Where to go in Fall in Europe | 2025 Guide

While New England is famous for fall travel, living in Europe showed me how incredible autumn here can be. Some of the best places to visit in Europe in fall 2025 mix changing landscapes, seasonal traditions, and the bonus of fewer crowds. What I love most is that you can experience both well-known destinations and corners that still feel undiscovered.

As we leave summer behind and cooler days draw near, here are some of the best places to visit in Europe this fall — a mix of personal favourites, timeless classics, and a few spots off the beaten path.

I hope you get the chance to experience fall in Europe this year.

Best Places to Visit in Europe this Fall

Copenhagen, Denmark

Best for:  Cosy cafés and autumn walks/cycling

Fall in Copenhagen is when Danish “hygge” truly comes into play, with autumnal cosiness settling across the city. Leaves begin to turn, summer crowds thin out, and Copenhagen’s many green spaces are at their best for a stroll or a picnic. It’s also the perfect season to see the city like a local — by bike. Rent one, ride through the streets and parks, and finish the day with a hot coffee and a classic cinnamon bun.

What’s going on in Copenhagen this fall: Halloween at Tivoli Gardens

The Burren, Ireland

Best for: Witchy autumn vibes, nature walks, and hearty food

Last year we spent a few weeks in the Burren region of Ireland, and it’s hard to top for a fall experience steeped in ritual, folklore, and seasonal tradition. Halloween itself traces its roots here, first celebrated as Samhain — a Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. In the Burren, that history still feels tangible, from the windswept limestone landscape to the music, storytelling, and autumn gatherings.

The Burren, located mainly in County Clare in Ireland’s southwest, is a region of striking contrasts — rugged cliffs, rolling farmland, and unique limestone pavement that almost looks otherworldly. It’s also a place of deep cultural heritage, where you’ll find Celtic music in village pubs, hearty local dishes, and some of Ireland’s freshest seafood.

What’s going on in the Burren this fall: The Burren Winterage Festival, celebrating the ancient practice of herding cattle to winter pastures, paired with seasonal food, live music, and community traditions.

Athens, Greece

Best for: Ancient sites, island escapes, and vibrant city life

It’s no surprise that Athens has become one of Europe’s biggest hotspots, but fall is one of the best times to experience it. You can explore the Acropolis and other ancient sites without peak-season crowds, and enjoy souvlaki or moussaka without the sweltering summer heat. September can still feel summery — perfect for combining a city break with a trip to the Greek islands, which are far quieter by then. Personally, I love Athens in October and November, when the air feels vibrant, the weather is cooler, and the city becomes far more walkable.

What’s going on in Athens this fall:  Art Athina, one of Europe’s oldest visual arts festivals

Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

Best for:  Wine tasting, local festivals, and classic rolling hills Italian countryside

Summer has come to an end, the tourists chasing Italy’s la dolce vita have gone home, and the peak season for some of the country’s most beloved exports such as truffles, grapes and olives has begun. Fall is the perfect time to visit two of Italy’s most popular regions, Tuscany and Umbria. The weather is milder than the intense sun of summer, picturesque hilltop towns come alive with fall festivals, and it’s the ideal season to spend your days wine tasting in the heart of the action.

What’s going on in Tuscany and Umbria this fall: White Truffle Festival in San Miniato in November, Chianti Classico Expo in Greve in Chianti in September, and Frantoi Aperti, Italy's biggest oil festival throughout the fall

Prague, Czech Republic 

Best for: A city break with a storybook feel, filled with architecture, history, and plenty of cosy cafés to duck into as the temperatures drop.

Prague is a city that always feels like a step back in time, and fall is one of the best moments to see it. The summer tourists have cleared out, the air is cooler, and the city’s spires and squares are easier to enjoy without the crowds. Walking the cobblestone streets, spending afternoons in beer halls, and taking in the Gothic architecture all feel more relaxed this time of year.

What’s going on in Prague this fall: Enjoy a glass at one of Prague’s autumn wine harvest celebrations, or catch a classical performance during the Dvořák Prague Festival

Manchester, England

Best for:  Urban travellers who want a mix of history, food, and nightlife with easy access to some of England’s best nature.

There’s a reason Manchester is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most talked-about destinations. Once mainly known for sport and music, the city has grown into a spot worth visiting for its food, culture, and easy access to nature. Stroll past Georgian and medieval architecture, join a walking tour to dive into the city’s industrial past, and end the day with a craft beer and Sunday roast at a local pub. Beyond the city, you’re within reach of some of England’s best landscapes, from the Lake District to the Peak District, where autumn walks and pumpkin patches make the season stand out.

What’s going on in Manchester this fall:  Manchester Oktoberfest, pumpkin picking at Reddish Vale Farm, Lancaster Park and Smithills, and Manchester Literature Festival

The Lake District, England

Best for:  Scenic hikes, autumn colours, and hearty pub meals in England’s most famous national park.

It’s safe to say that England’s largest national park, the Lake District, or known locally as “the lakes” is at its best in the fall. This is when the region really shows off, with autumn colours across the hills, warm drinks after long hikes, and that first excuse to pull on a jumper.

