Destinations

The 12 greatest locations to go to in Europe this fall

Touring to Europe throughout shoulder season is a good concept for a lot of causes. Crowds are smaller, the climate is cooler and you’ve got a greater probability of scoring a deal on flights or motels. In truth, a few of the greatest locations to go to in Europe are even higher within the fall — shhh!

Since Europeans are likely to journey in the summertime (and, likewise, People like to journey to Europe throughout the identical interval), it is possible for you to to expertise cities extra authentically now that almost all vacationers have returned dwelling. To not point out, strains for the preferred cultural sights and museums can be a lot shorter. And since Europe has been wracked by a sequence of summer season warmth waves over the previous few years, touring to the Outdated Continent in the course of the fall will doubtless be a extra nice expertise throughout.

Whether or not you need to spend your vacation soaking in historical past, stress-free on the seashore or exploring the countryside, listed below are 12 European locations which are greatest skilled within the fall.

Associated: The place to see spectacular fall foliage throughout the US

Porto and the Douro Valley, Portugal

Porto, Portugal. ALBERTO MANUEL UROSA TOLEDANO/GETTY IMAGES

Lisbon normally steals the highlight, however Porto in northern Portugal is turning into more and more common amongst vacationers. Many come right here to admire the attractive azulejo tiles, study in regards to the metropolis’s wealthy historical past and pattern scrumptious Portuguese meals and wine.

In Porto, stroll across the historic heart and alongside the Douro River, which is lined with cafes, bars, eating places and retailers. Then cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to go to one of many historic port wine cellars, and cease into one of many seven thematic museums on the World of Wine complicated. Porto can be an amazing jumping-off level to go to the scenic Douro Valley, the wine area identified for terraced vineyards that cascade towards the river.

TPG tip: To remain within the coronary heart of town heart, e book a room at Casa da Companhia (charges begin at $345 or 69,000 IHG One Rewards factors per evening). Then hire a automobile and head to the Douro Valley to arrange a house base at Octant Douro, a Mr & Mrs Smith property that appears to drift above the river, the place charges begin at 268 euros ($311) or 22,125 World of Hyatt factors per evening.

Associated: Our favourite Mr & Mrs Smith motels to e book utilizing Hyatt factors

Amalfi Coast, Capri and Ischia, Italy

Mountains and harbor of Capri, Italy
Marina Grande in Capri, Italy. HENRYK SADURA/GETTY IMAGES

Jutting out into the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast is certainly one of Italy’s most picturesque and iconic locations. It is also some of the crowded, particularly throughout summer season. Within the fall, you’ll be able to absorb the attractive landscapes with thinner crowds and extra reasonably priced charges — simply needless to say many motels shut towards the tip of October.

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The three foremost cities to go to are Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, and it is a good suggestion to spend a day exploring every of them. You may pattern native specialties like limoncello and pasta al limone, and even make your personal in a cooking class. Then, hop on a ferry to the close by islands of Capri and Ischia.

TPG tip: The one factors resort in Amalfi is the luxurious Furore Grand Resort, the place autumn charges begin at 931 euros ($1,082) or 190,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening. Need to spend an evening in Capri? Guide a room at World of Hyatt’s Capri Tiberio Palace for as little as 570 euros ($662) or 76,750 factors per evening.

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Mykonos, Greece

ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES

Who says summer season is the one time to go to the Greek islands? Fall brings nice climate, fewer crowds and extra reasonably priced airfare and lodging.

There are greater than 100 inhabited islands in Greece, so you’ve gotten loads of choices, however some of the common is Mykonos. Whereas the island is celebration central in the summertime, within the shoulder season (which ranges from September into November nowadays), vacationers can expertise a extra laid-back model of the island. Nonetheless, needless to say many eating places and retailers shut for the winter — however that simply means you may get a extra “native” expertise the later you go.

If you cannot resolve on only one island to go to, contemplate a Greek cruise. In September and October, it is usually nonetheless heat sufficient to swim.

TPG tip: Marriott Bonvoy members will discover a number of choices open via mid-October and generally later, together with Mykonos Theoxenia (from round $450 or 56,000 factors per evening) and Santa Marina Mykonos (from roughly $520 or 98,000 factors per evening). Myconian Kyma, which stays open via late October, has loads of availability for 222 euros ($258) or 37,000 factors per evening — which means you possibly can redeem a 35,000-point Marriott free evening certificates plus solely an extra 2,000 factors.

Berlin

View of Berlin's TV Tower
Streets of Berlin Mitte with Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower within the background. LECHATNOIR/GETTY IMAGES

Though Munich attracts crowds for Oktoberfest each fall, Berlin gives way more cultural sights and occasions. The German capital has a variety of actions to go well with each style, from intellectual leisure like opera performances to all-night techno raves and the whole lot in between.

