15 Best Places to Travel in Europe in October
Europe’s best spots are easier on your wallet and way more fun when you hit them during this sweet shoulder season.
Gone are the sweaty crowds and sky-high prices—here are the best European destinations to visit in October.
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1. Santorini, Greece
Santorini in October? It’s the dream. Temperatures hover comfortably between 15-25°C, so you can wander those winding lanes without melting.
With summer out of the way, you might actually snag that perfect sunset shot—no elbows in the frame, just you and all that blue and white.
Best For: Romantic escapes with jaw-dropping sunsets and a little breathing room at the classic viewpoints.
Where to Stay: Canaves Oia Suites—think infinity pools and caldera views that’ll make you forget about reality for a while.
2. Cinque Terre, Italy
October transforms these five cliff-hugging villages into a hiker’s paradise. Weather’s just right, and you can actually walk the trails without playing tourist dodgeball.
Mild temps and fewer people mean you can linger over those sea views, and the famous coastal paths are still open for business.
Restaurants serve up fresh seafood and local wines—minus the summer lines and chaos.
Best For: Scenic hikes, sampling Ligurian wine, and soaking up real Italian coastal life.
Where to Stay: Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso—perched above the Med, with views that’ll ruin you for other hotels.
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3. Bruges, Belgium
In October, Bruges dials up the fairy tale factor. Take a canal tour and you’ll glide under stone bridges, past gingerbread houses and medieval towers.
The cobbled streets and gabled roofs are begging to be photographed. You can wander at your own pace, no crowds shoving you along.
Best For: Canal cruising, medieval backdrops, and lazy autumn strolls through storybook squares.
Where to Stay: Hotel Ter Brughe immerses you in medieval Bruges with its 1400s architecture, old-world charm, and picturesque canal views.
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
October in Dubrovnik is all about warm days and quiet streets. Wander through centuries-old Baroque buildings and visit the city’s cathedral with its treasured artworks.
You can unwind on the beaches with fewer crowds, offering peace and spectacular views of the sea’s azure waters.
The old town’s stone alleys and red rooftops are pure magic. Spot a few familiar spots from Game of Thrones if you’re into that sort of thing.
Best For: History buffs craving Mediterranean vibes and epic architecture, minus the summertime stampede.
Where to Stay: Hotel Excelsior—right on the water, with killer sea views and easy access to the old town.
5. Barcelona, Spain
October hits that Barcelona sweet spot—warm enough for strolls, cool enough to enjoy them. Crowds drop by 60%, so you can actually see Gaudí’s masterpieces without fighting for elbow room.
Park Güell is all color and curves, and the city’s energy feels a little more laid-back.
Sagrada Família stands more majestic when you can admire it in peace. The water of Barcelona beaches gently cools to a pleasant temperature, ideal for a refreshing swim.
Best For: Architecture enthusiasts who want to take in the sights without the summertime chaos.
Where to Stay: Hotel Casa Fuster—rooftop views, modernist charm, and a prime spot near all the action.
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6. Paris, France
October in Paris means crisp air, golden trees, and way shorter lines at the big sights. The Eiffel Tower’s less of a mission, and the Louvre? You might actually see the art.
The city comes alive with festivals—think Nuit Blanche, Paris Fashion Week, and Jazz sur Seine. Luxembourg Gardens turns into a leafy wonderland.
Best For: Wandering hand-in-hand, museum hopping, catching a fashion show, or just soaking up café culture under a canopy of autumn leaves.
Where to Stay: Grands Boulevards Experimental—stylish, central, and full of Parisian flair.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh draws you in with medieval streets and a riot of autumn colors. Wandering those winding cobblestones, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
There’s Edinburgh Castle, perched up on volcanic rock, watching over the city like it’s in on some secret.
October’s got that perfect chill for ducking into cozy pubs after a stroll down the Royal Mile or through hidden closes.
Best For: Anyone who gets a kick out of Gothic architecture, pub hopping, and soaking up Scottish culture—minus the summer tourist crush.
Where to Stay: The Witchery serves up dramatic Gothic suites just steps from the castle, all lush velvet and candlelight. It’s a little over the top, but that’s half the fun.
