Autumn in Europe: 23 Amazing Places to Visit

Looking for the best places to visit in autumn in Europe? As one of my favourite travel times, I’ve got you covered!

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ll know that autumn is my favourite time of year. I love the scenery, the events (like pumpkin picking and fireworks night), the way the leaves turn pretty colours, and the fact that prices for travel are so much lower.

Plus, there are fewer crowds – I mean, you can’t tell me you enjoy how rammed European summer gets. But autumn in Europe is like the golden ticket for travel. 

There’s a pretty great variety of places you could visit too. If you want the warmth, you could head to the south where places like Greece and Spain will still be pretty warm well into November. In comparison, many National Parks around Europe are colder, but the perfect weather for hiking and exploring the outdoors.

The Best Places to Go During Autumn in Europe

So, whether you’re looking to cling to those final rays of summer sun or want to embrace the autumn, chase the beautiful foliage, and explore the outdoors, these are the 23 best places to visit in autumn in Europe.

1. Plitvice National Park, Croatia

Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F)

Of all the places I visited in Croatia, this was one of my favourites (my second was the city of Split if you’re wondering!). Plitvice National Park is beyond beautiful. And autumn adds a whole new layer of prettiness with the vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.

There are several ways to enjoy the park, most begin with a bus ride to the trailhead. You can then pick one of the 8 different routes around the park. Admittedly, the waterfalls are definitely not at their peak in the autumn months.

For this, you want the spring, when it rains more and the snowy season has melted. However, during this time, the water can sometimes be so high that they close part of the trails completely. 

2. Loire Valley, France

Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F)

If you like France, culture, and beautiful Chateaus, you’ll love Loire Valley. Nestled in the heart of France, the Loire Valley is perfect for those who love history and culture. It’s also fantastic in autumn with gorgeous scenery, beautiful colours, and castles scattered across the countryside.

Some of the most famous chateaus to visit include Château de Villandry or Château de Chambord. Both of these destinations ooze sophistication and feature stunning architecture and there is no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage sights to see here.

3. Black Forest, Germany

Average Temperature: 12°C (54°F)

The Black Forest is stunning in autumn. The dense, evergreen trees contrast perfectly with the vibrant reds and yellows of the autumn colours. Plus, if you go for a walk in the frosty mornings, you can see your breath and it feels pretty magical. 

There are lots of places to visit in the Black Forest region of Germany. We rented a car and drove between Baden Baden, Heidelberg, and Freiburg. But I also recommend exploring Trieberg and Bad Wildbad.

Don’t miss out on the charming cuckoo clocks and artisanal crafts that the region is renowned for.

There are many fantastic hiking trails here as well as picturesque towns to explore. I highly recommend the Triberg Waterfalls trail, especially in the autumn when the foliage is stunning. If you love the outdoors, you’ll really enjoy it here. 

Top Tips: Visit in late October for the best fall foliage and try the local Black Forest cake for a sweet treat.

✅ Check out the best hotels in Baden-Baden

4. Cambridge, England

Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F)

As my home city, it’s really no wonder I have a soft spot for Cambridge. The city is beautiful all year round with its busy market square, intricate architecture and imposing university buildings. But in autumn, when the leaves turn golden and the city is still warm from the summer sun, it’s perfect. 

In my opinion, this is the best time to go punting on the River Cam. You avoid the huge crowds the summer brings but you don’t quite have to bundle up under a blanket to enjoy the scenery along the river. 

It’s also a great time to visit some of the city’s parks and gardens. Relax on Jesus Green, go for a stroll along the Backs, and admire the foliage in Paradise Local Nature Reserve.

If you enjoy history, you could also head to the Fitzwilliam Museum (which is free to enter) and the view from Great St Mary’s Church is always worth a visit.

Then, of course, you have the universities themselves. Kings College Chapel is stunning and I also love the views over the Bridge of Sighs from St Johns College. 

Top Tip: Don’t miss the charming cafés lining the cobbled streets. Places like Hot Numbers and Fitzbilies provide the perfect place to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or one of the city’s famous sweet treats.

✅ Check out the best hotels in Cambridge

5. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F)

If you are looking for a unique place to spend autumn in Europe, Lake Bled in Slovenia is a great choice. Located just an hour’s drive from the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, near the Austrian and Italian borders and just off the A2 highway, Bled is perfect for a day trip.

Renowned for its scenic beauty, Lake Bled is also a wonderful place to visit in autumn. The foliage is colourful, the crowds are fewer, and the cooler, pleasant weather is ideal for exploring.

