Traveling Europe in October often means shorter queues, fewer crowds, better prices, and plenty of beautiful fall colors.
It is one place that is full of crisp, orange, yellow, and red trees, cool temperatures, and lots of pumpkins.
There is also an abundance of fall foliage and plenty of festivals. And the good thing is that there are several best places to visit in Europe in October.
Here is a look at the best places to visit in Europe in October. We will highlight the outstanding things about each destination. We will also include some answers to your frequently asked questions. So, let’s get started.
The Best Places to Visit in Europe in October
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is among the best places to visit in Europe in October because of its favorable weather and beautiful landscapes and architecture.
The city offers a mix of old-world charm and modern flair, making it one of the best destinations for relaxation and cultural explorations.
If you have time, you can wander the colorful streets of Alfama, enjoy outdoor cafes without the summer rush, or even ride the iconic Tram 28.
Apart from this, there are several interesting neighborhoods like Baixa and Bairro Alto you can wander through for hidden gems.
You can also explore fairy tale castles like Pena Palace and lush. Truly, the fall brings along a lovely golden light to Lisbon, highlighting the riverfront views and pastel-colored buildings.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona enjoys warm weather that runs into October, making it ideal for exploration. The good thing is that the city boasts a lot of beautiful places to visit.
You can explore La Sagrada Familia, relax on beaches like Barceloneta, or even wander the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter. Besides this, you can head up to Montserrat to enjoy the cooler mountain air.
During the fall, the city comes alive with several outdoor performances, cultural festivals, and art exhibitions.
The warm temperature also makes it a perfect place for enjoying Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife as well as sightseeing.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia might not be as popular as other European countries, but it has lately become one of the best places to visit in Europe in October, and for a good reason.
Some Croatian cities like Dubrovnik have a deep history, divine olive oil, beautiful beaches, and epic scenery for visitors to enjoy.
Usually, in the summer months, this place is filled with tourists and long lines.
So, the best time to enjoy it without this crowd is to head to Dubrovnik during the fall. Moreover, you will enjoy crisp temperatures and easygoing travel.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
While Copenhagen can be wet and cold, the temperature and experience might be slightly different in the fall.
You might experience some mild temperatures and an authentic experience of coziness. During this season, you will find it easier to explore the city like the Danes because of fewer tourists.
In fact, you can hop on a bike and roam around the city, something that you wouldn’t dream of doing in a busy season or cold season where there is a thick layer of ice.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is also one of the best places to visit in Europe in October because of many factors.
It is an average city with lots of things to do and offers some unique experiences compared to the big cities of Western Europe. It is also much cheaper when compared to places like London or Rome.
In this city, you can walk everywhere and get a taste of Hungarian life. From caves and castles to historical parliament buildings and food markets, it is hard to be bored here. You also enjoy local festivals during the fall.
6. Munich, Germany
Munich is truly a lovely city that offers plenty to see and experience.
During the fall, you can head to Oktoberfest to experience the largest and best beer festival globally. It can also be the best place if you want to sing along to the drinking songs or even ride a roller coaster.
We also believe it is among the best places to visit in Europe in October because Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event.
So, you can visit with your family and friends. But note that weekends and nights tend to be overcrowded, so a normal day trip on a weekday might work for you.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
This list of the best places to visit in Europe in October would not have been complete without Prague.
This Czech city boasts a lot of rich history, impressive architecture, and lots of autumn festivals. In the fall, the cool breeze sets in, and many tourists return to their countries.
But for you, it will be the best time to explore different parts of the city. In this season, there are lots of foods and wild game.
It is also the season for beer in the city. Besides foods, the city hosts a number of fall festivals, such as the Signal Light Festival.
If you are lucky enough to stay till the end of the month, you might witness Christmas markets. These markets tend to start early, so you can visit them in fall.
8. Tuscany, Italy
This Italian countryside is beautiful and bountiful with foods from nearby farms. The lush fields are washed with all sorts of fall colors, while the food is always fresh and delicious.
That is why some small Tuscan towns get a lot of tourists during summer months.
Depending on the reasons for visiting Tuscany, you will be there for either olive harvest or grape harvest.
The good thing is that you can’t go wrong with either. Fall is always the time to witness the harvest of local pumpkins, artichokes, and chestnuts.
9. Hallstatt, Austria
One of the prettiest destinations in the world is just minutes away from Salzburg, Austria. Hallstatt is set with 16th-century Alpine homes just on the edge of a pristine lake.
During the fall, the homes here are complete with flower boxes in the windows.
You might also love the church steeple, which makes a grand portrait along with a gorgeous town center.
Another place that you might want to hop into while in Hallstatt is Vienna. In October, you will find fewer crowds and quieter streets.
10. Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is one of the favorite places to visit in Belgium, especially in October. It is incredibly charming with stunning European architecture, including churches, castles, and tall towers.
The good thing is that you can either walk around the city or even use a canal boat for your exploration.
The food here is excellent too. And if it gets cooler, you can seek warmth in one of Ghent’s many cozy cafes. Due to its small size, it tends to get crowded in summer months.
So, the best time for a stress-free tour is in the fall months, especially in October. It is much easier to appreciate what it offers when you are not shoulder to shoulder with other travelers.
Other Fascinating Destinations to Visit in Europe in October
- Florence, Italy
- Valencia, Spain
- Ludwigsburg, Germany
- Sorrento/Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Rome, Italy
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Vienna, Austria
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Palermo, Sicily, Italy
- Madeira, Portugal
- Ibiza, Spain
- Bucharest, Romania
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, there are many festivals that are held in various cities across Europe.
Some of the popular ones are Oktoberfest in Munich and the Grape Harvest Festival in Tuscany.
There are also several cultural festivals in cities like Lisbon and Barcelona.
As noted above and throughout this article, October is one of the best times to visit Europe for a fall vacation.
The best thing about this time is that the weather is slightly cooler, there are fewer tourists, and the landscapes are colorful.
These attributes make it a relaxing and enjoyable time to explore Europe.
The weather in Europe in the month of October tends to vary, but generally, temperatures in northern countries are cooler.
However, some southern regions like Portugal and Spain will still offer pleasant warmth.
You will need to pack a combination of cool- and warm-weather clothing.
So, you may need a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and scarves for this period.
If you are visiting northern countries, you may need warmer clothing because of the cool temperatures.
Likewise, light layers are ideal for southern destinations.
Closing Remarks
October is one of the best-kept travel secrets in Europe.
The time is characterized by smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and autumn colors that transform towns and cities into beautiful, cozy scenes.
And the best thing is that there are countless places you may want to visit.
In fact, you might be forced to be mean with your time and only select the few best.
So, if you are planning a fall escape, then the above are the best places to visit in Europe in October.
They offer unforgettable culture, scenery, festivals, and a little bit of magic around the corner.
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