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Summer in the northern hemisphere is officially over, so we are turning our attention from beaches and the vendors of the best cold treats to the cities that enjoy warm Autumn temperatures and the spectacular colors of Fall.
If you are looking to travel in Europe this Autumn and you haven’t decided where to go yet, here are our top picks for 2024.
1. Seville, Spain
Autumn is one of the best times of year to visit the popular Spanish city of Seville. You can still enjoy temperature in the low 20s during the day, but without the crushing summer crowds. It is the perfect time to wander the Guadalquivir River at a leisurely pace, stopping for cocktails and tapas at the city’s many alfresco bars. Don’t miss the local orange wine.
Don’t forget your camera for the many Instagrammable pictures, with a mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque architecture and Andalusian hills. Walk the Plaza de Espana, explore the green oasis of Maria Luisa Park, relax around the Royal Alcazar (one of the sets of Game of Thrones), marvel at Seville Cathedral, and get panoramic views from the Setas de Sevilla.
2. Umbria, Italy
Italy is beautiful any time of year, but the countryside is the place to be in the Fall. Umbria is less popular than neighboring Tuscany but is no less beautiful. This time of year, the fields are bountiful, leaving the region looking spectacular and the food tasting fantastic. Enjoy lentils, beans, mushrooms, chestnuts, black truffles, bright saffron, and new fresh olive oil. This is also when the grape harvest is in full swing and there are many local festivals to enjoy and wineries to visit.
Spend your time between the beautiful medieval city of Gubbio with its ancient Roman theater and Piazza Grande, Lago Trasimeno, Umbria’s answer to Lake Como, the stone village of Rasiglia at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, and Spoleto, known for its eye-catching aqueduct. Visit Marmore Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.
3. Riga, Latvia
If you are passionate about Fall colors, head north to Latvia to enjoy some of the most spectacular yellow and golden trees anywhere in the world. Latvia has fascinating historical cities and plenty of forested national parks to hike and explore. Make sure to eat the seasonal mushrooms and berries with fresh catch of the day and game at local restaurants.
Book accommodation in Riga, the capital with a UNESCO-listed Old Town that feels like stepping back in time, but with better plumbing and food. From there visit Guaja National Park for medieval castles, misty waterways, and spectacular foliage. Try Kemeri National Park for a unique watery environment with supernatural and religious traditions.
4. Lenk, Switzerland
If you love hiking the mountains in the crisp air, head to Lenk in Switzerland this Autumn as the perfect base for exploring surrounding Bernese Oberland region of the Alps. It is a small town with around 2,500 permanent residents, and plenty of infrastructure for digital nomads. Expect untouched mountains, eco-friendly farmland, and blue skies.
As well as hiking, there are plenty of adventure activities including river rafting, paragliding, and the stunning Simmenfalle waterfall. It is the perfect place to get-off-grid while staying connected for the important stuff. It is home to the Hubs Swiss Alps community for remote workers, which operates yearly in spring and autumn.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is known for its tree-lined canals, which take on a spectacular hue in the Autumn months. There is no better time to wander, or cycle, the streets of the historic city taking in the many museums and galleries, fascinating shops, and trendy cafes. Amsterdam tends to be crowded year round so book your accommodation in advance and be respectful to the locals.
Fall is also the best time to visit for music lovers as the Amsterdam Dance Event comes around every October, with plenty of shoulder events before and after. The city’s venues host a variety of electro, house, and techno nights. If you are more of a culture buff, in November you can expect Museumnacht, where 55 internationally renowned museums stay open late and host DJs and cocktail bars.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
While Copenhagen can be forbidding in the Winter months, it is surprisingly pleasant in the Fall when the charismatic streets come alive with crisp air and bright colors. Expect sleek Danish design everywhere you look and a clean but warm welcome. It is also just cool enough to experience some cozy Danish hygge, without suffering too much!
It is an attractive spot for culture vultures after fascinating historical collections and innovative contemporary art installations. Visit the Glyptotek Gallery, Nationalmuseet, and Christiansborg and Amalienborg Palaces. Sample Danish cuisine, which focuses on farm-to-table ingredients with fusion innovation from Danish-style Vietnamese Bao to Jamaican jerk chicken. There are also plenty of bars and breweries to visit, including Carlsberg, BRUS, Norrebro Bryghus, and Mikkeller.
7. Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia is another place that is beautiful all year. But while you might visit for the beaches in the Summer, head to the stunning green interior in the Fall. Pick the capital Zagreb as your base and share some of the country’s spectacular national parks. In Zagreb you can expect a welcoming coffee culture, interesting outdoor art, and a dynamic good scene.
From Zagreb you have excellent access to Croatia’s green interior. A great place in Autumn is Plitvice Lakes, which is known as one of the best national parks in Europe. Expect a wooded gorge with a series of lakes and waterfalls. The rural ton of Rastoke is filled with historic buildings in a fairytale landscape. Trakoscan Castle is also must-see, perched on a peak in the middle of a manmade lake.
8. Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s stunning and romantic capital Budapest is the perfect city for the fall as you can enjoy the crisp air, changing seasons, and cozy comfort food. It is also one of the best times of year to discover Hungary’s underrated wine offering. More than 90,000 acres of Hungary is dedicated to wine production. The Budapest Wine Festival takes place in September at Buda Castle.
For Fall foliage, cross Elizabeth Bridge and hike up towards Buda. There you will discover a 235-meter hill with a bronze statue of St Gellert, plus a staircase. This is another 20-minute hike to give you the best view across the city. To relax afterwards, bathe in one of the city’s 120 thermal springs, like Gellert Baths. Margaret Island and Fiumei Cemetery are other great places to enjoy the trees. You can also attend Kurtoskalacs Festival and the Hungarian Sausage Festival in October.