In autumn, temperatures range between 10 and 20°C (50 and 68 °F), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. You can take leisurely walks along the lake, surrounded by stunningly colourful autumn landscapes.

Bled Castle, perched on a cliff beside the lake, offers panoramic views, as does the iconic island in the middle of the lake, accessible by traditional pletna boats. Hiking enthusiasts should not miss the southern viewpoints of the lake, which offer breathtaking views of the entire area.

Top Tip: Don’t miss Bled’s culinary attractions, especially the famous Bled cream cake, a popular local sweet.

✅ Check out the best hotels near Lake Bled

6. London, England

Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F) 

You can’t really go wrong with a trip to London. As with Cambridge, I believe that autumn brings out the best in this city. The vibrant English capital is always pretty busy, but the autumn months experience a bit of a lull after the summer rush.

You quite often still have reasonable weather (warm with a chance of rain! It is England after all!) which makes it a great chance to explore the city.

There’s an unbelievable amount of things to do in London. From free attractions like the Sky Garden and the British Museum to sights that are famous worldwide like the London Eye or Big Ben. Then you have hidden gems like St Dunstans in the East and beautiful parks and green spaces like Primrose Hill.

These parks and green spaces are some of the best places to visit if you’re exploring London in autumn. They come alive with colour and falling leaves and the scenery adds such a pretty vibe to the city.

A few of my favourite spots to visit in autumn are Hyde Park, Primrose Hill, Kyoto Garden, and Little Venice.

Top tip: If you want to witness a dazzling display of fireworks but don’t want to wait until New Year, attend the Bonfire Night celebrations all over London in early November.

✅ Check out the best hotels in London

7. Bruges, Belgium

Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F) 

Bruges is one of those cities in Europe that looks like a fairytale movie set. It’s a really pretty place with winding canals, medieval buildings, and cobblestone streets. With an average temperature of 11°C, it’s a great time to get outdoors and explore the city. 

Head to the historic Markt square, surrounded by charming guild houses, wander along the picturesque waterways and indulge in Belgian chocolate at quaint chocolatiers. I also recommend visiting the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views over the city.

An absolute must-do in Bruges is to go for a boat cruise on their canals. This is a great way to see the city from a new angle, and many of them also have commentary – so you can learn something too!

✅ Check out the best hotels in Bruges

8. The Cotswolds, England

Average Temperature: 13°C (55°F) 

When it comes to autumn in Europe, there’s no better place to visit than the Cotswolds. From colourful woodlands to quaint countryside villages bursting with autumn colour, it’s the perfect autumn travel destination.

Spanning six different counties in the central and southwest of England, the Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Culture lovers will love autumn days out at attractions such as Sudeley Castle, Blenheim Palace and Broughton Castle, where they can enjoy historic exhibitions, seasonal food and pretty gardens. 

For rich autumn colours, try Batsford Arboretum and Hidcote Manor Gardens which are full of colourful blooms and fall foliage.

And for those essential Instagram spots, you’ll want to head to Castle Combe. Perhaps one of the most famous villages of the Cotswolds, this picturesque village is most beautiful in the autumn. Though it’s small, it’s worth quietly strolling through to take in its beauty. 

You can spot popular filming spots from films like Stardust and the original Dr Doolittle here. Make sure you purchase homemade cakes or a warm drink from outside the locals’ houses and give back to the community.

✅ Check out the best hotels in the Cotswolds

9. Madeira, Portugal

Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F) 

Madeira is a fantastic autumn getaway. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese archipelago offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

The island has the perfect autumn climate. Temperatures hover around a pleasant 18-25°C (64-77°F), and the island’s landscapes transform from vibrant green to an assortment of warm tones, from the terracotta roofs of Funchal to the lush greenery of the Levada walks.

Getting to Madeira is easy with regular, cheap flights connecting the island to major European cities. The best way to get around the island is to rent a car, which will give you ample opportunity to explore this lush island on your own itinerary. Plus, public transport is not that great, so this is by far the easiest option.

For an easy walk, embark on the Levadas, immersing yourself in the island’s picturesque waterways. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something harder, spend the day hiking the mesmerising Pico Ruivo to Pico do Arieiro (PR1).

On this route, you can truly see the rugged beauty of Madeira’s mountainous landscape, from the jagged peaks and rolling clouds to panoramic views.

✅ Check out the best hotels in Madeira

10. Douro Valley, Portugal

Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F) 

If you’re a wine aficionado, the Douro Valley in Portugal is a must-visit. Located in northern Portugal, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, with a winemaking history of over 2,000 years. 

