16.10.2023.
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Autumn is the perfect time to experience Europe in its golden shine. Certain places become more magical during each season. The colourful panorama of fading leaves offers some stunning autumn destinations.
Bringing lesser tourists, quieter beaches and cities, autumn invites you to discover new destinations. From the urban charm to the tranquil countryside, there’s something for every taste during autumn. Europe bursts with amazing hikes that are truly enchanting in the autumn time. Experiencing the gastronomy and autumn festivals, your delight to travel in autumn will rise.
With lower hotel prices and cooler temperatures, you’ll have more reasons to discover Europe in autumn. Let this post inspire you with new travel ideas by 20 amazing bloggers.
Stuttgart and Pumpkin Festival in Ludwigsburg Castle, contributed by myself
Stuttgart is an awesome city and wonderful parks give an incredible charm to its urban life. Exploring Stuttgart by bike is a fantastic way to know the city. The surrounding hills and vineyards stretch to the picturesque images from the amazing viewpoints.
The city of the unique car culture offers a fascinating historical display and pretty towns nearby.
Pumpkin Festival at Ludwigsburg Castle
One of them is lovely Ludwigsburg which is only 20 minutes by train from the central station in Stuttgart. Ludwigsburg Castle is home to the fabulous Pumpkin Festival, one of the largest in the world. Pumpkin as the queen of the season is a fantastic reason to visit Ludwigsburg.
Lasting more than 3 months, you’ll have enough time to include Pumpkin Festival into your itinerary. All kind of pumpkin decoration will blow your mind as you arrived in the fairy tale.
Except the culinary delights, you can enjoy the boat race on certain dates. The Carving competition is also included with the weekends for general pumpkin to try it.
Ludwigsburg Castle is a marvelous place to visit all year around, especially during the Spring Festival or Sand Sculpture Festival.
Where to stay
It’s pretty convenient to visit Ludwigsburg from Stuttgart, a fantastic option would be Hotel Astoria Stuttgart City. If you’re on a budget, A&O Stuttgart city offers a cozy stay.
Berlin, contributed by Ali from Berlin Travel Tips
Berlin has a reputation of an ugly city. But look a little closer, and you’ll find the beauty, especially in autumn. The colors on the trees start to change, and it becomes a gorgeous city. Berlin in autumn also means a chance to see plenty of sights without the crowds. You can enjoy the fall colors and your sightseeing at the same time.
What to see in Berlin
Visit the UNESCO Museum Island offering cultural treasure, but before you go inside, admire the outsides. Not only is the architecture impressive, but there are lots of colorful trees here in the fall. Then take a stroll down Unter den Linden and make your way to Brandenburg Gate. After getting a few photos, cross the street to Tiergarten, one of the most loved parks in Berlin. It’s also a huge park, and you’re guaranteed to see fall colors here.
In the western part of Berlin is Charlottenburg Palace. Not only is this a gorgeous place to visit, but the autumn leaves make for some wonderful photos. The palace has some lovely gardens in the back and a huge park you can wander through.
Where to stay in Berlin
The 25Hours Hotel near the Berlin Zoo is a great choice for your time in Berlin. It has stylish rooms, and if you book a “jungle” room, you’ll get amazing views over the zoo and Tiergarten park. The view is especially nice in autumn thanks to all the leaves’ colours. Central Berlin is easily accessible from the Brandenburg Berlin Airport.
Lugano, Switzerland, contributed by Zoe from Together in Switzerland
For a stunning mountainous scenery with a turquoise Swiss lake, crunchy falling leaves to walk on and delicious seasonal Autumn treats – consider your next Autumn destination to Lugano, Switzerland.
Lugano is located in the South of Switzerland in the Ticino canton, which is known for its Mediterranean weather. For Autumn, you can expect sunshine and temperatures usually above 15c degrees, making is great to still visit without being too cold.
