The Best Places to Travel in Europe in October

Last updated on September 6th, 2024 at 05:14 am

We bring you the best places to travel in Europe in October if you’re planning to visit the continent this month in autumn. 

October is a great month to visit Europe because it’s the shoulder season, which means there are fewer crowds, and prices on airfares, hotels and attractions are cheaper or reasonable. Also, the weather is cooler and almost everything is still open. 

October also brings in the wine and harvest festivals which are many throughout Europe. In addition, the best opera and concert performances in grand performance halls start in the autumn. With these additional events, your Europe trip will be more eventful and memorable.

On a side note, I, myself, made my first trip to Europe in October, and I was glad I did because, with lesser crowds to contend with, I had an easier time navigating the unfamiliar terrain. Also, the lower prices on major trip expenses helped me stay within my small budget.

At any rate, as promised, here are the best destinations in Europe in October.

Related Post: Fall Travel Essentials: 10 Must-Haves to Bring

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam, already lovely regardless of the season, gets more stunning with fall foliage in the autumn. Its canals are overhung with leaves of changing colors against the backdrop of the city’s iconic gabled houses. Walking along these streets and going on a boat ride is such a wonderful experience.

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Plus, every year in mid-October, Amsterdam hosts the Amsterdam Dance Event (amsterdam-dance-event.nl), a huge festival that offers more than 440 celebrations across the city. Over 2,000 DJs and artists and more than 300,000 clubbers participate in this weeklong revelry annually.

For more things to do in Amsterdam, read Amsterdam Attractions: The Best Sights to See

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Hotel Estheréa

Amsterdam Tours

Poperinge, Belgium

If you’re already in Amsterdam, into beer, and don’t mind taking a 4-hour ride, then why not head on to Poperinge in Belgium?

Poperinge is a town in the southwest near the French border. It is known for growing hops and its beer industry. On the last weekend of October each year, it holds the Poperinge Beer Festival, which showcases the traditions of beer making from some of the best Belgian brewers in the place. 

Munich, Germany

A talk about October in Europe wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Germany’s famous and well-loved Oktoberfest which is held annually in Munich.

Munich, the capital of the culturally rich Bavaria, is a top German city. Bursting with sights to see and things to do, it is one of the country’s top destinations. It has palaces, museums and art galleries, a city center with a small-town vibe, a historic Olympic park, and more. And of course, it’s the site of the Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest starts in mid-September, runs for 16 days, and ends in early October. Millions of revelers attend the celebration, sitting inside giant beer halls, drinking liter-size mugs of beer and dining on roasted sausages and ox while listening to oompah bands.

To get a better look at what Munich has to offer, read Munich: Germany’s Well-Loved and Desirable City

Where to Stay in Munich: Hotel Torbräu

Munich Tours

Berlin, Germany

Another German city that makes one best autumn destination in Europe is its capital, Berlin.

Berlin not only has many interesting historical sights to offer, but a varied contemporary allure. It has the Brandenburger Tor (a symbolic remnant from the Cold War, the Reichstag (Berlin’s most iconic structure), the Holocaust Memorial, and plenty more.

For that contemporary and modern allure, the city is peppered with bustling areas brimming with cafes, restaurants and shopping places. 

On top of these, Berlin holds the Festival of Lights for 9 days every October, where all of its major attractions are illuminated.

It also celebrates its own Oktoberfest at various locations.

Where to Stay in Berlin: The Westin Grand Berlin

Berlin Attractions

Paris, France

Paris is one of the best Europe places to visit in October because, on top of the many marvelous sights and attractions it offers, it also hosts a number of delightful events.

Read: What to Do in Paris: 10 Exciting Activities

Fete des Vendanges 

Fete des Vendanges is an annual wine festival in Clos Montmartre, the only working vineyard in Pairs. It is held in Montmartre, a hilly area in the city’s 18th arrondissement.

Nuit Blanche 

The Nuit Blanche is a festival of the arts and culture which involves an entire night of poetry readings, performance arts and more. These celebrations are held in galleries, restaurants, bars and public buildings all over the city on the first weekend of October.

Journées du Patrimoine

During Journées du Patrimoine in late October, hundreds of Paris’s historic buildings and monuments are open to the public for a couple of days. A nightlong party precedes this affair.

Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain

Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain (FIAC) is Paris’s largest international contemporary and modern art fair. Many galleries participate in this event which is held at venues all across the city for almost a week in late October.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a horse racing event held during the first week in October.

Salon de l’Automobile

Lovers of automobiles and motorcycles might not want to miss Salon de l’Automobile. The automobile show is alternated with the motorcycle show every year. It is held in early October. 

Where to Stay in Paris: Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne

Spain

With its diverse culture and landscape, Spain is one of the best places to travel in Europe in October.

Its capital city of Madrid is home to some of Europe’s best art galleries and provides the best nightlife. Barcelona is vibrant and rich in culture with its advanced art, structures and cuisines. The Alhambra, a palace compound, in Granada is breathtaking. UNESCO World Heritage Segovia boasts of Roman opulence and a castle that’s been claimed to have inspired Walt Disney. Stunning views await one along Galicia‘s impressive coastlines with its ferociously steep clips and beautiful beaches.

There are plenty more great things to experience in Spain, but, notably, in October, it offers a lot more by way of its various festivals, some gastronomic, others just as culturally rich.

Fiesta del Marisco

In Galicia, there is the Fiesta del Marisco, a seafood festival in the municipality of O Grove. It is one of the oldest and most important cultural gastronomic celebrations.

Cavatast Festival

In Catalonia, Spain, particularly in the municipality of Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, the annual Cavatast festival happens every October. It celebrates Cava, a sparkling wine of the Catalans. It doesn’t only feature Cava, however, but also chocolates and other Catalan dishes. Also, various events take place during this three-day festival such as wine and food tasting, workshops and more.

Rose of Saffron Festival

There is also the Rose of Saffron Festival in Consuegra, Spain, an area 38 miles from Toledo, that produces saffron. During this festival, you can try some of the best paella dishes and join in on the merrymaking of locals. It takes place in late October.

Related Reads

• Ávila, Spain: Exquisite Authentic Medieval City
• Where to Stay in Madrid: Great Place

Wrap Up

So these are the best places to travel in Europe in October. We hope you have a lovely time spending fall in these European places.

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