Best Places to Visit in Europe in October

October in Europe is a great time to travel, with autumn foliage and cooler air and fewer tourists. It’s harvest season so perfect for wine tours, pumpkin festivals and stunning hikes through golden forests. Whether you want warm weather or the charm of fall, the continent has something for everyone.

Contents

1. Budapest
2. Prague
3. Venice
4. Lisbon
5. Barcelona
6. Rome
7. Pilsen
8. Paris
9. Cesky Krumlov
10. Szentendre

1. Budapest: A City in Bloom in October

Budapest is magical in October. With a cool breeze and a backdrop of fall colours the city feels fresh. Famous for its thermal baths, grand architecture and rich history it’s even more special in this month. Take a scenic boat tour on the Danube to see the city’s illuminated bridges and grand buildings, the Buda Castle and the Parliament. Walk through its parks, City Park and Margaret Island and you’ll be surrounded by autumn colours. Visitors can also enjoy cozy cafes and try Hungarian pastries. October is a great time to take a river cruise to see the city’s landmarks while the streets are cooler and less crowded. This city is perfect for culture lovers and those who like history with modern comforts.

Budapest is great for wine tasting at local vineyards, visiting thermal spas and exploring historical landmarks like the Buda Castle and the Parliament. A Danube boat cruise gives you scenic views of the city’s architecture while autumn parks like City Park are the best for photo opportunities.

Highlights:

• Hungary’s National Museum and its medieval artefacts
• Gellért Hill for panoramic views
• Szentendre Island for artistic retreats
• Fisherman’s Bastion and its unique architecture
• Hungarian folk art markets and festivals

2. Prague: A Fairytale in October

Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires is magical in October. The city’s medieval streets, the Old Town seems to come alive with autumn colours. The weather is cool so it’s a great time to walk through its cobblestone streets and cross the famous Charles Bridge. With fewer tourists the city is peaceful yet lively with seasonal markets offering pumpkin carvings and local Czech specialties. For those who like a boat ride the Vltava River offers the best views of the city’s architecture. Autumn colours blanket the Royal Gardens and Petřín Hill so perfect for photo opportunities.

In Prague you can boat through the city on the Vltava River, visit the Prague Castle and walk through the Old Town’s charming streets. The city’s seasonal art exhibits and markets offer a unique cultural experience and local cafes are the perfect spot to rest and try Czech pastries.

Highlights:

• The Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square
• Visiting the Spires of St. Vitus Cathedral
• Oktoberfest-style beer events
• The medieval streets of Prague Castle
• Traditional Czech folklore performances

3. Venice: Autumn along the Canals

Venice in October is quieter than the summer months but still full of character. The mild weather is perfect for a leisurely boat ride through its canals. The autumn fog adds a mystical air, making the Grand Canal even more magical. During this month the city also hosts the Venice Film Festival so there’s a touch of glamour to the cultural scene. Take a gondola ride or a Vaporetto down the canals, pass by St. Mark’s Basilica and explore the Rialto Market for autumn treats. Venice is a place where the romance of the season meets timeless beauty.

In Venice enjoy a gondola ride through the canals or take a Vaporetto to see the city’s landmarks. Explore St. Mark’s Square and visit the Rialto Market for local specialties while autumn brings a magical atmosphere perfect for relaxed strolls and discovering hidden corners of the city.

Highlights:

• The colorful Murano glass markets
• The haunting beauty of St. Mark's Square at sunrise
• Fall-themed Venetian masks
• Lesser-known hidden gems, like the Dorsoduro district
• Seasonal Venetian seafood festivals

4. Lisbon: A Sunny Getaway with Autumn Feel

Lisbon has nice weather in October so it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe during this time. The city’s cobblestone streets and pastel coloured buildings look even more beautiful with the golden autumn light. Lisbon is perfect for sun without the summer crowds. Take a tram ride through the steep hills of Alfama or visit the historic Belém Tower. For water lovers, consider a boat tour along the Tagus River where you can see the 25 de Abril Bridge. Lisbon’s cafes and pastelarias are the best time to indulge in Portuguese sweets like pastéis de nata.

While in Lisbon hop on the iconic Tram 28 to explore the Alfama district and enjoy a boat tour along the Tagus River for city views. Visit landmarks like the Belém Tower and try Portuguese pastries at local cafes where you’ll also find a great selection of wines.

Highlights:

• Fado music performances
• The Oceanarium, one of Europe’s largest aquariums
• Exploring the cobblestone streets of Alfama district
• The vibrant Mercado da Ribeira
• Tasting Port Wine in the heart of Lisbon

5. Barcelona: Sun, Beach and Culture

Barcelona in October has perfect weather for sightseeing and beach relaxation. The summer heat is over but the Mediterranean sun is still shining. Take a walk along the beach or a boat tour from the Port Vell area. Barcelona’s landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are even more special with the soft autumn light. The city’s markets, especially La Boqueria, have seasonal produce and fresh seafood that’s perfect for a snack after sightseeing.

