5 reasons to travel to Europe in the Fall (and where you should visit)
By Jeremy Branham on Oct 01, 2011 with Comments 63
While summer vacations bring many tourists to Europe, would you ever travel to Europe in the Fall? As someone who loves the Fall weather, Europe, and budget travel, there is no better time to see Paris, London, Rome, Prague, and various other cities in Europe. While airfares are up for Fall travel, there are some cheap flights and travel deals to Europe.
Why travel to Europe in the Fall?
When you’re a young kid, travel can be fascinating. Backpacking through Europe as a college kid captures the essence of youth – freedom, independence, responsibility, adventure, and understanding. As the mind begins to contemplate the world we live in from the perspective of a wide-eyed young adult, travel pierces the heart and mind to awaken what is inside, challenge, and teach us.
For Europe, there is a history that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From the great empires of Rome to the tragedies of World War II, culture, countries, and the past come alive. The exciting part is that it is still thriving today. Here are a few reasons why you should travel to Europe in the Fall and my list of places you should visit.
5 reasons to travel to Europe in the Fall
1. Fewer people - Smaller crowds mean less time waiting in line, more time to spend in your favorite museums or landmarks, and even more time to see everything on your itinerary.
2. Cooler weather - For places like Italy, Greece, and Spain, the heat in the summer can be brutal. Cooler temperatures allow you to enjoy places you love or are just discovering without the distraction of summer sun.
3. Cheaper flights - Aside from winter, Fall airfares are some of the cheapest of the year. While flying to Europe can be expensive from the US, flying within Europe or traveling by train can be a bargain. Find out how to find the cheapest flights.
4. Connecting with locals - During the summer, many Europeans are on vacation too. However, Fall travel means an opportunity to connect with a local, experience new things, and build memories you otherwise couldn’t have during the summer.
5. Discounts - Not only are flights cheaper but virtually everything is cheaper from hotels to food. Many B&Bs, hotel chains, small hotels and hostels will offer discounts for travel during certain times of the year. And when there are fewer people, there is more opportunity to bargain.
5 European destinations to visit in the Fall
If you want to travel to Europe in the Fall, here are destinations you don’t want to miss.
1. Lisbon - While not a highly visited European destination, it was one of my favorite cities in Europe with its culture, diversity, and geography. I want to go back one day but easily one city I would consider making it my home.
2. Paris - A city people either love or hate, experience Paris when the crowds are gone. You will see a different side of the city with all the same sights.
3. Budapest - Another European city that doesn’t get a lot of attention, Hungary has a fascinating history unlike any other country in Europe. It also has a capital city that is unique, charming, and beautiful.
4. Lake Bled - Located 45 minutes from the capital of Slovenia (Ljubljana), Lake Bled is a beautiful lake town with an island church. While there isn’t a lot to do, it’s a great place to relax, wander, and enjoy one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
5. Sevilla - While the heat in this Spanish city can be unbearable in the summer, Fall is just right to enjoy this Andalusian town and its fascinating history. A great mix of old and new, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.
If you travel to Europe in Autumn, it’s an amazing experience. Are there pros and cons to Europe in the Fall? Yes, but that’s true of any destination regardless of the time of year.
If you have the time, experience Europe and some of these great cities for all that they have to offer. There is nothing like a European vacation in the Fall.
Check out my 11 part feature on Backpacking through Spain and Portugal including my most popular most Exploring Spain and Portugal – from a nude beach in Salema to Lisbon
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Filed Under: Destinations • Europe • Travel Tips
I'm Jeremy Branham and I love to travel. Check out my travel stories, guides, sports travels, and adventures.
I went to Europe about 4 years ago in the summer and I love it because the sun shines longer so that I had more time to wander around in the daylight. But your idea about traveling to Europe in the fall is really interesting since I actually don’t like if there are too many tourists in a single place.
