Did summer pass without the trip you’d hoped for? Don’t worry, autumn is a great time to travel. Whether you’ve got some time off work, want a short break with friends, or fancy a family holiday, autumn is a great time to travel.
Europe’s off-peak (quiet) season means fewer crowds, lower prices, and comfortable weather, making it ideal for city breaks with a bit of adventure.
Flights and hotels often drop in price by up to 50% after summer. Plus, the cities and countryside show off their autumn colours - parks turn golden, and local festivals pop up around the region. If you like a mix of city exploring and outdoor activities, autumn is perfect.
Here are 10 European city breaks that offer great value, exciting adventures, and a chance to see places without the busy summer crowds.
1. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a small city with a lot of history and easy access to nature. It’s great for walking around and taking short trips into the nearby countryside.
What to do:
Walk through the Baroque Old Town and climb the rickety steps for views over the city.
Explore the art-filled Užupis district, known for its quirky character.
Take a day trip to Trakai Castle, a beautiful lakeside fortress surrounded by forest trails ideal for walking or cycling.
Follow the riverside paths along the Neris River to enjoy the autumn colours in quiet parks.
Tip: Get a Vilnius Pass - it includes entry to key museums and hop-on, hop-off bus tours, which can save you time and money. For nature lovers, renting a bike is a great way to explore the riverside trails beyond the city.
2. Kraków, Poland
Kraków combines a rich cultural history with nearby mountain landscapes, offering plenty for outdoor adventure and city explorers. It’s perfect if you want culture and nature in one trip.
What to do:
Spend time in the Market Square and tour the impressive Wawel Castle.
Explore the atmospheric Kazimierz Jewish Quarter with its cafés and street art.
Head out on a day trip to Zakopane, the gateway to the Tatra Mountains, for hiking trails surrounded by autumn colours.
Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine or try a guided ghost tour for a different type of adventure.
Tip: Try local Polish dishes like pierogi at small family-run restaurants in Kazimierz to get an authentic taste of the city. In Zakopane, pack layers for hiking as mountain weather can change quickly in autumn.
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, views of the Danube, and relaxed atmosphere, which is even better in autumn.
What to do:
Warm up in outdoor thermal baths such as Széchenyi or Gellért, especially relaxing when the air is cool.
Climb or cycle up Castle Hill or Gellért Hill for panoramic views over the Danube and city rooftops.
Spend your evenings in the unique ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter for a blend of history and nightlife.
Tip: Book your bath tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially at popular spots. For an active day, rent a bike to cycle along the Danube or through City Park.
Porto is a riverside city where history meets outdoor activities, especially pleasant during autumn’s cooler, quieter days.
What to do:
Walk or cycle through the Ribeira district’s narrow streets by the Douro River.
Kayak or take a boat tour along the Douro for a fresh perspective on the city and its bridges.
Explore Peneda-Gerês National Park nearby, where you can hike forest trails and swim in waterfalls.
Cycle through the Douro Valley’s vineyards and stop at wineries for port tastings.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes for walking cobbled streets and book river tours in advance, as spots fill up during local festivals. In the national park, start early to make the most of daylight for hiking.
5. Lyon, France
Lyon combines history, great food, and nearby nature, making it a solid choice for travellers who want a city break with some outdoor exploration.
What to do:
Explore the old town’s narrow streets and Roman ruins on foot or by bike.
Hike up Fourvière Hill for views of the city and visit the basilica.
Spend time at Parc de la Tête d’Or, a large green space perfect for cycling, boating, or relaxing walks.
Use Lyon as a base to cycle through the Beaujolais wine region’s rolling hills and vineyards during autumn.
Tip:Visit Lyon’s food markets like Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse early in the morning to see local producers at work and sample fresh products. Renting a bike is the best way to explore both the city and nearby countryside comfortably.
6. Valencia, Spain
Valencia offers a good mix of city life, beaches, and nature, with mild weather in autumn making outdoor activities very enjoyable.
What to do:
Visit the Central Market to try local foods like authentic paella.
Cycle or walk through Turia Gardens, a large park on a former riverbed running through the city.
Take a boat ride and birdwatch at Albufera National Park, just outside the city.
Enjoy the quieter beaches and late-season festivals like the Mostra de València and the Requena Wine Harvest Festival, just outside the city.
