I don’t know if it’s the wine harvests, the festivals, the damp cobbled streets, or the leaves changing, but Europe is always best during autumn. The history, alluring castles and monuments, rolling mountains cloaked in crimson foliage, and the warmth of local restaurants on a cold day make getting away in October a win-win situation.
Europe’s breadth of culture, landscapes, and climates makes picking a single destination tricky. But the burden is also a blessing. Let’s uncover the best of them.
Budapest, Hungary
The landlocked city experiences a boisterous and at times blazing summer. A popular, youthful escape, the city’s famous Ruin Bars are the scene of many bar crawls. It cools off both in temperature and the crowds come October, creating just the right balance for your travels.
Budapest hasn’t had much luck in wartime being the target of endless bombings through major conflicts. The one silver lining? It’s an impressive mix of architecture that blends the east and west of the continent.
Old-time boulevards and street cars take you from the Danube through its many quarters home to fall markets, ancient churches, the Buda Castle, and a dining scene that won’t break the budget.
Where is Budapest?
Located in Hungary along the Danube River, the city sits about 240 kilometers (150 miles) southeast of Vienna, Austria, and around two hours by train from Bratislava, Slovakia. It is less than 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Slovak border, placing it at the heart of Central Europe. Most visitors arrive through Ferenc Liszt International Airport, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of the center, with frequent rail connections linking it to nearby European capitals.
Salzburg, Austria
With festivals and endless eye-catching landscapes, October in Salzburg is the perfect blend of humanity and nature. You can enjoy the Salzburg Culture Days, explore the Old Town and birthplace of Mozart, and lick gelato by the Hellbrunn Palace Trick Fountains. You can also venture for a scenic drive through the Salzburg and Salzkammergut lake districts.
The culture is rich and ripe in October. Cooler temperatures allow you to get your walk on and make it to the Salzburg Fortress by sunset. Walks along the river and out of the city bring exceptional color and the promise of schnitzel and goulash at local taverns.
Where is Salzburg?
Located in western Austria near the German border, Salzburg sits along the Salzach River at the northern edge of the Alps. The city is about 150 kilometers (95 miles) east of Munich, Germany, and roughly 300 kilometers (185 miles) west of Vienna, Austria. It can be reached by international trains running between Munich and Vienna, as well as flights into Salzburg Airport (W. A. Mozart Airport), which is only about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the city center.
Nantes, France
October marks one of the best times of year to wander Nantes’ Green Line. The colorful path creates a self-guided tour of Nantes, taking you by city highlights such as Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, the Interior Jungle (with gorgeous foliage) and numerous sculptures and public designs.
If that’s not enough, combine the walk with a cruise along the Erdre River. The scenic ride presents some of Europe’s best foliage, along with ancient architecture and natural landscapes.
Harvest season takes place in October, so be sure to visit a vineyard (or three), while you’ll find autumn specialties at the Nantes Farmers Market.
Where is Nantes?
Located in western France on the Loire River, Nantes lies about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the Atlantic coast. The city is roughly 380 kilometers (235 miles) southwest of Paris, connected by high-speed TGV trains that take about two hours. It also has Nantes Atlantique Airport, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of the center, with flights to major European cities. Highways link Nantes directly with Paris and other regional hubs such as Rennes, Angers, and La Rochelle.
Valletta, Malta
Autumn doesn’t have to be all sweaters and rain-soaked cobbled streets. The summer fun can continue in Valletta while also experiencing astounding history. Valletta, created by the Knights of St. John, lies on what can only be described as a slit of land on the island’s peninsula.
Its 16th century charm continues to capture the minds of all who visit. Small but packed with adventure, the World Heritage Site features Fort St Elmo, 17th century City Gates, St John’s Co-Cathedral, and the Grand Master’s Palace. But that’s merely scratching the surface.
Explore beyond the city to uncover the Blue Grotto, sunbathe at Golden Bay, and wander the Dingli Cliffs.
Where is Valletta?
