Last updated on September 29th, 2024.
What’s the first image that comes to mind when you think of fall in Europe?
If it’s something along the lines of red, gold and ocher against a backdrop of history and culture, you’d be correct.
Many countries across the continent are blanketed in a myriad of color, making fall a pretty time to visit.
So, which are the prettiest, and most underrated, places to see in Europe in autumn? From north to south, east to west, here are 10 underrated European towns and cities to experience the autumnal season.
10 towns and cities to visit in fall in Europe
York, UK
Visit a city with Roman roots, and Saxon, Norman and Viking heritage in the north of England.
York has eons of history and lush green scenery that makes for an ideal fall weekend getaway.
We visited York in September, and had a wonderful time visiting the top attractions in the city. Must-see sights include York Minster, the ruins at St Mary’s Abbey, the free National Rail Museum and the city walls.
Booking a boat cruise in York is one of the best things to do while here. Tours frequently run on the River Ouse, and it’s a relaxing way to spend a few hours.
The weather in York in September, like most parts of the UK, can be unpredictable. During our visit, the temperature was about 15°C (59°F), and with light rain.
Not knowing what the weather will be like, err on the side of caution by making sure you’ve a raincoat and umbrella.
Where to stay in York, UK
We took a slight detour from our usual boutique accommodation and stayed at a charming B&B.
No.21 York is one of the highly rated accommodation in town, and after a few nights, we completely understood why.
Booking.comIts hosts, Simon and Andrea are warm and welcoming, the rooms inviting, and the breakfasts are out of this world.
Aarhus, Denmark
The Danish concept of hygge is best experienced when fall arrives. And, in Aarhus in autumn, it’s the ideal time to wrap up, get cozy and enjoy the changing colors.
Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city and is located right by the sea. It has a long stretch of beach, which proves just as popular in summer as it does in fall.
Long autumn walks here are a must — as are woolly hats and scarves for when the temperatures dip.
Things to do in Aarhus in fall in Europe
The Old Town Museum (Den Gamle By) is a fun way to understand Danish life in the past. Walk through different districts — and periods of time — while learning more about how the Danes used to live. Periods in history include the 1900s, the 1920s, and the welfare state of the 1970s.
Tivoli Friheden is a theme park with rides, rollercoasters and playgrounds amidst the splendid green of the Marselisborg Forest. Its ride, ‘Hjertekig’, isn’t for the fainthearted. It involves an adrenaline inducing free-fall jump from the 65m tower — the tallest in all of Denmark.
Coffee (and cake) culture is big in Aarhus, and is a cozy way to inject some hygge into your life. Visit some of the best cafes in the city, like La Cabra and Stiller’s Coffee, in simple, yet understated, surroundings.
Where to stay in Aarhus
Villa Provence
Experience a touch of France in Aarhus by booking a stay at Villa Provence. All rooms are individually designed, complete with super comfortable beds and Molton Brown toiletries in the bathroom.
Booking.comA French-inspired breakfast is served every morning, and the lime tree-lined courtyard is the perfect spot to take an aperitif.
Comwell Aarhus
Situated right in the city center, Comwell Aarhus Dolce by Wyndham promises a comfy stay for your fall in Europe break. This eco-friendly hotel has rooms with views overlooking Aarhus, 2 restaurants, 2 fitness centers and free bikes for guests.
Booking.comMap: 10 underrated towns and cities to visit in fall in Europe
San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián in the north of Spain is best known for its fantastic food culture, pintxo bars and Michelin-star restaurants. And, when autumn arrives, so too does the variety of seasonal produce.
Wild mushrooms are seasonal at this time of year, with the markets brimming with different varieties.
San Sebastián markets
I adore visiting food markets whenever I travel. It’s not only about discovering the local produce, but it’s also the electric energy you inevitably encounter while there.
Some of the most memorable food markets I’ve visited include St Lawrence Market in Toronto and Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem.
Good food in San Sebastián starts with the finest raw ingredients — all of which you can find in its gourmet markets.
