and historical treasures. Needless to say, it perfectly matches the stereotypical image many non-Europeans have of the continent, which is why is such a popular tourist destination. Besides, it’s a definite crowd-pleaser that attracts all kinds of travelers and everyone seems to love – something increasingly rare these days.

In fact, it’s such a unanimous place that Rome would easily make it onto any list of the best destinations for a quick getaway – regardless of whether people visit in the Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer. Home to the iconic Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and even Vatican City (technically a separate country), the Italian capital is a timeless destination… which means it never goes out of style!

Andalusia, Spain

Especially when we factor in its ease of access, Spain is full of excellent options for an Autumn escapade. From vibrant Barcelona to the eclectic mix of old and new in Valencia, not to mention the food lover’s paradise of the Basque Country or the often-overlooked landscapes and towns of Zaragoza, Galicia and Cantabria, the hardest part is actually choosing! In fact, if you’re traveling in early Fall and get lucky with the weather, you may even enjoy some very decent beach days in the likes of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza or the Canary Islands (more on that later).

That said, we have to go with the autonomous community of Andalusia, famous for its Mediterranean coastline and deep-rooted Moorish/Islamic heritage. While the temperatures probably won’t be quite warm enough for swimming (with a few exceptions), visiting Andalusia during this season offers a comfortable chance to explore its rich cultural side, especially in cities like Seville, Granada, Córdoba and Ronda. Alternatively, the milder temperatures are also perfect for anyone looking to complete the Caminito del Rey.

Madrid, Spain

Having just listed a few possible Autumn destinations in Spain, you didn’t really think we had forgotten about the capital… did you? In fact, Madrid is the perfect definition of a shoulder-season destination, since its location in the heart of the country, high up on a plateau and far away from the coast, means the city is prone to extreme temperatures, often boasting ice-cold winters and unbearably hot summers. That said, Spring and Autumn are when Madrid is at its absolute best!

Take the opportunity to stroll through the historic center and experience the famous movida Madrileña, as the city seems to buzz with life at any hour of the day or night. Along the way, don’t miss the chance to photograph Plaza Mayor, walk along Gran Vía, visit the Royal Palace, admire the world-class Prado Museum and relax on a bench in Retiro Park. Plus, the football season is on during the Fall, you might even get lucky and catch a Real Madrid match at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Athens, Greece

As far as cities go, Athens is… complicated! Truth be told, the Greek capital is usually quite polarizing, since people either love it or hate it. However, I am of the opinion that a big reason behind the negative experiences has to do with when people choose to visit. You see, Athens receives loads of tourists in the Summer, often as a transit point on their way to the dreamy Greek islands. Needless to say, the Summer is a terrible time to visit, as the unbearable heat, overwhelming crowds, lack of green spaces and heavy pollution levels often make for a disappointing experience.

Thankfully, many of these issues disappear in Autumn, when Athens becomes much more walkable, pleasant and welcoming. Besides, there’s no shortage of attractions to keep you busy during a city break, since Athens is home to the Parthenon – one of the most exceptional archaeological sites on the planet – the stadium that hosted the first Olympic Games of the modern era, the charming and picturesque district of Plaka and the emblematic Syntagma Square, where visitors can witness the quirky changing of the guard.

Tenerife, Spain

Although we briefly mentioned it earlier, we wanted to highlight the Canary Islands as the last beach destination included on our list of Autumn getaways. Located far south just off the coast of Morocco, the weather in the Canary Islands is known for its consistently, with temperatures above 20ºC all-year-round and particularly warm Autumns. More than a mere possibility, going to the beach in the Canary Islands in the Fall is pretty much a given – if so you wish.

Among the seven main islands of the archipelago, it’s only natural to highlight Tenerife – the largest and most famous of the bunch! In addition to beaches, you’ll find historic colonial towns, trails and gorges, fun theme parks and even prime spots for whale-watching tours. Besides, Tenerife is also home to the awe-inspiring Mount Teide, the third largest volcano in the world! You can even rent a car upon arrival and enjoy complete freedom to explore the island at your own pace.

Moldova

Finally, we cap off the list with what is arguably our most obscure destination. Considered the least-visited country in Europe, Moldova doesn’t really boast charming cities, fairytale villages or imperial monuments, but rather bleak, gigantic brutalist architecture, one of the long-lasting legacies of the Soviet era. However, and though this may be little-known, Moldova is one of the top 20 wine producers in the world, thanks to a favorable climate, fertile soils and a strong winemaking tradition.

Therefore, the harvest season is the perfect time to visit! Among the country’s most famous wineries are Milestii Mici and Cricova, with the latter going viral on social media for its 120+ km of underground tunnels where thousands of bottles are stored. Outside the wine scene, you shouldn’t miss the capital Chisinau, the archaeological and religious complex of Orheiul Vechi and the monasteries of Capriana and Țipova. For something completely off-the-beaten-path, consider a visit to Transnistria, a self-declared breakaway republic that unilaterally declared independence and is not recognized by any UN member state (though is financially and logistically supported by Russia).