10 Best Places to Visit in Europe in the Fall: Solo-Friendly Cities
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, and it’s also one of the best times to visit Europe – as the summer high across the continent fades, hotel prices come down, and cozy coffee shops become the perfect pair to a stroll through the autumn foliage down cobblestone streets and stunning parks.
View of Rosengarten in Bern, Switzerland; October 2021
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Europe in the fall, especially for solo travelers, look no further – after years of living in Paris, I’m going to share which European cities are my favorite and most fitting for a trip in the fall.
🍂🇪🇺 If You Like... Visit This European City in the Fall 🇪🇺🍂
| If You Like... | Visit This European City in the Fall |
|---|---|
| 🔮 Magic, mystery, cozy cafés, and rainy days | Edinburgh |
| 🍁 Red, orange, and yellow trees for days in nature | Bern |
| 🏙️ Big-city vibes with fewer crowds | London |
| ☕ Park wandering and coffee shop hopping | Paris |
| 🥐 Museum hopping and bakeries | Copenhagen |
| ⛰️ Cities surrounded by mountains and Italian food | Turin |
| 🏛️ Stunning architecture and local parks | Dresden |
| 🚲 Bike rides in the cool weather | Amsterdam |
| 🌆 Vibrant cities without the tourist chaos | Budapest |
| 🍫 Chocolate tasting and medieval cities | Bruges |
Best Cities to Visit in Europe in the Fall
1. Edinburgh
If there’s a European city that is the epitome of fall, it’s Edinburgh – and it’s Tik Tok trend for cozy cafés is more than accurate.
View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill; September 2024
Truly no other city exactly like it, Edinburgh is home to a million coffee shops, medieval architecture, and the gorgeous Princess Gardens –Edinburgh is a dream city to visit in Europe in the fall. Plus, you’ll be able to get your spooky, Halloween vibes on with magic-like and Harry Potter inspired souvenir stores alongside enchanting walks in the Old Town.
While in Scotland, be sure not to miss a trip to the Isle of the Skye or Glasgow – as both are also marvelous places to visit in September.
Best For: Coffee fanatics, people interested magic, attracted to medieval towns
🍂🏴 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh in the Fall 🏴🍂
Walk the Royal Mile
Walk down Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile for shops, cozy pubs, and classic Scottish architecture. It's especially atmospheric in the fall when the cooler weather makes popping into a warm pub or shop even more inviting.
Scottish Whisky Experience
The Scottish Whisky Experience is super immersive, complete with scratch-and-sniff cards and plenty to learn about Scottish whisky. It's honestly cool even if you don't drink and makes for a great indoor activity on a chilly or rainy fall day.
Calton Hill
Head up Calton Hill for amazing views over Edinburgh and its famous skyline. The city looks especially beautiful surrounded by fall colors, and it's one of my favorite places for panoramic views and photos.
Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens are gorgeous in the fall and perfect for a relaxing stroll with a coffee. Between the colorful trees, Edinburgh Castle views, and crisp autumn weather, it's one of the prettiest places to slow down and enjoy the city.
Watch our trip to Edinburgh in September in my travel vlog below!
2. Copenhagen
Another city in Europe perfect for fall travel is Copenhagen, known for its fine dining and food – with amazing bakeries to explore and satisfy your cozy weather sweet tooth.
In addition to that, Copenhagen’s architecture has the warmth and color reminiscent of fall itself – with views from the Round Tower representing mostly burnt orange rooftops as the city continues to expand.
View of Copenhagen from the Round Tower; December 2022
Similar to other European cities I am recommending in this list, Copenhagen is relatively small – making it perfect for more intimate, “Gilmore Girls” style strolls through the city with a cup of coffee in hand.
Best For: Lovers of fine dining, bike riders, and museum lovers
🍂🇩🇰 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in the Fall 🇩🇰🍂
Explore Christiania
Wander through Christiania and stop by one of the nearby cafés for fresh vegan fall food. It's a completely different side of Copenhagen and especially cozy when the cooler autumn weather starts to roll in.
Hop Between Bakeries
Copenhagen has bakeries for days, and fall is the perfect time to hop between them. Grab a pastry and something warm to drink before heading back outside to explore the city in the crisp autumn weather.
Climb the Round Tower
Head up the Round Tower for colorful views across Copenhagen. In the fall, the city's rooftops, parks, and changing leaves make the panoramic views from the top even prettier.
See Nyhavn Without the Crowds
Enjoy Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn without the massive summer crowds. The colorful waterfront is still just as picturesque in the fall, but the quieter atmosphere makes it much easier to stroll around, take photos, and enjoy the harbor.