A must visit is to Parco Ciani, the main park of the city right on the lakeside of Lugano. It’s just a short 10 minute walk from the city centre and the ideal location for crunching leaves under your shoes. The view towards the mountains and city is picturesque and beautifully framed with the seasonal flowers. There is also a playground for those with children and a beach area for the warmer moments.
Events in Lugano City
The city hosts many events throughout Autumn, such as a full weekend of festivities with local grottos cooking chestnut dishes, traditional live music and stands to buy local delicacies. It’s great also for those who love a vintage market!
Hiking around Lugano
For those who love a bit of movement, hiking in Ticino is something you should plan time for. Many surrounding mountains such as Monte Generoso, Monte San Salvatore and Monte Tamaro are great choices for an Autumn hike. Else a personal favourite is the flat hike from Lugano to Gandria and back, a pretty car free village along the lake.
Bregenz, Austria, contributed by Tea from Culture Tourist
Bregenz is a lovely Austrian town located in its westernmost part, the Vorarlberg region. It’s a great place to visit in autumn, because of the fantastic nature around it. Lake Constance, as one of the largest European lakes, offers the relaxing promenades and vast forests. The numerous trees in and around Bregenz change colour in autumn, creating a beautiful setting to this town. The best way to enjoy these colours, is to take a ride on the Pfänder Cable Car. From its upper station you can enjoy the view of Bregenz and its surroundings.
What to experience during autumn in Bregenz
The city is filled with history, charming streets, beautiful architecture and cosy cafes and restaurants. Bregenz is one of the cultural centres of Austria. Many festivals and music events are taking place in autumn. The town is also home to one of the leading European contemporary art galleries, the Kunsthaus Bregenz. Next to it is the Vorarlberg Museum, dedicated to the region’s culture, art and history. You’ll also stumble upon many public art while wandering around Bregenz.
With its great interior design and dedication to promoting local producers, Hotel Schwärzler is a great place to stay in Bregenz.
From beautiful nature, to so many cultural events, Bregenz is a great place to visit this Autumn.
Paris, France, contributed by Martha from MayCauseWanderlust
Paris is gorgeous in every season, but autumn has a unique charm. The softer light and red-brown leaves of autumn paint the city in a palette of warm tones. In this way it becomes extra cosy and intimate.
The cooler temperatures in autumn make Paris very walkable. That’s why any Paris itinerary should include a walk around some of the charming neighbourhoods, including Montmartre or Saint-Germain. You could also go leaf-peeping in some of the many beautiful parks. The most popular are Jardin du Luxembourg and the Promenade Plantée – a walkway paving on a disused railway line.
Paris in the rainy time
If it rains, a huge range of indoor attractions will keep you dry. The Louvre bursts with attractions to explore for days. Musée Carnavalet is a free museum charting the history of Paris. The iconic Musée d’Orsay combines stunning art with dramatic architecture. The historical churches like Sainte-Chapelle hold a spectacular interior. Imposing Panthéon is home to the remains of famous writer Victor Hugo.
How to reach & where to stay
Paris is well-connected by air, with several major international airports, including Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais. It’s also got a great rail network, with high-speed trains ready to take you across France and to neighbouring countries.
For a luxury stay close to many of the major sites, especially Louvre, stay at the Hotel Regina Louvre.
Chamonix, France, contributed by Kate Fletcher from Bags Always Packed
Lying in the French Alps, Chamonix is an incredible mountain town in the embrace of snowcapped peaks each autumn.
Creating the most beautiful scenery, Chamonix attracts outdoor lovers among some of the tallest mountains in Western Europe.
Usually, the snowfall remains only at the highest peak, which means the abundance of hiking trails. The rock climbing crags are also still very much accessible to visitors. Perhaps the most unique experience in Chamonix is the chance to ascend the Aiguille du Midi. It’s an incredible gondola that leads to an fascinating 3,842 meters.
Providing breathtaking views to the surrounding mountains and glaciers, this viewpoint also covers the iconic Mont Blanc.
How to reach & where to stay
Back in the town, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious cheese fondue and a bottle of wine.
