October is when Europe reveals its best-kept secrets. It is also one of my favourite months to visit Europe.
The summer crowds have thinned, the air is crisp, and the low golden light turns even the most photographed streets into something fresh. Plus, with kids back in school, family tourism drops sharply – making attractions calmer and more enjoyable. But the real magic? It’s in the local-only experiences you can tap into when the tourist season quiets down.
From jazz festivals tucked into ancient squares to castles you can have almost to yourself, here are 15 cities where October delivers something you won’t find in a glossy summer brochure.
This seems to be an ongoing trend. Last year, 73% of Europeans planned trips between October 2024 and March 2025 – a 6% rise year-over-year – at least that is what I read. A recent Financial Times article highlights a European Travel Commission (ETC) survey of 6,000 holidaymakers, which found that 9% had changed their holiday months – primarily to avoid extreme heat, reduce crowds, or save money – by shifting their travel to spring or autumn shoulder seasons.
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is one of the capitals that is a true gem and not many people talk about it – but it should. The café-lined Ljubljanica River shimmers under amber trees, and the city’s compact old town invites long, unhurried strolls.
Take a short trip to the Ljubljana Marshes, where the autumn mist gives the UNESCO-protected wetlands a storybook atmosphere. Pair it with a tasting at the Movia wine cellar—one of Slovenia’s most acclaimed but still under-the-radar wineries.
Must-dos: Explore Ljubljana Castle, browse the central market for pumpkin specialties, and enjoy live music in Metelkova’s arts district. For more inspiration, read our guide to Ljubljana with recommendations from a local.
2. Budapest, Hungary
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Chilly evenings make thermal baths irresistible, and fall foliage wraps the Danube in warm colors.
Book a private tour of Faust Wine Cellar, hidden beneath the Hilton in the Buda Castle district. This medieval cellar offers candlelit tastings of rare Hungarian vintages.
Must-dos: Soak at Széchenyi Baths, admire Parliament lit up at night, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, and try chimney cake still warm from the oven.
3. Ghent, Belgium
The canals reflect gold-and-crimson facades, and the summer tourist flow gives way to a local vibe.
Join the Ghent Light Plan Night Walk – a self-guided evening route that reveals illuminated medieval landmarks, designed by award-winning lighting architects.
Must-dos: Tour Gravensteen Castle, taste Trappist beer in centuries-old pubs, and shop the weekend flower market at Kouter Square.
4. Florence, Italy
Harvest season floods the markets with chestnuts, mushrooms, and new wines.
Attend the Boccaccesca Food and Wine Festival in nearby Certaldo, where medieval streets fill with Tuscan specialties and artisanal products.
Must-dos: Visit the Uffizi without the summer rush, climb Brunelleschi’s Dome, and stroll across Ponte Vecchio at sunset. For more places to visit, read our complete guide to Florence.
5. Porto, Portugal
The Douro Valley harvest is in full swing, and cooler days make riverside walks inviting.
Take a harvest boat tour where you help pick grapes, stomp them in traditional lagares, and toast the day with fresh young wine.
Must-dos: Taste port in Vila Nova de Gaia cellars, wander Ribeira’s streets, and ride the historic tram no. 1 along the river.
6. Prague, Czechia
The city’s gothic beauty intensifies in autumn light, and cooler days are ideal for castle climbs.
Time your visit for the Signal Festival, when light installations transform historic buildings into outdoor art galleries.
Must-dos: Cross Charles Bridge at sunrise, explore Prague Castle, and try svíčková (marinated beef) in a cozy cellar restaurant.
7. Tallinn, Estonia
Talinn is one of the best places to visit in Europe in autumn. Crisp Baltic air and medieval charm meet in cobblestone lanes lined with fiery leaves.
Climb the KGB Museum in Hotel Viru — once a Soviet spying hub — for quirky Cold War stories, then warm up with mulled wine in Raekoja Square.
Must-dos: Visit Kadriorg Palace, walk the medieval city walls, and shop for hand-knit wool goods.
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Autumn turns the canals into shimmering ribbons, and the art scene comes alive indoors.
Attend Museumnacht (Museum Night), when dozens of museums stay open until 2 AM with live music, performances, and special exhibits.
Must-dos: Bike through Vondelpark, see the Van Gogh Museum, and browse vintage shops in the Nine Streets. Discover what to do in Amsterdam from our guide to Amsterdam and read this article with the best museums in Amsterdam before visiting the city.
9. Segovia, Spain
The surrounding countryside glows gold, and crisp evenings make the local cuisine even more comforting.
Visit during the Titirimundi Puppet Festival (dates vary) for whimsical performances in plazas and courtyards.
Must-dos: Admire the Roman aqueduct, tour the Alcázar, and savor roast suckling pig.
10. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the best cities for art and culture – so a must visit In October, the city is still warm enough for the beach, yet calm enough to enjoy cultural life at your own pace.
Catch the Barcelona Jazz Festival, which fills intimate venues and open-air spaces with world-class performances all month long.
Must-dos: Visit Sagrada Familia, stroll La Rambla, and enjoy pintxos in Poble Sec.
11. Bucharest, Romania
Yes, I am including my hometown on this list because I think it is a place worth visiting. Parks turn golden, the air is crisp, and café culture thrives.
Explore Caru’ cu Bere’s hidden art nouveau interiors over a glass of Romanian wine, then catch an indie film at the Les Films de Cannes à Bucarest festival.
Must-dos: Visit the Palace of Parliament, walk Calea Victoriei, and unwind in Herăstrău Park. You can see here my recommendation of a 1-day in Bucharest itinerary and here you can discover our best art and history museums.
12. Edinburgh, Scotland
Autumn brings rich colors to Arthur’s Seat and the Royal Botanic Garden, while the city feels atmospheric under early nightfall.
Brave the Real Mary King’s Close after-dark ghost tours, where storytellers bring the city’s hidden underground streets to life. There are many off-the-beaten-path things to do in Edinburgh, so you will have your visit full of amazing discoveries.
Must-dos: Tour Edinburgh Castle, wander the Royal Mile, and sip whisky in a traditional pub.
13. Heidelberg, Germany
I loved this city! Fiery foliage frames castle views, and the old town exudes cozy charm.
Attend the Heidelberg Autumn Festival, where stalls line Hauptstrasse selling crafts, local wine, and seasonal food.
Must-dos: Walk the Philosopher’s Way, explore Heidelberg Castle, and take a river cruise.
14. Copenhagen, Denmark
Cool air, warm light, and hygge culture make every café visit feel cinematic.
Seek out the Cisterns, an eerie art space set in a former underground water reservoir -neven more atmospheric in autumn.
Must-dos: Explore Nyhavn, climb Church of Our Saviour, and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
15. Valletta, Malta
Mild Mediterranean warmth without the summer intensity, plus historic streets made for golden-hour walks.
Visit during the Notte Bianca, when museums and historic sites stay open late with concerts and street performances.
Must-dos: See St. John’s Co-Cathedral, cruise the Grand Harbour, and explore the Three Cities.
Photo sources (except those from dreamstime): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