3. Bern
Switzerland as a whole is stunning to visit during the fall, but especially Bern – as it’s rolling colorful hills are a photographer’s dream and a sight for sore eyes for those who are as enamored with autumn as I am!
Whether it’s exploring the main shopping streets, going up to the top of the Gurten, or relaxing in the Rosengarten – there are so many opportunities to enjoy the vivid foliage with a book or journal almost anywhere in Bern.
View of Bern in the fall; October 2021
In fact, I often compare Bern to a miniature Munich – as it almost feels like being in small German city, but in Switzerland. As Germany is also one of the most “fall” like European countries – this makes Bern perfect for those itching for the perfect European fall getaway
Best For: Small city explorers, intrepid hikers, people who love hills and being surrounded by nature
🍂🇨🇭 Best Things to Do in Bern in the Fall 🇨🇭🍂
Watch the Sunset
Watch the sunset over Bern with the city's colorful hills in the background. The red, orange, and yellow foliage makes the views even more beautiful during the fall, especially as the sun starts to go down.
Explore the Old Town
Wander through Bern's beautiful Old Town and spend some time warming up in one of its cute cafés. Between the historic streets, cozy coffee shops, and crisp weather, fall is one of my favorite times to explore Bern on foot.
Visit Rosengarten
Visit Rosengarten, which is absolutely stunning when the autumn foliage takes over. The colorful trees, crisp fall air, and views overlooking Bern make this one of the prettiest places in the city during autumn.
Head Up Gurten
Head up Gurten for explosive fall views of Switzerland covered in red, orange, and yellow. It's one of the best places around Bern to really appreciate just how colorful Switzerland becomes in the autumn.
Watch my trip to Bern in the fall in my travel vlog below!
4. London
Although this could seem like an obvious answer, I really do feel like London is one of the most quintessential cities to spend in Europe in the fall – as its larger size and crisp autumn air are perfect for longer trips to Europe.
Outside Covent Garden on a rainy day in London, United Kingdom; January 2023
As a city adorned in a mix of old and new architecture, in addition to stunning parks to explore like Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens – you’ll never be bored or disappointed on a trip to Europe in the fall with a stop in London.
London also makes as a great starting point to visit other European cities in the fall like Edinburgh and Paris.
Best For: Big city lovers, shoppers, and travelers who need a lot of stimulation to avoid fatigue or boredom during off season travel.
🍂🇬🇧 Best Things to Do in London in the Fall 🇬🇧🍂
Go Coffee Shop Hopping
Fall and coffee shop hopping in London just go together. Spend a chilly or rainy afternoon trying different cafés around the city, grabbing something warm to drink before heading back outside to explore.
Walk Across Tower Bridge
Walk across Tower Bridge with fewer crowds than you'll find during the busy summer months. The cooler fall weather makes walking around London much more comfortable, and you'll still get those classic views over the Thames.
Shop on Oxford Street
Head to Oxford Street to shop for some new fall goodies. I'm a sucker for Bath & Body Works, new boots, fall fashion, and anything else that makes the beginning of cozy season even more exciting.
Visit Borough Market
Take a trip to Borough Market for seasonal goods and plenty of amazing food. It's an especially fun place to wander around in the fall when you can grab something warm, browse the different stalls, and enjoy a more local side of London.
5. Turin
Usually, I would recommend visiting Italy in the late spring or summer – as its infamous grilled vegetables, gelato, and Aperol spritz’s are perfect for warm weather and long days full of sunshine.
However, cities in Northern Italy are quite wonderful in the thick of fall – with Turin being one of them.
View of Turin, Italy; October 2023
Turin is especially nice in the fall as its surrounding mountains light up in fiery colors, of which are especially visible and prominent from viewing points such as from the Basilica of Superega.
As a whole, Turin is a very typical European city – but its location makes it a quaint, less touristic trip to Italy and the perfect place to visit Europe in the fall.
Best For: Lovers of Italian food, cities surrounded by mountains, travelers looking for an offbeat or less typical travel Italian experience
🍂🇮🇹 Best Things to Do in Turin in the Fall 🇮🇹🍂
Visit Basilica di Superga
Take a half-day trip outside of Turin to Basilica di Superga. Fall makes the trip even more beautiful, with cooler weather and colorful foliage surrounding the city and mountains. The views from up here are absolutely stunning in autumn.
Visit Mole Antonelliana
Visit the iconic Mole Antonelliana and head up for views over Turin. In the fall, you'll get to see the city's rooftops surrounded by colorful trees and the mountains in the distance, making the panorama even prettier.
Explore the Royal Gardens
Wander through Turin's Royal Gardens and surrounding plazas when the leaves turn red, orange, and yellow. The crisp fall weather makes this one of the best times of year to slow down and explore Turin's beautiful outdoor spaces.