La Bretza is a traditional food market that top chefs regularly visit to personally choose their produce. San Martin is another food market in the city, which sits next to a modern shopping center.
A few kilometers outside the city are the food markets of Ordizia and Tolosa. It’s where you’ll find top quality produce from Gipuzkoa, a historical territory of the Basque country.
The Ordizia farmers’ market takes place every Wednesday, while in Tolosa, it’s every Saturday. Both are open (on the respective market days) all year round.**
Beaches to visit in San Sebastián
Being a resort town, San Sebastián is home to several beaches, including Playa de la Concha and Playa de Zurriola. While temperatures are lower here than in other parts of Spain, an autumn walk on is the beach is doable.
Other must-see sights in San Sebastián include the beautiful baroque church, Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro. This 18th century church follows the classic Catholic baroque style, with an exterior that will blow you away.
To get a better understanding of Basque history and culture, San Telmo Museum is a good starting point. Inside, you’ll discover old and modern pieces of Basque art and history, and learn about its story within the European context.
Where to stay in San Sebastián
Lasala Plaza Hotel
Located in the old town, and just 80m from Calle Mayor is the Lasala Plaza Hotel. Rooms are beautifully made up, spacious and some have a sea view.
Booking.comThe location’s one of the best in San Sebastián, with a pool and rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the views.
Room Mate Gorka
Just 750 yards from the historic old town, and 650 yards from Calle Mayor is the wonderfully luxurious Room Mate Gorka.
Booking.comNo detail is left unturned at this 4-star luxury boutique hotel in the city center district of San Sebastián. Rooms are elegant, understated and minimalist. Local attractions close to Room Mate Gorka include La Concha Promenade and Santa Clara Island.
Zermatt, Switzerland
The Swiss town of Zermatt is an Instagram favorite, and for good reason. A mountain resort in the south of Switzerland, it’s a destination popular with skiers, walkers and hikers.
As the colors begin to change in fall, Zermatt transforms into a wondrous scene. The peak of the Matterhorn stands proudly in the background, adding a snowy contrast to the town’s autumnal colors.
Fall activities to do in Zermatt
With a landscape as inspiring and as bewitching as Zermatt, you’ll want to spend plenty of time outdoors.
See the sights of Zermatt, and beyond, on board the fabulous Gornergrat Bahn. The train ride takes you from Zermatt up to Gornergrat where you can enjoy unspoiled views of the mesmerizing Matterhorn.
Another way to enjoy aerial panoramic views is by riding the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car. Sit back and relax in the heated cable car as it takes you across the mesmerizing Theodul Glacier.
If you plan on exploring more of Switzerland by using its public transport system, consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass. It provides unlimited access by train, bus and boat to more than 41 cities. In a country as expensive as Switzerland, transport will be one less expense you’ve to worry about.
Zermatt for kids
The Forest Fun Park in Zermatt is ideal for kids, big and small. Situated at the end of the village, there are 5 parcours for adults, as well as the largest kids trail in Switzerland. Perfect for families, couples and adventure travelers, the sights from the zipline are some of the best in Zermatt.
Bahnhofstrasse is the principle shopping street in Zermatt and is a mecca for luxury goods. If your pocket doesn’t stretch that far, head to the bakeries and chocolate shops instead. There’s bound to be something you can buy — and try — and it won’t break the budget.
Where to stay in Zermatt
Backstage Boutique SPA Hotel
When it comes to dreamy hotels in fall in Europe, it doesn’t get any dreamier than Backstage Boutique SPA Hotel.
Booking.comThink uniquely furnished luxury rooms, with a cozy open fireplace and a private balcony. Also, on site is a luxury spa, complete with hot tub, sauna and massage room. It’s a top choice for Zermatt, and one hotel you’re sure to remember.
22 Summits Boutique Hotel
Wake up to glorious mountain views by booking your Zermatt stay at 22 Summits Boutique Hotel. Earthy tones and wooden décor set the mood of this 4-star hotel.
Booking.comIts cozy interior also evokes the perfect ambience for the cooler temperatures of fall.
