For many, autumn is hands down the best time of year for a holiday. The weather in Europe remains pleasantly mild, and the peak tourist season starts to wind down. On top of that, the golden autumn leaves transform many places into a stunning canvas of vibrant colours — making an autumn city break in 2024 truly memorable.
In this article, we’ve picked out 8 of the most beautiful destinations across Europe. And don’t forget to surprise your loved ones with a postcard, either before or after your trip!
1. Prague — the perfect city getaway in autumn
The capital of the Czech Republic is a top destination year-round, but an autumn visit offers something truly special. The colourful autumn leaves beautifully complement the city’s charming old town, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a romantic medieval fairytale.
What makes Prague so unique in Europe is its wealth of historic buildings, many of which are still impeccably preserved. Around the Old Town Square alone, you’ll find a dozen iconic sights to explore. After a day of sightseeing, your autumn city break is perfectly rounded off with hearty Bohemian cuisine, flavourful local beer, and delicious desserts.
Our must-sees: Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral
2. Venice — an even better experience without the crowds
Few cities in Europe are as enchanting in autumn as Venice. Surprisingly, lush greenery and plant life linger well into late autumn, thanks to the city’s relatively mild climate. But the real treat is the noticeably fewer tourists during this time of year.
This means you can explore Venice’s iconic sights and meandering canals without being elbow-to-elbow with other visitors. Plus, the city still enjoys plenty of sunshine and mild weather, making an autumn city getaway here truly unforgettable, especially for couples.
Our must-sees: St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge & a Gondola Ride
3. Munich — city break & Oktoberfest in autumn 2024
If you’ve never been to Munich, or are eager to return to Bavaria’s capital, autumn is the perfect time to plan a city break. Not only does the city come alive with the vibrant hues of autumn leaves, but it also hosts the world-famous Oktoberfest. Visitors from across the globe flock to Munich to experience this one-of-a-kind festival.
But Munich has so much more to offer than just beer and roast pork knuckles. You’ll find countless museums, magnificent churches, and impressive palaces. And in between sightseeing, treat yourself to the delights of the Viktualienmarkt. If you’re planning a long weekend, you might even have time for a side trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Our must-sees: Oktoberfest, Frauenkirche, Marienplatz & the English Garden
4. Lisbon — sun and sea until November
Portugal, one of Europe’s southern gems, offers warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine well into late autumn. With daytime highs around 25 degrees, it’s more the norm than the exception. And if you don’t mind the slightly cooler waters, you can even take a dip in the sea — Carcavelos Beach near Lisbon is perfect for that.
But there’s so much more to Lisbon than just sun and sand. From the picturesque Alfama district to grand fortresses and churches, the city is a treasure trove of sights. The charming funiculars connect its many hills, offering both nostalgia and convenience. And of course, the Mediterranean cuisine is a delight — don’t miss the chance to try a local favourite, the famous Pastel de Nata!
Our must-sees: Alfama, São Jorge Castle, Santa Justa Lift & the Funicular
5. Paris — city of love draped in autumn colours
For romantics, Paris in autumn is a dream city break. It’s not just the parks and avenues lined with golden trees, but the whole city seems to radiate a special charm at this time of year. No wonder so many couples are drawn to the City of Love in the autumn months.
Is there anything more magical than enjoying a picnic on the grass by the Eiffel Tower as the colourful leaves gently fall around you? And let’s not forget the incredible food scene — Paris is set to have over 600 Michelin-starred restaurants by 2024, proving that the way to the heart really is through the stomach.
Our highlights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame & Versailles
6. Dubrovnik — a special autumn city getaway
Dubrovnik may be one of the smallest cities on our list, but this Croatian gem is packed with charm. Its rich history, combined with warm weather lasting well into late autumn, makes it an ideal spot for a laid-back city break. What makes Dubrovnik stand out is its medieval fortress feel.
The city is encircled by impressive stone walls, which you can walk along for breathtaking views of the city and the sea. Afterwards, you can explore the narrow, winding streets at your leisure. And for Game of Thrones fans, Dubrovnik is a must-visit — it famously served as the real-life setting for King’s Landing.
Our highlights: Old Town, City Walls, Lokrum Island & the Game of Thrones Tour.
7. Copenhagen — amid colourful houses and autumn leaves
By autumn, Northern Europe starts to feel a bit cooler, but many travellers love the crisp, refreshing weather. Just pack a raincoat, and you’ll be ready for an unforgettable city break. One of the best things about Copenhagen is how much greenery is woven into the city itself.
This creates a stunning autumn palette of green, yellow, and brown right in the city centre — perfect for those picture-perfect moments. A definite highlight is a visit to Tivoli Gardens, the famous amusement park and leisure spot, which draws over 4 million visitors a year. Luckily, the crowds are much smaller in autumn.
Our must-sees: Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace & a Canal Tour
8. Amsterdam — biking through the city in autumn
If you prefer a more active city break, Amsterdam is ideal for discovering by bike. The Netherlands is known for its excellent cycling infrastructure — the kind many other countries can only dream of. While the weather is usually pleasant in autumn, it can be a bit rainy or windy at times, so a rain jacket is a good idea.
Although Amsterdam doesn’t have world-famous landmarks like Paris, it’s full of charm. On weekends, you can wander through bustling markets set up in the small squares between the canals. And during an autumn visit, the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is a must-see.
Our must-sees: Amsterdamse Bos, Museumplein, Noordermarkt & a Canal Cruise.
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