Last Updated on 10/22/2022
It’s no secret that fall is my favorite time of year to travel in Europe. Sure, I love lazy summer days at the beach in Positano too, but there’s something special about fall.
The temperature is perfect and there’s less people. There’s also a relaxation in the air that the most busy tourist season is over, yet a lingering excitement for the holidays around the corner. Fall is the perfect time to go to Europe. Read on for my top picks for where to go in Europe in the fall.
Paris, France
“I love Paris in the springtime, I love Paris in the fall…. I love Paris every moment of the year.” All that’s 100% true, but I really really love Paris in the fall. The foliage in the public gardens and against Parisian architecture is just stunning.
It’s best to go from late September to mid October before it gets too cold. My mom’s birthday is in late September and we’ve been lucky to celebrate it twice in Paris. Always at The Grand Colbert, very Something’s Gotta Give.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Last October we did a 5-day road trip throughout Slovenia. It was simply incredible. While we really loved Piran and Ljubliana, Lake Bled stole the show and still remains one of our favorite trips we’ve taken.
Stay at the cozy Penzione Berc and use their electric bikes to get around the lake. Be sure to hike up to the castle for incredible views and rent a boat to row to the island in the middle of the lake.
Prague, Czech Republic
I feel like Prague was all the rage about two years ago and it’s since fallen of the radar a little bit. It’s still there and it’s still a wonderful fall destination. The trees along the river are the perfect color. Be sure to rent a paddle boat to get a different perspective.
Between the food, architecture and affordability, Prague is the perfect place to go in Europe in the fall.
Florence, Italy
Tuscany is wonderful all year round (although it’s a little dead in winter). Fall is an especially nice time to explore the region. The weather is perfect to sit outside without sweating to death and Florence isn’t so crowded.
Also it’s grape harvest season, vendemmia! There are a number of wine festivals and events that take place throughout the region. I found this post on VisitTuscany.com that gives all the details on wine events in the area.
Munich, Germany
Back when I could drink a gallon of beer like it was water, I ventured to Oktoberfest in Munich. This German festival is centered entirely around beer and it’s not to be missed if you’re in Europe in the fall. Sure, there’s live music, dancing, carnival rides and Bavarian food, but beer takes center stage.
If you miss the festival in Theresienwiese Park, you can still go to the Hofbräuhaus and other traditional German breweries in the city center all year round.
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Blerim Norja says
Amazing places! Thanks for sharing!
Alice | Girl with a saddle bag says
Lovely ideas! I visited Lake Bled for the first time back in the summer and can’t help but think it must be gorgeous at this time of year, with fewer crowds and falling leaves. I often find myself heading north to at this time of year, but you’ve reminded me there are some great alternatives a little further south. Thank you!
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
All of Slovenia was gorgeous during October, but especially Bled. Lake Bled was so calm and relaxing… Truly, a bucket list destination I was longing to visit for years!
Tarah says
They would all be great but Slovenia looks like it would be amazing in the fall!
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
It was! We so enjoyed biking around the lake. It was beautiful!
Katie says
Would love to visit ALL of these in the fall. But definitely Paris, and I’d never thought of Slovenia but it looks absolutely stunning with the foliage!
Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says
Paris is one of my favorite cities in Europe, but Slovenia is definitely a gem too! It’s such a beautiful country!