Inside is also a spa center and sauna to relax your muscles after a long day on the slopes. What’s more, the hotel’s just minutes from the Matterhorn Express Gondola.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Another favorite across social media platforms is the ever-charming Lake Bled in Slovenia. An enchanting lake that makes a perfect day trip from Ljubljana, Lake Bled is popular all year round. Come autumn, however, it transforms into something truly remarkable.
Bled Island — fall in Europe
The main reason visitors come to Lake Bled is to see Bled Island. An ideal destination to see fall in Europe, the small island in the middle of the lake captivates its many visitors.
A traditional boat called a pletna — similar to the shape of the Italian gondola — takes you across the lake. It seats 20 passengers and gives you the chance to experience Lake Bled from a different perspective.
Among the buildings on Bled Island, there’s one that stands out from the rest. The 17th century Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria has a 52m (171ft) tower and baroque stairway. There are 99 steps to reach the church doors, a location in which many weddings take place.
While here, make a point of visiting Bled Castle, which stands above on the north shore. The medieval castle is said to be one of the oldest in Slovenia, offering magnificent views of the lake below.
Bled cream cake
Sweet tooth fans won’t want to miss trying the local pastry that’s a delicacy at Lake Bled. ‘Kremma Rezina’ has a golden crispy topping and a layer of freshly made vanilla cream.
Bled cream cake was invented by the former manager of the Hotel Park patisserie in 1953. The cake became such a hit that an annual festival celebrates Kremma Rezina every year.
Take home a piece of Bled (in the form of the Bled cream cake) from the cafe opposite the hotel.
How to reach Bled from Ljubljana
There are several ways to get to Bled from Ljubljana, but one of the easiest is to book a tour. By bus, you can book a ticket with a tour company called Nomago. The journey takes around 1hr 15mins and it’s a budget-friendly way to get to Bled.
The second option is by train. From Ljubljana, it takes around 1 hour to reach Lake Bled. Once you leave the station, you need to catch another bus but it’s just 4 minutes away.
The third option is by car. Lake Bled is 35mi (55km) from Ljubljana and should take no longer than 36 minutes.
Where to stay in Bled
ECO Boutique Hotel AMS Beagle
The clue’s in the name of this boutique hotel set in the glorious surroundings of Bled. ECO Boutique Hotel AMS Beagle has rooms overlooking the mountains or garden, with spa baths in every bathroom.
Booking.comKillarney, Ireland
Autumn plus Killarney equals a perfect fall destination in Europe.
This Irish town sits in the county of Kerry in the south-west of Ireland. Full of attractions and charming locals, I challenge you not to be enchanted by its surrounding beauty.
Green is everywhere in Killarney National Park
Being Ireland, you can expect to be surrounded by the greenest of green landscapes. And when fall in Europe arrives, there’s no better place to witness the change in color than at Killarney National Park.
Stretching over 25,000 acres, the park includes the incredible Lakes of Killarney, woodlands and mountain peaks. There are 3 lakes in total, the largest of which is Lough Leane at 4,700 acres.
The largest body of water in the region is also where you can find Innisfallen Island. It’s home to the impressive ruins of the abbey of the same namesake, and was occupied for around 950 years.
The ruins are also where the monks that lived here wrote the Annals of Innisfallen. It details the early history of Ireland — according to the monks’ accounts. There are boats to reach Innisfallen Island from Ross Castle, but only usually during the summer season.
Different ways to see Killarney National Park
While walking is one way to explore the huge mass of land, the park offers several other options.
My personal favorite is seeing Killarney National Park by traditional jaunting car. The horse and carriage will take you around the park’s lakes, to Ross Castle and to view Ireland’s tallest mountain, Carrantouhill.
The jaunting car was a popular mode of transportation during the 19th century and is still used in Killarney today.
The carriage with horse and driver gives a whole new meaning to the term slow travel. Take in the views at a slower pace while engaging in some playful Irish banter with your driver.
Where to stay in Killarney
I had the best, and not to mention, most comfortable stay at The Brehon. The rooms are generous in size, and there’s also a spa on site in case you fancy some pampering.