Getting to Chamonix couldn’t be more simple with daily busses and private transfers from Geneva airport, just an hour away. Plus, the abundance of beautiful hotels like the La Folie Douce gives you plenty of choice.
Bruges, Belgium, contributed by Amber from Get Lost in Wanderlust
Bruges, Belgium is a perfect autumn destination in Europe. Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges enjoys the medieval ambience of its charming canals. Autumn offers the fall foliage full of fabulous shades of red and orange.
The charming town of Bruges is worth visiting, and there are many things to do during the fall season. Including the brewery tour, climbing the Belfry, or taking a canal boat tour, the enticing vibe will multiple. Other highlights include visiting Grote Markt Square, which features Flemish Renaissance Revival architecture.
The food scene of Bruges is rather exquisite. While visiting, make sure to try a Belgium Waffle or some delicious Belgium Chocolate. At the Chocolate House, you can even try a specialty hot chocolate made with Belgian-style chocolate. There is nothing better than warming up with some hot chocolate on a brisk autumn day.
How to reach & where to stay
As Bruges is small in size, it is a very walkable city. Most people arrive in Bruges from the train station, which is only a 10-minute walk from the center of town. The train connects Bruges with other cities in Belgium, such as Brussels.
For a place to stay, check out the beautiful Hotel De Orangerie. This luxury boutique hotel covers the elegant rooms, in the pure center of Bruges.
London, contributed by Clotilde from A Princess Travelling With Twins
There is no denying that London is a perfect destination in any season of the year. However, in autumn it is at its best. Autumn welcomes visitors for cooler temperatures, which are not yet too cold.
The large flow of tourists lowers in autumn so you can enjoy the thousand attractions of the city more easily.
The many beautiful parks of London are in this period truly delightful and deserve to be in every London itinerary. A spectacle of colours awaits in the fancy ones such as the Regent Park. The same happens with the wilder ones, particularly the Hampstead Heath.
Between autumn and Christmas & where to stay in London
Autumn also includes the magical moments before Christmas, when we begin to breathe electrifying air. Walking in the city centre is the easiest way to immerse yourself in the mood. Most department stores such as Selfridges or Harrods set up Christmas corners as early as September. Surprisingly, by October all the shops will be ready.
Then we arrive in November when the Christmas lights fill the Regents Street and Oxford Street. Don’t hesitate to visit Fortum and Mason for a little edible gift and stay as central as possible.
The Ham Yard Hotel in the middle of Soho would be one of your best options.
The Cotswolds, UK, contributed by Anoushka from Anoushka’s Adventures
The picture postcard villages that make up The Cotswolds are popular with locals and tourists alike. Enticing with a quintessential English countryside experience, the Cotswolds on the road trip is a splendid place to visit. However, they’re at their most beautiful in October and November, when the region is awash with Autumn hues. Vine covered cottages and lines of orange trees make it a spectacular destination during the Autumn season.
Best exploring by car, there are a number of towns worth visiting.
Which towns to visit & where to stay
Castle Combe is one of the most fascinating and deserves many of cottagecore Instagram snaps.
As well as the iconic view of Bybrook River, it’s home to luxury hotel The Manor House. Looking straight out of a murder mystery, it’s a strikingly beautiful 14th century building.
Other popular villages and towns include the quaint Bibury, known for cottage lined Arlington Row, and Bourton-on-the-Water. After all the picturesque spots, retreat to a cosy local pub for a roast, or tuck into an afternoon tea in classic British style.
The Lake District, UK, contributed by Kenny from Knycx Journeying
The Lake District is a top vacation destination in England. Thanks to its layback vibe, the breathtaking scenery intertwines here with an old England charm.
Families and couples come to the Lake district for a short getaway around the year. The locals celebrates the seasonal change with foliage and a lesser crowds in autumn.
The Lake District has a poetic quality due to its profound connection with many artists, poets, and writers. They stayed here seeking inspiration, particularly Beatrix Potter who created the Peter Rabbit, a famous children’s book. The Peter Rabbit Museum recreates the stories in 3D for children to get immersive in this fantasy world.
