The Best Places in Europe to Travel in October: Avoid Crowds & Find Charm

October is a magical time to explore Europe. While many flock to the continent during the peak summer months, savvy travelers know that the autumn, particularly October, offers a superior experience. Fewer crowds, more comfortable weather, vibrant fall colors, and unique seasonal events make it the ideal window for your European adventure. If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the Best Places In Europe To Travel In October, look no further. We’ve compiled a list based on personal experience, highlighting destinations that truly shine during this autumnal sweet spot.

Why travel to Europe in October? October falls squarely within Europe’s shoulder season. This means you largely bypass the massive tourist influx of July and August and the holiday rush that begins in late November. The immediate benefits are noticeable: significantly shorter lines at major attractions and more space to simply wander and soak in the atmosphere. Beyond comfort, shoulder season often translates to lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to peak summer. This makes visiting some of Europe’s most incredible cities and regions more accessible and budget-friendly.

Aside from practical advantages, October weather in many European destinations is simply more pleasant. Gone are the sweltering temperatures of summer, replaced by crisp air perfect for walking and exploring. While you might encounter some rain depending on the region, you’re also likely to enjoy sunny, cool days ideal for sightseeing. Plus, the landscapes transform, with parks, forests, and vineyards displaying a stunning palette of red, orange, and gold. This natural beauty provides a picturesque backdrop for your travels. And, of course, autumn brings its own set of unique festivals and delicious seasonal foods to discover.

If you’re deciding where to go for the Best Places In Europe To Travel In October, consider adding these destinations to your list. You’re likely to have a far more enjoyable (and often cheaper) experience than battling the summer heat and crowds. Finding the best time to travel to sweden or other Nordic countries might differ, but for many popular spots further south, October is prime time.

Couple takes a selfie at Devin Castle near Bratislava in October with autumn foliage

Budapest, Hungary

My recent visit to Budapest in October 2019 confirmed it as a top contender for October travel. This city offers a fantastic blend of history, culture, and unique experiences, distinguishing it from many Western European capitals. It’s also notably more affordable than cities like Paris or London, making it a great value destination.

There’s an incredible amount to see and do in Budapest, from exploring historic castles and fascinating cave systems to visiting the stunning Parliament building and bustling food markets. You simply won’t get bored here. Visiting in October allowed us to witness the beautiful changing leaves, creating a gorgeous vista from Buda Castle looking out over the Danube River.

Budapest is a city best explored on foot, and October’s weather, often perfect for a light jacket, makes walking incredibly comfortable. Fall is also harvest season in Hungary, providing ample opportunity to sample local wines and enjoy seasonal food festivals. And on cooler autumn days, there’s no better way to warm up and relax than in one of Budapest’s renowned thermal baths.

Rome, Italy

When we visited Rome in November 2019, I couldn’t have picked a better time of year. October typically offers similarly pleasant conditions. We enjoyed comfortable weather that was still warm enough for t-shirts on many days, perfect for walking around and taking in the city’s iconic sights without the oppressive summer heat.

While major landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum are never entirely empty, the difference in crowd levels compared to summer is significant. We were able to walk straight into the Vatican without joining the famously long summer queues. For a city where many of the top attractions are outdoors, having pleasant weather in October is a major plus.

Autumn in Rome also brings various food festivals – and truly, is there anything better than eating your way through Italy? Late October/early November also includes All Souls’ Day, a significant cultural event. You can also consider extending your trip to nearby areas, though note that smaller towns and ferries on the Amalfi Coast may begin shutting down by late fall. If you’re considering other shoulder season destinations further north, research traveling to iceland in november for a different kind of autumnal/early winter experience.

Ancient ruins of the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy during the fall season

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg was a city that truly captivated me, particularly during our October 2019 trip. Known primarily for the historical Nuremberg Trials, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of history and charming culture packed into this smaller German city.

Visitors should certainly dedicate time to the historical sites, including the Palace of Justice (where the trials took place) and the Nazi Documentation Centre. After engaging with this important history, exploring the fairytale-like old town is a delightful contrast. The picturesque timber-framed houses look particularly stunning framed by the vibrant hues of fall leaves.

One key reason many visit Nuremberg in early October is its proximity to Munich for Oktoberfest. You can easily take a less-than-hour-long train ride for a day trip to experience the famous beer festival without the expense and hassle of staying directly in Munich during that busy time. Nuremberg itself is also home to one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets, which often begins in late November, offering a sneak peek for late October travelers.

Picturesque timber-framed houses in Nuremberg, Germany with autumn leaves

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent holds a special place as possibly my favorite city in Belgium. While Bruges is often the more famous choice, Ghent offers equally stunning architecture – including a castle, impressive churches, and towers – but with a slightly less tourist-saturated feel, especially in the fall.

The city’s charm is undeniable, perfect for exploring on foot or via a canal boat tour. Ghent also boasts an excellent food scene. My fall 2022 visit enjoyed comfortable and sunny weather, ideal for walking the streets and canals.

On cooler October days, Ghent offers plenty of cozy cafes to relax in and numerous museums to explore. As the days shorten, the city’s illuminated buildings at night create a particularly magical atmosphere. Because Ghent is smaller, avoiding the summer crowds makes it much easier to appreciate its beauty and character.

A boat tour along the canals of Ghent, Belgium in October

Vienna, Austria

My previous visits to Vienna were in summer, and frankly, they weren’t ideal. Many major cultural institutions were on break, and the heat could be intense. Based on that experience, I’m confident October would be a vastly superior time to visit.

