Wondering where to travel in Europe during the fall season?
It’s nearing the end of summer but, while the last beach towels might be folded away, real Euro travellers know the fun is far from over. In fact, fall is one of the very best times to pack a bag and jet across the Atlantic.
When the seasons start to change, flights and accommodations generally become more affordable, crowds start to thin out, and Europe’s landscapes transform with fiery autumn colours. If you’re wondering where to travel in Europe during fall, here are some destinations that shine even brighter as the sun begins to cool.
Tuscany, Italy
For food and wine enthusiasts
The beginning of the Tuscan grape and olive harvest season starts in earnest in the fall. A veritable feast for the senses, this is the time to wander though winding golden vineyards, sample impossibly fresh olive oil, and savour bowls of a delectable Tuscan bread soup known as ribollita.
It’s also time to take advantage of Florence’s museums or Siena’s medieval squares without the usual tourist crowds.
Paris, France
For cultural indulgence
Indulge in your inner moody fashion icon in the best way. Paris Fashion Week kicks off in late September. Plus, when the summer rush subsides, the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay become more easy to navigate.
Kick back on Café terraces, which become cozy havens for sipping chocolat chaud, and enjoy parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg that burst into autumn colours.
Prague, Czech Republic
For fairytale vibes
Stop dreaming of wandering cobblestone streets beneath a castle and book a trip to Prague this fall. The city stays lively, but with fewer crowds and cooler weather.
Enjoy seasonal festivals like the Prague Signal Festival, which lights up the city with dazzling art and light installations, and be sure to taste a meal of warm goulash afterwards.
Edinburgh, Scotland
For cozy, atmospheric days
Romantics take note: few places capture the romance of fall like Edinburgh. Soak in the city’s gothic skyline that is just made for misty mornings or hike up Arthur’s Seat and reward yourself with panoramic views framed in autumn hues.
Bonus: fall in Scotland coincides with whiskey-tasting season so you can celebrate with a dram after exploring the town’s many historic alleyways.
Lofoten, Norway
For a remote reset
At the 68th northern parallel, just above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten is an otherworldly destination that glows with an ethereal Midnight Sun through the warmer months and offers magical views of the Northern Lights as early as September.
Embark on an epic summit up one of the nearby mountains or discover the fascinating history of the vikings at a local museum.
Fall travel in Europe just makes sense
Lower prices and smaller crowds aside, Europe in fall feels more authentic as locals reclaim their cities after summer, cultural calendars fill with festivals, and nature puts on a spectacular show.
Instead of mourning the end of summer, grab an aloSIM eSIM for Europe, book that flight that’s been sitting on your watchlist, and embrace fall in Europe. Some of the continent’s best-kept travel secrets reveal themselves when the leaves start to turn.