What to see in Lake District
Plan your visit to the Lake District by starting at Windermere, as it is the transportation hub of the area. It will delight you with cozy bed and breakfasts, vacation homes, hostels, and retreats.
Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, perfect for plenty of outdoor activities during autumn. For example, take a scenic cruise to Ambleside or go hiking to the Hill Top. Hopping on a historic train ride of Haverthwaite Railway on Lakeside will reward you with unforgettable sceneries of nature.
Edinburgh, Scotland, contributed by Samantha Oppenheimer from Find Love and Travel
There really couldn’t be a better location to visit during autumn than Edinburgh in Scotland.
Edinburgh truly feels like you have stepped into a real-life fairy tale. From charming city streets to Instagrammable locations and castles, this city brings the autumn season to life.
A must-visit attraction is Edinburgh Castle, which looks like transcending straight out of a Harry Potter movie. Plus, this castle sits on an extinct volcano!
For a less crowded castle, you should visit Craigmillar Castle. It’s a hidden gem that offers great views of Edinburgh and fall foliage.
Hidden gems to visit
Additionally, for autumnal scenery and foliage, you have to head to Dean Village. This is a quaint, whimsical village offering a great escape from the city center.
Edinburgh is also a perfect destination to capture fall photos. Head to Calton Hill, Ross Fountain, and Lady Stair’s Close for some great photo opportunities.
How to reach
The best way to get to Edinburgh is to fly. Edinburgh Airport is the main airport. When in Edinburgh, you can either hire a car or use public transport.
One thing to keep in mind is that temperatures are usually around 42°F to 60°F, which can be pretty cold. Just remember to pack an extra layer or two!
Andorra, contributed by Kristin from Global Travel Escapades
An underrated but gorgeous destination to visit during the autumn season is Andorra. This small country stretches right in the middle of the Pyrenees mountains, being in the shadow of tourists. Andorra during autumn becomes such a wonderful place to visit as the trees that adorn the mountainside change colors. With the lack of crowds, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery in peace.
Of course, natural scenery isn’t the only thing that this small country has to offer. Visitors can also see intriguing architectural design. You will admire the Pont de Paris bridge, and beautiful art pieces like Salvador Dali’s La Noblesse du Temps. To learn about governance of principality, check out Casa de la Vall in their Old Town quarter.
How to reach & where to stay
For those keen on visiting, Andorra isn’t hard to reach from Barcelona. After Barcelona’s international airport, either take a 2.5-3 hour bus ride or opt to rent a car.
In terms of places to stay, a great hotel that’s worth checking out is Hotel Yomo Céntric. Lying in the pure center of Andorra la Vella’s downtown area, most attractions are within the walking distance.
Barcelona, contributed by Stephanie from Bey of Travel
Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and for good reason. Thanks to its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and warm climate, it deserves the millions of tourists.
While summer may be the peak season for tourism in Barcelona, visiting in autumn can be just as enjoyable. One of the main reasons why autumn is a great time to visit Barcelona is because of its weather.
Booking tickets to popular Gaudi attractions in advance will save the most stunning sights in your Barcelona itinerary!
Finally, Barcelona is known for its lively festivals and events, and autumn is no exception.
Why to visit Barcelona in autumn
While summers can be scorching and winters chilly, autumn offers a perfect balance with pleasant temperatures and clear skies.
The average temperature during this season ranges from 15-20°C (59-68°F), making it ideal for exploring the city on foot. Hit wonderful parks and views such as the Bunkers del Carmel and in the fall and capture lovely foliage!
However, in autumn the tourist crowds start to thin out, giving you a better chance of experiencing Barcelona’s beauty.
One of the most popular events during this season is La Mercè, a week-long celebration in honor of the city’s patron saint. This festival includes street parades, concerts, fireworks and other cultural activities that showcase the rich Catalan culture!
