The fall shoulder season in the Northern Hemisphere is an incredibly stylish time to travel. Cities that are normally overrun with crowds – making for uncomfortable and unsustainable traveling – are far more empty and private in the shoulder season. Temperatures in most destinations are also very mild before the winter chill sets in. Cities are often too hot explore in the summer, so the shoulder season makes for perfect sightseeing and for a more relaxed, intimate experience. Wandering through Madrid’s plazas, Marrakech’s souks, or the cobbled streets of Edinburgh or Dubrovnik is more comfortable without the blazing sun or huge crowds bearing down on you. From the September to November shoulder season, these are eight of the best cities to put on your travel bucket list.
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Madrid, Spain
In the fall shoulder season, Madrid is still very comfortable and mild with plenty of lively street life to keep you busy. The sweltering summer heat subsides, giving way to September highs of 26°C (78.8°F) – perfect strolling through the city’s historic neighborhoods and verdant parks. Madrid is known for its cultural arts scene, so its no surprise that the fall season brings the annual “Fiesta de Otoño,” or Autumn Festival, to the city. This typically features a range of cultural events including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions. Try and time your visit to Madrid between 6 and 30 November and fill your itinerary with some of the best of Madrid’s arts scene.
Top Highlights:
- Retiro Park: Visit one of the largest of Madrid’s many parks. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride, or sit for a charming picnic amidst the autumnal foliage.
- Prado Museum: Visit Spain’s main national art museum when there’s fewer tourists. In the shoulder season, you’ll be able to take your time exploring Spain’s premier art collection at your own pace.
- Fall markets: Every Sunday and on public holidays, you can lose yourself in one of Madrid’s many sprawling markets. El Retiro, Mercado de Motores, Mercado de la Cebada and Mercado de la Paz are just a few of the many selling traditional Spanish ceramics, antiques, local fare and vintage cameras.
Marrakech, Morocco
Morocco is Africa’s most visited country, and it’s not hard to see why with cities as beautiful as Marrakech. The fall season is the best time to visit, as temperatures cool down after the intense summer. With only 3 days of rain and averages of 23°C (73.4°F) in November, you’ll find a far more pleasant climate to explore the city’s labyrinth of bustling markets. Plus, one of the bes
t things to do in Marrakech is to use the city as a jumping-off point for visiting the Sahara desert, in which case the cooler temperatures of the fall shoulder season are definitely a welcome bonus.
Top Highlights:
- Jemaa el-Fnaa: This square is the beating heart of Marrakech. Get lost in a blur of cafes, food stalls, juice vendors, storytellers, snake charmers, performers and more.
- Majorelle Garden: This tranquil botanical garden is an oasis in the bustling North African metropolis. In the fall, you’ll find even more incredible colors than usual.
- Medina: Wander through the historic medina without the summer throngs. Have the true Moroccan experience as you visit spice and textile souks, hammam bath houses, and street vendors peddling all kinds of mysterious wares.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik has a medieval, mediterranean charm which is best enjoyed without the summer cruise crowds. The Adriatic Sea remains warm enough for a dip, and the city’s ancient walls (which have never been breached) bask in golden sunlight. Indeed, while Croatia broke from Yugoslavia in 1991, this old, beautiful city dates back to the middle ages, founded by refugees from an old Greek colony in the 7th century.
Top Highlights:
- City Walls: Walk along Dubrovnik’s ancient stone walls with stunning views of the red rooftops and azure sea.
- Old Town: Dubrovnik has a reputation as known as one of the world’s best preserved medieval cities. For centuries, the city was in fierce competition with Venice as a major trading port. As you walk through the Old Town’s cobbled streets and historic sites, you’ll get a real idea of what this City-State was like.
- Lokrum Island: A short ferry ride to Lokrum Island takes you to a designated nature reserve filled with serene trails, peacocks in their autumn plumage, and its very own miniature Dead Sea called Mrtvo More.
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Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen in the fall is cozy and picturesque, with canals and streets lit up by warm, autumnal hues. It’s the perfect time to experience Hygge, the Danish term for the kind of cozy comfort you get from a crackling fire, a wool blanket and a good book. Lounge in autumnal golden hour light in Tivoli Gardens, stroll along the glossy canals, and spend evenings chatting in cafés as the days slowly tumble by.
Top Highlights:
- Tivoli Gardens: Copenhagen’s star amusement park is one of the oldest in the whole world, and was a key inspiration for Walt Disney’s Disneyland. In October, Tivoli is beautifully adorned for Halloween.
