5 European Cities Perfect for an Autumn Weekend Getaway

If you are traveling in Europe at the end of October you might missing the warm summer weather but even on autumn days Europe can be magical. In this post we will discover the best European cities to visit in fall — from Lake Como’s golden shores to Lucerne’s serene lakeside charm. Let’s explore where to see fall foliage, savor local food, and enjoy a perfect autumn weekend in Europe!

Why Europe Is Magical in Autumn 🍁

When the summer rush fades and cooler days return, Europe reveals a more soulful side. Golden forests, misty mornings, and cobblestoned cities turn into postcard-perfect scenes. If you are visiting the touristy cities, you will finally notice that there are also residents and not only visitors. The typical local markets brim with harvest produce, and most of t he monuments can be visited without the excessive crowds.

Autumn in Europe is not only beautiful but also affordable, peaceful, and filled with cozy seasonal experiences. Are you dreaming of mountain air, lakeside serenity, or hearty European cuisine? Fall is the best time to enjoy all of that without traffic jams and crowds!

I picked up five European cities perfect for an autumn weekend getaway — each offering fall foliage, local flavor, and unforgettable atmosphere. It’s up to you which one will you visit this autumn. Or maybe you should schedule more than one weekend?

Lucerne, Switzerland
Lakeside Serenity Framed in Gold

The city itself is beautiful in any season as it is situated among snow-capped peaks and mirrored in the still waters of Lake Lucerne. This Swiss gem is at its most enchanting in fall. The forests blaze with red, gold, and orange. Lucerne’s charm lies in its scale — it’s small enough to explore on foot, yet surrounded by epic alpine beauty.

Top Things to Do in Lucerne

Take a Lake Lucerne Cruise, relax and enjoy reflections of fiery forests and quaint villages like Weggis and Vitznau.
Hike up or ride the Cogwheel Railway up Mount Pilatus where you will admire panoramic views of golden valleys and shimmering water.
Wander Lucerne’s Old Town and cross the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), admire painted guildhalls, and enjoy the festive calm.
Visit the Lion Monument – a moving stone sculpture that feels even more poignant in autumn’s soft light.

What to Eat in Lucerne?

Warm up with Swiss comfort classics like:

Cheese fondue or raclette with mountain cheese
Rösti, crispy potato pancakes often served with bacon or eggs
Local white wine such as Fendant, or mulled wine in cozy lakeside taverns

Visit in late October and early November when Lucerne’s surrounding mountains start showing their first snow — a perfect contrast with the golden trees below.

Como, Italy
La Dolce Vita Meets Autumn Calm

In summer, Lake Como glitters with yachts and tourists. But in autumn, its quiet beauty takes center stage. The hillsides turn copper, villas glow in the soft light, and the air smells of woodsmoke and ripe grapes. It’s the perfect time to enjoy la dolce vita at a slower pace — long lunches, scenic ferries, and peaceful lakeside walks. You will have no issues driving around the lake as the roads are less busy than in summer. The nearby mountains and forest are colorful and calm – perfect for a hike or a cable car ride.

Best Autumn Activities at Lake Como

Ferry Hop Across the Lake – Visit the towns of Varenna, Menaggio, and Bellagio.

Visit Villa del Balbianello: Famous from Star Wars and James Bond, its gardens are stunning in fall.

Explore Varenna’s Villa Monastero: A lakeside botanical garden wrapped in autumn color.

Relax by the Waterfront: Enjoy espresso or wine with views of snow-tipped Alps in the distance.

What to Eat Around Lake Como?

Northern Italian cuisine shines in autumn. Try: risotto al pesce persico (risotto with lake perch), pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with cabbage and cheese), fresh chestnuts or truffle pasta from seasonal menus. Pair your meal with a Valtellina Superiore red wine — rich, earthy, and perfect for fall evenings.

Enjoy the Lake in October and early November when the weather is mild weather, the skies are clear and the colors are vivid.