Bama recently posted..Angkor Wat: The Khmer Jewel and Pride
The hours aren’t that big of a deal. Less crowds makes up for the shorter hours because you can get much more stuff done without waiting in lines. More than makes up for shorter hours! Any ideas as to where that first Fall trip to Europe will be?
Lisbon is so underrated. It has to be because of it’s location, but it is truly a city with everything.
Erik recently posted..Postcard Friday- Ronda, Spain
It’s my favorite city and right now, my #1 pick for where I would choose to live if I moved to Europe.
I agree, and we’re having a lovely warm fall (today was a balmy 21 Celsius in Munich), but where’s Munich on your list?
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Honestly, I have only spent a few hours in Munich and have not had enough time to fully explore. That’s why it isn’t on the list!
Me and my family have just booked the trip to EUROPE. And your post just got me all pumped up. An excited thanks to you.
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Glad to hear that Suzaina! Traveling to Europe in the Fall is wonderful. I’ve done it many times. Where will you be going in Europe?
You should come to Finland. We have here very few people and cooler temperature than in Southern Europe!
My favourite travel destinations in Europe has been Estonia (Tallinn) and Germany (Berlin, Heidelberg).
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Thanks for the suggestions Mikko. Actually, Estonia was the first country I ever visited outside of the US way back in 1995. I LOVED Estonia and want to visit again. So you don’t have to convince me!
Never been to Finland though. I have been to Germany but not Berlin or Heidelberg. Will have to check those places out on my next trip!
Oh really. I moved to Estonia in 1995. Life was quite different those days. In Germany you have to see Heidelberg!
MIkko recently posted..Tallinnan joulutori 2011/2012 Raatihuoneen torilla (26.11.-8.1.)
Have you ever been to Tartu? Most people visit Tallinn but miss out on most of the other places. I loved Tartu – great college town!
I’d love to visit Europe in the fall– especially if airfare is cheaper. Thanks for the tips!
Leslie recently posted..Madonna, cone bras and sailors: Review of Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (photos)
A nice concise post with compelling reasons why one should travel to Europe in the fall and where to go.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Adventure travel bucket list: People, places, things
Thanks Ted! I love Europe this time of year but I don’t always get posts described as concise!
I’m not sure you can expect much thinner crowds in autumn, at least not in September and October, but I agree that it’s a great season for visiting Europe. I’d recommend going somewhere to watch the fall foliage, like the Loire Valley in France.
Fantastic idea about the Fall foliage! One thing I love to do is see the foliage here in the US. France would be a fantastic place to do this and this is a great idea to add to this list. I am sure there are many places in Europe that would be great places to see Fall foliage.
On my trip to Paris in the Fall, I went at Thanksgiving. While the weather was a little cold, very few crowds and a wonderful time to visit!
Lake Bled, OK. I’ll check that out. I’ve driven that way several times. Slovenia always looks like a forest you have to go through to get to Croatia. Next time I’ll stop. There’s also a famous cave there. The caves of Postojna I believe.
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Yes, there are some great caves in Slovenia. I had the chance to visit them while I was there and they are incredible. Slovenia is so incredibly diverse geographically. I’ve done a number of posts on Slovenia and will have more coming up. If you need more info on it, feel free to check them out. Yes, Lake Bled is one of my favorite places and I definitely urge people to not skip Slovenia!
Great tips Jeremy, some beautiful places in there. Budapest and Bled in particular are fantastic spots. Amazing how the same destination can take on a different light in different seasons. I’m heading to Riga in November so gonna have to get my hat and winter coat ready i think!
Thanks Tom. I think traveling in the Fall has greatly influenced my view of places I’ve been to – in a positive way! I don’t like a lot of crowds so cooler weather and fewer people make Europe even better. Good luck with that trip to Riga – it may definitely be cool! I went to Paris a few years ago in November and it snowed. Had a great time though. Bundle up!
