Traveling to Europe during the shoulder season offers numerous advantages. With smaller crowds, cooler weather, and greater opportunities for affordable flights and hotels, it’s an excellent choice. In fact, many of Europe’s top destinations shine even more in the fall—so keep it our little secret!
As Europeans typically vacation in summer—mirroring many American travelers—you can enjoy a more authentic experience in cities once the summer crowds disperse. Expect shorter lines at popular cultural sites and museums. Plus, given the heat waves that have plagued Europe in recent years, fall promises a more enjoyable travel experience overall.
Whether you’re after rich history, serene beaches, or scenic countryside, here are 12 European locales that are best explored in the fall.
Related: Discover stunning fall foliage across the US
Porto and the Douro Valley, Portugal
While Lisbon often garners the spotlight, Porto in northern Portugal is quickly becoming a favorite among travelers. Visitors come to admire its stunning azulejo tiles, delve into the city’s rich history, and savor delicious Portuguese cuisine and wine.
Wander through Porto’s historic center alongside the Douro River, which is dotted with cafes, bars, and shops. Don’t forget to cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to tour one of the famous port wine cellars and explore the World of Wine complex. Porto also serves as a fantastic base for visiting the picturesque Douro Valley, renowned for its terraced vineyards.
Tip: To stay centrally, consider Casa da Companhia (rates from $345 or 69,000 IHG points per night) and rent a car to venture to the Douro Valley. For a unique experience, stay at Octant Douro, a Mr & Mrs Smith property offering stunning river views, with rates starting at 268 euros ($311) or 22,125 World of Hyatt points per night.
Related: Explore our favorite Mr & Mrs Smith hotels for Hyatt points
Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Ischia, Italy
Jutting into the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most scenic destinations, yet it often becomes crowded in summer. Fall allows you to experience its breathtaking landscapes with fewer tourists and lower prices—just be aware that some hotels may close by late October.
Key towns to visit include Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Dedicate a day to explore each while indulging in local delicacies like limoncello and pasta al limone, or even participate in a cooking class. Consider taking a ferry to the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia.
Tip: The only points hotel in Amalfi is the luxurious Furore Grand Hotel, with autumn rates starting at 931 euros ($1,082) or 190,000 Hilton Honors points per night. For stays in Capri, try World of Hyatt’s Capri Tiberio Palace, starting at 570 euros ($662) or 76,750 points per night.
Related: Discover the best ways to travel to Italy using points and miles
Mykonos, Greece
Why limit your visit to the Greek islands to summer? Fall brings delightful weather, lighter crowds, and lower airfare and lodging costs.
Greece boasts over 100 inhabited islands, with Mykonos being a popular choice. While known as a summer party staple, the shoulder season (September-November) offers a calmer experience. However, be mindful that many establishments close for winter, enhancing your immersion in local life.
If you’re torn between multiple islands, consider a Greek cruise, where swimming opportunities abound in September and October.
Tip: Marriott Bonvoy members can find options open into mid-October and beyond, like Mykonos Theoxenia (from around $450 or 56,000 points) and Santa Marina Mykonos (from around $520 or 98,000 points). Myconian Kyma stays open through late October, with availability at 222 euros ($258) or 37,000 points per night—allowing you to apply a 35,000-point free night certificate plus just 2,000 points.
Berlin
While Munich attracts crowds for Oktoberfest, Berlin boasts an array of cultural offerings and events. The German capital has something for everyone, from opera performances to all-night techno raves.
Visit Fotografiska Berlin, a new branch of the renowned Swedish photography museum, or explore historical sites like the German Historical Museum and the artsy Humboldt Forum. October presents the Festival of Lights, while November welcomes JazzFest.
Tip: World of Hyatt offers affordable stays, such as Lindner Hotel Berlin Kudamm (starting at $95 or 8,000 points per night) and Gorki Apartments (from $300 or 26,250 points). Category 1-4 free night certificates can be redeemed at Grand Hyatt Berlin, where rates can reach up to 570 euros ($662) or 18,000 points this fall.
Related: A high-speed train now connects Berlin and Paris
Edinburgh
With its vibrant pub culture, intriguing history, and stunning fall foliage, Edinburgh is a perfect fall getaway. You can wander through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, or take in the grounds of Lauriston Castle, which are free to explore. Numerous historic sites offer free entry during designated “Doors Open Days” in September. Attend various fall events like the International Storytelling Festival and Samhuinn Fire Festival.
