Best places to visit during fall… A city lover’s guide

The travel savvy will tell you, but fall is a strategic time to travel if you are looking for premium experiences without the crowds… or the price tag. It is the ideal time of year to be booking your dream getaway but the question still stands… where to go? There are the obvious bucket list destinations such as Punta Cana, Mexico, and Costa Rica, but have you considered fall in Europe? Imagine following in the footsteps of Hungarian royalty while exploring the historical city of Budapest. Or, how many times will you be able to resist the sweet smell of Trdelník wafting through the streets of Prague before giving in to this sweet treat? Old-world European cities during fall are like something from a fairy tale. Let their magic bewitch your imagination and inspire you to travel off the beaten path this fall. Uncover our best places to visit during fall and begin packing your suitcases. Adventure awaits!

Europe offers so many places to go during fall, yet Prague holds something special. This historical, whimsical, and utterly enchanting city center is bursting with charm and character. Not to mention, the Czech capital is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

Since the Iron Curtain fell in 1989 tourism has boomed and creativity has flourished in Prague. The result? A cultural capital that perfectly blends the old world with an ever-growing modern metropolis making it one of the best places to visit during fall. Golden Lane is also a must-see with its miniature-sized dwellings painted in all the colors of a paint box. 

The Jewish quarter of Josefov is steeped in history and still to this day a cultural hub in the city. It is within the rabbit warren of these cobbled streets that you can find The Old–New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest synagogue. Throw in a trip to the Charles Bridge and you have the recipe for an idyllic day in the Czech capital. Yet, it is wise to spend time in Prague to be able to dig deep under its rich, historical surface and uncover all the cultural highlights to be explored.

Warsaw has had a tumultuous past and was nearly completely demolished during WWII. But it is clear that the dark days are over for the Polish capital. This city is firing up to become one of the hottest destinations for fall travel to Europe and it is easy to see why.

Brush up on all the historical events that have shaped the city into the cosmopolitan capital that it is today. The Chopin Museum and the National Museum are essential viewing for art lovers and history buffs will be fascinated (and heartbroken) by the Museum of the history of the Polish Jews.

A trip to Warsaw is not complete without visiting the Jewish Ghetto and cemetery. And, of course, the city is not all sightseeing and no play. The Palace of Culture and Science is an ideal spot to let your hair down and enjoy Warsaw’s vibrant, modern shops and nightlife. Don’t forget to sample some of the mouthwatering local delicacies. The dining experiences have put Warsaw on the map for being one of the best places to visit during fall. Any excuse to shelter from the cold, right? 

Budapest is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places to visit during fall. Wellness addicts will be eager to check out the Budapest spa scene while those in search of social history will adore strolling through the city’s evocative streets. 

Perhaps the reason why the Hungarian capital is one of the best places to visit during fall is thanks to the warm thermal baths. This is a time-honored local pastime that dates back to Roman times. And, one of the best places in the city to enjoy this is the Szechenyi Baths where you will find old men playing chess on floating chess boards during the day and young people enjoying SPArties with DJs and drinks galore. 

Yet there is so much more to this city than thermal baths. Check out the stunning architecture of Buda Palace, Mátyás Church before heading to Gozsdu Udvar to enjoy the buzzing mix of bars, pull-your-own-pint pubs, restaurants, markets and penny arcades. Of course, no trip to the city is complete without walking across Freedom Bridge which stretches across the Danube River connecting the Buda side of the city with the Pest side. 

If you are looking for the best place to go during fall but want a unique experience, look no further than Ljubljana. The Slovenian capital has quickly become a melting pot of curious minds eager to venture off the beaten track. When visiting Ljubljana, head straight to Slovenska cesta to immerse yourself in the bustling day-to-day life and marvel at the incredible architecture surrounding you. The Ursuline Church with its magnificent Baroque facade is bound to catch your eye while the chequered pink, green and grey brickwork of the National University Library is also worth admiring. Yet, perhaps one of Ljubljana’s most elaborate landmarks is the St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, which is right next to Colonnaded Market - one of the fun places to go during fall. Here you will find an array of food stalls, souvenir shops as well as three thermal spring drinking water fountains. 

They say that Rome wasn't built in a day, yet you can certainly enjoy the La Dolce Vita on a day trip to this wonderful city. Italy is one of the best places to visit on fall break thanks to the wealth of culture, food, and art to explore in the major cities. Yet, if time is not on your side, Rome is one of the best places to visit in fall in order to understand the essence of Italy. After all, they don’t call it the Eternal City for nothing.

The star attractions are, of course, the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum, and the Palatine. A trip to these landmarks is also the perfect excuse to explore the city’s gastronomy scene - after all, sightseeing is tiring work.

The 100-year-old Giolitti is a must-visit for ice cream lovers while the coffee at Sant Eustacchio will keep your caffeine levels high. Pizza is favorite for locals and visitors alike and for a real authentic experience grab a pizza al taglio (sliced pizza) from one of the many traditional establishments in the city.

Yet, once you have explored the obligatory ancient monuments and marveled at their splendor it is time to get to grips with modern Rome. Zaha Hadid’s Maxxi exhibition space is a must for art lovers meanwhile no trip to the city is complete without a trip to the Spanish Steps or the Trevi fountain.