Tip: Renting a bike or electric scooter is an easy way to cover more ground in Valencia. For birdwatchers, bring binoculars and head to Albufera in the early morning.
7. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is an affordable city surrounded by mountains, offering a mix of history and outdoor adventures in autumn.
What to do:
Walk around Sofia’s historic centre to see landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and ancient Roman ruins.
Take a hike or cable car up Vitosha Mountain for city views and hiking trails coloured with autumn leaves.
Visit Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore Sofia’s parks and gardens in peace.
Try traditional Bulgarian food at local markets and small restaurants.
Tip:Weather on Vitosha can be quite different from the city—bring waterproof shoes and warm layers for hikes. Public transport from Sofia to Vitosha is frequent and inexpensive, making day trips easy.
8. Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is a city with medieval roots and a growing reputation for outdoor activities, especially for travellers who enjoy cycling and waterways.
What to do:
Cycle through Ghent’s extensive canals and bike paths to discover hidden courtyards and street art.
Kayak on the canals for a different view of historic buildings and bridges.
Climb the Belfry tower for city views or explore nearby nature reserves for autumn walks.
Sample local Belgian food and beers in small, relaxed venues.
Tip:Ghent is very flat and well set up for cyclists - renting a bike is the easiest way to explore. Kayak tours should be booked ahead, especially on weekends when demand is higher.
9. Florence, Italy
Florence offers rich history and art, with easy access to the Tuscan countryside for those wanting a mix of city culture and outdoor adventures.
What to do:
Visit museums like the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia with fewer visitors in autumn.
Climb the Duomo’s dome for views of Florence and the surrounding hills.
Take a day trip to the Chianti wine region for hiking or cycling through vineyards, and enjoy wine tastings.
Tip: Book museum tickets in advance to skip lines. In the countryside, wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths and check weather forecasts for sudden autumn rain.
10. Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík offers a mix of city life and nature adventures, especially exciting in the quieter autumn months.
What to do:
Hunt for the Northern Lights during long autumn nights.
Relax in outdoor geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon or local hot springs.
Take day trips to nearby hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, and waterfalls.
Catch live music at Iceland Airwaves (November), a festival showcasing new bands and artists from Iceland and around the world.
Tip: Dress in layers and waterproof clothing for unpredictable weather. Book Northern Lights tours with guides who monitor weather conditions to increase your chances of a sighting.
Autumn is one of the best times to explore Europe’s cities. With the summer crowds gone, popular sights and landmarks are far less busy, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Flights and accommodation are also often more affordable than during peak season, helping your budget go further. The weather tends to be cool but still pleasant - ideal for walking, cycling or other outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer.
Many cities also come alive with seasonal events, from harvest festivals and wine fairs to bustling food markets and local celebrations, giving you a more authentic glimpse into local culture.
Final Tips Before You Book:
Pack smart with layers: Autumn weather can change quickly, so bring clothes you can mix and match, along with a light waterproof jacket just in case.
Pre-book popular tours and activities: Some attractions limit numbers in the quieter months, so secure your spots in advance to avoid missing out.
Explore differently: Try renting a bike or kayak to experience the city in a more active way. Many European cities have rivers, lakes, or scenic cycle routes right in the centre.
Check local event calendars: Autumn is full of harvest festivals, food fairs, and cultural celebrations. A quick look ahead could land you in the middle of something unique and local.
If you thought summer was the only time to travel, think again. Autumn is one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets, offering quieter streets, better prices, and a more relaxed, authentic experience. Whether you’re hiking in the hills above Budapest, kayaking on Lake Bohinj, or exploring hidden bars in Kraków, this is your chance to enjoy a proper adventure without the crowds or costs of peak season.
Before you book, it’s important to make sure you have the right travel insurance in place. It’s something many travellers overlook, but it can make all the difference if something unexpected happens — especially if you’re planning activities like hiking, cycling or rafting.
Take a moment to explore your travel insurance options and choose the right level of cover for your trip. Look out for protection that includes medical cover, cancellations, lost luggage, and importantly, any adventure activities you plan to take part in.
Always read through your policy carefully so you know exactly what’s included — that way, you can travel with confidence and focus on what really matters.