Explore Turin's Piazzas
Spend an autumn afternoon exploring Turin's beautiful piazzas, stopping for coffee along the way. Some of these are among the most beautiful squares I've seen in Europe, and because Turin isn't very touristy, you can enjoy them without the massive crowds.
Discover more what it’s like to visit Turin in the fall in my travel vlog below!
Dresden lighting up at night in the autumn; October 2022
It’s true that Dresden is small, but it’s perfect for wandering around and admiring the fall foliage against Dresden’s extremely underrated architecture.
Best For: Travelers looking for underrated European cities in the fall and who prefer a less crowded travel experience
🍂🇩🇪 Best Things to Do in Dresden in the Fall 🇩🇪🍂
Walk Through Alaunpark
Head to Alaunpark to see Dresden covered in burnt orange fall colors. The colorful trees and crisp autumn air make this a beautiful place to slow down, walk around, and enjoy a quieter side of the city.
Explore Kamenzer Straße
Wander along Kamenzer Straße for fun places to eat and a more local feel. It's an especially cozy area to explore in the fall when you can hop between restaurants and cafés while enjoying the cooler weather.
Cross Augustus Bridge
Walk across the Augustus Bridge for gorgeous views of Dresden's historic skyline and the Elbe River. The walk is even prettier in the fall when the surrounding trees start turning red, orange, and yellow.
Watch Dresden Light Up at Dusk
Head to Augustusgarten around dusk and watch Dresden begin to light up across the river. Between the crisp fall air, colorful trees, and illuminated historic architecture, it's one of the prettiest ways to end an autumn day in Dresden.
Explore my trip to Dresden in the fall in my travel vlog below!
7. Paris
While I firmly believe that the best time of year to visit Paris is either in the spring or summer, fall is also a pleasant time of year in Paris –especially during September and October where there is still a lot of sunshine, but the number of tourists wandering the city drastically drops.
Some of my favorite cafés to visit in the fall in Paris include Le Main Noir, Bleu Olive, and Grounded – all of which give off an impeccable vibe for autumn, whether you choose to sit in these coffee shops or take them to go and wander the now-colorful streets of Paris.
View of the Eiffel Tower from Champ des Mars in the fall foliage; November 2024
In addition to all of this, visiting Paris in the fall is a great idea as it’s an excellent time to book tickets and hotels for off-season prices – and popular tourist attractions like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower will be far less crowded.
Lastly, if you tend to get annoyed with seeing “pumpkin spice” something on every corner like in cities such as London and New York – Paris is the perfect place to visit in Europe in the fall, as while it has taken a liking to this trend as well – it’s far less prominent.
Best For: Lovers of pastries and a looking for a city that isn’t too obnoxious about fall
🍂🇫🇷 Best Things to Do in Paris in the Fall 🇫🇷🍂
Walk Through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Head to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont for some of the prettiest fall colors in Paris. Between the hills, pathways, and trees turning red, orange, and yellow, it's one of my favorite places to enjoy Paris when autumn really starts to take over.
Go Coffee Shop Hopping in the 7th
Spend a crisp fall afternoon coffee shop hopping through the 7th arrondissement. Grab something warm, wander between cafés, and enjoy the quieter neighborhood streets around the Eiffel Tower as the weather starts to cool down.
Grab a Bakery Treat & Chill on the Seine
Pick up something from a local bakery and take it down to the Seine. The crisp fall air makes sitting along the river especially nice, and it's a simple way to enjoy Paris without needing a packed sightseeing schedule.
Enjoy the Last Terrace Dinners
Soak up the last of Paris' outdoor terrace season with dinner or drinks outside. Cafés gradually start putting away many of their terraces as November rolls around, so early fall is the perfect time to enjoy that classic Parisian sidewalk dining atmosphere before winter.
Watch me live Paris like a local in the fall in my vlog below!
8. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for its winter light festival and late summer nights, but it’s often neglected for its beauty in the fall.
Whether it’s riding bikes in the city or photographing, Amsterdam is exceptionally beautiful in the fall as the trees alongside the canal suddenly change to bright shades of red, orange, and yellow – which is a stark yet stunning contrast against the city’s more muted, cool toned colored buildings.
View of Amsterdam from the water; May 2017
As the city is usually flooded with tourists in the summer, visiting this European city in the fall is a great way to discover its local cafes, hidden streets of charm, and explore the city by bike in ways that may be less accessible during other times of the year.