Booking.comThe Brehon also has a formal restaurant at the hotel as well as a casual pub-style bar. Staff at The Brehon are extremely accommodating and it’s a perfect hotel to experience fall in Europe.
Siena, Italy
There’s nothing I don’t love about this Tuscan hill town in the central region of Italy.
A destination with incredible art and history, Siena becomes even more spectacular in fall in Europe.
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to several main attractions like Siena Cathedral. Along with the cathedral in Noto, it’s one of my favorite Duomo I’ve visited in Italy.
The city is 322m above sea level set among a lush and hilly landscape. Upon entering the Piazza del Campo, your eyes won’t know where to look first.
Taking center stage is the magnificent Siena Cathedral (Cattedrale di Siena). This medieval church was completed between 1215 and 1263 and takes on the form of a Latin cross.
Its exterior and interior is made from white and dark green marble, with red marble also noticeable on the façade.
Siena’s most famous attraction
A grand horse race called the Palio (Il Palio) takes place twice a year in Siena. It’s a tradition that goes back to medieval times, with 10 horses and riders competing, and representing their respective districts.
The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is where the action happens, with riders running for 3 laps around the course. Jockeys also ride bareback, making it common for them to be thrown from the horses when making sharp turns.
Also located in the Piazza del Campo is the Palazzo Pubblico (town hall), with the Torre del Mangia towering above.
The tower’s the tallest in Siena (87m), and the third tallest in the whole of Italy. In brief, it’s one of the best places to catch a panoramic view of the city and the region beyond.
Though it’s possible to reach the top, it’s not an easy climb. There are 400 steps, and the space is narrow, which you may find to be a tight squeeze. If you’re up to the challenge, take your time, bring a bottle of water and take small breaks in between.
Where to stay in Siena, Italy
Palazzo Ravizza
Check into a historic boutique hotel in the heart of Siena at Palazzo Ravizza. There are 30 rooms decorated in a classic style, some with views overlooking the gardens or the surrounding hills.
This family-run hotel is just 750 yards from Piazza del Campo and is a great choice when visiting fall in Europe.
Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo Borghesi
You can’t get any closer to the center of Siena than by staying at the Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo Borghesi.
Booking.comThe 14th century noble building is just steps away from the Siena Cathedral and the Piazzo del Campo.
There are just 4 rooms at this prestigious property, each one with different vintage furnishings from the other.
Zagreb, Croatia
The capital city of Croatia often gets overlooked by its more southern counterparts like Split, Dubrovnik and Pula. However, if you’re looking for a different kind of European fall break, take a look at Zagreb.
Situated in the northwest of the country, Zagreb is the largest city in Croatia. It has a rich history dating to the Roman times, something you can see while taking a walking tour of the city. Today, the old blends with the new, in the form of fine restaurants, bars and cafes.
To kickstart your Zagreb fall break, head first to Trg Bana Jelacica. The main square in the city, it’s the point where the upper and lower towns meet. From here, wander down the colorful Tkalciceva Street, taking a moment to browse the cafes and boutique shops.
What to see in Zagreb — European cities to visit in autumn
Zagreb is divided into 3 parts, one of them being Gornji grad (Upper Town). The 1000-year old quarter is where you’ll find the presidential palace, St. Mark’s Church, and the Croatian parliament building (Sabor).
Gas lamps and cobblestone streets characterize the streets of Gornji Grad. The quarter is also home to museums like the Croatian Natural History Museum and the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art.
Donji grad is the Lower Town area of Zagreb. Dating to the 19th century, the town’s lined with shops, both modern and traditional, restaurants, cafes and parks.
The Botanical Garden (Botanicki Vrt) in Donji Grad is a must-see in fall in Europe. Part of a series of parks, the grounds include an arboretum, around 10,000 plant species and an ornamental bridge.
The third quarter is the modern post-World War II area of Novi Zagreb. Meaning ‘new Zagreb’, it’s the residential part of the capital consisting of high-rise buildings.
