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Summer is not a favorite season for me, mostly due to the fact that I’m used to the hot summers of Greece.
Compared to the New Zealand summers I had for the other half of my life, which are definitely more manageable.
But I love October, and late fall, as the best time to travel in Europe and see a lot of the European capitals and general cities.
You don’t have to worry about heatwaves, there is more stuff to do (like hiking, and exploring the cities).
Overall, October and November are some of my favorite months to travel.
Let’s get started to see some options for your European destinations in October and November.
Why visit Europe in October and November
The reasons are pretty straightforward. Southern Europe especially still has great weather — warm days, chillier nights — which is exactly the balance I love.
Prices are also much lower. For example, a 3-night stay in Budapest in the off-season was only €50 a night. In peak summer, places like Seville or Rome can be almost double that.
Crowds are also way more manageable. You don’t have to pre-book every single thing or stress out about squeezing into attractions.
How to book your European fall getaway
📱 eSIM: For data abroad, I use Airalo
🚗 Rental cars: Discover Cars has been solid for me
✈️ Airport transfers: Welcome Pickups is always smooth
🎟️ Guided tours: I usually check GetYourGuide first, and Viator sometimes
🏨 Accommodation: I’m a Booking.com Genius Level 3 (definitely worth joining the loyalty program)
Budapest, Hungary
I actually think there’s no wrong season to visit Budapest. I’ve been more than four times in the last six years, and I love it more every time. October and November are ideal because the air is crisp, you can dress in layers, and biking around is super comfortable (which I 100% recommend).
Plus, flights are direct from a lot of destinations and very affordable.
My usual routine in Budapest involves renting a bike to explore Margaret Island, catching the sunset at Fisherman’s Bastion, and grabbing some goulash or a hot bowl of something hearty before heading to a ruin bar.
There’s a ton to do: castles, cooking classes, museums like the House of Terror, walking around Andrássy Avenue, shopping, and of course — thermal baths. The Széchenyi Baths in the cold? A dream.
Montenegro
Montenegro is a place I road-tripped last year, and while it’s not a “city,” it has a lot packed in, so I’m including it.
We went for hiking, including reaching the highest peak of Bobotov Kuk in Durmitor National Park, but also explored Kotor, which is so much better in the shoulder season when the cruise ships aren’t flooding the bay.
I’d go back in a heartbeat. The old towns, the views, the mix of coast and mountains — it’s a hidden gem (and October is the best time to enjoy it).
Also, do check out the Lovcen National Park and the Mausoleum.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Everyone talks about the islands when it comes to Greece, but Thessaloniki deserves more love. It’s also the city I’ve spent the most time in as an adult.
Start your day with a freddo espresso and a koulouri, then walk along Nikis Avenue, the old port, and the White Towerarea. If you keep going, you’ll hit the Nea Paralia waterfront, which is perfect for autumn strolls.
The Jewish Museum is a must of all the museums. It sheds light on a part of the city’s past that a lot of people don’t know much about.
Don’t skip a good bougatsa (trust me), and definitely make time to wander the Kastra (Old Town Walls).
✨ Read: 50+ Things to Do in Thessaloniki
Crete, Greece
Crete is famous for a reason — it’s massive, beautiful, and full of options.
October is the perfect time to visit if you want to avoid the chaos and inflated prices. There are still warm days for swimming (especially if you’re used to colder water), and places like Chania and Elafonissi are a lot less crowded.
You can explore Knossos near Heraklion, road trip through the island, and take your time enjoying meals by the sea. It’s a whole vibe.
Krakow, Poland
Even though I’ve only spent a few days in Krakow, I’d go back in a second.
October is ideal — you beat the freezing temperatures but still get that cozy fall atmosphere. Planty Park wrapped in fall colors, walking through the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, and seeing Schindler’s Factory — it’s all beautiful and walkable.
If you have time, head out to the Wieliczka Salt Mines or even to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains for some hikes and nature. It’s a perfect fall combo.
Southern Spain
As I’ve said, I’m not a summer heat person. And Spain in July or August? Absolutely not.
But October in Seville? Perfect.