Where to stay in Barcelona
To get to Barcelona, fly down to the El Prat International Airport, and stay at a centrally located hotel like Seventy Barcelona.
Valencia, contributed by Lara from Valencia Revealed
Valencia is a magical destination in autumn, as this season brings a delightful change in weather. After a hot and humid summer, the comfortable temperatures return making this an ideal time to explore the city.
On this backdrop you can leisurely explore Valencia’s historic streets, futuristic architecture and browse the bountiful markets. Also, the Day of the Valencian Community takes place on October 9th and is celebrated with much fanfare.
Among the top places to visit during this time of the year is the City of Arts and Sciences. Representing a stunning architectural complex within a science museum, you can also enjoy an opera house, and Europe’s largest aquarium. Fantastic strolling opportunities fill Valencia’s parks and beaches and bring tranquil oasis.
In the evening you should seek entertainment in one of Valencia’s top flamenco venues for an authentic cultural experience.
How to reach & where to stay
To reach Valencia, you can fly into Valencia-Manises Airport which is well-connected to major European cities. Alternatively, high-speed trains provide easy access from other Spanish cities.
For a luxurious stay, consider the “Hotel Balneario Las Arenas,” a historic beachfront property. Covering modern amenities and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s immensely relaxing. Its luxurious spa makes it a perfect retreat after exploring the city.
Matera, Italy, contributed by Simon from Backpack Moments
Italy’s south has always been seen as poverty-stricken, dirty and backward, especially in comparison to its rich north. There is a city in south Italy that was long considered a “national shame” and its people cave-inhabiting peasants. Why would you visit that? Because this is the greatest story of a city’s revival in Europe.
Matera today is a UNESCO site, that will marvel you with its unique cave dwellings or “Sassi”. These stone-carved homes were in the past home of the troglodyte communities. However, they have now cover boutique hotels, luxurious restaurants, and artisan shops.
The city’s rich history is still tangible in its medieval churches, fresco-adorned chapels, and ancient cisterns. Resilience and rebirth fully describe their stories. Make sure to visit the different Sassi di Matera, cave churches, the Romanesque-style cathedral. Palombaro Lungo as the underground cisterns showcase Matera’s engineering feats.
Matera isn’t just a tourism destination; it’s a journey through time and it’s totally worth it.
Why to visit Matera in autumn
The perfect season to visit Matera is hands-down autumn. The scorching heat is over and it’s time for festivals! Matera in autumn has plenty of them. September has The Grape and Corn Festival and the Dried Fig Festival for food-themed experiences. October is the month of the Chestnut Festival.
How to reach & where to stay
Matera is connected by rail to nearby Bari which also has an international airport. Covering regular flights to multiple European destinations and domestic flights all around Italy, it’s a short way around.
In Matera, you must stay in a cave hotel. I duly recommend Il Geco with its incredible design and interior, located in the heart of the old town.
Plitvice Lake, Croatia, contributed by Noel from Visit Spain and Mediterranean
Finding autumn colors in Europe is a great time to visit the fantastic places. One of the gorgeous scenery scatters in Plitvice National Park in Croatia. Passing through some of the most incredible trails and walks in the park, you’ll admire plentiful of amazing waterfalls. Several boardwalks float above the small lakes giving you a birdseye view of the lovely cascades.
There’s also a ferry boat absorbing the bursting autumn colors and dotting entire hillsides. It is really the best time to visit and experience the fall season and landscape.
How to get around Plitvice (except by walking)
The best route is to take the park’s shuttle bus to the top of the trail. Afterwards, you should walk downhill through the scenic pathways along the many waterfall scenes.
A glorious scenic cruise by the boat glorifies the lake and surrounding landscape.
Where to stay
A few hotels right in the park will give you an advantage of walking around in tranquility before opening. For your convenience choose Lakeside Hotel Plitvice.
Fall time here at Plitvice is the low season bursting with amazing views and scenic trails. It also gives you more leisure time to photograph without waiting your moment.