The region stretches over 40,000 hectares and is home to the incredibly unique Douro Valley terraced vineyards. The terraces are built into the steep hillsides along the Douro River, creating a visually striking, layered appearance.

In autumn, the hillsides, covered in vineyards, come alive as the foliage turns into beautiful colours of orange, yellow, and red.

Autumn is also harvest season, so you can visit the Quintas that call the Douro Valley home as they prepare the grapes to be transformed into wine —  some of them will even allow you to stomp the grapes yourself, joining in an age-old winemaking ritual.

Top Tip: A car is essential for flexibility and accessing remote quintas while exploring the Douro Valley. However, plenty of tours departing from Porto also provide a complete Douro Valley experience without the hassle of driving. You can book a tour here.

✅ Check out the best hotels in the Douro Valley

11. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F) 

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is the perfect place to see autumn in Europe! 

It’s very easy to reach as the airport has flights connecting the city with most of Europe. You can fly into Schiphol Airport and take a train to the city centre to reach Amsterdam. If you’re in a neighbouring country you can drive or take a bus or train.

The temperatures in Amsterdam in autumn range from 10 to 19°C, with lows dropping to 5°C, usually in the evenings. This is a great time to walk about the city and explore the waterways, without it getting too hot.

There are so many things you can do in the city. Make sure you take an iconic canal tour and visit one of the world-class-known museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Anne Frank House. Furthermore, visit Dam Square and the many parks Amsterdam has to enjoy the autumn foliage.

Top Tips: Prepare for changing weather conditions by bringing an umbrella, dress in layers, and buy tickets in advance for the events and museums as they can quickly sell out.

✅ Check out the best hotels in Amsterdam

12. Dolomites, Italy

Average Temperature: 5°C (41°F) 

You really can’t get a more beautiful destination to experience autumn in Europe than the Dolomites. Nestled in the north of Italy, a 2-hour drive from Venice, these mountains are famous for their gorgeousness. 

You can visit the Dolomites all year round. Spring brings wildflowers, summer brings the warmest weather and beautiful sunsets, winter turns the place into a ski resort, and then you have autumn.

This season is my personal favourite as it brings pleasant weather, beautiful foliage, and the perfect season for exploring the Dolomites.

The entire site is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s not hard to understand why. Hiking enthusiasts will love the array of trails offering panoramic views of jagged peaks and alpine meadows scattered with autumnal colours. The charming villages nestled in the valleys add to the overall atmosphere. 

Don’t miss the iconic Lake Braies, surrounded by golden larch trees, and the Sella Pass for breathtaking views. Also be sure to see the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine meadow, bathed in autumn colours.

With an average temperature of 5°C, the crisp mountain air certainly isn’t the warmest place on this list. But it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Europe in autumn.

✅ Check out the best hotels in the Dolomites

13. Wicklow Mountains, Ireland

Average Temperature: 15°C (57°F) 

Ireland is a wonderful place for gorgeous Autumn views, in particular the Wicklow Mountains National Park which is located a short drive south of Dublin. If you’ve ever been interested in hikes near Dublin, the Wicklow National Park is a top spot for sure. 

One of the best locations by this national park (if you’re not up for serious hiking) is the Powerscourt Estate. This estate has absolutely gorgeous grounds; the gardens are unmatched. In fact, they are listed as the third most beautiful gardens in the world by National Geographic. 

You can stay on the property in the Powerscourt Hotel, or just visit for the day. Definitely take the time to walk through the gardens; you won’t want to miss out.

The Wicklow National Park and Powerscourt Estate are a short drive away from each other (very close and both in Co. Wicklow). And you can reach them from Dublin easily. 

From Dublin, you can drive if you’ve rented a car, take a taxi, or a bus. It’s a quick and easy trip. Rain in Ireland is always a gamble (that’s a year-round reality!) but it often doesn’t last long. Typical weather averages about 15°C, which is about 57°F.

✅ Check out the best hotels near the Wicklow Mountains

14. Lake District, England

Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F)  

The Lake District is another of those fantastic places to visit in England that really shines in the autumn months. Although summer and spring in this region of the UK are beautiful, when the leaves start to turn and the hillsides and mountains are speckled with reds, oranges, and yellows, it’s completely breathtaking. 

This is one of the best places to visit in the UK if you love the outdoors. There are countless hiking trails and walking routes, you can cruise on England’s second-largest lake, and climb its highest mountain peak.

There are actually lots of lakes to explore (it’s not called the Lake District for nothing), and an array of waterfalls to see too. 

