Top Europe Destinations in October: Best Places to Visit for Autumn Travel

Summer is considered the best time to visit Europe. The winter snow has completely melted, the temperatures have increased, and the daylight hours are more, giving you more time to spend outdoors. But summer months (June to August) in Europe are also crowded. It is summer vacation for most schools and universities around the continent, increasing local as well as tourist traffic to the most popular cities and attractions. If you want to explore Europe when the weather is still pleasant without crowds, October is a good time to visit. Here you will get to know all about visiting Europe in October, including the best places to visit in Europe in October.

Why Visit Europe in October?

October is the month of transition in Europe, when the weather slowly changes from summer to winter. The days are not extremely hot like summer, nor do you have to step outside wrapped in thick winter wear. Apart from the weather being pleasant, there are plenty of reasons to visit European cities in October.

• You will find very few tourists in the most popular Europe destinations in October. This means you can enjoy sightseeing and indulge in activities without waiting in long queues.
• Autumn brings a change of scenery, giving you the chance to admire landscapes colored with autumn or fall hues in October.
• Several regional harvests happen in Europe in October, enabling you to be part of numerous interesting culinary and harvest festivals.
• October is the month when European holidays become affordable. With the summer season gone, you will find lesser prices on flight tickets, hotels, and even tour packages. It is a good time to visit some of the most expensive European cities like Paris, Barcelona, Rome, and more.

Best Places to Visit in Europe in October

Munich, Germany

The capital of Germany’s Bavaria, Munich is popular for a lot of reasons. A delightful place for sightseeing, Munich is home to numerous museums, palaces, gardens, traditional markets, and more.

Highlights:

• October is the perfect time to be a part of Oktoberfest, where you get to taste German beer and delicious Bavarian food while enjoying carnival rides and more.
• The sight of the spectacular fall foliage across the city is reason enough to make Munich one of the best fall destinations in Europe. It is a true delight to walk in the gardens of the city during this time of the year.
• Watching the fairytale castles of Bavaria in the midst of autumn foliage is another highlight of visiting the place.
•  Visit the iconic landmarks of Munich, including Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz & the New Town Hall, Frauenkirche, etc.

Paris, France

Paris, the city of love and romance, feels more intimate and cozier in October with the absence of the heavy tourist traffic. It is incredible to explore Paris and its amazing landmarks, museums, art centers, and nature spaces in pleasant weather.

Highlights:

• Enjoy the golden fall colors with visits to the parks and gardens of the city like the iconic Luxembourg Garden, Bois de Boulogne, and Tuileries Garden. A cruise on the Seine River, included in many Paris tour packages, is a great way to admire the city draped in autumn hues.
• This is the best time to visit world-class museums like Louvre Paris, Musee d’Orsay, etc., without waiting in long queues. The same goes for all the other landmarks and attractions of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Lar Marais, Arc de Triomphe, and more.
• Take part in food tours, where you will get to enjoy special flavors of fall, including wild mushrooms, delicious stews, and chestnut dishes.
• Soak in the art and culture of the city by attending festivals, events, concerts, and plays.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is another one of the best places for Europe holidays in October. The capital of Austria, Vienna turns into a scarlet-colored paradise in October, making sightseeing really appealing.

Highlights:

• A stroll across the parks and gardens of the city is perfect to enjoy the beauty of the place complete with its sun-kissed autumn foliage. The best places to enjoy a stroll in Vienna are Stadtpark, Schonbrunn Palace Gardens, Prater Park, Ringstrasse, etc.
• For music lovers, Vienna in October feels like a dream. Classical concerts, symphonies, and operas at the Vienna State Opera and Musikverein make your Vienna holiday package rich with cultural experiences.
• This is the month of grape harvest in Vienna. Visitors can go for a wine hiking tour, where you get to visit numerous vineyards and savor delicious wine along with local cheese and authentic Austrian fare.
• October is the ideal time to explore art and cultural museums of Vienna like Belvedere Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Albertina Museum, etc., without being bothered by a sea of tourists.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku is a transcontinental city that is located between Europe and Asia, making it an interesting place to visit in October.

