Best Destinations to Visit This Autumn in Europe 🍂
I used to think autumn was just about pumpkin lattes and moaning about darker evenings – then I started travelling Europe in September and October, and wow, was I wrong. 🍂 Suddenly, cities felt calmer, vineyards turned molten gold, and cafés smelled like cinnamon and woodsmoke instead of just burnt coffee.
There’s something special about this season here. You can hike through the Highlands without swatting midges, wander cobbled squares without getting elbowed by tour groups, and still sneak in the odd beach day in southern Europe.
Best Destinations to Visit this Autumn in Europe
Autumn isn’t just a bridge between summer holidays and winter getaways, it’s arguably the best time to see Europe. Crowds shrink, prices dip, and the landscapes are basically showing off. Here are the places worth adding to your autumn escape list.
Tuscany, Italy - Best Autumn Wine Getaway in Europe
There’s no bad time for Tuscany, but autumn? Chef’s kiss, trust! The grape harvest is in full swing, meaning wine festivals, feasts, and locals in unusually high spirits. Roads wind past ochre hillsides and olive groves where the air smells like woodsmoke and fermenting grapes. Book your wine tours early, they will fill up!
- Wander Chianti’s vineyards and sip straight from the source.
- Explore Siena’s cobbled streets with fewer tour groups in the way.
- Hit Florence’s galleries without sweating through your shirt.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Many wineries let you join harvest days! You’ll get a basket, a patch of vines, and endless refills of Chianti. Wear shoes you don’t mind staining purple.
Bavaria, Germany - Autumn Castles & Oktoberfest Fun
Autumn in Bavaria means two things: Oktoberfest and forests that look like they’ve been set on fire (in the best possible way). The backdrop of the Bavarian Alps doesn’t hurt either.
📍 Highlights:
- Hike through the Berchtesgaden National Park with leaves crunching underfoot.
- Visit Neuschwanstein Castle when it’s framed by fiery reds and golds.
- Raise a stein in Munich at Oktoberfest (go early in the day if you want a seat).
👉 Good to know: Oktoberfest actually starts in September and wraps up the first weekend of October. If you want quieter vibes, head straight after.
🗺️ More Travel Guides: Germany Travel Guides
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Scottish Highlands, Scotland - Europe’s Best Autumn Hikes
If you’ve ever dreamed of mist curling around lochs while bagpipes echo in the distance (yes, it actually happens), autumn is prime Highland season. The midges have buzzed off for the year, leaving you to hike, road trip, and pub-hop in peace.
📍 What to do:
- Drive the North Coast 500 with pit stops in whisky distilleries.
- Hike Glencoe’s ridges in crisp air with cinematic views.
- Cosy up by the fire in a stone-built inn after a rainy ramble.
Prague, Czech Republic – Affordable Autumn City Breaks in Europe
Prague in autumn feels like a living oil painting. The Charles Bridge glows, café windows steam up, and castle courtyards echo with violinists. Best of all? Prices take a nosedive after summer.
- Stroll along the Vltava with mulled wine in hand.
- Catch a classical concert in a baroque hall (tickets from €15).
- Wander side streets in Malá Strana where ivy turns crimson.
🔹Tinker’s Tip: Skip the overpriced Astronomical Clock cafés. Head two streets back and you’ll find cosy pubs where a pint costs less than a coffee.
Bordeaux, France – Wine, Food & Autumn Colours in Europe
When the vines turn red and gold, Bordeaux becomes ridiculously photogenic. It’s not just about wine – though, let’s be honest, wine is a big part of it.
- Cycle through the Médoc vineyards.
- Explore the Cité du Vin wine museum (half theme park, half tasting room).
- Stroll the Garonne riverfront, glowing in late afternoon light.
👉 Good to know: Harvest season means “vendanges” festivals. Locals love when visitors join in, so don’t be shy about asking around.
🗺️ Recommended Read: 15+ Essential France Travel Tips for a Flawless First Visit
Recommended Tours from GetYourGuide
Lisbon, Portugal - Where to Go in Europe in Autumn for Sunshine
If you’re clinging to summer but want thinner crowds, Lisbon is a winner. Autumn days are warm enough for terrace coffees, and nights are made for fado music drifting from tiled taverns.
📍 Highlights:
- Ride Tram 28 without elbowing ten tourists.
- Eat grilled sardines and pastel de nata like it’s your job.
- Day trip to Sintra for palaces that look plucked from a dream.
💡 Fact: Lisbon averages 22°C in October. Pack layers, but you might still sneak in a beach day.
Kraków, Poland – Cheap Autumn Destinations in Europe
Kraków is one of Europe’s most atmospheric cities in autumn and one of my all time favourites. Chestnut trees drop conkers in Planty Park, and the medieval square feels even more magical under golden light.