Be sure to visit Grasmere, where you can stroll around the romantic lake and pay homage to the poet Wordsworth. It’s certainly not the warmest place to visit in the autumn, but the UK never is! Nonetheless, it is definitely one of the most beautiful and I truly love it here at this time of year.

✅ Check out the best hotels in the Lake District

15. Berlin, Germany

Average Temperature: 12°C (53°F) 

Autumn is a great time to visit Germany. The fall colours make everything picturesque, and it feels nicer with fewer tourists and cheaper rates with the summer holidays over. Autumn means cooler and shorter days and cold nights. We spent 4 days in Berlin and the vibrant fall foliage displays transformed the city. We took a flight to reach Berlin. 

In October, Berlin sees a high of 15°C but drops to under 6°C in the night.

Berlin has plenty of parks like Tiergarten that are great for autumn walks. The best part of our visit was there were fewer crowds at all the tourist attractions. So we enjoyed visiting everything from Berliner Dom to Brandenburg Gate to Reichstag (the home of the German Parliament) at our own pace.

This was the same for the amazing museums located in Museuminsel. No snaking lines to get in anywhere. There is also the DDR Museum, which explores everyday life in erstwhile East Germany. 

Plus, during our visit in the fall, the scenery was beautiful with lots of of oranges, yellows, and reds.

✅ Check out the best hotels in Berlin

18. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland 

Average Temperature: 7°C (44°F)  

Autumn in Scotland is a photographer’s dream and nowhere more so than in the Cairngorms National Park.  

As one of the most northerly mountain ranges, Autumn typically arrives a little earlier than the rest of the UK. You can expect the leaves to start turning their characteristic reds, browns and oranges from early September, a perfect combination when the sun shines or some crisp frost.  

The Cairngorm National Park is vast with hiking trails to suit every ability. Choose from scenic woodland walks, such as the Pyramid walk on the Balmoral Estate to rugged mountain peaks.  

Autumn is the perfect time to see and hear the ‘Red Stag Rut’, a unique experience guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end!  

There are far fewer tourists than in peak season which brings the benefit of lower rates and higher availability of accommodation that can often be fully booked through the summer.  

The temperature will vary depending on whether you get sun, rain or snow, and whereabouts you visit in the park. Generally, you can expect it to be above freezing in wooded areas and cooler as you climb above the treeline.

✅ Check out the best hotels near Cairngorm National Park

19. Bordeaux, France

Average Temperature: 17°C (62°F)  

Bordeaux is an excellent autumn destination. The capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, not far from the Atlantic coast, is located 580 km west of Paris and it’s an easy 2-hour ride by TGV (fast) train from the French capital.

Bordeaux is world-famous for its wines and there are many things to do in Bordeaux about this topic. From the spectacular Cité du Vin to the more intimate Musée du Vin et du Négoce (wine museum) and wine tastings by expert sommeliers, you can’t have a better introduction to the Wines of Bordeaux.

Autumn is grape harvest time in Bordeaux, so it is an excellent time for wine tours. If you visit in September, you will be able to see the harvest or (if August is too hot) see part of the wine-making process in one of the châteaux nearby.

There are several wine areas in Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion (Rive Droite, mostly Merlot-based wines) and Médoc (Rive Gauche, cabernet sauvignon-based wines) the most popular tours.

If you are more interested in sightseeing, Old Bordeaux has many beautiful classic and neo-classic buildings and also some landmarks from Medieval times like the Porte Cailhau and the Saint-André Cathedral.

✅ Check out the best hotels in Bordeaux

20. Hallstatt, Austria

Average Temperature: 12°C (53°F)  

If you’re trying to find the most beautiful places to visit in autumn in Europe, you absolutely have to add this village to your bucket list.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, it’s surrounded by towering mountains and, in the autumn months, a vibrant mix of coloured leaves. Hallstatt is a postcard-perfect destination. 

You can meander through cobblestone streets, admire the charming alpine houses, take a peaceful boat ride on the lake itself, and explore the Dachstein Ice Cave. For a touch of history, I also recommend visiting the Hallstatt Salt Mine.

The views here really are breathtaking and it’s also a great palace to visit if you love the outdoors as you can go for walks around the lake and to the mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls nearby.

Plus, as with many of these autumn travel destinations, the time of year means fewer crowds and lower prices which, in Austria, is definitely a good thing!

✅ Check out the best hotels in Hallstatt

21. Paris, France

Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F)  

Paris is known for being lovely in springtime, but it’s also a gorgeous autumn travel destination when the softer light and red-brown leaves let you see the city through a new lens.