Located on the northeast coast of Malta, Valletta sits on a peninsula between Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour. The city is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) from Malta International Airport, which offers connections across Europe. Frequent buses run from the airport and other parts of the island directly to Valletta’s main bus terminal at the city gates. Ferries also connect Valletta with nearby towns such as Sliema and the Three Cities across the harbors.
Alicante, Spain
Relative to the summer, Alicante falls into a quiet hush come October. Pleasant, brisk temperatures make it a joy to explore. Foodies will enjoy a delicious getaway as they sample the best of the many Mediterranean flavors at the Mercado Central, and sweet tooths will be on cloud nine thanks to the Explanada’s gelato shops and bakeries.
To work off the eats, trek your way through the Montgo Natural Park or by exploring the sprawling Archaeological Museum. History lovers can spend all day visiting the Santa Barbara Castle, while October coincides with grape harvest season just in time for a vineyard tour.
Where is Alicante?
Located on the southeastern coast of Spain, Alicante sits along the Costa Blanca on the Mediterranean Sea. The city is about 165 kilometers (100 miles) south of Valencia and 420 kilometers (260 miles) southeast of Madrid. It is served by Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, roughly 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of the center, with flights across Europe. High-speed trains connect Alicante with Madrid in about two and a half hours, and highways link it north to Valencia and south toward Murcia.
Munich, Germany
In October, flames burst from the streets of Munich in the form of maples and chestnut trees. Long boulevards swept up in warm colors beckon you through the Bavarian capital with stops along the way at Nymphenburg Palace Park and Luitpoldpark.
The cooler temps are balanced with Munich’s array of saunas from the Art Nouveau Finnish sauna to Müller’sches Volksbad’s Roman-Irish sweat bath. Of course, there’s the famous Oktoberfest (starting in late September).
The 200-year-old Bavarian tradition is much more than just steins of German beer. You can later continue the festivities at Kirchwiihdult, a folksy market with 300 stalls.
Where is Munich?
Located in southern Germany, Munich sits north of the Bavarian Alps along the Isar River. The city is about 150 kilometers (95 miles) from Salzburg, Austria, and roughly 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of Berlin. It is served by Munich International Airport (Franz Josef Strauß Airport), about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of the center, with extensive global connections. High-speed trains link Munich directly with cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Vienna, while major highways connect it across Germany and into Austria.
Lausanne, Switzerland
The cooler autumn has arrived in Lausanne, which can only mean one thing: it’s time for an overdose of rich fondue. As the city becomes draped in burgundies, yellows, and auburns, there’s no better time to explore.
The Sauvabelin Tower is the place to get your bearings. Thirty meters (115 ft) above the ground, you can admire the foliage, Lake Geneva along with a trio of geographical regions in the Alps, the Jura, and the Plateau.
For indoor fun, check out the interactive Olympic Museum and stop by a cafe for life-affirming fondue.
Where is Lausanne?
Located in western Switzerland, Lausanne sits on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, facing the French town of Évian across the water. The city is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northeast of Geneva and around 230 kilometers (143 miles) southwest of Zurich. It is well connected by train, with frequent services to Geneva, Bern, and Zurich, as well as to Paris via high-speed TGV. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, about 40 minutes away by direct train.
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Arriving in Luxembourg City coincides with the country’s wine harvest. Just in time to sample the nation’s best tipple while enjoying that festive atmosphere. The dip in temperature will have you craving warm and hearty eats and the city’s slew of savory stews and overuse of potato will hit the spot.
The stunning Grund neighborhood is invigorated with autumnal colors, adding an extra element to your strolls along the Alzette River, with stops at the idyllic district’s cozy cafes. In the evenings you can cruise along the Moselle River and experience the Night of the Museums.
Where is Luxembourg City?
Located in southern Luxembourg, Luxembourg City sits at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers. It is about 220 kilometers (135 miles) southwest of Brussels, 370 kilometers (230 miles) west of Frankfurt, and 215 kilometers (135 miles) southeast of Brussels. The city is served by Luxembourg Airport, about 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the center, with flights to major European hubs. High-speed trains connect directly to Paris, and regular rail services link to Brussels, Trier, and other nearby cities.