- Wander Wawel Castle’s courtyards.
- Grab pierogi in a cosy cellar restaurant.
- Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau for a sobering but important day trip.
🔹 Pro Tip: October is quieter but still lively. Book a walking tour to get the best insider history lessons – locals love adding folklore.
Our Google Maps Legend
Save time pinning everything! Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Dubrovnik, Croatia - Late Autumn Sun & Coastal Escapes
Summer in Dubrovnik is chaos. Autumn? Bliss. You can actually walk the city walls without dodging cruise ship hordes, and the Adriatic is still warm enough for a dip. I loved my time in Dubrovnik, even though I caught Covid! Not too rough though!
📍 What to do:
- Take the cable car up Mount Srđ for sweeping views.
- Kayak around Lokrum Island.
- Explore Old Town side streets now filled with locals again.
Vienna, Austria – Europe’s Cosy Autumn City Break
Vienna is basically autumn in city form. Coffee houses, classical concerts, and pastries that warm you from the inside out. Plus, the parks explode in colour.
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace gardens when they’re golden.
- Catch an opera (standing tickets cost less than a takeaway).
- Do the full Viennese café circuit – Sachertorte is mandatory.
💡 Fact: Austrians take their coffee culture so seriously it’s UNESCO-listed. Don’t rush it – order, sit, and savour.
✋🏼 Fancy a Road Trip: All Our Road Trips + FREE Map
Amsterdam, Netherlands - Best Places to See Autumn Colours in Europe
Amsterdam in autumn is moody in the best way. Mist rolls across canals, bikes whizz past leaves swirling on cobbles, and cafés glow warm at dusk.
- Rent a bike and cycle through Vondelpark.
- Cruise the canals under golden plane trees.
- Visit Jordaan’s indie boutiques and brown cafés.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Bring a rain jacket, not an umbrella. The wind has no mercy on umbrellas here.
Transylvania, Romania - Autumn Road Trips in Europe
Autumn is when Transylvania goes full gothic fairytale. Forests blaze orange, castles loom out of mist, and mountain trails feel endless.
- Visit Bran Castle (yes, the Dracula one).
- Hike the Apuseni Mountains with carpets of leaves underfoot.
- Explore Sibiu’s pastel Old Town.
Lake Bled, Slovenia – Best Autumn Lakeside Escape in Europe
By October, Lake Bled is wrapped in autumn colours. The water mirrors the mountains, and the church-on-an-island looks almost too staged.
- Row to Bled Island and ring the wishing bell.
- Hike to Ojstrica viewpoint for sunrise.
- Warm up with cream cake at a lakeside café.
💡 Fact: Bled cream cake isn’t just famous – it’s protected. Locals will tell you there’s a “right” bakery (everyone disagrees which one).
Barcelona, Spain – Sunshine-Filled Autumn Holidays in Europe
Still craving sun? Barcelona’s beaches are emptying but the tapas bars are buzzing. Autumn gives you the best of both worlds: culture without chaos.
📍 What to do:
- Wander Gaudí’s Park Güell with elbow room.
- Stroll Las Ramblas without pickpocket paranoia.
- Feast on tapas in El Born.
Bruges, Belgium – Cosy Autumn Holidays in Europe
Bruges in autumn is straight out of a fairy tale. Canals reflect fiery trees, cobbled lanes crunch with leaves, and chocolate shops smell even better than usual.
- Take a canal boat tour under golden trees.
- Cosy up with Belgian beer in a historic pub.
- Wander Markt Square lit up in the crisp evening air.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Now, over to you…
What’s your favourite autumn spot in Europe? 🍁 Share your stories, mishaps, or dream destinations in the comments 👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
Simliar Articles:
- Autumn in the Alps: Swiss Mountain Towns for Fall Getaways
- Autumn City Breaks: Urban Escapes with Fall Charm
- The UK in October: 10 Instagram-Worthy Autumn Locations
Recommended Websites and Resources:
FAQs
What’s the cheapest autumn destination in Europe?
Kraków and Transylvania are usually the most budget-friendly, with cheap food, beer, and accommodation.
What’s the best way to avoid tourist traps?
Wander two streets away from any major square. That’s where the local cafés, proper bakeries, and fair prices hide.
Is autumn a good time for hiking in Europe?
Yes! Scotland, Transylvania, and the Alps are all epic in autumn. Just check trail conditions and pack waterproofs.
Can you still swim in autumn in Europe?
In southern spots like Lisbon, Dubrovnik, and Barcelona, yes — at least until mid-October.
What should I pack for an autumn trip?
Layers, comfy walking shoes, a light rain jacket, and something warm for chilly evenings. Bonus: an extra tote bag for wine and cheese.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! I created The Travel Tinker as a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel, allowing you to tinker your own travels! Let's explore!
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