Autumn weather in Zagreb
When fall arrives in Zagreb, so too does more rain. It’s common to have rainfall in summer, so come fall in Europe, it doesn’t come as a big surprise. Despite the rain however, temperatures in autumn in Zagreb are mild.
In September, average lows hover around 50°F (10°C), while average highs can reach 71.6°F (22°C). In November, temperatures drop drastically, with average lows of 35°F (1.4°C) to average highs of 48°F (8.9°C).
Where to stay in Zagreb?
There are plenty of great options for boutique hotels in Zagreb, and at affordable prices too.
Hotel President
Though the name sounds stately, the design of this boutique hotel in Zagreb is modern and minimal. There are just Hotel President Pantovac, so booking in advance is a must.
Each room has a garden view, and the location’s ideal for exploring Zagreb Upper Town. Hotel President is also close to Britanski Trg (British Square). It has a fabulous outdoor market that’s been here for almost a century.
Hotel 9
With super soft comfy beds, and just 450 yards from the Old Town, Hotel 9 is an excellent boutique choice.
Booking.comIndividually-styled rooms, and with breakfast served on the roof terrace, you can start, and end, your day right here. Public transport is right by the hotel, ready to take you to the top attractions in Zagreb.
Nice, France
The capital city of the French Riviera is typically associated with long, lazy days of summer. And, while it has all the trappings of the perfect summer break, fall in Europe is a better time to visit Nice.
Not only is fall in Nice blessed with glorious autumn sunshine, but it’s also less likely to be less crowded.
Temperatures in mid to late September can range from 68°F (20°C) to a very warm 77°F (25°C). An ideal place to visit in fall in Europe, the weather;s perfect for a stroll along the Promendade des Anglais.
The park at Castle Hill
Fall and parks go together like fine wine and cheese. And, when visiting Nice in autumn, Castle Hill (Parc de la Colline du Château) makes the a perfect destination.
The most famous public park in Nice can get busy, but it’s less likely to be crowded in fall in Europe.
There are 426 steps to get to the top of Castle Hill, but the panoramic views make it worthwhile. If this sounds too tiring, there’s an elevator nearby — built by the Germans during WWII — that will take you up.
It’s free for the public to use, but is a little tricky to find.
How to find the elevator to Castle Hill
First, go to the Promenade de Anglais, and walk along until you see the sign ‘castel’ on the wall.
Follow the curve of the boulevard until you see some yellow and orange buildings. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see orange red arches, with the ‘Ascenseur’ sign above. Beneath it is the door to the elevator.
Get lost in the old town of Nice
Just behind the east end of the beach is the historic quarter. It’s home to the Cours Saleya (marketplace) and the famous flower quarter.
Towards the eastern end is where you’ll find the former townhouse of renowned French painter, Henri Matisse. It’s not open to the public, but it’s a great testament to Nice’s most famous resident.
The historic quarter’s also where you’ll find the old town (Vieux Nice). The space significantly changes from the wide openness of the beach and the Vieux Port to something more enclosed.
Tall houses, painted in bright colors, tower over the narrow-cobbled streets below. It bears a striking resemblance to the style of streets you find around Italy.
At the heart of the picturesque Place de Rossetti is the 18th century Nice Cathedral (Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate). Constructed in baroque style, it was built in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Saint Reparata.
Where to stay in Nice
The French Riviera is abundant with beautiful boutique hotels. Visiting during fall in Europe is the quieter season, meaning lower prices for some of the top hotels in the city.
Palais Saleya
How does a modern boutique hotel in an 18th century building sound? Palais Saleya is well located for your stay in Nice, and just minutes from L’Opera beach and the Cours Saleya.
Rooms are big, bright and beautifully decorated at this fabulous property in the historic old town. Other nearby sights to Palais Saleya include Place Messena and the Coulee Verte.
Hotel Villa Victoria
Wake up to a garden view in one of the exquisite rooms at Villa Victoria. The period building is within easy walking distance of the main sights of Nice and has a serene floral garden.
