12 of the best places to visit in Europe in autumn
Autumn is a perfect time for a European city break. The summer crowds have gone, the weather is often still pleasant, especially in the more southerly destinations, and there’s a bit more of a relaxed feel.
If you’re looking for inspiration for a short break in the autumn or fall, this post will help! I’ve covered 12 incredible cities and destinations that are perfect to visit at this time of year.
On my list are cities in southern Europe that stay warm well into October and November and that are ideal spots if you’re looking to enjoy sunshine without the peak-season tourists.
If, however, you’re in the mood for cooler weather, I’ve included some more northerly cities that have plenty of indoor activities, including museums, thermal baths, and cosy cafés.
My list also includes places where you can get out and about, see local landscapes, and enjoy the scenery, which can be beautiful at this time of year.
I’ve been to all the places on my list during the autumn season, so can vouch that they are worth a visit. So read on to discover 12 of the best places for a short break or vacation in autumn, covering some of the best European cities.
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Top places to visit in Europe in autumn
Athens, Greece
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a perfect place for a short break in the autumn. Unsurprisingly, given its more southerly location in Europe, the weather is warm compared to other European destinations.
And if you’re after a cultural city break, it is one of the best destinations to head for: there are few others in Europe that showcase the ancient world as perfectly.
We visited in late November and had a fantastic time. There was so much to do here (and we probably need to return to do more). And, other than needing a jumper at the top of the Acropolis when we visited in the late afternoon – it’s very exposed up there – we experienced lovely warm weather.
There is a plethora of things to do in Athens, from exploring the ancient sites and old city, wandering through beautiful parks, and visiting excellent museums.
Add in some more modern sites, a top-notch culinary scene, lively nightlife, and easy access to coastal resorts, and you’ll not be short of things to do in Athens and places to put on your Athens itinerary.
Top things to do in Athens in autumn
– Visit the world-famous Acropolis and Parthenon and learn some Greek history
– Find out more about Greek history in the Acropolis Museum
– Take in the views from Philopappos Hill
– Witness the changing of the guard at Greece’s Parliament
– Chill out in the National Garden of Athens
– Wander around Plaka and sample some Greek food
– Visit Monastiraki Square and shop in its nearby markets
– See the Roman Agora and ancient sights, and marvel at the Ancient Agora’s treasures
– Stop off at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch
– Get the best city views from Mount Lycabettus
– Visit the National Archaeological Museum
– Indulge in a food tour
Valletta, Malta
My experience of Valletta comes from a short break I took in early November. I had a great time (see my post on 20 top things to do here).
On a short break its possible to learn about the island’s unique history. And the fact that Malta is the fifth smallest country in Europe (it’s only 121 square miles) means that on a trip to Valletta, it’s easy to see the main city sights, and take day trips to other parts of the island.
In November, the average temperature is can reach the high teens or 20 degrees Celsius. When I visited, I was treated to warm sunny days, which was great for wandering around the city and taking boat trips across the harbour.
Top things to do in Valletta in autumn
– Take in the stunning views across the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
– Sail across to the ‘Three Cities’, fortified towns on the other side of the Grand Harbour
– Go inside the spectacular St John’s Co-Cathedral and see the famous Caravaggio paintings
– Visit the Grandmaster’s Palace, once home to the Grand Master, the head of the Knights of Malta
– Visit Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum
– Wander through the old capital of the island, Mdina – or ‘The Silent City’ – so named because it’s now virtually deserted
– Island hop to nearby Gozo and Camino, the two other Maltese islands in the Mediterranean Sea
– Go to the harbour town of Marsaxlokk with its beautiful Church of our Lady of Pompeii and bustling Sunday market,
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, is another wonderful place for an autumn trip. It has a plethora of unique activities and experiences that make visiting during these months worthwhile.
It’s also milder in autumn than in winter – although it will depend on when in autumn you visit; obviously the later in the season, the colder it will be. Having said this, when we visited in November, it wasn’t too cold, and we enjoyed the darker days and spending time in the cosy bars and restaurants.
There are also plenty of things you can do to get out of the cold – be that going inside or getting into some thermal waters!