8. Vienna, Austria
Vienna in October is all about golden trees and grand palaces. The Vienna State Opera looks even more impressive framed by autumn’s colors.
The coffeehouses are at their coziest, and art galleries are a warm escape from the chill. Markets like Naschmarkt serve up seasonal treats, and the city’s food scene just feels extra inviting.
Best For: Classical music, hearty Austrian food, and a side of imperial grandeur.
Where to Stay: Hotel Sacher Wien—legendary cakes, old-school luxury, and a front-row seat to Vienna’s best sights.
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9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s canals are lined with gold in October, and the city just feels calmer. Museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh are blissfully less crowded.
Duck into a cozy café when the wind picks up, or stroll through Vondelpark for a leaf-crunching walk. The city’s creative side really shines this time of year.
Best For: Art lovers who want the galleries (almost) to themselves and autumn strolls along the water.
Where to Stay: The Hoxton Amsterdam—cool, local design and a spot right in the heart of things.
10. Munich, Germany
Munich in October is peak autumn: golden trees, lively beer gardens, and a last taste of Oktoberfest if you time it right.
Marienplatz is the city’s beating heart, with the Glockenspiel chiming above the crowd. When the chill hits, duck into a café for something warm and Bavarian.
Best For: Sipping beer, exploring historic streets, and soaking up classic German culture.
Where to Stay: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München—old-world luxury and killer city views.
11. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon in October? Still sunny, but way less crowded. You can wander Alfama’s twisty streets, hear Fado drifting from a doorway, or hop on a yellow tram—no need to elbow your way in.
Outdoor cafés stay open, and the city’s colors seem extra vibrant against a blue autumn sky. Expect temps around 23°C, ideal for checking out the Jerónimos Monastery or sampling bites at Time Out Market.
Best For: Exploring Lisbon’s neighborhoods, eating outdoors, and catching the authentic side of Portugal without the summer swarm.
Where to Stay: Hotel Tivoli Oriente—modern, comfy, and just a quick metro hop to the city center.
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12. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen in October is all about hygge—think cozy corners, candles, and cool Scandinavian style. Cycle through tree-lined streets, with golden leaves everywhere you look.
Scenic canals and historic buildings make every photo pop. Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn are blissfully less crowded, so you can really take them in.
Best For: Exploring by bike, café hopping, and soaking up Danish design in a fairy-tale setting.
Where to Stay: Hotel d’Angleterre—elegant, central, and just the right amount of fancy.
13. Interlaken, Switzerland
Golden forests, crisp mountain air, and hardly any crowds—Interlaken in October is a dream for adventure. Hiking trails and mountain views are at their best, and there’s still time for a little thrill-seeking.
Hop on the Harder Kulm funicular for epic panoramas, or try paragliding if you’re feeling brave. Even a simple boat ride feels like something out of a movie.
Best For: Outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping scenery, and a quieter side of Switzerland.
Where to Stay: Hotel Interlaken—historic charm, central location, and a great base for exploring on foot.
14. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in October is all crisp air and Gothic towers. The city’s medieval streets look even more magical with a layer of autumn leaves.
Climb a tower or two, tour the castle, and enjoy the fact that you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists. Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter are especially photogenic this time of year.
Best For: Those traveling on a budget who want old-world charm, affordable eats, and a heap of history.
Where to Stay: The Golden Well Hotel—luxury digs in a baroque building with castle views you’ll want to wake up for.
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15. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest in October? The city’s golden autumn light hits just right, making those grand old buildings practically shimmer.
Thermal baths and historic sites are still cozy, but the summer crowds have thinned—finally, some breathing room.
The Budapest Marathon and Halloween events add a bit of buzz to the city. Go soak in a steamy spa, wander through quirky ruin bars, and snap photos of the Parliament building—no elbowing your way through tour groups required.
Best For: History buffs who want thermal baths, gorgeous architecture, and a nightlife that keeps you out past midnight.
Where to Stay: The Aria Hotel Budapest brings music-inspired luxury and a rooftop terrace with knockout views of St. Stephen’s Basilica.
