Traveling to Europe during shoulder season is a great idea for many reasons. Crowds are smaller, the weather is cooler and you have a better chance of scoring a deal on flights or hotels. In fact, some of the best places to visit in Europe are even better in the fall — shhh!
Since Europeans tend to travel in the summer (and, likewise, Americans love to travel to Europe during the same period), you will be able to experience cities more authentically now that most tourists have returned home. Not to mention, lines for the most popular cultural attractions and museums will be much shorter. And since Europe has been wracked by a series of summer heat waves over the past few years, traveling to the Old Continent during the fall will likely be a more pleasant experience all around.
Whether you want to spend your holiday soaking in history, relaxing at the beach or exploring the countryside, here are 12 European destinations that are best experienced in the fall.
Related: Where to see spectacular fall foliage across the US
Porto and the Douro Valley, Portugal
Lisbon usually steals the spotlight, but Porto in northern Portugal is becoming increasingly popular among travelers. Many come here to admire the beautiful azulejo tiles, learn about the city’s rich history and sample delicious Portuguese food and wine.
In Porto, stroll around the historic center and along the Douro River, which is lined with cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Then cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit one of the historic port wine cellars, and stop into one of the seven thematic museums at the World of Wine complex. Porto is also a great jumping-off point to visit the scenic Douro Valley, the wine region known for terraced vineyards that cascade toward the river.
TPG tip: To stay in the heart of the city center, book a room at Casa da Companhia (rates start at $345 or 69,000 IHG One Rewards points per night). Then rent a car and head to the Douro Valley to set up a home base at Octant Douro, a Mr & Mrs Smith property that seems to float above the river, where rates start at 268 euros ($311) or 22,125 World of Hyatt points per night.
Related: Our favorite Mr & Mrs Smith hotels to book using Hyatt points
Amalfi Coast, Capri and Ischia, Italy
Jutting out into the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most picturesque and iconic destinations. It’s also one of the most crowded, especially during summer. In the fall, you can soak up the beautiful landscapes with thinner crowds and more affordable rates — just keep in mind that many hotels close toward the end of October.
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The three main towns to visit are Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, and it’s a good idea to spend a day exploring each of them. You can sample local specialties like limoncello and pasta al limone, or even make your own in a cooking class. Then, hop on a ferry to the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia.
TPG tip: The only points hotel in Amalfi is the luxurious Furore Grand Hotel, where autumn rates start at 931 euros ($1,082) or 190,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Want to spend a night in Capri? Book a room at World of Hyatt’s Capri Tiberio Palace for as low as 570 euros ($662) or 76,750 points per night.
Related: The best ways to travel to Italy with points and miles
Mykonos, Greece
Who says summer is the only time to visit the Greek islands? Fall brings pleasant weather, fewer crowds and more affordable airfare and lodging.
There are more than 100 inhabited islands in Greece, so you have plenty of options, but one of the most popular is Mykonos. While the island is party central in the summer, in the shoulder season (which ranges from September into November these days), travelers can experience a more laid-back version of the island. However, keep in mind that many restaurants and shops close for the winter — but that just means you’ll get a more “local” experience the later you go.
If you can’t decide on just one island to visit, consider a Greek cruise. In September and October, it’s generally still warm enough to swim.
TPG tip: Marriott Bonvoy members will find several options open through mid-October and sometimes later, including Mykonos Theoxenia (from around $450 or 56,000 points per night) and Santa Marina Mykonos (from roughly $520 or 98,000 points per night). Myconian Kyma, which stays open through late October, has plenty of availability for 222 euros ($258) or 37,000 points per night — meaning you could redeem a 35,000-point Marriott free night certificate plus only an additional 2,000 points.
Berlin
Although Munich draws crowds for Oktoberfest every fall, Berlin offers far more cultural attractions and events. The German capital has a range of activities to suit every taste, from highbrow entertainment like opera performances to all-night techno raves and everything in between.