• With the temperature in Baku between 16-degree C to 22-degree C, the weather is perfect to check out the historical attractions of the city, especially the Old City or Icherisheher.
• October is also harvest season in Baku, giving travelers the chance to savor fresh local produce and sample authentic Azerbaijani wine. For music lovers, the Baku Jazz Festival—typically held in October—offers a vibrant cultural experience worth including in your Baku package itinerary.
• To enjoy the gentle breeze and vibe of the autumn season, a stroll on the Baku Boulevard along the Caspian Sea is a must.

Barcelona, Spain

 If you want to travel through the beautiful, cultural city of Barcelona in a leisurely way, October is the right month to visit. With limited tourist crowds, you will get to see all the attractions of the city without making haste, especially when you choose from well-curated Barcelona packages.

• The mild Mediterranean weather is perfect for a visit to the Barceloneta Beach. You can enjoy the sun, sand, and the surf, without the extreme summer temperatures.
• The tourist attractions are comparatively calmer and less crowded, enabling you to explore places like Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlo in relative peace.
• You get to be a part of some interesting festivals in October like La Castanyada, which is an autumn festival complete with festivities, seasonal delicacies, and wine.
• Being a part of Barcelona Jazz Festival, Festes del Roser, Oktoberfest Barcelona, etc., are some of the best things to do in Europe in October.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is another transcontinental city straddled between Europe and Asia. The city is deeply rooted in its Ottoman history and culture, and there is plenty to see and do in this city.

• One of the best things to do in Istanbul is going on a sunset cruise on the Boshphrous. On one side you will get to see a gorgeous sunrise, while on the other side, you will get to see a beautiful view of the city laden in golden colors of autumn.
• With fewer tourists in the city during this time, you can comfortably explore historical landmarks and attractions such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar—often featured in curated Istanbul tour package.
• You can attend the Istanbul Design Biennial, where you can admire the work of leading architects, thinkers, and designers from all over the world.
• Visit one of the Hammams or Turkish Baths in the city to experience the traditional Turkish bathing ritual, which involves steam rooms, massages, exfoliation, and more.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is shrouded in the golden and amber hues of the autumn and a relaxed vibe in October after the hustle and bustle of the tourists.

• To admire and appreciate the autumn beauty of the place, you must go on a canal ride. Biking and walking along the canals are also a good idea to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
• You can visit the world-class museums of Amsterdam without the need to wait in long queues, be it the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and more.
• October is also a month full of cultural events and festivals, the most popular being the Amsterdam Dance Event. Known as the world’s biggest electronic music festival, it features talented DJs from across the globe and often draws travelers booking an Amsterdam package.
• One of the things you should not miss in October in Amsterdam is the Halloween festivities. You will get to attend some of the spookiest events like Amsterdam Dungeon, Amsterdam Ghost Walk, and more.

Tbilisi, Georgia

The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is a part of Eastern Europe, although some parts of the country fall in West Asia. The mild weather in October makes it the most amazing time to visit Georgia, and opting for a well-planned Tbilisi package ensures you can enjoy the city at its best.

• There is a unique charm in exploring the historical sites of Georgia, especially its Old Town, when it is flooded in the colors of fall. One must not miss walking about Mtatsminda Park and Bridge of Peace.
• October is grape harvest season, and Georgia is the best place to celebrate this amazing season, as it said to be the birthplace of wine. You can not only visit wineries but also enjoy grape picking, folk music, etc.
• A visit to Tbilisi during this month will give you the chance to relish some of the most delicious autumn flavors like slow-cooked stews, khachapuri, khinkali, etc. Do not forget to get your hands on the local produce like walnuts, pomegranates, persimmons, and more.

Travel Tips for Europe in October

• The weather is cooler in October in Europe, and you will have to dress up in light layers.
• The daylight hours are shorter than the summer months. Hence, it is important to plan your itinerary accordingly.
• Lot of local festivals and events happen in October. Check out the dates before going in case you want to attend any of them. It is also a good idea to book tickets for these events in advance.
• Be flexible with your itinerary. Be ready to explore indoor attractions in case it rains.
• Do not forget to carry rain gear.
• To enjoy the autumn foliage to the fullest, it is best to explore the places by train.

Conclusion

The list of places mentioned just covers the surface of the amazing European places worth visiting in October. But if you are wondering about where to travel in Europe in October, this is a good start. Apart from these, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, and Greece are some other places that you can consider visiting in the month of October.

Frequently Asked Questions