Prague, Czech Republic
Fairytale Towers in Autumn Light

With its Gothic towers, cobbled lanes, and misty riverbanks, Prague feels like a living fairytale — and autumn makes it even more magical. The city glows under golden trees, and the crisp air carries the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Autumn also means fewer crowds, better hotel deals, and more space to explore the city’s beauty at your own pace.

Top Things to Do in Prague

Watch the Sunrise from Charles Bridge: The Vltava glistens, and the Old Town awakens in golden light.
Walk Through Letná Park & Petřín Hill from where you will enjoy great panoramic views over the city’s rooftops.
Explore Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral – less crowds and the soft autumn sun create a special atmosphere.
Visit Vyšehrad Fortress: A tranquil overlook surrounded by fiery foliage.

Prague is further North from Como or Lucerne and it can get cold in autumn but it still offers beautiful sunny days between October and November. If it’s raining, you can enjoy hot tea of chocolate in one of many coffee places. Don’t forget to taste the apple strudel and hot mulled wine from market stalls.

Ljubljana, Slovenia — Small City, Big Autumn Charm

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, feels like a secret shared between travelers. Compact, green, and effortlessly pretty, it’s tailor-made for autumn strolls. The Ljubljanica River reflects trees turning amber, and cozy cafés buzz with locals escaping the chill.

Best Things to Do in Ljubljana

Stroll the Riverfront: Pop into cafés for local coffee or mulled wine
Wander Tivoli Park: The city’s biggest park turns into a painter’s dream of yellows and reds.
Climb to Ljubljana Castle and enjoy sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills.
Browse Central Market and sample cheeses, honey, and fresh pastries under the covered arcade.

Slovenian Autumn Cuisine

Slovenian food combines Alpine comfort with Mediterranean flair — what else can be better for fall?

Jota: A warming stew of beans, sauerkraut, and potatoes.
Štruklji: Rolled dumplings filled with cottage cheese or nuts.
Orange wines from the Vipava Valley — a Slovenian specialty.

If you have a spare day, visit Lake Bled, just 45 minutes away. Its tiny island and mirrored waters are breathtaking in autumn light.

Lyon, France — Culinary Capital in Autumn Gold

Lyon, located between the Rhône and Saône rivers, is France’s undisputed food capital — and autumn is when it truly shines. The vineyards of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône turn crimson and gold, and markets brim with mushrooms, truffles, and game. The air is cool, the light is soft, and every meal feels like a celebration of the harvest.

Best Things to Do in Lyon in Autumn

Explore Vieux Lyon: Wander cobbled lanes and hidden traboules (passageways).
Visit Parc de la Tête d’Or: One of Europe’s most beautiful parks in fall.
Take a Beaujolais Wine Tour: Late October to mid-November is harvest season.
Shop at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: The ultimate indoor market for French gastronomy.

What to Eat in Lyon?

You could spend your entire weekend just eating — and you’d still only scratch the surface.

Coq au vin — chicken braised in local wine.
Quenelles de brochet — light pike dumplings in creamy sauce.
Tarte tatin — caramelized apple tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Visit in mid-November for the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau, when the city celebrates with tastings and music.

Planning Your Autumn Weekend in Europe

Best time to Go?

Best foliage: Late September to mid-November
Weather: Cool and sunny (10–18°C average)
Best deals: Mid-November (off-season rates on hotels and flights)

What to Pack?

Light layers, a warm scarf, and a waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones can be slippery)
A travel thermos — perfect for hot chocolate or mulled wine on the go

How to get there?

Ljubljana, Lyon and Prague all have an international airport. Lucerne is less than one hour by train from Zurich airport and Como is 40 minutes away from Milan Malpensa airport.

Autumn in Europe is an experience that lingers — the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, the taste of mulled wine, the glow of city lights reflected on rain-slicked streets. Whether you’re watching the sunset over Lake Como, cruising across Lucerne, wandering Prague’s Old Town, sipping wine in Lyon, or soaking up Ljubljana’s charm — these cities offer everything that makes fall the most romantic season to travel.

So pack your camera, your coziest sweater, and your appetite — and let Europe’s golden season work its quiet magic.

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