I think I would enjoy Europe best in the fall. I’m all about avoiding the tourist hordes and saving some money.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..3 Strategies to Taste the Best Wines at a Wine Expo
Now you are talking! I love Europe and saving money and avoiding the crowds is what I am all about!
I’ll be cheeky and add Norway to your list
Wonderful colours and crisp, fresh air now in autumn.
Sophie recently posted..Alpine indulgence at the Bergland
I’ve never been to Norway so I can’t personally add it to the list. However, I can imagine that the colors there are beautiful!
I wish I had this advice when I was in college! I wouldn’t have let my financial fears stop me!!! There are a lot of things that I wouldn’t do now [mostly because I don't have to] that I think would’ve been a blast when I was younger!!
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If only we knew then what we know now right? We would have been geniuses in college and really would have known everything!
I traveled to Germany and Austria in the fall a couple years back and had the best time. Like you said, there were fewer crowds, flights were cheaper, and it was a totally different experience than traveling in the summer. I’d love to go back to other European countries this time of year too!
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I’ve been to Germany and Austria in the spring but not the fall. With the mountains and trees, this would be a perfect place for me to visit in Europe. If I get there in the Fall, may have to add them to the list!
As for traveling to Europe in the Fall, that’s when most of my trips have been. I enjoy the lower prices, fewer crowds, and cooler weather much better!
I’ve heard SO many great things about Lisbon and Budapest, but we still haven’t made it there yet. And, as we’re discovering, another great budget city is Berlin.
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I will have to check out Berlin. I’ve yet to make it there. I’ve never spent a Fall in Germany but there are so many great places I would love to visit there.
Good choices… I’d like to see Hungary some day. And for some reason, Greece seems to be calling me…
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I loved Budapest and would love to go back. I’ve never been to Greece but beaches don’t really appeal to me. However, I do like Greek food and Greece might be interesting in the Fall.
hubs & i go to europe every fall (leaving for our fourth year in a row this thursday!) and can definitely attest to paris in the fall. don’t give up on beach spots during this time either! we’ve done santorini, the french riviera, and cinque terre all in september/october and along with everything listed above, the weather is still gorgeous!
xo, the romantic
I went to Europe in the Fall for a number of years. You are right though – I didn’t think about the beaches. Hot temps in July in August can be quite pleasant in September and October. Traveling in the Fall is one reason I loved Sevilla so much. Quite a bit hotter there in the summer.
I am not a big beach person but did visit a couple beaches in Portugal in early October and the weather was fantastic (and so were the crowds – or lack of!)
I’ve just returned from the vineyards in the Medoc, Sauternes and St Emilion (all in France!!) and the vines are just starting to turn orange and yellow, and by mid October they will be glorious! This time of the year is magic!
John in France recently posted..Carcassonne – I was there in the year 1209.
John, I love the Fall and the colors. I try to go every year here in California but would love to check them out in Europe. Fall is my favorite time of year!
Fall is my favorite time to travel! Paris is wonderful as is the Atlantic coast (Bordeaux, St. Emilion, Biarritz and St. Jean de Luz). Switzerland in Fall is spectacular too.
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Thanks Debbie! I need to spend more time in other areas of France. I haven’t been to Switzerland in the Fall but I am sure I would love it!
Yes, I’m a huge fan of off season travelling and although some European destinations can still be busy in September it doesn’t compare with the crowds of July and August. And you’re spot on about Sevilla – it’s a city for spring or autumn. Summer there is bad news!
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Robin, there are definitely some places that will be busy in September but I think those are the more popular ones right? That is why most of the ones I selected aren’t the most popular. If you go late Fall for Paris, definitely some good deals and fewer crowds but cooler weather.
As for Sevilla, I fell in love with it in early October. I am not sure I would feel the same in July or August!
Lake Bled is on my short list. I would love to spend some time there exploring. It looks peaceful and relaxing. I agree fall is a beautiful time in Europe.