- Nyhavn: Nyhavn was a commercial port which brought sailors from all over. Nowadays, it makes for a scenic harbor walk to dine al fresco and remark at the colorful facades along the promenade.
- Rosenborg Castle: This 17th Century castle hjouses some of Denmark’s most prized cultural artifacts, such as the Danish crown jewels and royal crowns. Discover Danish royal history amidst a picturesque backdrop of fall foliage.
Istanbul, Turkey
Oh, Istanbul in the fall…
European and Asian influences blend in Turkey’s capital, making for a cultural melting pot so alluring that Istanbul stands as one of the most visited cities in the world. In the fall, it’s even more captivating. In fact, there’s a famous song called Istanbul’da Sonbahar, which literally translates to ‘Fall in Istanbul’, with more than half of the population knowing the lyrics. Clearly, Istanbul in fall is a sight to behold – come and see for yourself.
Top Highlights:
- Hagia Sophia: Marvel at the stunning architecture and rich history of this iconic landmark – all with the leisure of fewer crowds.
- Grand Bazaar: Wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, enjoying a more relaxed shopping experience.
- Bosporus Cruise: Take a scenic boat trip along the Bosporus Strait to enjoy the beautiful cityscape framed by fall colors.
- Topkapi Palace: Explore the opulent palaces and lush gardens of the former Ottoman residence without the peak season rush.
- Sultanahmet District: Stroll through this historic area, home to many of Istanbul’s most famous sights, including the Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern./
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s fall season is magical, with the city’s historic architecture framed by autumnal leaves. There’s nothing like looking up at Edinburgh Castle, built atop an extinct volcano, surrounded by colorful trees of gold and crimson. Here, the weather is crisp in the fall but not too cold with October averages of 13°C (55°F). You’ll find it a good temperature to wander through the beautiful town center, where it will come at no surprise that the city boasts more listed buildings than anywhere else in the UK.
Top Highlights:
- Edinburgh Castle: Standing on Castle Rock, which has been occupied by humans since the Iron Age, Edinburgh Castle boasts commanding views of the whole city.
- Arthur’s Seat: Hike to this extinct volcano just outside of the city for breathtaking vistas. Here, the best of Scotland’s fall colors are on full display.
- Royal Mile: You’ll want to explore this historic street which is usually packed with tourists. In the shoulder season it’s less crowded, meaning you can stop by the cafés, pubs and antique shops at a more leisurely pace.Discover Copenhagen, Istanbul and Edinburgh with 15%* off on our Last Minute Deals
Florence, Italy
Florence in the fall is a delight with mild weather and the vibrant hues of Tuscany’s countryside. You won’t want to explore the city in the summer, which is when the locals leave for the beach to escape the unbearable heat, leaving only swathes of tourists. Visit in the shoulder season to have a more local feel, with the city’s rich history and art at their most enjoyable without the peak season rush.
Top Highlights:
- Uffizi Gallery: Admire Renaissance masterpieces with more space to appreciate each work.
- Ponte Vecchio: Florence’s famous bridge was the only one remaining after the destruction of World War II. Built in 1345, this beautifully-preserved Florentine icon is lined with shops (a common practice at the time) and is perfect for a sunset stroll.
- Piazza della Signoria: Enjoy a coffee while surrounded by stunning sculptures and architecture.
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Piazzale Michelangelo: Walk up to this viewpoint for beautiful vistas of the whole city. It’s the perfect spot for sunset, with buskers strumming romantic melodies as you watch the golden sunlight light up the city and reflect off the Arno.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the perfect city for an autumnal escape. Hungarian cuisine is hearty and heavy, making it ideal for when the temperatures drop. Also, the city’s many thermal baths are more inviting than ever when the weather cools down. Head to the Buda hills for beautiful fall colors in the Hungarian woodlands, or go even further to Lake Balaton for Hungary’s answer to Lake Como.
Top Highlights
- Buda Castle: Explore this historic palace with panoramic views of the city framed by gorgeous fall colors.
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Relax in outdoor thermal pools amidst the crisp autumn air. If the temperatures drop low enough, steam will rise from the warm geothermal pools, creating a mysterious, ethereal atmosphere that you cannot miss.
- Andrássy Avenue: This grand boulevard rivals any found in Paris, lined with historic buildings and luxury shops. Go for a leisurely walk amongst Budapest’s most chic and glamorous.