Booking.comCluj-Napoca, Romania
Take a trip to the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region in Europe in the fall. Cluj-Napoca is the fourth largest city in Romania, located in the northwest of the country.
Surrounded by forests and grasslands, autumn is a great time to visit Cluj-Napoca.
Best attractions to see in Cluj-Napoca
St Michael’s Church captures your attention as you enter the largest plaza in Cluj-Napoca, Unirii Square.
This Gothic-style Catholic church is the second largest in Transylvania, boasting the highest tower in Romania (80m with the cross).
In front of the church is the statue of Matthias Corvinus on horseback. It’s a tribute to the locally-born King of Hungary, who ruled during the time of the Kingdom of Hungary.
Today, almost 50,000 Hungarians live in Cluj-Napoca, making it the second largest Hungarian community in Romania.
You can’t visit Cluj-Napoca in fall in Europe without making a trip to the Botanical Garden. Along with being a visitor attraction, the gardens also serve as a research and teaching center for a university.
Spread across a mass of 14 hectares are around 10,000 plants from all over the world. There’s also a Japanese garden with a brook and Japanese-style house, plus a Roman garden with archaeological remains from Napoca.
Bánffy Castle — fall in Europe
There are several castles in the surrounding countryside of Cluj-Napoca, which were built by rich medieval families of the time. The renowned Bánffy Castle, constructed by the Hungarian Bánffy family, encompasses renaissance, baroque, neoclassical and neo-gothic styles.
Bánffy Castle, in the village of Bontida, is around 20mi (32km) from the city center. The castle opens every day from 10am to 8pm* and tickets costs 3 RON (€0.61/£0.50/$0.67)* per person.
What’s the weather like in fall in Cluj-Napoca?
When autumn arrives in Cluj-Napoca, temperatures can vary from 48°F (9°C) to 59°F (15°C), depending on the time you visit. Rainfall is also more frequent in autumn, so make sure to pack accordingly.
Where to stay in Cluj-Napoca
Hotel Platinia
A modern hotel decked out in sleek and stylish décor, Hotel Platinia is my recommendation for Cluj-Napoca. Rooms are large with elegant furnishings and the beds are spacious.
Booking.comA good choice when visiting in the fall in Europe, the hotel’s around 15 minutes from the historic old town on foot. Hotel Platinia is also close to Simion Banutiu Central Park and Cluj Arena.
Grand Hotel Italia
Swaying more towards luxury than boutique is the 5-star Grand Hotel Italia. This luxury hotel furnished in Italian Liberty style is a top choice for Cluj-Napoca.
Booking.comMarble flooring and lavish bathrooms with mosaic tiles are just some of the features you can expect when booking here.
Grand Hotel Italia is located above the center of Cluj, giving its visitors unspoiled views of the city. The icing on the cake is the swimming pool that’s also on site.
Which of these cities would you most like to visit in fall in Europe? Let me know in the comments below.
*prices correct at time of writing
**information correct at time of writing. Dates are subject to change.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
This is a choice of great destinations for a Euro trip in the fall. Many of the places you are listing can be still quite warm and sunny in autumn. Also, I appreciate that it’s not Rome, London, Paris on your list but gems not everyone knows. Those are often far more relaxed and pleasant than the big metropoles.
Thanks Renata, I wanted to add some lesser known places we have in our wonderful continent!
Wow – you really picked some great places in Europe for a fall trip. I have been in some of them in summer, but can imagine them also beautiful in autumn. Aarhus for example must be great in September or October.
Yes, it’s so pretty and a perfect town to see autumn too 🙂
Couldn’t agree more with you. These look fantastic. Hope to visit them one day.
Great!
Such a great post since Autumn is a totally underestimated season. But it’s a great time for travelling: Not too hot, not really cold yet, prices are cheaper, crowds smaller. I find particularly the Romanian destination very alluring.
I couldn’t agree more with you Renata!
some fabulous ideas of places to visit in the Autumn – I would add the New Forest in the south of england – it is stunning
Thank you for the tip Kara! I’ll add that one to the update 😀