In Barcelona walk through the historic Gothic Quarter and enjoy Antoni Gaudí’s works. A boat tour along the Mediterranean coast lets you see the city from the sea and the sunny weather is perfect for a beach day at Barceloneta.

Highlights:

• The mosaics at Park Güell
• The Sagrada Familia at sunset
• Hidden cafes in the Gothic Quarter
• Flamenco show
• La Rambla in October 

6. Rome: Autumn in the Eternal City

Rome in October is amazing. With the summer crowds gone the ancient ruins and churches feel more intimate. The weather is nice for long walks through historical sites like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. October is also harvest time so you’ll find wine and olive oil festivals all over the city. Rome’s Tiber River has boat tours that offer a new perspective of landmarks like the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo. This city is full of art, history and culture so it’s perfect for both strolls and educational experiences.

Rome invites you to explore its vast historical treasures, the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and to enjoy boat rides along the Tiber River. The autumn harvest festivals offer a unique taste of local food and wine so it’s a great time to experience the culture and cuisine of the Eternal City.

Highlights:

• The Grape Harvest Festival
• The Pantheon at sunset
• Janiculum Hill
• Trastevere’s streets and trattorias
• The medieval Jewish Ghetto

7. Pilsen: Beer Lovers’ Autumn Retreat

Pilsen is the birthplace of Pilsner beer so it’s a great place to visit in October. The weather is crisp so you can enjoy the local beer at one of the city’s many beer halls or participate in the Oktoberfest events. Pilsen also has historical sites, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery where you can take tours to learn about the brewing process. Besides beer the city has charming streets, historic squares and plenty of cultural events so it’s perfect for history buffs and beer enthusiasts.

In Pilsen enjoy brewery tours at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, visit the historic squares of the Old Town and participate in the Oktoberfest-style beer events. The autumn weather makes exploring the city’s cultural landmarks, St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, even more enjoyable.

Highlights:

• The Brewery Museum
• Pilsen’s autumn beer festivals
• St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
• The Great Synagogue
• Museum of West Bohemia

8. Paris: Autumn in the City of Light

Paris in October is lovely with golden leaves on the streets and fewer tourists. The city is more intimate as you walk through the Versailles gardens or take a Seine river cruise at sunset. Autumn brings wine harvest festivals where you can taste French wines at local vineyards. Whether you’re in Montmartre or visiting iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower, Paris is full of culture, history and romance during this time.

Paris in October is perfect for Seine river cruises, visiting the Eiffel Tower and exploring the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre. Wine harvest festivals also make it the right time to indulge in local wines while enjoying the city’s history and culture.

Highlights:

• Autumn at Luxembourg Gardens
• Paris Autumn Festival
• Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro Gardens
• Traditional French harvest festivals
• Fall fashion shows and exhibitions

9. Cesky Krumlov: A Fairytale Village

Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fairytale in October. Its medieval architecture, narrow streets and charming town square look beautiful with the autumn colors. The Vltava River has peaceful boat rides perfect for taking in the town’s beauty. Cesky Krumlov is ideal for those who want a quiet, romantic getaway surrounded by nature and history. The castle is an architectural gem and a great place to spend an afternoon.

Cesky Krumlov invites you to walk through its medieval streets and take a boat ride along the Vltava River. The castle with its Renaissance architecture is a must-see and the town’s artistic atmosphere makes it perfect for those who love local art and culture.

Highlights:

• Cesky Krumlov Castle (Renaissance style)
• Medieval town square
• Cesky Krumlov International Music Festival
• Egon Schiele Art Center
• Local artisan shops and galleries

10. Szentendre: A Picture Perfect Retreat

Szentendre is a small, colorful town near Budapest perfect for a day trip in October. The autumn scenery adds to the charm of this art gallery and cobbled street town. Szentendre Island is great for nature lovers and has peaceful walking trails along the Danube River. With its unique mix of Hungarian, Serbian and Croatian influences Szentendre has an eclectic atmosphere with historical churches, museums and artisan workshops.

Szentendre invites you to walk its cobbled streets, visit local art galleries and enjoy peaceful walks on Szentendre Island. A boat trip along the Danube lets you see the town from a different perspective and the town’s artisan scene adds to its charm.

Highlights:

• Marzipan Museum
• Szentendre’s Serbian Orthodox Church
• Autumn folk festivals
• Danube River views
• Main square with artisan shops

October in Europe is the perfect balance of autumn, culture and good weather. Whether you want to stroll through medieval streets, take a boat cruise through historical cities or enjoy a cozy café with local specialties, Europe’s best places to visit this month have something for everyone. From Lisbon’s sunshine to Budapest’s crisp air it’s the time to enjoy the season.