There’s the Fotografiska Berlin, an outpost of the Swedish photo museum that opened in 2023, and the Deutschlandmuseum, as well as classics like the German Historical Museum and the artsy Humboldt Forum. Go in October to see the Festival of Lights or early November for JazzFest.
TPG tip: World of Hyatt has many affordable properties, including Lindner Hotel Berlin Kudamm (starting at $95 or 8,000 points per night) and Gorki Apartments (starting at $300 or 26,250 points per night). Or you could redeem a Category 1-4 free night certificate at Grand Hyatt Berlin, where rates reach up to 570 euros ($662) or 18,000 points per night this fall.
Related: There’s a new high-speed train connecting Berlin and Paris
Edinburgh
Lively pub culture, spooky history and glorious foliage make Edinburgh a perfect destination for fall. Crunch through colorful autumn leaves at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh or the grounds of Lauriston Castle, which are free to enter. You can visit many historic buildings for free as well on certain “Doors Open Days” throughout September. Or take advantage of various fall events, such as the International Storytelling Festival, Samhuinn Fire Festival or Scots Fiddle Festival.
And during Halloween season, don’t forget to explore the city’s famously spooky sites like Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Kirkyard and Mary King’s Close. This is one of Europe’s most haunted cities, after all.
TPG tip: No matter what hotel rewards program you prefer, you can probably find a property in Edinburgh. A few examples include Gleneagles Townhouse (from $558 or 40,000 Hyatt points per night), Kimpton Charlotte Square (from $200 or 40,000 IHG points) and W Edinburgh (from $379 or 82,000 Marriott points). You can even redeem Hilton points to stay at a real Scottish castle.
Istanbul
Aside from great weather, you’ll also find world-class cultural programming in Istanbul in the fall. Of course, if it’s your first time, you should definitely visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, the Hagia Sophia (be sure to go outside of prayer times) and the Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque emerged from a yearslong restoration in 2023, so now is an ideal time to admire its famous dome.
TPG tip: To explore the history and culture of the Sultanahmet district, aka the Old City or Historical Peninsula, check out the Orient Occident Hotel (from around $260 or 33,000 Marriott points) and Hagia Sofia Mansions (from around $357 or 70,000 Hilton points). Or consider the Park Hyatt Istanbul in the posh Nisantasi district, which is full of designer shops and chic restaurants; rates start at 270 euros ($314) or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Related: Tranquil luxury in Turkey: A review of the Bodrum Edition
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Though you might think of Dubrovnik as a summer destination, it’s still warm enough to hit the beaches through the end of October. Plus, the city is quieter and more enjoyable without the onslaught of tourists (many of them drawn to the city for its role as a “Game of Thrones” filming location). You can stroll through the historic center, take the cable car up to Mount Srd for panoramic views of the city and even visit an oyster farm in the nearby town of Ston.
TPG tip: Hotel Excelsior (starting at around $570 or 46,000 Hyatt points per night in October) is arguably Dubrovnik’s most iconic hotel and conveniently located steps away from the legendarily gorgeous Old Town; the more boutique feeling Hotel Bellevue (from around $475 or 38,000 Hyatt points per night) has direct beach access. If you collect Hilton Honors points, you can book the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik for as low as 408 euros ($475) or 75,000 Hilton points per night.
Madrid
In Madrid, the weather tends to remain mild and sunny through early November, while the city’s parks and green spaces turn into a riot of color and the harvest season injects even more life into the local wine culture.
Plus, the city will be humming with activities like the Madrid International Jazz Festival, Madrid Community Autumn Festival and Feriarte Antiques and Art Galleries Fair — and let’s not forget the various festivities around Halloween.
TPG tip: Madrid has plenty of points hotels, including the newly refreshed and reopened The Palace, where you can find nights as low as $482 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. The Hotel Montera Madrid, with a convenient central location and hip rooftop bar, starts at 320 euros ($372) or 85,000 Hilton points per night.