In the fall, Vienna’s renowned opera house, Spanish Riding School (horse show), and famous boys choir are typically back in season, offering incredible performance opportunities. The city’s famous cafe culture, museums, and palaces, which are perfect for cooler weather exploration, would make for excellent October activities.

Visiting Vienna in October means escaping the summer heat and arriving before the significant crowds drawn by the Christmas markets later in the year. It’s an ideal season for those interested in music, art, museums, and simply savoring Viennese culture. Enjoying a classic Wiener Schnitzel on a crisp autumn evening is an experience not to be missed. If a return trip is on the horizon, it will undoubtedly be in the fall. For those planning extensive trips, reviewing a 14 days china travel itinerary might provide insights into structuring longer international adventures, although geographically different.

Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, a grand European landmark ideal for visiting in October

Tuscany, Italy

Our trip to Tuscany in late September 2019 was stunningly beautiful, and the experience would extend wonderfully into October. The charming Tuscan towns, while still popular, are noticeably quieter than during the summer rush, making exploration more relaxed and enjoyable.

The iconic rolling landscapes of Tuscany are particularly breathtaking in autumn, painted with rich fall colors. And the culinary scene, always a highlight in Italy, benefits from the seasonal harvest. Depending on when in October you visit, you might catch the tail end of the grape harvest or the beginning of the olive harvest. Autumn is also prime time for famous Tuscan truffles, along with delicious seasonal produce like pumpkins, chestnuts, and artichokes.

Tuscany in October is perfect for a leisurely escape. Staying at a villa allows for relaxing mornings, afternoon visits to picturesque towns, and enjoying meals made with fresh local ingredients. While Tuscany is appealing year-round, the combination of fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and incredible seasonal food makes October an exceptional choice.

Mother and daughter pose in front of rolling hills in Tuscany, Italy, showing early autumn colors in September

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Having studied in Amsterdam during the winter/spring and visited multiple times in the fall, I can attest that October is a rather magical time to be there. Amsterdam experiences extreme tourist density in the summer, to the point of overcrowding. October offers significantly more breathing room to explore.

Favorite Amsterdam activities like taking a canal ride, admiring the distinctive skinny houses, visiting world-class museums, and indulging in Dutch cuisine (pancakes, stroopwaffel, croquettes, rijsttafel) are all perfectly suited for the crisp October weather. Spending time in a cozy cafe or renting a bike to explore like a local are also great options. Amsterdam’s weather in October is often quite mild, allowing you to still enjoy outdoor activities and parks.

The main trade-off of visiting Amsterdam in the fall is missing the peak tulip season in spring. However, this also means avoiding the higher prices and intense crowds that tulip season brings.

Scenic view of a canal in Amsterdam with historic buildings in autumn

Prague, Czech Republic

As former residents of Prague for nearly a year (from June to March), I can confidently declare that autumn, including October, is the absolute best time to visit. Summer in Prague is hot and packed with tourists, making its popular sites feel overwhelmed.

In October, a cool breeze sets in, and the intensity of the tourist crowds significantly diminishes. You might actually be able to enjoy a walk across the iconic Charles Bridge without being shoulder-to-shoulder with others. Like Tuscany, Prague is stunningly beautiful in the fall. The changing leaves add a gorgeous backdrop to the city’s historic architecture. Our family photos taken in November showcase the vibrant late autumn colors perfectly.

October in Prague is also prime season for local mushrooms and wild game, adding unique culinary experiences to the ever-present availability of excellent Czech beer. Beyond food and drink, Prague hosts several autumn festivals, such as the striking Signal Light Festival, and its famous Christmas markets sometimes begin setting up or even opening in late October, offering a chance to experience the festive atmosphere early. Exploring other European shoulder season destinations like Estonia might also appeal if you enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds; consider the best time to travel to estonia for comparison.

Family with dog taking photos at Vysehrad Castle in Prague with vibrant autumn foliage

Essential Tips for October Travel in Europe

1. Layer Up: Even in early October, daytime temperatures can be mild, but evenings often cool down significantly. The key to staying comfortable is layering. Pack versatile items like cardigans, scarves, and a light-to-medium weight jacket.
2. Understand Shoulder Season Nuances: While October is generally less crowded than summer, the definition of “shoulder season” seems to be shrinking. Early October can still be quite busy in very popular spots, especially if festivals are happening. For the absolute fewest crowds and potentially best deals, aim for late October or early November.
3. Check Opening Hours: Depending on the specific location and the time in October, some smaller attractions, restaurants, or seasonal businesses might begin operating on reduced hours or close entirely for the off-season. Always do a quick check online beforehand, especially for places outside major city centers. All the places mentioned in this guide are generally fully operational in October.
4. Be Mindful of Holidays: Major holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving as celebrated in North America are typically not widely observed in Europe. If you’re traveling during these dates and want to participate in familiar traditions, you might need to seek out expat communities or specific events.

Dog sits on a bridge overlooking the charming town of Cesky Krumlov near PragueDog stands on a viewpoint at Vysehrad Castle in Prague with city views in the backgroundDog sits on a cobblestone street in front of timber-framed houses in Nuremberg

October presents a fantastic opportunity to experience Europe’s beauty and culture with fewer crowds and often more comfortable weather. From the thermal baths of Budapest and the ancient history of Rome to the charming streets of Ghent and the autumnal splendor of Prague and Tuscany, these destinations stand out as some of the best places in Europe to travel in October.