Best For: Bike riding enthusiasts and photographers looking for fall-photogenic cities in Europe
🍂🇳🇱 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam in the Fall 🇳🇱🍂
Walk Through Vondelpark
Take a fall stroll through Vondelpark when the trees turn gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow. It's one of my favorite places to enjoy Amsterdam's fall foliage, especially with the crisp autumn air.
Shop Around Prinsengracht
Explore Prinsengracht and the surrounding streets for cute boutiques, shops, cafés, and classic Amsterdam canal views. It's an especially cozy neighborhood to wander around when the temperatures start to drop.
Bike Through the Fall Colors
Rent a bike and explore Amsterdam beneath the fall foliage. The cooler weather makes bike riding much more comfortable, and you'll get to see the city's canals, bridges, and colorful trees just like a local.
Take a Fall Canal Cruise
Take a canal cruise to see Amsterdam's famous canal houses surrounded by autumn colors. It's also perfect for a chilly fall day since you can still take in the city's gorgeous architecture and canals while staying cozy on the boat.
9. Budapest
One of my favorite cities in Europe (underrated cities post), Budapest is beautiful to visit in Europe during the fall as its already jaw-dropping architecture becomes even more illuminate in the midst of autumn.
Furthermore, Budapest has several different hills with viewing points (with my favorite one being Gellért Hill Vista Point), which are perfect for viewing the changing colors and the city’s unique landscape from afar.
View of Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest; January 2018
Budapest isn’t only aesthetically pleasing in the fall, but the cooler and crisper mornings make it even more suitable to try out its famous thermal baths – I went to the Széchenyi baths are they were close to my hotel near Heroes' Square when I went to Budapest, and all went well!
Also, Budapest is a really big on paprika – which may be more difficult to enjoy in the summer – but at trip to this European city in the fall makes this warmer spice perfect for trying local dishes in the midst of more suitable for autumn weather.
Best For: Intrepid travelers who don’t mind a big city and architecture lovers with an affinity for old and unique buildings
🍂🇭🇺 Best Things to Do in Budapest in the Fall 🇭🇺🍂
Walk Across Liberty Bridge
Walk across Liberty Bridge in the crisp fall air for beautiful views over the Danube and both sides of Budapest. The cooler weather makes it a much more comfortable time to explore the city on foot.
Photograph Hungarian Parliament
Head to the Hungarian Parliament for some of the prettiest fall photography in Budapest. The changing red, orange, and yellow leaves make the already stunning architecture even more beautiful.
See the Views From Fisherman's Bastion
Visit Fisherman's Bastion for colorful fall views over Budapest. From up here, you can see the Danube, Parliament, rooftops, and trees across the city all starting to change with the season.
Kick Off Cozy Season at the Baths
Fall is the perfect time to visit one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, especially Széchenyi Baths. Once the temperatures start dropping, soaking in the warm water outside feels even better and is pretty much the ultimate way to kick off cozy season.
10. Bruges
Last but not least, Belgium as a whole is a great place to visit during the fall – but Bruges specifically is a glorious haven for those who love a mix of city and nature.
This is because Bruges is not only a medieval style city, similar to Edinburgh, that was born to be wandered during the fall – but its lakes and bridges, almost reminiscent of Amsterdam, become even prettier with the added colors during the autumn.
View of canals in Bruges, Belgium; May 2017
Not to mention, a lot of Belgian cuisine popular amongst tourists, like waffles, are the perfect sweet treat to snack on – just imagine, a warm, chocolate-filled waffle melting in your mouth while the cool autumn air surrounds you. Sounds like an amazing place to visit in Europe in the fall, to me!
Best For: Travelers who adore small, medieval cities and charming lakes and bridges
🍂🇧🇪 Best Things to Do in Bruges in the Fall 🇧🇪🍂
Walk Around the Lake of Love
Take a walk around Bruges' beautiful Lake of Love surrounded by colorful fall foliage. The crisp air, changing leaves, and peaceful water make this already romantic part of Bruges even prettier in the autumn.
Eat Belgian Waffles
Fall is sweet treat season, and there's really no better excuse to indulge in a warm Belgian waffle. Grab one while wandering through Bruges' medieval streets for the ultimate cozy fall afternoon.
Go Chocolate Tasting
Hop between Bruges' chocolate shops and try some authentic Belgian chocolate. It's one of my favorite things to do here anyway, but chocolate tasting feels even better once the temperatures drop and cozy season begins.
Take a Fall Boat Tour
Take a boat tour through Bruges' famous canals to see its medieval buildings framed by fall colors. With fewer summer crowds and colorful trees lining the waterways, autumn makes the already picturesque views even more magical.
🇪🇺🍂 Europe in the Fall FAQs 🍂🇪🇺
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Last updated: August 7, 2026