During Halloween, don’t miss exploring spooky landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Kirkyard, as it’s one of Europe’s most haunted cities.
Tip: Travelers can find a variety of hotels, including Gleneagles Townhouse (from $558 or 40,000 Hyatt points), Kimpton Charlotte Square (from $200 or 40,000 IHG points), and W Edinburgh (from $379 or 82,000 Marriott points). You can even redeem Hilton points for a stay at a Scottish castle.
Istanbul
With pleasant weather in the fall, Istanbul also showcases vibrant cultural programming. If it’s your first visit, you must check out the Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia (outside of prayer times), and the Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque recently reopened after restoration, making it a great time to visit.
Tip: Consider the Orient Occident Hotel (from around $260 or 33,000 Marriott points) for exploring the historical Sultanahmet district. Alternatively, the Park Hyatt Istanbul in the upscale Nisantasi district starts at 270 euros ($314) or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Related: Experience tranquility and luxury in Turkey with our review of the Bodrum Edition
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, often viewed as a summer destination, remains warm enough to enjoy its beaches through October. Moreover, the city feels intimate and more enjoyable without the tourist rush, as many flock here for its “Game of Thrones” connection. Stroll through the historic center, take a cable car ride to Mount Srd for spectacular views, or visit nearby Ston to tour an oyster farm.
Tip: Hotel Excelsior (starting around $570 or 46,000 Hyatt points in October) is a top choice with a prime location near the famous Old Town. For a boutique feel, consider Hotel Bellevue (from around $475 or 38,000 Hyatt points). If you earn Hilton points, the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik starts at 408 euros ($475) or 75,000 points per night.
Madrid
Madrid’s weather stays mild and sunny until early November, with its parks transforming into vibrant hues. Autumn breathes life into local wine culture, enhancing the city’s ambience.
During this season, join activities such as the Madrid International Jazz Festival, Madrid Community Autumn Festival, and Feriarte Antiques Fair, alongside Halloween festivities.
Tip: Madrid features numerous points hotels, including the revamped The Palace (starting from $482 or 56,000 Marriott points) and Hotel Montera Madrid (from 320 euros, $372 or 85,000 Hilton points).
Related: Delta introduces a new route from Boston to Madrid
Amsterdam
While tulip season garners much attention, autumn in Amsterdam is equally enchanting. The city’s canals acquire golden hues reminiscent of masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum. To warm up, duck into one of the many cozy brown cafes for local fare and a drink. And don’t forget to try the famous apple pie from Cafe Winkel 43!
Tip: The College Hotel reopened after extensive renovations, offering rates from around $245 or 57,000 Marriott points per night. Book at Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht for 35,000 points per night to stay in a suite valued at 574 euros ($668).
Related: Check out the top hotels in Amsterdam
Ticino, Switzerland
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Ticino, Switzerland’s only Italian-speaking region.
The picturesque hiking trails along Lake Maggiore have charmed many visitors, but you’ll also find the lovely town of Ascona with its cobblestoned streets lined with casual cafes and shops. Don’t miss the medieval castles in Bellinzona or the stunning botanical garden of the Brissago Islands.
Tip: After a day of hiking, unwind at the lakeside Giardino Ascona, starting at 515 Swiss francs ($642) or 102,000 Marriott points per night until it closes for the season in late October. Consider the View Lugano for maximizing Hilton free night certificates, with availability for 130,000 Honors points or 672 Swiss francs ($838) per night.
Copenhagen
As temperatures drop, Danes turn their attention to hygge—embracing comfort and coziness. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere while savoring pastries and coffee at Copenhagen’s renowned bakeries, and save room for a Michelin-starred experience at Alouette, which relocated to the city center in 2024.
Copenhagen offers more than culinary delights, with a wealth of art museums, historic sites, and the picturesque Nyhavn waterfront district.
Tip: The newly opened 1 Hotel Copenhagen boasts sustainable features and can be booked through credit card portals like Amex Travel, Capital One Travel, and Chase Travel to maximize points value. Additionally, Villa Copenhagen offers great value, with award nights costing 30,000 points, while regular rates begin at 1,850 Danish kroner ($288).
Related: Learn how to book travel using Chase Travel to save points