Related: Delta adds new route from Boston to Madrid
Amsterdam
Everyone talks about tulip season in the Netherlands, but autumn is just as lovely. Amsterdam’s canals take on the golden hue of the Dutch master paintings you can admire at the Rijksmuseum. If there’s a chill in the air, cozy up in one of the city’s many brown cafes (bars that serve local Dutch fare and beers) for an ale and a shot of genever. And don’t miss the apple pie at Cafe Winkel 43.
TPG tip: The College Hotel reopened in 2024 after a multimillion-dollar restoration of its 19th-century neo-Renaissance style building; rates start at around $245 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night this fall. You can also get great value from your Hyatt points at Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, where you can book a suite worth 574 euros ($668) for only 35,000 points per night.
Related: The best hotels in Amsterdam
Ticino, Switzerland
Outdoorsy types will love Ticino, Switzerland’s only Italian-speaking canton.
The scenic hiking trails on the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore have a long history of attracting hippies and nudists — but you’re not likely to see them in the picturesque town of Ascona, where cobblestone streets are lined by casual restaurants, cafes and shops. Head to the region’s capital, Bellinzona, to see medieval castles, or take a boat over to the Brissago Islands, home to a stunning botanical garden.
TPG tip: After a day of hiking in the mountains, relax at the colorful lakeside retreat of Giardino Ascona — you can expect to pay at least 515 Swiss francs ($642) or 102,000 Marriott points per night until the property closes for the season in late October. To maximize your Hilton free night certificates, the year-round View Lugano has wide-open availability for 130,000 Honors points or 672 Swiss francs ($838) per night.
Copenhagen
As the days get cooler and shorter, Danes start to focus on hygge, the untranslatable Danish concept of embracing comfort, cuteness and coziness. And what better way to experience hygge than to cozy up with pastries and a cup of coffee at Copenhagen’s best bakeries? Just be sure to save room for a Michelin-starred meal at the new location of Alouette, which moved into the city center in 2024.
There’s much more to do in Copenhagen than eat and drink, from art museums and historic churches to the iconic, colorful townhouses of the Nyhavn waterfront district.
TPG tip: The nature-inspired 1 Hotel Copenhagen, which offers sustainable features like farm-to-table dining and no single-use plastic, just opened in August. You can book it on credit card portals such as Amex Travel, Capital One Travel and Chase Travel℠, where you can get elevated value per point thanks to Chase’s Points Boost.
Copenhagen is home to several points hotels, including Villa Copenhagen, where you can get great value for your Choice Privileges points — award nights go for 30,000 points, while cash prices this fall start at 1,850 Danish kroner ($288).
Related: How to book travel (and save points) with Chase Travel
Strasbourg, France
Paris may get all the attention, but savvy travelers will appreciate quieter, less crowded (and less expensive) French towns like Strasbourg.
Located on the banks of the River Ill on the eastern border of France, Strasbourg is the charming capital of the Grand Est (formerly known as Alsace) region and has both French and German influences. During the fall, Strasbourg’s trees turn brilliant colors of vermillion and tangerine, making it extra magical to walk through landmarks like the Parc de l’Orangerie, the medieval Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg or the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petite France.
TPG tip: Strasbourg is a popular Rhine River cruise stop and is often included in AmaWaterways and Viking itineraries. If you’re hoping to see Strasbourg by land, there are plenty of hotels to choose from, like the Voco Strasbourg Centre — The Garden (starting at $105 or 21,000 IHG One Rewards points per night), as well as the Maison Rouge Hotel & Spa (from around $177 or 38,000 Marriott points per night).
Bottom line
Though summer remains, by far, the most popular time to travel to and within Europe, planning a fall trip certainly has its charms. Not only will you likely be able to snag cheap airfare, but you may also find lower hotel prices, better weather and fewer crowds.
Plus, some European destinations are even better in the fall, when you can enjoy stunning fall foliage and an experience closer to the destination’s everyday rhythm.
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