Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Traveling to Europe during shoulder season is a great idea for many reasons. Crowds are smaller, the weather is cooler and you have a better chance of scoring a deal on flights or hotels. In fact, some of the best places to visit in Europe are even better in the fall — shhh!
Since Europeans tend to travel in the summer (and, likewise, Americans love to travel to Europe during the same period), you will be able to experience cities more authentically now that most tourists have returned home. Not to mention, lines for the most popular cultural attractions and museums will be much shorter. And since Europe has been wracked by a series of summer heat waves over the past few years, traveling to the old country during the fall will likely be a more pleasant experience all around.
Whether you want to spend your holiday getting cultured, relaxing at the beach or exploring the countryside, here are 13 European destinations that are best experienced in the fall.
Porto and the Douro Valley, Portugal
Lisbon usually steals the spotlight, but Porto in northern Portugal is becoming increasingly popular among travelers. Many come here to admire the beautiful azulejo tiles, learn about the city’s rich history and sample delicious Portuguese food and wine.
In Porto, visitors should spend some time strolling around the historic center and along the Douro River, which is lined with cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Then cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit one of the historic port wine cellars, like Graham’s Lodge, the preferred cellar of the British royal family. If you have time, stop into one of the seven thematic museums at the World of Wine complex housed in the city’s former port wine warehouses. There’s everything from an interactive museum dedicated to the history of the Porto region to a Instagram-friendly rose wine experience, but the Bridge Collection may be the most fascinating. With more than 2,000 artifacts, this archeological collection of cups, chalices and other vessels is a deep dive into drinking culture across 9,000 years of history.
And since fall is harvest season, be sure to spend a few days in wine country. Porto is a great jumping-off point to visit the scenic Douro Valley, the wine region known for terraced vineyards that cascade toward the river.
TPG tip: To stay in the heart of the city center, book a room at Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection (rates start at $189 or 41,000 IHG One Rewards points per night). Then rent a car and drive to the Douro Valley, and set up a home base at the luxurious Six Senses Douro Valley, where rates start at $1,052 per night. (Unfortunately, this is one of the few Six Senses where IHG One Rewards cannot be used.)
Amalfi Coast, Capri and Ischia, Italy
Jutting out into the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most picturesque and iconic destinations. It’s also one of the most crowded, especially during the summer. In the fall, after most tourists leave, you can soak up the beautiful landscapes with fewer crowds and more affordable rates.
The three main towns to visit are Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, and it’s a good idea to spend a day exploring each of them. There are plenty of smaller, lesser-known towns as well. In fact, between the Amalfi Coast and the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia, you could spend a week exploring the area and still not see everything. Just keep in mind that many hotels close toward the end of October.
TPG tip: One of the newer places to stay in Amalfi is the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, which overlooks the town, is within easy walking distance of its historic center and stays open through December (rates start at $457 per night). Want to spend a night in Capri? Book a room at the buzzy Hotel La Palma, a member of the prestigious Oetker Collection that stays open for the season until Oct. 19 (rates start at $771 per night).
Mykonos, Greece
Who says that summer is the only time to visit the Greek islands? Fall brings pleasant weather, fewer crowds and more affordable airfares and hotel rooms.
There are 200 inhabited islands in Greece, so you have plenty of options. One of the most popular among travelers is Mykonos. While the island is party central in the summer, in the shoulder season (which ranges from September into November these days), travelers can experience a more chill, laidback version of Mykonos. Plus, you can take pictures of some of the most iconic sights on the island without having to compete with other tourists. However, keep in mind that many restaurants and shops close for the winter — but that may just mean that you will get a more “local” experience the later you go.
But if you can’t decide on just one island to visit, Variety Cruises offers a handful of itineraries in Greece; the small ships depart from Athens and hop around the Cyclades and other islands. Or you could base yourself on a larger island like Crete, which has everything from ancient ruins to beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. In September and October, it’s generally still warm enough to swim.
TPG tip: Marriott Bonvoy members will find some great options open through mid-October and even into early November, including Santa Marina Mykonos (from $524 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), Cosme Hotel Paros (from $975 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) and Mystique in Santorini (from $921 or 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). All three hotels are members of the Luxury Collection.
Berlin
Although Munich draws crowds for Oktoberfest every fall, Berlin offers far more cultural attractions and events. The German capital has a range of activities to suit every taste, from highbrow entertainment like opera performances to all-night techno raves and everything in between.
