9 Of The Best European Cities To Visit In The Fall

Booking a break to Europe in September is a great way to extend that summer feeling. Europe is beautiful in fall, with ochre leaves drifting onto city streets emptied of the tourist masses from July and August. If you’re looking for some inspiration on what to travel this shoulder season, take a look at our guide to the best European cities to visit in the fall.

And don’t just read about it – discover that European city you’ve been dreaming about with our premium tours to Europe.

Although many people descend on Edinburgh for its famous Fringe festival in August, there’s still a busy calendar of events for fall. Wander down the Royal Mile without the crowds, and sit atop the Stone of Destiny, where many Scottish monarchs were crowned. Edinburgh is wonderfully picturesque, with historic buildings lining every street. Stop by a food market or a local tavern to try the hearty local dish – haggis.

Spend some time in Auld Reekie (the Scot’s nickname for the city) on the Best of Britain tour.

If you’re looking for the warmer European cities to visit in the fall, then Florence is an ideal option. Away from the crowds and the high heat of the summer, marvel at the marble-clad cathedral and appreciate the open-air Renaissance gallery at Piazza della Signori, a political center of the city for many centuries. Take in the magnificent cityscape from the Piazzale Michelangelo, as buskers’ strum in the background and sample some decadent gelato in the pleasant autumn sun.

Lose yourself in the artistry of Florence on the European Grandeur tour.

The most glorious of all Irish cities, Galway sits on the west coast of Ireland and has a wonderful blend of history and modern fun. The streets are alive with culture, from costume-clad individuals providing street theater to tasty food trucks catering for every palate when the sea-air makes you peckish. Flecked with the vibrant colours of fall foliage, stroll beneath the Spanish Arch, cross Eyre Square, which dates back to 1710, and pop into a proper Irish pub for Guinness, oysters and traditional live music.

Feel the energy of Galway on the Best of Ireland & Scotland Guided Tour.

Although Valencia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the ancient Silk Road, there is also beautiful modern architecture to admire in the City of Arts and Sciences. With temperatures ranging from 18 C to 28 C in September, it’s a good time to catch some rays on Playa de Las Arenas. Grab a paella by the broad golden sands and as the sun starts to fade, visit the majestic Torres de Serranos, which is part of the ancient city walls.

Visit Valencia on Day 12 of the Best of Spain & Portugal guided tour.

Steeped in stories about emperors and set in a picturesque oceanfront setting, Split is one of the best European cities to visit in the fall. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, and the crowds dispersed. Diocletian’s Palace is a must-see, and it stretches over half of the Old Town. Climb to the top of the Cathedral of St Dominius to catch magnificent views across the city and sea. Don’t forget to sample some Croatian wine as you watch the sunset.

Stop by Split on the Country Roads of Croatia tour.

From the quaint Little Mermaid that gazes across the harbor to the glittering Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen is like a fairytale, and even more beautiful when blessed with fat colours. Europe tours in fall are less busy, and it’s pleasant to cycle around the modern city center like one of the locals. See the 18th Century Copenhagen Cathedral with the largest bell in Denmark and taste a scrumptious smørrebrød.

Enjoy two nights in Copenhagen on the Grand Scandinavia tour.

The French Riviera is a good place to travel in Europe for an autumn beach holiday. With 300 days of sunshine per year, you are guaranteed great weather in the fall for swimming in the turquoise waters or strolling along the Promenade des Anglais. Art lovers will adore the Musée Matisse, while cute little bistros invite you in for a fine French wine and delicious homecooked food.

Discover this hidden gem on the Country Roads of France tour.

This charming city, set on the river Douro, boasts a historic center, friendly locals and gorgeous shades of nature as fall makes an appearance. It’s still balmy enough to enjoy the open-air markets with their fresh produce from the fall harvest, sample the wines from the nearby Douro valley and walk the cobblestone streets soaking up the ambiance.

Pop into Porto on Day 4 of the Best of Spain & Portugal tour.

Featuring incredible churches, bridges and unique attractions, Venice is heavenly whenever you visit. However, fall is special as the humidity drops and fewer tourists come to stay. You may experience the Regata Storica, the famous race where the gondoliers compete, and there is always a fine risotto and Bardolino to try in a classic Venetian bistro.

Experience the romance of Venice in the fall on the Easy Pace Italy tour.

To choose your next dream destination, take a look at our worldwide collection of premium guided tours.