In Autumn, the crowds of summer abate and Parisians reclaim the city. The weather can still be comfortable, with average highs of 21°C in September, 16°C in October and 12°C in November.

These mild temperatures make Paris very walkable in Autumn. Any Paris itinerary should include a stroll around one of Paris’s many beautiful parks. Jardin du Luxembourg is a good one: with a former palace, lovely gardens and plenty of seats, it’s a great place to relax. 

Promenade Plantée is another good option: it’s an elevated walkway planted with trees, and flowers and laid with ponds. And in October, you might catch the Fete des Mendanges, or Harvest Festival, in Montmartre (dates vary from year to year).

If it rains, Paris has many captivating indoor attractions. There’s art in the world-famous Louvre and Musée d’Orsay; ostentatious interiors at Palais Garnier; and plenty of historic churches, including the spectacular Sainte-Chapelle. 

Paris has several international airports, including Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais. It’s also got a great rail network, with high-speed trains heading across France and to neighbouring countries.

✅ Check out the best hotels in Paris

22. Luxembourg

Average Temperature: 12°C (53°F)  

Luxembourg, situated in Western Europe, unveils its autumnal charm with temperatures averaging 10 to 15°C. Accessible through Luxembourg Airport or well-connected road and rail networks, the Grand Duchy offers a tranquil escape during this season. 

The city’s old town, adorned with medieval architecture, provides an ideal setting for leisurely walks in the golden foliage. Luxembourg’s parks, including Parc Central and Luxembourg City Gardens in Pétrusse Valley, also provide some great spots to witness the seasonal beauty. 

Cultural enthusiasts can delve into the city’s history at iconic sites like the Bock Casemates, an underground network revealing Luxembourg’s military past. 

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luxembourg City captivates with its historic charm, creating a perfect backdrop for an autumn getaway. With its diverse attractions and vibrant landscapes, Luxembourg is a captivating destination for those seeking a delightful retreat during the fall season.

If you are looking for day trips from Luxembourg, I recommend Echternach, Vianden and Clervaux.

✅ Check out the best hotels in Luxembourg

23. Sicily, Italy

Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F)  

For the perfect dose of winter sun, I highly recommend visiting Sicily in October. The weather is surprisingly warm for autumn – I am talking about 23-28°C on average. This means you’ll be able to wear shorts and flip-flops for most of your trip and eat as much gelato as you want!

The only time you may need to add a few more layers is if you want to visit Mount Etna.

The best thing about Sicily in October? It isn’t crowded at all. This is a huge plus as it means less stress and no long waits. You can visit some of Sicily’s top attractions such as the Teatro Antico in Taormina and the Isola Bella and have no line in sight.

Plus, although the water will likely be too cold for you to swim, you’ll still be able to enjoy the beach. 

I highly recommend paying a visit to Syracuse if you enjoy authentic places in Italy. It’s much less crowded – even more so in October – at sights like the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Noto, the Roman Amphitheatre, or the Elephant Ear.

If you are planning a trip to Italy or any South European country, I cannot recommend autumn in Europe enough.

✅ Check out the best hotels in Palermo

What is Europe Like in The Fall?

I love Europe in the fall. I think the whole continent is so much nicer to travel and a much better and more authentic experience than the summer months.

From the rustic charm of the Lake District to the fairytale vibes of Bruges, autumn shows Europe in its best light and trades bustling summer crowds for a more intimate, relaxing atmosphere.

Where in Europe Has The Best Autumn?

Picking the best of Europe in autumn is pretty tricky, but if I had to choose, it’s a tough choice between the Lake District in England, the Black Forest in Germany, and Hallstatt in Austria. takes the cake.

The colours in each of these places are amazing and paired with the charming villages and cobbled streets, make them all look like they’re straight out of a postcard.

Is Autumn Cold in Europe?

Autumn in Europe is like that perfect sweater weather—comfortable, cosy, and just right. While temperatures can vary, and you do get some colder destinations and some warmer ones, it’s generally not bone-chilling cold.

On average, expect temperatures of around 15°C in autumn in Europe. It’s ideal for the outdoors, walking, hiking, and exploring the cities without being too hot. 

Final Thoughts on Autumn in Europe

Overall, I truly believe that autumn is the best time to visit Europe. You have the best of everything.

Warm temperatures that aren’t too hot, lower prices making things much easier on the budget, and fewer crowds because, let’s face it, nobody likes a crowded tourist destination.

Autumn is the ideal time of year for an authentic experience and, on top of that, the whole continent comes alive with colour. It’s perfect and I cannot recommend travelling in autumn enough.