There’s the Fotografiska Berlin, an outpost of the Swedish photo museum that opened in 2023, and the Deutschlandmuseum, as well as classics like the German Historical Museum and the artsy Humboldt Forum. Go in October to see the Festival of Lights or in November for JazzFest.
TPG tip: Book a room at the luxurious Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel, which is housed in a historic bank building in east Berlin (rates start at $312 per night). Or opt for an artfully designed room at Provocateur in west Berlin (rates start at $120 per night).
Rome
Romans use the term “l’ottobrata romana” to describe how lovely the city is in October when the summer heat has subsided and the climate is warm but mild.
Visiting archaeological sites like the Colosseum and Roman Forum is much more pleasant when you don’t have to battle the crowds and the heat in the sweltering summer sun. If you’ve already seen those, you might want to visit the Sacred Area of Largo Argentina, where Julius Caesar was assassinated.
Related: 10 exciting new hotels to check out in Rome
While Rome’s most famous dishes are available year-round, it’s worth seeking out seasonal specialties featuring ingredients like porcini mushrooms, pumpkin and squash. It’s also a great time of year for a daytrip to the Castelli Romani, where you can visit vineyards and taste the famous porchetta di Ariccia.
TPG tip: If you have Marriott Bonvoy points, you can use them at the W Rome (rates start at $351 or 61,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) or the sleek Rome Edition, which opened last year (rates start at $606 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night).
Istanbul
Aside from great weather, you’ll also find world-class cultural programming in Istanbul in the fall. Of course, if it’s your first time, you should definitely visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, the Hagia Sophia (be sure to go outside of prayer times) and the Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque emerged from a years-long restoration in 2023, so now is an ideal time to admire its famous dome.
TPG tip: The city’s best hotel — Ciragan Palace Kempinski, originally built to be an Ottoman sultan’s palace — is a Leading Hotels of the World member (rates start at $514 per night). If you have World of Hyatt points, you can use them at the Park Hyatt Istanbul in the posh Nisantasi district, which is full of designer shops and chic restaurants (rates start at $418 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night).
Related: How to spend 1 day in Istanbul
Paris
Everyone loves Paris in the spring, but there’s something magical about strolling through the Jardin du Luxembourg when the leaves change colors.
In addition to stunning autumnal French scenery, the City of Light is well known for its thriving museum scene. There are some newer additions such as the Maison Gainsbourg (located in the late Serge Gainsbourg’s home), which has a cafe/piano bar, and the Musee National de la Marine, which is dedicated to promoting maritime heritage. But you can’t go wrong with visiting classics such as the Musee d’Orsay and the Musee de l’Orangerie. And though it’s about an hour outside of Paris by train, a day trip to the Palace of Versailles to see Marie Antoinette’s private quarters is more than worth the journey.
Related: Paris Pocket Guide: What to see, do and eat in the City of Light
TPG tip: One of the best points redemptions you can make in the city is the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, from 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night (cash rates start around $1,500). Marriott loyalists can also find great value at the Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel which has rooms from 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night (cash rates start at $966).
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Though you might think of Dubrovnik as a summer destination, it’s still warm enough to go to the beaches through the end of October. Plus, without the onslaught of tourist crowds (many of them drawn to the city for its role as a filming location in “Game of Thrones”), the city is quieter and more enjoyable. You can stroll through the historic center, take the cable car up to Mount Srd for panoramic views of the city and even visit an oyster farm in the nearby town of Ston.
TPG tip: Adriatic Luxury Hotels has 12 hotels in Dubrovnik, so whatever vibe you’re looking for, you can find it at one of their properties. The Hotel Bellevue, renovated in 2019, has direct beach access, and rooms there start at $219 per night. There’s also Hotel Excelsior (rates start at $285 per night), which is arguably the city’s most iconic hotel and conveniently located steps away from the city’s legendarily gorgeous Old Town.
Madrid
“Madrid is amazing all year long, but fall can be especially beautiful. The autumn foliage in the Retiro Park is a medley of colorful hues, and the city’s wine culture is even more alive than usual [during] harvest season throughout Spain,” TPG contributor Lori Zaino, who has lived in Madrid for 15 years, said. “Weather is often mild and sunny through early November, and by the end of the same month, Madrid is already all lit up with holiday decor, ringing in the chillier [temperatures].”