There’s the Fotografiska Berlin, an outpost of the Swedish photograph museum that opened in 2023, and the Deutschlandmuseum, in addition to classics just like the German Historic Museum and the artsy Humboldt Discussion board. Go in October to see the Competition of Lights or early November for JazzFest.

TPG tip: World of Hyatt has many reasonably priced properties, together with Lindner Resort Berlin Kudamm (beginning at $95 or 8,000 factors per evening) and Gorki Residences (beginning at $300 or 26,250 factors per evening). Or you possibly can redeem a Class 1-4 free evening certificates at Grand Hyatt Berlin, the place charges attain as much as 570 euros ($662) or 18,000 factors per evening this fall.

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Edinburgh

Aerial view of the famous colorful Victoria Street in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland, England, Victoria Street in the United Kingdom, Victoria Street in the old town in Edinburgh Scotland England Crowds of tourists on the Royal Mile,harry potter city
GUVEN OZDEMIR/GETTY IMAGES

Energetic pub tradition, spooky historical past and wonderful foliage make Edinburgh an ideal vacation spot for fall. Crunch via colourful autumn leaves on the Royal Botanic Backyard Edinburgh or the grounds of Lauriston Citadel, that are free to enter. You may go to many historic buildings totally free as properly on sure “Doorways Open Days” all through September. Or benefit from numerous fall occasions, such because the Worldwide Storytelling Competition, Samhuinn Fireplace Competition or Scots Fiddle Competition.

And through Halloween season, do not forget to discover town’s famously spooky websites like Edinburgh Citadel, Greyfriars Kirkyard and Mary King’s Shut. That is certainly one of Europe’s most haunted cities, in any case.

TPG tip: It doesn’t matter what resort rewards program you like, you’ll be able to most likely discover a property in Edinburgh. A couple of examples embody Gleneagles Townhouse (from $558 or 40,000 Hyatt factors per evening), Kimpton Charlotte Sq. (from $200 or 40,000 IHG factors) and W Edinburgh (from $379 or 82,000 Marriott factors). You may even redeem Hilton factors to remain at an actual Scottish citadel.

Istanbul

Suleymaniye Mosque and Golden Horn harbor in Istanbul, Turkey
ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES

Except for nice climate, you may additionally discover world-class cultural programming in Istanbul within the fall. In fact, if it is your first time, it’s best to positively go to the Topkapi Palace Museum, the Hagia Sophia (make sure to go outdoors of prayer instances) and the Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque emerged from a yearslong restoration in 2023, so now is a perfect time to admire its well-known dome.

TPG tip: To discover the historical past and tradition of the Sultanahmet district, aka the Outdated Metropolis or Historic Peninsula, try the Orient Occident Resort (from round $260 or 33,000 Marriott factors) and Hagia Sofia Mansions (from round $357 or 70,000 Hilton factors). Or contemplate the Park Hyatt Istanbul within the posh Nisantasi district, which is stuffed with designer retailers and stylish eating places; charges begin at 270 euros ($314) or 25,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Assumption Cathedral in Dubrovnik, Croatia
MICHAL ROSAK/GETTY IMAGES

Although you may consider Dubrovnik as a summer season vacation spot, it is nonetheless heat sufficient to hit the seashores via the tip of October. Plus, town is quieter and extra pleasing with out the onslaught of vacationers (lots of them drawn to town for its function as a “Sport of Thrones” filming location). You may stroll via the historic heart, take the cable automobile as much as Mount Srd for panoramic views of town and even go to an oyster farm within the close by city of Ston.

TPG tip: Resort Excelsior (beginning at round $570 or 46,000 Hyatt factors per evening in October) is arguably Dubrovnik’s most iconic resort and conveniently positioned steps away from the legendarily beautiful Outdated City; the extra boutique feeling Resort Bellevue (from round $475 or 38,000 Hyatt factors per evening) has direct seashore entry. In case you accumulate Hilton Honors factors, you’ll be able to e book the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik for as little as 408 euros ($475) or 75,000 Hilton factors per evening.

Madrid

The fall colors of Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain
Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park. JJFARQUITECTOS/GETTY IMAGES

In Madrid, the climate tends to stay delicate and sunny via early November, whereas town’s parks and inexperienced areas flip right into a riot of colour and the harvest season injects much more life into the native wine tradition.

Plus, town can be buzzing with actions just like the Madrid Worldwide Jazz Competition, Madrid Group Autumn Competition and Feriarte Antiques and Artwork Galleries Truthful — and let’s not overlook the varied festivities round Halloween.