After spending four days there this past month, we completely fell in love with the area and are already itching to return once the trees shift to amber, crimson, and gold, and smoke begins to rise from the chimneys. Long walks in the countryside, hearty pub meals, and fewer crowds make autumn the perfect season to experience the Lakes.

What’s going on in the Lake District this fall: Penrith Winter Droving, Oktoberfest Langdale, and Ambleside Days Jazz Festival

Tallinn, Estonia

Best for:  Walkable city breaks with medieval charm, plenty of green space, changing autumn colours, quaint cafés, and a vibrant food scene.

Tallinn is a city that quickly captured my heart, and in the fall it’s one of those places that sneaks up on you. The summer cruise crowds have left, the air turns crisp, and the medieval old town feels even more atmospheric under autumn skies. The city is walkable and pleasantly clean, with an impressive amount of green space that shifts into golden tones this time of year. Quaint cafés line the old town streets, the food scene is vibrant and creative, and places like Telliskivi slow to an easy rhythm, while the Baltic Sea breeze reminds you that winter isn’t far off. It’s the kind of season where you can enjoy the balance of history, nature, and food without feeling rushed.

What’s going on in Tallinn this fall:  Tallinn Fringe Festival, Estonian Bread Day and Autumn Fair at the Estonian Open Air Museum, and Impact Day — the biggest sustainability festival in the Baltics & Nordics

Transylvania, Romania

Best for: Medieval towns, Dracula legends, mountain scenery, and autumn colours.

Transylvania in the fall feels like stepping straight into a storybook, or a legend. The region’s mix of medieval towns, fortified churches, and misty mountain backdrops all seem made for autumn. Brasov, with its cobblestone streets and colourful houses at the foot of the Carpathians, makes the perfect base. Just outside the city, Bran Castle draws visitors from all over the world, thanks to its ties to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and its dramatic hilltop setting.

What’s going on in Transylvania this fall: Halloween party at Bran Castle, Harvest Festivals, and Bran Annual Cheese and Cured Mutton Festival

When to Visit Europe in the Fall?

As you begin to plan your trip to Europe in the fall, you need to first decide when you’ll visit, and temperatures and scenery can really vary depending on where and when you go.

September

For summer vibes without the crowds: the Mediterranean and Balkans

For the first glimpses of fall: Scandinavia, UK, or Baltics

Northern, central, and northwestern Europe all begin to cool in September, though it varies from year to year. For example, I’ve visited the UK in September when it felt like classic fall weather, and other years when it still felt like summer. With climate change, conditions are less predictable, but if you’re aiming for reliably mild temperatures, heading farther north to Scandinavia or the Baltics — is usually the safer bet.

In contrast, the Mediterranean, Balkans, and much of Eastern Europe stay quite warm in September, especially early in the month. Living in Greece, I’ve found September to be one of the best times for the beach: the crowds have thinned, but the sea and air still hold onto their summer warmth.

October

For peak fall colours: Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic) and the UK

For mild weather and outdoor exploring: Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece, Balkans)

For crisp days and early frost: Scandinavia and the Baltics

Ah, lovely October, quite possibly my favourite month of the year. By now, much of northern and Central Europe has fully shifted into autumn, with cooler days, crisp evenings, and landscapes turning shades of gold and red. Countries like Germany, Austria, and the UK showcase peak fall colour, while Scandinavia and the Baltics cool quickly, with the chance of frost and even early snow by the end of the month.

Farther south, the Mediterranean, Balkans, and Eastern Europe are still mild and comfortable for travel. In Greece, for example, it’s often warm enough for a swim in early October, but evenings cool off and by the end of the month the season feels lightly autumnal.

November

For late autumn city breaks: Paris, London, Vienna, or Prague

For mild weather and quieter travel: Southern Spain, Portugal, Greece, or the Balkans

For early winter vibes: Scandinavia and the Baltics

By November, northern and Central Europe feel fully in winter’s grip. Scandinavia and the Baltics often see snow, frosty mornings, and very short days. In the UK, Germany, and much of Central Europe, autumn colours fade, and grey skies and chilly rain become the norm. It’s less about peak foliage and more about cosying up in cafés, museums, and historic cities.

Southern Europe, however, stays more temperate. The Mediterranean, Balkans, and parts of Eastern Europe offer mild weather, though not summer-like warmth. In Greece, for example, November is a transitional month: it’s too cool for the beach, but still pleasant for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring without crowds.

Is Europe cheaper to visit in the fall?

Yes, Europe is generally cheaper to visit in the fall, since it falls into the shoulder season with lower prices on both flights and hotels (if autumn is your favourite time to travel, you’re in luck). Not only are accommodation and flights both typically cheaper, we’ve also found rental cars are at their lowest in the fall and winter.

For rental cars across Europe, we also go with Discover Cars, as we’ve found their rates are typically the lowest and give us options all across the board.

With summer holidays over, children back in school, and winter breaks still weeks away, tourist numbers drop. That not only means better deals, but also a chance to enjoy some of the most authentic and charming experiences during one of the year’s most scenic seasons.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission, which helps keep our content free.