Best Cities In Europe During The Fall

Posted by Dana Elford · Feb 02 · in Florence, Italy · about Culture & History
The transition from summer to fall in Europe not only means fewer crowds, shorter lines, ideal weather, and fantastic value - it also means spectacular displays of autumn foliage.

If you're looking to head to Europe in the Fall, look no further - we have great suggestions of which cities you should visit, what you should expect in each one, and fantastic hotel suggestions to stay at for each city.

As an added bonus, each of these properties offer North South Travel clients upgrades, amenities, resort credits, and more!

Fall European Destination Recommendations

Dubrovnik, Croatia

With temperatures in the 18 degree range, you likely won’t even need a jacket in the fall in Dubrovnik. The sea will still be warm enough to swim, and Old Town Dubrovnik will be bumping with classical music & food festivals. Crowds will have worn off a bit from the summer rush, so you’ll be able to visit the beautiful baroque churches and aristocratic palaces with fewer people.

Villa Dubrovnik

Additional Amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Complimentary full breakfast for up to two in-room guests served in restaurant
  • VillaSPA Diamond Bed treatment for two (30 min per person) - harmonizing body and soul system - once during stay
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • For Suite bookings (Junior suites not included) : One three course dinner x 2 people (beverage excluded) at our Pjerin Restaurant – To be used during the stay. Not combinable nor deductible from room rate. No cash value if not redeemed in full.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is the most ideal location to enjoy autumn. The foliage is in full swing making for picturesque walks around Zoologischer Garden, and in October you can enjoy the Festival of Lights – a beautiful display of video and light displays on some of the city’s most famous landmarks (think the Brandenburg Gate & the Berlin Cathedral). German food was essentially made for the fall and wintertime….sausages, stews, and hearty soups are perfect for a chilly Fall day!


Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

Additional Amenities:

  • Upgrade to next category at time of booking (higher upgrades upon availability at time of check in)
  • Daily full breakfast for up to two in-room guests in Restaurant Bel Etage (additonal charge for room service)
  • 80 Euro hotel credit to be utilized during stay - Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full. Valid toward F&B, spa services (with minimum spend of 190 Euros), or hotel booked airport transfers.
  • Seasonal welcome amenity (usually, nuts, dried fruits and chocolates)
  • Guaranteed late check-out at 2 pm, early check-in, subject to availability
  • Free telephone calls (local and international)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is warm and sunny year-round, with pleasant temperatures perfect for the North American traveller in the fall. The Mediterranean climate does increase your chance of a shower or 2 in the Fall, but don’t let that deter you from visiting Lisbon. Great rates at historic hotels and delicious Portuguese fall/winter cuisine (yummy roasted chestnuts) are not to be missed!


Tivoli Palácio de Seteai

Additional Amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Complimentary exquisite breakfast with a wide selection of culinary specialties served a'la carte for two daily for duration of the stay
  • Guest choice of: USD 100 equivalent Hotel Credit to be utilized during stay OR Cold cuts & Colares Wine Experience with Sommelier for 2 guests, once during stay
  • VIP Amenity with Port Wine & Sintra pastries
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is home to the ultimate Indian Summer – having perfect warm days through to November. This time of year is a great opportunity to try something new, and a popular food related activity in the Fall in the Czech Republic is picking mushrooms. Great tours highlighting this interesting and fun culinary experience are quite popular. Typical cuisine in Prague is definitely suited to fall and winter, with cabbage, pork, potatoes, and a lot of great beer on the menu at local restaurants.


Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Additional Amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Full breakfast for up to two in-room guests daily, in restaurant
  • 85 EUR Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • For Classic Suite bookings and above: Complimentary round trips airport transfer
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Welcome amenity
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi


Budapest, Hungary

Autumn festivals in Budapest as well as the reasonable temperatures are the main reasons travellers decide to explore this area during the beautiful post-summer season. Temperatures are normally scorching hot in the summer, making it easy to explore and sightsee in the Fall. A great activity to enjoy in the Fall are the thermal baths – there are dozens of them – and a chilly day will be the perfect match for the hot thermal baths! Festivals being the other huge draw to the area, range in nature, from wine, art, horse-racing, and music events. If you’re looking for something a little different, there are fun events and festivals celebrating foie gras, sausages, and chimney cakes (a Hungarian pastry).

Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection

Additional Amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Buffet Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay
  • Guest choice of: $100 USD equivalent Spa credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) plus 25% off all additional services OR a complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, per room, once during stay
  • Early check-In/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi


Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is warm through until October (“Harvest Month”), when cooler temperatures arrive – and a whole new list of great things to do is put on our bucket list! September is fantastic for outdoor activities – hiking around a beautiful lake, climbing a mountain, or just walking around without the usual crowds in the summertime. In October there is a fantastic concert series called the “Salzburger Kulturtage” which is a definitely can’t miss!

Hotel Sacher Salzburg

Additional Amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Full Buffet Breakfast daily, for up to two in-room guests, served in the restaurant
  • $100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full, not valid at the Sacher Shop)
  • Complimentary one-way train ticket for up to two guests per room from/to Salzburg to/from Vienna when booking both Sacher Hotels during the same trip
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi


Barcelona, Spain

Fall in Barcelona is not only much quieter and peaceful but the cooler temperatures bring on – you guessed it – cultural events and festivals! Of course there might be a rainy day or some fog coming in from the sea, but major tourist attractions are much less busy. Not only this, some great cuisine comes back in the fall time. The very traditionally Spanish marzipan pastries are only eaten and sold in the fall!


W Barcelona

Additional Amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Full breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests, served in restaurant
  • Choice of USD $100 credit in Food & Beverage at WAVE Restaurant and/or W Lounge or USD $100 Bliss Spa Services credit to be utilized during the guest's stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi


Edinburgh, Scotland

Fall foliage in Scotland and the stunning colours it produces are what draws travellers into the country during the crisper months after summer. The leaves turn beautiful shades of gold, bronze, crimson, and russet with a stunning backdrop of Scots pine trees for a nice contrast. We suggest you check out the Royal Botanical Garden to take in the change of season, take a hike up to Arthur’s Seat and enjoy the view.


Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

Additional Amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
  • Complimentary afternoon tea for two persons in Peacock Alley OR a $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit for use during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Florence

Florence is truly a city where exploring the beautiful indoor attractions makes for a perfect autumn trip. The crowds have thinned in October, and you'll be free to explore the museums, churches, cute boutiques, and enjoy restaurants and cafes in a very relaxed manner. Local festivals are happening all around Tuscany in the Fall - provided you dress nice and warmly these are great events to attend. A popular Tuscan festival is the Truffle hunt and festival that occurs every November in San Miniato.


Belmond Villa San Michele

Additional Amenities:

  • Full American Buffet breakfast daily already included in rates
  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, valid in hotel restaurant for either lunch or dinner, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Paris, France

While there’s never a ‘bad’ time to visit Paris, come the fall time (even early September) the city starts to feel a little more authentic – the locals have returned from vacationing elsewhere in Europe, and crowds have thinned considerably. Jardin du Luxembourg is flocked by beautiful fall foliage, and people watching from pavement cafes becomes a bit more interesting with the locals strolling by. Make sure you pack a sweater!

Esprit Saint Germain

Additional Amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
  • Choice of red or white wine in room on arrival with a plate of assorted French cheeses, baguette and crackers
  • Departure gift of Butter cookies from famous bakery Poilane and bottle of mineral water
  • Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Interested in visiting Europe in the Fall? Contact one of our European Travel Specialists at 604-736-7447 or by clicking the 'contact us' button to send us a message through the website!

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