Lake Bled, Slovenia, contributed by Melissa Kruse from Mountainsandmahals.com
Autumn brings an array of amber and yellow colors around the stunning views of Lake Bled in Slovenia. Capturing the dramatic Julian Alps in the background, lake Bled enjoys immense popularity.
In the late September summer crowds thin out, creating a great time to visit Lake Bled. The weather drops to cooler temperatures so you’ll need to pack a couple sweaters. But it’s not too cold to enjoy all the outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.
What to visit
Admire the fall foliage while taking a stroll on the pathway around the lake, or hike up to Ojstrica viewpoint. It will delight you with the aerial view of sunrise over the lake. Another easy way to absorb the tranquility is a boat ride on the lake. You can take a rowboat yourself or ride in a traditional wooden Pletna boat by an oarsman.
Visiting Bled Castle is a must do in Lake Bled. Not only is it a historic and well preserved but the view from the terrace is beyond incredible. The turquoise water of the lake pops against the colorful rolling ridges of the Alps.
Where to stay
Staying at Vila Bled, in the short distance from the main streets around, offers a serene atmosphere of the lake. This 4-star hotel was a summer home for the Yugoslav president Tito, but today it’s the perfect autumn getaway for you!
You can easily pair a visit to Lake Bled with a stay in the Slovenia capital, Ljubljana. It’s only an hour away and has the closest international airport.
Logar Valley, Slovenia, contributed by Karen from Outdoor Adventure Sampler
The Logar Valley is an area of magnificent scenery, by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. It is located in northern Slovenia, near the Austrian border. In autumn, the leaves on the slopes of the mountains turn brilliant colors. The larch trees in the Logar Valley feature a stunning shade of gold in October.
The many outdoor adventures of the Logar Valley draw visitors in the fall. An easy 7-km trail winds through the entire valley to soak up the views and scenery. Interpretive signs along the trail tell the history and geology of the area. A 15- minute hike to Slap Rinka, one of the highest waterfalls in Slovenia, is popular with all age visitors. You can also visit the Palenk Waterfall in the heart of the valley.
The Solčava Panoramic Route traces the ridges above the valley floor. This 39 km route you can traverse by car or bicycle to get spectacular views from up high.
How to reach & where to stay
It is an easy hour and a half drive from the capital city of Ljubljana to the town of Solcava, the start of the Logar Valley.
Stay at the historic Hotel Plesnik, family run accommodation in the valley center.
Prague, Czech Republic, contributed by Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery
If you’re thinking about where to visit in the fall for an amazing array of earthy colors, you should definitely consider Prague. Prague boasts many parks and the way their leaves turn is just beyond pretty.
I personally love the Riegrovy sady park near the train station, the Havlíčkovy sady park in the Vinohrady neighborhood. Letná park near the Old Town, on the other hand, is a place to observe epic sunsets.
If you’re fancy about a trip outside Prague, I can highly recommend the Bohemian Switzerland area. Hiking with the view of colorful forests is simply irresistible.
Any trip to Prague wouldn’t be complete without wandering through the Old Town. On the way to the Charles Bridge you need to check out the Prague Castle.
How to reach & where to stay
To get to Prague, fly into the Václav Havel Airport. Alternatively, visit Prague by train on direct routes from Berlin or Vienna.
The Prague Castle itself is surrounded by greenery thanks to its large moats circling the back part. You can also stay near there, in a magical area called Nový Svět (New World).
‘U Raka’ is a hotel that’s located inside an old timbered house, with an extraordinary atmosphere and especially romantic.
Remember, the weather can be unpredictable if you visit Prague in autumn. In case you encounter rainy days, check out this guide to Prague indoor activities.
Brno, Czech Republic, contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket
Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, a fantastic alternative to crowded Prague. The city is a fantastic trip in autumn, no matter if spend one day in Brno, or even more.
The Castle in Brno is a great place, if you want to see the foliage changing colour. To get to the castle you will need to climb a hill, through a beautiful park. From the top of the castle you will see a beautiful panorama of the city. Trees with green, yellow, orange, and red leaves frame the picturesque images.