Top things to do in Reykavik in autumn
– Tick off a bucket list experience and book a trip to see the Northern Lights (the aurora borealis)
– Go out to the The Blue Lagoon and take a dip in the thermal pools while sipping a drink from the waterside bar
– Visit Reykavik’s unique cathedral, the largest church in Iceland
– Wander along the harbourside and take a snap of the eye-catching Sun Voyager sculpture
– Book one of the iconic Golden Circle trips to experience the natural beauty Iceland is so famous for
– Go out into the waters to try to spot some of the local wildlife
– Visit The Perlan Museum where you can go into an ice cave and see a northern lights show
Milan, Italy
Milan, Italy’s second-largest city, is a fabulous destination and another great place to visit at this time of year. If you’re looking for a place with many indoor activities to keep you going should you happen upon inclement weather, put it on your list.
It’s a city that has something for everyone, whether that’s exploring the central sights, visiting top museums, partaking in retail therapy, or wandering around the stadiums of two of the most famous football teams in the world.
See my separate post for more information and the best things to do here.
Top things to do in Milan in autumn
– Visit the incredible Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral), the largest church in Italy: go inside and up to the rooftop
– Wander through the neo-Renaissance Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with its eye-catching glass-domed roof
– View some art: options include a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, and the museums in Castello Sforzesco (Castle Sforza)
– For history lovers, learn about one of the city’s most famous sons, Leonardo da Vinci in the Leonardo3 museum
– See Da Vinci’s famous ‘Last Supper’ work which is painted onto a wall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church
– Take a look at the famous Teatro alla Scala opera house
– Visit the Castello Sforzesco, and then take a wander through Parco Sempione
– Stroll along the canals in the Navigli district and have aperitifs and cannoli
Oslo, Norway
Norway’s capital city has a wealth of attractions to suit all types of visitors, regardless of their interests. So you’re bound to find something you love on a city break here!
Temperatures are obviously cooler than in the summer season, and being in Scandinavia, by November, they can be down to around 5 degrees Celsius or lower.
However, this doesn’t mean you won’t get bright sunny days for sightseeing (we had really pleasant weather when we visited one late November) – you just need to pack a few jumpers!
And, as you’d expect, for a capital city, there are loads of museums (including the famous Munch Museum) and activities that are perfect for a visit during this season.
Top things to do in Oslo in autumn
– Explore central Oslo: see Oslo Cathedral, the Parliament Building, and the National Theatre
– Walk up to Slottsparken and see the Royal Palace
– Stroll along the Harbour Promenade and see the unique buildings in the central harbour area, including the City Hall and the striking Oslo Opera House
– Visit the Munch Museum to see the most extensive collection of Munch’s art anywhere
– See the incredible sculptures in Frogner Park, the largest park in central Oslo
– Have lunch in the Aker Brygge area
– Take the ferry to the Bygdog peninsula and visit one of the museums here
– Sail around the Oslofjord
– Prepare for winter by going ski-ing in Holmenkollen or in the SNO Ski Dome
Ljubljana and Lake Bled, Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital city, is charming and the perfect destination for a short break. This is particularly the case when you consider that it’s just a short journey away from beautiful scenery, such as the magical Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and the coastal resort of Piran.
Even if you can’t get to visit them all, you could definitely spend a couple of days in Ljubljana and take a day trip out to Lake Bled (you won’t be disappointed!).
I visited last year in late September. I experienced one rainy day, but other than that, the weather was gorgeous, with clear blue skies and temperatures that were perfect for sightseeing.
Top things to do in Ljubljana in autumn
– Explore the old town, with its striking Town Hall and baroque Cathedral
– See the Art Nouveau buildings lining Miklosiceva Street, and Prešeren Square with the magnificent 17th-century pink-coloured Franciscan Church
– Walk across the famous Triple Bridge
– Head to the Central Market and grab a bite to eat
– Take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle, a medieval fortress on a hill 375 metres high
– Stroll around Tivoli Park and see the mansion here
– Ascending the Neboticnik Skyscraper for fantastic views over to the castle
– Go out to the magical Lake Bled and sail across to the tiny island in the middle of the lake
– Ride into the Postojna Caves on the only double-track cave railway in the world (I’d especially recommend this if you experience bad weather on your trip)
If you do want to go out to Lake Bled, and see the beautiful lake with the island in the middle surrounded by autumn foliage, there are several ways to do this.
