12 Best European Cities to Visit in October

I don’t know if it’s the wine harvests, the festivals, the damp cobbled streets, or the leaves changing, but Europe is always best during autumn. The History, alluring castles and monuments, rolling mountains cloaked in crimson foliage, and the warmth of local restaurants on a cold day make getting away in October a win-win situation.

Europe’s breadth of culture, landscapes, and climates makes picking a single destination tricky. But the burden is also a blessing. Let’s uncover the best of them.

12. Budapest, Hungary

The landlocked city experiences a boisterous and at times blazing summer. A popular, youthful escape, the city’s famous Ruin Bars are the scene of many bar crawls. It cools off both in temperature and the crowds come October, creating just the right balance for your travels.

Budapest hasn’t had much luck in wartime being the target of endless bombings through major coNFLicts. The one silver lining? It’s an impressive mix of architecture that blends the east and west of the continent.

Old-time boulevards and street cars take you from the Danube through its many quarters home to fall markets, ancient churches, the Buda Castle, and a dining scene that won’t break the budget.

11. Salzburg, Austria

With festivals and endless eye-catching landscapes, October in Salzburg is the perfect blend of humanity and nature. You can enjoy the Salzburg Culture Days, explore the Old Town and birthplace of Mozart, and lick gelato by the Hellbrunn Palace Trick Fountains. You can also venture for a scenic drive through the Salzburg and Salzkammergut lake districts.

The culture is rich and ripe in October. Cooler temperatures allow you to get your walk on and make it to the Salzburg Fortress by sunset. Walks along the river and out of the city bring exceptional color and the promise of schnitzel and goulash at local taverns.

10. Nantes, France

October marks one of the best times of year to wander Nantes’ Green Line. The colorful path creates a self-guided tour of Nantes, taking you by city highlights such as Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, the Interior Jungle (with gorgeous foliage) and numerous sculptures and public designs.

If that’s not enough, combine the walk with a cruise along the Erdre River. The scenic ride presents some of Europe’s best foliage, along with ancient architecture and natural landscapes.

Harvest season takes place in October, so be sure to visit a vineyard (or three), while you’ll find autumn specialties at the Nantes Farmers Market.

9. Valletta, Malta

Autumn doesn’t have to be all sweaters and rain-soaked cobbled streets. The summer fun can continue in Valletta while also experiencing astounding history. Valletta, created by the Knights of St. John, lies on what can only be described as a slit of land on the island’s peninsula.

Its 16th century charm continues to capture the minds of all who visit. Small but packed with adventure, the World Heritage Site features Fort St Elmo, 17th century City Gates, St John’s Co-Cathedral, and the Grand Master’s Palace. But that’s merely scratching the surface.

Explore beyond the city to uncover the Blue Grotto, suNBAthe at Golden Bay, and wander the Dingli Cliffs.

8. Alicante, Spain

Relative to the summer, Alicante falls into a quiet hush come October. Pleasant, brisk temperatures make it a joy to explore. Foodies will enjoy a delicious getaway as they sample the best of the many Mediterranean flavors at the Mercado Central, and sweet tooths will be on cloud nine thanks to the Explanada’s gelato shops and bakeries.

To work off the eats, trek your way through the Montgo Natural Park or by exploring the sprawling Archaeological Museum. History lovers can spend all day visiting the Santa Barbara Castle, while October coincides with grape harvest season just in time for a vineyard tour.

7. Munich, Germany

In October, flames burst from the streets of Munich in the form of maples and chestnut trees. Long boulevards swept up in warm colors beckon you through the Bavarian capital with stops along the way at Nymphenburg Palace Park and Luitpoldpark.

The cooler temps are balanced with Munich’s array of saunas from the Art Nouveau Finnish sauna to Müller’sches Volksbad’s Roman-Irish sweat bath. Of course, there’s the famous Oktoberfest (starting in late September).

The 200-year-old Bavarian tradition is much more than just steins of German beer. You can later continue the festivities at Kirchwiihdult, a folksy market with 300 stalls.

6. Lausanne, Switzerland

The cooler autumn has arrived in Lausanne, which can only mean one thing: it’s time for an overdose of rich fondue. As the city becomes draped in burgundies, yellows, and auburns, there’s no better time to explore.

The Sauvabelin Tower is the place to get your bearings. Thirty meters (115 ft) above the ground, you can admire the foliage, Lake Geneva along with a trio of geographical regions in the Alps, the Jura, and the Plateau.

For indoor fun, check out the interactive Olympic Museum and stop by a cafe for life-affirming fondue.

5. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Arriving in Luxembourg City coincides with the country’s wine harvest. Just in time to sample the nation’s best tipple while enjoying that festive atmosphere. The dip in temperature will have you craving warm and hearty eats and the city’s slew of savory stews and overuse of potato will hit the spot.

The stunning Grund neighborhood is invigorated with autumnal colors, adding an extra element to your strolls along the Alzette River, with stops at the idyllic district’s cozy cafes. In the evenings you can cruise along the Moselle River and experience the Night of the Museums.

4. Dublin, Ireland

Autumn provides Dublin travelers with serene landscapes, cozy Irish weather, and an itinerary littered with festivities. A city of culture, history, and nature there’s no better way to explore the old-time streets than on foot. For every museum and garden, there are historic taverns and charming architecture that will stop you in your tracks.

It’s a city that is busy living, whether that be by enjoying October’s Theatre Festival and very Irish Halloween – it is after all, the land of Bram Stoker – or the Irish Music Festival. For lovers of museums and Guinness, you can explore both without the lines. All the while migrating birds find shelter in Dublin Bay.

3. Heraklion, Greece

On the Greek island of Crete, Heraklion is a city rich in ancient monuments and autumn sunshine that allows for continued outdoor adventures. The story of Heraklion began in the year 824. However, you can trace its foundation to the ancient city of Knossos which dates back 4,000 years.

The lores of the past continue today in Heraklion’s storied archaeological sites, the Palace of Knossos and the Natural History Museum of Crete. Picture-perfect weather will also motivate adventurous souls who can take day trips to Dia Island, set out along the E4 hiking route, and wander the Lassithi Plateau.

2. Nice, France

The popular summer escape calms down (slightly) in October. With the weather cooling off, morning strolls require light jackets and the brisk evenings make balcony cocktails as refreshing as the perfect spritzer.

The October sun still allows for some long days on the beach all without having to compete for lounges and umbrellas. With that ticked off, autumn strolls through the Old Town and Place Massena stopping for baked treats. If the weather isn’t cooperating, Nice has an alluring assortment of museums and galleries that celebrate the likes of Picasso and Matisse.

For sunset, book a table at Le Plongeoir.

1. Seville, Spain

With the steaming summer heat in the rearview mirror, Seville presents the ideal October getaway. Sightseeing has reached its zenith, as you can explore without the beads of sweat and as attention turns to the holiday seasons, the town is swept up in a vibrant atmosphere.

Of course, your days will end with strolls along the serene Guadalquivir River and hopping between tapas bars. However, your days will be full of experiencing pristine gardens, Mudejar architecture, the Flamenco Museum, and the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral. That’s without mentioning the incomparable UNESCO site, The Alcazar.