Events in autumn
In autumn, the weather is still warm and pleasant in Brno. In South Moravia, the celebration of autumn starts with the harvest – 90% of the Czech Republic’s vineyards are here.
Brno bursts with fairs in Freedom Square, particularly grape juice, different pies, as well as sausages and potato dishes. All around the city centre there are small stalls selling young wine, which is the first fermentation of the grape juice. It’s delicious and very inexpensive.
How to reach
Whilst Brno has its own airport, not many airlines fly here. The easiest way to get to Brno is by flying to Vienna and taking a bus or train from the airport. The journey takes around one hour. Prague is two hours away from Brno.
Sibiu, Romania, contributed by Joanna from The Romanian Cookbook
Sibiu is a beautiful city in the heart of Transylvania, in Romania. It is famous for its medieval architecture, as well as the beautiful aesthetic of the historic town. Houses with “eyes” in their roofs enjoy the charming vibe.
Autumn takes a while to settle in Sibiu, with pleasant temperatures until the end of October. The city is very green, so you can see the autumn foliage very well here, from mid-October.
A great place to visit in Sibiu during autumn is the Village Museum. Located in a forest at the edge of the city, this is a very peaceful place displaying traditional houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum is huge, has a lake, a river, and a lovely traditional old inn. On their outdoor terrace you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Events in autumn
Every September, the city hosts the large pottery fair, where local producers bring their hand made works. September also brings the international Transylvania film festival, as well as the Sibiu Jazz Festival.
For foodies, there are quite a few festivals organised during autumn, from the street food festival to the wine harvest celebrations. Don’t miss the delicious traditional Romanian food by trying dishes such as sarmale, papanasi, or mici.
Rila Monastery, Bulgaria, contributed by Mina Coleman from No Texting and Tacking
Rila Monastery from the 10th century, (pronounced Rilski Manastir, in Bulgarian) lies in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The fall is one of the best times to visit. Along with cooler weather, the changing colors of the mountain bring the wow effect.
Found by St. John of Rila, the monastery has a large Eastern Orthodox church, full of rich decor. The Hrelov Tower from 1335, pours the best photos of the fall mountain.
Along with a few museums, there is an awesome restaurant on site. Home-made bread and mekitsi (fried pastries) are the delicacies of the monks, who prepare it fresh every day.
A couple of nice and easy hikes near-by are absolutely splendid, if you have the time. As a cruising family (Can you Live on a Boat? Yes, and Now is the Right Time), we love land hikes.
A few inns and taverns right along the road, in the town of Rila, offer traditional meals and treats.
Where to stay & how to reach
There is a hotel-section in the monastery itself, with clean and affordable rooms. You can also attend the church services with the monks.
The small town of Rila offers family-style hotels:
Family Hotel Pchelina, Rilski Manastir – Updated 2023 Prices
Day tours to Rila Monastery are plenty, from Sofia (leaving from St. Aleksander Nevski Cathedral).
If driving, it will take around two hours to reach the monastery, from Sofia.
Athens, contributed by Mal from Raw Mal Roams
While many European cities start to cool down, Athens maintains mild and pleasant temperatures. Thus, it’s an excellent choice for those wanting to extend their feel of summer just a bit longer.
Standing tall above the city, the iconic Acropolis takes on a new aura in the autumn light. Wandering the cobbled streets of Plaka is inevitable. The National Archaeological Museum with its priceless artefacts, offers also cute souvenirs to buy.
If you’re a foodie, be sure to book a food tour to delve deep into local culinary delights. And as evening falls, enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Monastiraki or the hipster neighbourhood of Psiri.
Visiting the Greek islands
If you have more time available on your itinerary, consider a visit to one of the Cycladic islands. Islands like Santorini or Mykonos are more serene in autumn, while still boasting fantastic weather. Additionally, you’ll often find more affordable accommodation and activity rates during this season.