You can catch a train that takes around an hour – although this will drop you at a train station outside of Bled Town. So if time is tight and you can afford it, you might want to consider booking a tour to take you. See my separate post on Lake Bled for more information.
London, UK
London offers a mix of historic landmarks, modern attractions, top-class museums, and memorable experiences. So much so that I’d argue there isn’t a ‘best’ or ‘better’ time to visit.
Autumn is definitely a good time, especially as the central part tends to get crowded during the summer months and school holidays (so avoid October half term as this is also peak season for sightseeing).
There are historic buildings and famous sites to visit, such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. There’s a river to sail along, Royal Parks to stroll through, and fantastic places to stop off for food and drink and to partake in some retail therapy.
Top things to do in London in autumn
– Visit the city’s palaces: there’s Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, as well as Hampton Court Palace, a short journey away
– Be wowed by the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London and look over to Tower Bridge
– Look out over the city from the London Eye and wander across the bridge to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey
– Go inside St. Paul’s Cathedral and climb up to the galleries
– Take a cruise along the River Thames
– Stroll through one of the city’s parks and gardens: there’s Hyde Park, St. James’ Park, Kensington Gardens, and Kew Gardens, among others
– Drink cocktails in the Shard, London’s tallest building with its panoramic views, or in London’s highest public garden
– Visit one of the city’s fantastic museums
– Treat yourself to afternoon tea at the Ritz
– Go shopping on Oxford Street, in Covent Garden, or in Knightsbridge
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is another fantastic choice for a break in the autumn and fall.
We always opt to go at this time of year because the weather is often still warm and sunny. This is a real plus given how close the city is to local beaches (take the train to Cascais from central Lisbon, or get off at Estoril and walk to it along the seaside promenade.)
But you don’t need to go out to the coast to have a great time here. The city itself is packed with things to do (find out more in my post on 2 days in Lisbon).
We particularly love the city’s blend of historic charm, the old vintage trams that travel around the city, the scenic views available in several parts of the city, and the vibrant culture you can experience.
Top things to do in Lisbon in autumn
– Explore the Baixa area with the Praca Dom Pedro IV square and sweeping Praca do Comercio, which stands on the edge of the River Tagus
– Ascend the Elevador de Santa Justa for spectacular views of central Lisbon
– Go to the city’s oldest neighbourhood – the Alfama district – and stroll through its warren of narrow, winding, and steep streets
– Visit Lisbon’s cathedral and St. George’s Castle on the hill
– Take a ride on Tram 28, an iconic vintage yellow tram that winds its way through Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods
– Eat out at the Time Out food market
– Head to the Belem district to visit the historic sites and try the famous Portuguese custard tarts that originated in the nearby monastery
– Take a trip to the beach and walk along the coast from Sao Joao to Cascais
– Visit a fairytale castle, the unique Pena Palace in Sintra
Vilnius, Lithuania
I visited Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, in September of last year and fell in love with it. It has a mix of history and culture, and I found it was the perfect short city break (I spent two nights there).
The city’s compact size means you can easily cover its main attractions on foot and travel the short distance out to Trakai Castle, which sits on an island in a lake.
It’s also an affordable destination for a European short break (in 2025 it is the second best value city, according to the Post Office’s City Costs Barometer).
Eating out was well-priced, and there were affordable attractions to visit. You can also save money by purchasing the Vilnius Pass.
This gives you free entry to some of the main attractions, as well as a free city bus tour. There are also discounts available for other museums and activities, including some select restaurants in the city.
If you plan to visit Vilnius, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied on a city break (see also my separate post on this).