Dublin, Ireland
Autumn provides Dublin travelers with serene landscapes, cozy Irish weather, and an itinerary littered with festivities. A city of culture, history, and nature there’s no better way to explore the old-time streets than on foot. For every museum and garden, there are historic taverns and charming architecture that will stop you in your tracks.
It’s a city that is busy living, whether that be by enjoying October’s Theatre Festival and very Irish Halloween – it is after all, the land of Bram Stoker – or the Irish Music Festival. For lovers of museums and Guinness, you can explore both without the lines. All the while migrating birds find shelter in Dublin Bay.
Where is Dublin?
Located on the east coast of Ireland, Dublin sits at the mouth of the River Liffey along the Irish Sea. The city is about 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of Kilkenny and 260 kilometers (160 miles) east of Galway. Most visitors arrive through Dublin Airport, roughly 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the center, which has extensive connections across Europe and beyond. Rail and bus links connect Dublin with other Irish cities, while ferries run across the Irish Sea to Britain.
Heraklion, Greece
On the Greek island of Crete, Heraklion is a city rich in ancient monuments and autumn sunshine that allows for continued outdoor adventures. The story of Heraklion began in the year 824. However, you can trace its foundation to the ancient city of Knossos which dates back 4,000 years.
The lores of the past continue today in Heraklion’s storied archaeological sites, the Palace of Knossos and the Natural History Museum of Crete. Picture-perfect weather will also motivate adventurous souls who can take day trips to Dia Island, set out along the E4 hiking route, and wander the Lassithi Plateau.
Where is Heraklion?
Located on the north coast of Crete, Greece, Heraklion lies between the towns of Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos, facing the Aegean Sea. It is about 145 kilometers (90 miles) south of Santorini by ferry and roughly 320 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Athens. The city is served by Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis Airport), only about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the center, with frequent flights from Athens and European cities. Ferries also connect Heraklion directly with Piraeus (Athens) and nearby islands.
Nice, France
The popular summer escape calms down (slightly) in October. With the weather cooling off, morning strolls require light jackets and the brisk evenings make balcony cocktails as refreshing as the perfect spritzer.
The October sun still allows for some long days on the beach all without having to compete for lounges and umbrellas. With that ticked off, autumn strolls through the Old Town and Place Massena stopping for baked treats. If the weather isn’t cooperating, Nice has an alluring assortment of museums and galleries that celebrate the likes of Picasso and Matisse.
For sunset, book a table at Le Plongeoir.
Where is Nice?
Located on the southeastern coast of France, Nice sits on the French Riviera along the Mediterranean Sea. The city is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Monaco and 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of Marseille. It is served by Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, only 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the city center, with extensive European and international connections. High-speed trains link Nice with Marseille and Paris, while coastal rail lines connect it to Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco.
Seville, Spain
With the steaming summer heat in the rearview mirror, Seville presents the ideal October getaway. Sightseeing has reached its zenith, as you can explore without the beads of sweat and as attention turns to the holiday seasons, the town is swept up in a vibrant atmosphere.
Of course, your days will end with strolls along the serene Guadalquivir River and hopping between tapas bars. However, your days will be full of experiencing pristine gardens, Mudejar architecture, the Flamenco Museum, and the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral. That’s without mentioning the incomparable UNESCO site, The Alcazar.
Where is Seville?
Located in southern Spain, Seville lies on the Guadalquivir River in the region of Andalusia. The city is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Cádiz and roughly 530 kilometers (330 miles) southwest of Madrid. It is served by Seville Airport (San Pablo Airport), about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the center, with flights across Spain and Europe. High-speed AVE trains connect Seville with Madrid in about 2.5 hours, and highways link it to Córdoba, Cádiz, and other Andalusian cities.
Krakow in Poland would be my number one choice for an October trip. The city feels like a living medieval fairytale, and its UNESCO World Heritage status speaks for itself. It might be a bit chilly at this time of year, but the stunning autumn colors and fewer tourists make the experience even more magical.