Where to stay & how to reach
Opt for an Athens hotel with its own pool to elevate your trip with an added touch of indulgence. Electra Metropolis, located within walking distance of Plaka, is a great choice.
Getting to Athens is straightforward, as its international airport welcomes direct flights from numerous major cities worldwide.
Oslo, contributed by Megan from Megan & Aram
Norway’s capital city, Oslo, really shines during the autumn season. While it can rain a little more frequently than other seasons, the tourists are now sparce.
In Oslo, visitors will find some world-class museums! The newly opened Munch Museum is immensely popular, as are the museums on Bygdøy. They are perfect for a rainy day while parks like Vigelandsparken are ideal for a sunny autumn day. Unlike visiting Oslo in winter, you can still enjoy a coffee outside at one of Oslo’s famous cafes. Wandering around Aker Brygge, Frogner, or Grunnerløkka will allow you to stumble upon some of these cafes and coffee shops.
Day trips near Oslo
Oslo is the perfect base to take some day trips around the area. You can easily get to the Kistefos Museum and Sculpture Park in Jevnaker, which is a great day trip for art lovers. You can also take day trips to Drammen and Fredrikstad, if you’re looking to explore smaller towns.
Where to stay
The city has a plethora of hotels (and prices are cheaper in autumn than in summer!) and one affordable option is Citybox. If you have a larger budget, opt for Clarion Hotel Oslo. The hotel is near the water and has its own restaurant inside.
Amsterdam, contributed by Lavinia D’Souza from Continent Hop
Amsterdam is a charming city and a mix of the traditional and the modern. It is especially captivating during autumn with its picturesque canals, architecture, and vibrant fall foliage. The landscape is full of autumn hues which is breathtaking.
Amsterdam has beautiful canals along the traditional Dutch houses. You can take a leisurely stroll along these.
You can also take a Canal Cruise which is a unique experience. Take a free walking tour if you are interested in the city’s history.
Highlights in Amsterdam and around
Visit the Nine Streets and Jordan neighbourhoods for some calmness away from the crowds. You can explore other parts of Europe as well with a 2 week itinerary Europe.
Bloemenmarkt or the floating flower market is a colourful place and you can buy all kinds of souvenirs here. This is an excellent location for photographs.
The Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank Haus and Rijksmuseum are some of the most interesting museums. You should visit at least one of these to experience the city’s iconic culture.
The Keukenhof Gardens transform into a paradise of rich autumn colours which a quite unique. Visit the Zaanse Schans museum which displays traditional Dutch living.
Witness the fascinating Royal Palace from Dam Square, one of the most popular places in the city.
Lastly, you must get your hands on the delicious Dutch pancakes.
How to reach & where to stay
You can fly to Schiphol International Airport to get to Amsterdam or reach by train from other European towns.
Hotel Mercier is the perfect accommodation due to its central location.
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Thanks for sharing
Europe is on my list of places to visit.
I bet Austria in the Autumn is beautiful! I’ve only experienced London in Autumn although I’d love to go to the Cotswolds!
Great post, great place! Personally, I’ve been dying to visit the Cotswolds as only went once on a cold spring weekend many moons ago. I need to go in the fall! 🙂
There are some truly beautiful places to visit within Europe at this time of year, I would love to so\pend some time travelling around each of them and taking in all the wondrous sights!
Visiting Europe is the number 1 item on my bucket list. The only problem is that I am horrendously terrified to fly in an airplane. Irrationally so… I fear it will never happen. But, I live vicariously through travel blogs such as this and I am enjoying it so very much! Thank you for sharing!
so many great places to go in the fall in Europe thanks for the post
Autumn is a beautiful season. Love the colors. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post.
I’ve never been on a European trip in autumn but all these photos make it look perfect. This year we are staying closer to home with a little staycation in Scotland <3
Claire | G is for Gingers
Great recommendations! We have many beautiful places to visit here in autumn
Wow! There’s so many wonderful suggestions in this guide. It’s hard to pick where to visit first! I’ve added quite a few to my bucket list.