You can walk through the Royal Alcázar, explore the Seville Cathedral, and catch flamenco shows at night without feeling like you’re going to faint.
I’d definitely extend this to other southern cities too — Granada and Cordoba, — they all shine in the fall.
Rome, Italy
Rome is still the only Italian city I’ve visited so far (I know, I know) — but it completely stole my heart.
October was the best time. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, and random ruins around every corner… I could have walked for days.
You can see the main attractions without the intense heat or the ridiculous lines of summer. Bonus: no melting gelato disasters.
One of my favorite low-key spots was the Botanical Garden — quiet, green, and a great place to catch your breath between sightseeing. I also spent hours wandering around Trastevere, with its cobblestone streets, cozy restaurants, and that relaxed neighborhood vibe that makes you want to stay forever.
And if you love art, don’t skip the Galleria Borghese or some of the smaller museums — they’re often less crowded, and October gives you the time and mental space to enjoy them properly.
Malta
While Malta is often thought of as a summer destination, I’d say that October and November are probably the best months to visit.
The first time I went was in mid to late October, and it was so hot, I was melting. Plus, I got to swim and visited Comino on a boat tour (where I am pretty sure I got sunburned).
Even if the weather happens to be less hot though, you can still do all of the above, while exploring one of the most picturesque little countries at the same time.
My favorite thing I did last time though, was scuba dive from Gozo island, and October would be awesome for that. There are a ton of shipwrecks in Malta, so if you are considering scuba or already dive, check it out.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is not a warm destination outside of summer — but honestly, that’s ideal for me.
I much prefer the autumn/fall vibe. It’s easier to dress (and layer), easier to match the locals, and easier to shop too, for that matter.
Copenhagen in October feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy, Scandinavian blanket. For me, it’s all about grabbing a warm cardamom bun (way better than cinnamon, fight me) and a good coffee from one of the city’s iconic bakeries. From there, you can hop on a canal tour to admire the architecture or explore Christiana for something a little more offbeat.
Renting a bike is a must — even if you just use it to cruise between landmarks at your own pace. In October, the wind hasn’t fully taken over yet, so you can still enjoy outdoor food halls like Broens Gadekøkken or Reffen without freezing.
I also like taking a walk through Nørrebro or Vesterbro for a more local feel — and a stop by Nyhavn (yes, it’s touristy, but still pretty). Just don’t eat there unless you want to cry over the prices.
End the day with some shopping on Strøget or tucked into a cozy wine bar or bistro somewhere off the main streets. Copenhagen might be expensive, but it’s also stylish, cozy, and ideal for fall wanderings.
Stockholm, Sweden
Speaking of Scandinavia, I have to mention Stockholm — which is often a lot warmer than nearby Malmö, another option I love.
Stockholm has that chill vibe early in October, so if you love fall, you can go there first and still be in time for fall further south in Europe.
You’ll want to stop by Gamla Stan for the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, visit the Nobel Museum, and take your time in the coffee shops or browsing for souvenirs.
Then, head to the Vasa Museum, walk past the Parliament near the water for some of the best views of the islands — and of course, don’t forget to take a little Metro tour to see all the incredible art hiding underground.
Edinburgh, Scotland
I couldn’t end the list without one of my favorite European cities. Edinburgh was the first trip I ever got to plan on my own when I turned 18, so it’ll always have a soft spot in my heart.
From walking up to the castle and exploring the cobblestone streets, to enjoying warm roast meals, and even hearty blood pudding (which honestly surprised me), it just feels like autumn here.
One of the coolest things I did was join a nighttime underground ghost tour through the old vaults and hidden tunnels under the city — a little creepy, but so worth it. You get all the folklore, legends, and haunted history that makes Edinburgh such a perfect October destination.
I also spent hours in the National Museum of Scotland, which is packed with everything from dinosaurs to Dolly the sheep. It’s one of those museums where you don’t even notice the time passing.
Between the views from Calton Hill, a walk down the Royal Mile, and maybe a foggy morning up at Arthur’s Seat, there’s no better place to lean into those gothic, cozy fall vibes.