Lisa recently posted..Amish Country: Amish Culture, an exploration in fall
Peaceful and relaxing – a perfect way to describe Lake Bled! Definitely a must see if you love the outdoors or a relaxing getaway.
I love Europe in the Fall… you are so right, far fewer people and walking around the bigger cities with a chill in the air is so much nicer than when its hot!
Jade recently posted..Finding Peace on the Road
I love the chill in the air and fewer crowds. Europe is so much more enjoyable on quiet, uncrowded streets. Although any time of year would be fun to visit. Fall is a great budget travel option!
I coudn’t imagine paris without the crowd. but i bet it would either be really creepy or sexy!
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You should try it sometime! It’s wonderful! It doesn’t mean there aren’t people around. Just not as many of them.
Great post and tips. I’m actually in Europe right now… and guess where… yup SEVILLE!!! Enjoying so much since it’s not that hot!
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I Love Seville! That place was so tempting in the Fall. It’s a bit deceiving though. Go in the Fall and you can live there forever. Visit in the summer and wish you didn’t have long to live!
wishing i could go there, too… during the fall season. paris is always in my list of places to go to in the future
Gladys | WanderingTandem.com recently posted..I’m Also Into Photography
Paris is fabulous in the Fall! Early Fall there are still a number of people around. Late Fall, temps are cooler so dress warmly. However, exploring Paris in the Fall was wonderful. A completely different feel to the city than summer. Have you been to Paris before?
[...] love to travel to Europe in the Fall. However, there are times when a visit to Europe can be somber and even [...]
If you are planning to travel to europe, be sure to visit also Estonia and it’s capital Tallinn. You will not regret it, cheap and such a lovely place!
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Estonia was the first country I ever visited and Tallinn was the first city. Estonia has a special place in my heart. I really loved Tartu as well.
Paris is a great stop atop any great traveler’s list of ventures
Rich recently posted..Backpacking the Big Apple
A few years ago, I visited Paris during Thanksgiving. The weather was a little cold but you get to see a completely different side of the city than in summer. Definitely visit Paris in the Fall!
My husband and I are going to Europe for the month of October this year! I wanted to go in September, but it didn’t work out with our schedules. I’m getting excited reading this post and the comments – fall is my favorite time of year as well, and less crowds plus better deals is music to my ears. I’m a little sad to miss the long daylight hours of summer, and ease of packing only light clothing, but from what I’m reading, I think going at this time should be worth it. So far we’re planning on France and Italy, can’t wait!
How did you enjoy your trip to Europe last Fall? What places did you see? Would you recommend visiting in the Fall?
I agree with you that it can be better in the fall. It is also good in early spring. I went to Portugal in late September and the weather was great. Good enough to go to the beach and swim.
Last year I went to Spain at the end of February and the weather was decent. It was cold on some days but if the sun was out if was nice.
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I was actually in Portugal in early and mid October. Great time of year to be there. Not that many people, beaches were still great, and you felt like you could really experience the city (Lisbon) without being overrun with tourists.
Southern Spain is known for having lots of sunshine so any time of year is probably good. I really do prefer traveling in the Fall and Europe is a great destination to visit.
Lake Bled is beautiful and if you want to occupy an afternoon, take the road up past Lake Bohinj. It will take you to the backside of Mount Triglav and Slap Savice, the falls that form the start of the Sava River. It involves a bit of a hike but the whole thing can be done in about 2 hours. In Budapest, do not miss the Hungarian Ethnographical Museum across the street from the Parliament Buildings
Thanks for the tips Bill. I’ve actually written more on Slovenia than any other country (you can see all the posts under Destinations -> Europe -> Slovenia). I would love to spend 3 months backpacking through Slovenia and just exploring the country.
As for Hungary, it is a place that really surprised me. I felt like I got a good overview but would love to go back and dig a little deeper into the culture and history.
Thank you for the good advise. Tomorrow I fly to Bavaria to photo the castle Neuecshwanstein
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