TPG tip: Madrid has loads of factors motels, together with the newly refreshed and reopened The Palace, the place yow will discover nights as little as $482 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors. The Resort Montera Madrid, with a handy central location and hip rooftop bar, begins at 320 euros ($372) or 85,000 Hilton factors per evening.

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Amsterdam

Canals and houses of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
NEIRFY/GETTY IMAGES

Everybody talks about tulip season within the Netherlands, however autumn is simply as pretty. Amsterdam’s canals tackle the golden hue of the Dutch grasp work you’ll be able to admire on the Rijksmuseum. If there is a chill within the air, cozy up in one of many metropolis’s many brown cafes (bars that serve native Dutch fare and beers) for an ale and a shot of genever. And do not miss the apple pie at Cafe Winkel 43.

TPG tip: The Faculty Resort reopened in 2024 after a multimillion-dollar restoration of its Nineteenth-century neo-Renaissance model constructing; charges begin at round $245 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening this fall. It’s also possible to get nice worth out of your Hyatt factors at Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, the place you’ll be able to e book a set price 574 euros ($668) for less than 35,000 factors per evening.

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Ticino, Switzerland

Young couple taking in view in Ticino, Switzerland
MILO ZANECCHIA/ASCENT XMEDIA/GETTY IMAGES

Outdoorsy sorts will love Ticino, Switzerland’s solely Italian-speaking canton.

The scenic climbing trails on the Swiss aspect of Lake Maggiore have an extended historical past of attracting hippies and nudists — however you are not prone to see them within the picturesque city of Ascona, the place cobblestone streets are lined by informal eating places, cafes and retailers. Head to the area’s capital, Bellinzona, to see medieval castles, or take a ship over to the Brissago Islands, dwelling to a shocking botanical backyard.

TPG tip: After a day of climbing within the mountains, chill out on the colourful lakeside retreat of Giardino Ascona — you’ll be able to count on to pay not less than 515 Swiss francs ($642) or 102,000 Marriott factors per evening till the property closes for the season in late October. To maximise your Hilton free evening certificates, the year-round View Lugano has wide-open availability for 130,000 Honors factors or 672 Swiss francs ($838) per evening.

Copenhagen

Colorful homes and shops by the water in Copenhagen, Denmark
ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES

As the times get cooler and shorter, Danes begin to deal with hygge, the untranslatable Danish idea of embracing consolation, cuteness and coziness. And what higher solution to expertise hygge than to cozy up with pastries and a cup of espresso at Copenhagen’s greatest bakeries? Simply make sure to save room for a Michelin-starred meal on the new location of Alouette, which moved into town heart in 2024.

There’s far more to do in Copenhagen than eat and drink, from artwork museums and historic church buildings to the long-lasting, colourful townhouses of the Nyhavn waterfront district.

TPG tip: The character-inspired 1 Resort Copenhagen, which gives sustainable options like farm-to-table eating and no single-use plastic, simply opened in August. You may e book it on bank card portals akin to Amex Journey, Capital One Journey and Chase Journey℠, the place you may get elevated worth per level because of Chase’s Factors Enhance.

Copenhagen is dwelling to a number of factors motels, together with Villa Copenhagen, the place you may get nice worth in your Selection Privileges factors — award nights go for 30,000 factors, whereas money costs this fall begin at 1,850 Danish kroner ($288).

Associated: The right way to e book journey (and save factors) with Chase Journey

Strasbourg, France

view of the river and buildings in Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is constructed alongside the banks of the River Sick. PHIL HABER PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES

Paris could get all the eye, however savvy vacationers will respect quieter, much less crowded (and cheaper) French cities like Strasbourg.

Positioned on the banks of the River Sick on the japanese border of France, Strasbourg is the charming capital of the Grand Est (previously often called Alsace) area and has each French and German influences. Through the fall, Strasbourg’s timber flip good colours of vermillion and tangerine, making it further magical to stroll via landmarks just like the Parc de l’Orangerie, the medieval Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg or the UNESCO World Heritage Website Petite France.

TPG tip: Strasbourg is a well-liked Rhine River cruise cease and is commonly included in AmaWaterways and Viking itineraries. In case you’re hoping to see Strasbourg by land, there are many motels to select from, just like the Voco Strasbourg Centre — The Backyard (beginning at $105 or 21,000 IHG One Rewards factors per evening), in addition to the Maison Rouge Resort & Spa (from round $177 or 38,000 Marriott factors per evening).

Backside line

Although summer season stays, by far, the preferred time to journey to and inside Europe, planning a fall journey definitely has its charms. Not solely will you doubtless be capable to snag low-cost airfare, however you might also discover decrease resort costs, higher climate and fewer crowds.

Plus, some European locations are even higher within the fall, when you’ll be able to get pleasure from gorgeous fall foliage and an expertise nearer to the vacation spot’s on a regular basis rhythm.

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