The arrival of sweater weather and the ever-polarizing pumpkin spice latte can only mean one thing — fall is upon us. For travelers in the know, it also marks the best time for a weekend jaunt to any number of European cities. So pack your bags and don’t forget a scarf; here are some of the best places in Europe to visit this fall.
And as always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Perpetually packed in the summer, Iceland’s capital is ideal during fall. In fact, it’s one of the best destinations to visit during shoulder season, especially if you want to keep your costs down.
While the sun may not always be shining, the temperatures are mild. And at night, the northern lights put on a show, even in Reykjavik. But hop in a car and drive to Thingvellir National Park to experience the true glory of fall in Iceland.
Walk along nearly empty hiking trails where the bushes and vegetation turn from green to fiery red and marvel at the epic landscapes without a selfie stick in sight. And afterward, hot chocolate awaits at Café Babalú.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh in the fall is the epitome of cozy. A wool knit sweater and tartan scarf complement the pumpkins and red ivy that adorn the Scottish capital.
Spend the day walking the Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens admiring the vibrant foliage, and then warm up with a steaming bowl of Scottish lentil soup or a hot toddy. From warming libations to technicolor trees, Edinburgh has all the makings of a quintessential fall getaway.
Venice, Italy
A bag of warm roasted chestnuts, a glass of mulled wine topped with orange peel and a plate of pumpkin risotto: These are the flavors of fall in Venice.
Bring rain boots for meandering the alleys and piazzas, as flooding can be common during this time of year. The sinking city aside, it’s also the best time to experience sights like the Rialto Bridge, the Basilica of Sts. John and Paul and the atmosphere on the canals without the throngs of tourists.
Paris, France
Few places are more romantic than Paris in the fall. A day spent walking around the “City of Love” is the perfect way to experience the season. The leaves begin to change and litter the Luxembourg Gardens like brushstrokes in a Monet painting. Couples walk arm in arm over the Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge. And Angelina’s famous hot chocolate has never been so comforting.
During fall, the magic of the golden light against the classic French buildings and the atmosphere flowing from the street-side brasseries are electric.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city best seen on foot, and its mild fall temperatures make it easy. And as the calendar days dwindle, it signifies harvest season, when the farmers markets are packed with fresh produce and the wine bars like Kadarka are overflowing with clinking glasses.
Strolling the city also means you’ll stumble on myriad events, festivals and gallery openings held around Budapest this time of year. And if the weather gets particularly chilly, head to the Gellért Baths for a soak in the thermal spring.
Madrid, Spain
When fall hits Madrid, the cozy coffee shops selling churros with chocolate come calling. In a city full of tree-lined parks and museums, there’s no better time to admire them than without the summer crowds.
Smell the freshly fallen leaves at Parque del Retiro or pull up a stool at Mercado San Miguel for a bowl of Spanish stew. And if you’re visiting on October 12, celebrate Spain’s national day with the rest of the city during one big party on the streets of Madrid.
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