Top things to do in Vilnius in autumn
– See the Gates of Dawn, the neo-classical Town Hall in the Town Hall Square, and the nearby Presidential Palace
– Stroll along the old city streets, including Pilies Street, the oldest one in Vilnius
– Visit Cathedral Square and the elegant Vilnius Cathedral with its unique bell tower next to it that houses the city’s oldest clock
– Learn about Lithuania’s history in the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
– Go up to Gediminas Tower and look out over the city
– Walk along Gediminas Avenue, see the historical buildings lining it, and visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights in the former KGB building
– Sail along the Neris River in a gondola or catamaran
– Visit a medieval castle on an island in the middle of lake
The Alhambra, Spain
Visiting the Alhambra is undoubtedly on many people’s bucket lists (it was on mine!). Sitting high on a hill above Granada in Spain’s southern Andalusia region, it’s a fantastic place to visit. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Covering an area of 35 acres, it’s a place that reflects its construction over many centuries, and where you can see the influence of different religions, cultures, and rulers.
As a result, there are several different sections in the Alhambra, and it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Alhambra’s popularity means that a trip during the fall season may be preferable when there are likely to be fewer crowds after the peak of the summer.
See my separate post for top tips for visiting the Alhambra.
And you can book tickets for the Alhambra here.
Top things to do in the Alhambra in autumn
– Explore the Alcazaba, the oldest part of the Alhambra
– Climb the Torre de la Vela and see the views over the hills
– Wander around the Generalife gardens with its palace, once a summer residence for kings
– Be wowed by the Moorish designs in the rooms and courtyards in the Nasrid Palace
– Visit the Museum of the Alhambra in the Palace of Charles V
– See the Alhambra at sunset from the Mirador de San Nicolas viewpoint
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is located in the German-speaking part of the country in the north. I had to include it on my list of top places to visit in the fall, as it’s one of my favourite European cities and I’ve enjoyed several visits here, including in autumn.
Zurich is a beautiful city. It has an old town that straddles the River Limmat which flows through the historic part of the city. At one end, the old town reaches Lake Zurich where you’ll be able to see the mountains in the background.
There are no shortage of things to do on a short break here, whatever season you decide to visit in.
If the weather is fine when you’re there, there are plenty of outdoor activities to partake in. But if it’s not so good or colder, then there are fascinating museums to visit, thermal spas to take a dip in, and chocolate shops to try out!
If you plan to do a few of these, consider buying The Zurich Card which may save you money on your sightseeing.
The city is also well-located for visits to other nearby places – be that mountains, cities or smaller towns. You can see the range on offer in my post on the best day trips from Zurich.
Top things to do in Zurich in autumn
– Visit the historic old town straddling the Limmat River and climb up the Grossmunster’s for views across the city
– Sail along the river or take a cruise on Lake Zurich
– Wander around Zurichhorn Park and visit the pretty Chinese Garden
– Visit one of the city’s fabulous museums (uniquely, there is the Fifa World Cup Museum and the Lindt Chocolate Museum)
– Swim in the lake or chill out in a thermal spa
– Shop till you drop on Bahnhofstrasse (you may need to dig into your savings, though!)
– Take a day trip to the Jungfraujoch which has Europe’s highest train station, or visit Europe’s largest waterfall
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands that sit off the northwestern coast of Africa.
This is one if you’re looking for good weather in the autumn months.
Because of its location, it’s blessed with warm, sunny weather year-round. In autumn, although there are cooler temperatures, they can typically be in the low to mid 20s in Celsius. This makes it an excellent choice for a break during autumn, and for anyone looking to extend their summer a bit! And arguably, for some, the summer months would just be too hot.
Going in the autumn – if you avoid half term school breaks – also means that it’s less likely to be overcrowded.
Aside from making the most of the sunshine and chilling out on the beautiful beaches, there’s plenty of things to do in Las Palmas. It’s a vibrant city with a rich history and lively cultural scene.
Top things to do in Las Palmas in autumn
Explore the historic Vegueta district, including the Casa de Colon, the cathedral, and the Plaza de Santa Ana
– Relax on Las Canteras beach and swim in the sea
– Try the local food and drink and pop into the local markets
– Make the most of the island’s waters: go on a cruise, or do some kayaking or paddleboarding
– Look out across the city and to the sea from the Mirador de Altavista
– Visit some of the nearby historical towns, such as Arucas and Firgas
– Go walking in an old volcano, the Bandera Caldera