TPG tip: Madrid has plenty of points-based hotels, including the Westin Palace (rates start at $400 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) and the Thompson Madrid, which is a great use of Hyatt points (rates start at $405 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night).
Amsterdam
Everyone talks about tulip season in the Netherlands, but autumn is just as lovely. Amsterdam’s canals take on the golden hue of the Dutch master paintings you can admire at the Rijksmuseum. If there’s a chill in the air, cozy up in one of the city’s many brown cafes (bars that serve local Dutch fare and beers) for an ale and a shot of genever. And don’t miss the apple pie at Cafe Winkel 43.
TPG tip: Earlier in 2024, The College Hotel, Autograph Collection reopened after a multimillion-dollar restoration of its 19th-century neo-Renaissance style building that was formerly used as a school. (Rates start at $190 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.)
Ticino, Switzerland
Outdoorsy types will love Ticino, Switzerland‘s only Italian-speaking canton. The towns on the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore have scenic hiking trails with a long history of attracting hippies and nudists. You’re not likely to see them in the picturesque town of Ascona, where cobblestone streets are lined by casual restaurants, cafes and shops, though. It has a more classic Old World vibe. You can also take a boat over to the Brissago Islands, home to a stunning botanical garden.
TPG tip: After a day of hiking in the mountains, relax at the Hotel Eden Roc Ascona (rates starting at $339 per night), a member of Leading Hotels of the World. It has a midcentury modern design that will make you wonder if Don Draper is about to check in. The pool overlooking the lake with its yellow umbrellas looks like something out of a Slim Aarons photograph.
Copenhagen
As the days get cooler and shorter, Danes start to focus on hygge — that untranslatable Danish concept of embracing comfort, cuteness and coziness. And what better way to experience hygge than to cozy up with pastries and a cup of coffee at Copenhagen’s best bakeries?
Bageriet Benji, opened by a Noma alum, and Collective Bakery, founded by the team behind one of Copenhagen’s best coffee roasters, are among the best bakeries in town. Just be sure to save room for a Michelin-star meal at the new location of Alouette, which moved into the city center earlier in 2024.
There’s also so much more to do in Copenhagen than eat and drink. The Designmuseum Danmark, which completed a 2-year renovation in 2022, is opening a new exhibit called “The Cup and the Potter” on Nov. 15 showcasing work by 30 Danish ceramicists. Prefer larger scale art? Over in Refshaleoen, Copenhagen Contemporary has a massive site-specific immersive light installation by the American artist James Turrell in its permanent collection.
TPG tip: Check into the sleek Nobis Hotel, a member of Design Hotels (rates start at $442 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), or the Hotel d’Angleterre, the city’s grande dame and a member of Leading Hotels of the World (rates start at $997 per night).
Strasbourg, France
Located on the banks of the River Ill on the eastern border of France, Strasbourg is the charming capital of the Grand Est (formerly known as Alsace) region of France and has elements of both French and German culture. During the fall, Strasbourg’s trees turn brilliant colors of vermillion and tangerine, making it extra delightful to walk through landmarks like the Parc de l’Orangerie, the medieval Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg or Petite France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, if you visit around Nov. 27 or later, you will have the opportunity to see the city’s famed Christmas markets, which are the oldest in France.
Along with Brussels, Luxembourg and Frankfurt, Strasbourg is one of the de facto capitals of the European Union and is home to the European parliament. The parliament building is open to visitors every day except Sunday, and while there, travelers can view a variety of exhibitions, including one dedicated to Simone Veil, the first woman president of the European Parliament.
TPG tip: Strasbourg is a popular Rhine River cruise stop and is often included in AmaWaterways and Viking itineraries. However, if you’re hoping to plan a visit to Strasbourg by land, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. There are newer properties such as the Voco Strasbourg Centre — the Garden, an IHG Hotel (rates start at $89 or 20,000 IHG One Rewards points per night) as well as the Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection (rates start at $189 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). If something more historic is your speed, consider a stay at the Hotel Regent Contades, which was constructed in the 1800s (rates start at $123 per night).
Bottom line
Though summer may be the most popular time, by far, to travel to and within Europe, planning an autumnal trip certainly has its charms. Not only will you likely be able to snag a deal on airfare, but you’ll also be able to enjoy lower hotel prices, better weather and fewer crowds. Plus, some of the best places to visit in Europe (like the ones featured in this roundup) are even better in the fall, when you will have an experience closer to the destination’s everyday rhythm.
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