October is when Europe reveals its best-kept secrets. It is also one of my favourite months to visit Europe.
The summer crowds have thinned, the air is crisp, and the low golden light turns even the most photographed streets into something fresh. Plus, with kids back in school, family tourism drops sharply – making attractions calmer and more enjoyable. But the real magic? It’s in the local-only experiences you can tap into when the tourist season quiets down.
From jazz festivals tucked into ancient squares to castles you can have almost to yourself, here are 15 cities where October delivers something you won’t find in a glossy summer brochure.
This seems to be an ongoing trend. Last year, 73% of Europeans planned trips between October 2024 and March 2025 – a 6% rise year-over-year – at least that is what I read. A recent Financial Times article highlights a European Travel Commission (ETC) survey of 6,000 holidaymakers, which found that 9% had changed their holiday months – primarily to avoid extreme heat, reduce crowds, or save money – by shifting their travel to spring or autumn shoulder seasons.
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is one of the capitals that is a true gem and not many people talk about it – but it should. The café-lined Ljubljanica River shimmers under amber trees, and the city’s compact old town invites long, unhurried strolls.
Take a short trip to the Ljubljana Marshes, where the autumn mist gives the UNESCO-protected wetlands a storybook atmosphere. Pair it with a tasting at the Movia wine cellar—one of Slovenia’s most acclaimed but still under-the-radar wineries.
Must-dos: Explore Ljubljana Castle, browse the central market for pumpkin specialties, and enjoy live music in Metelkova’s arts district. For more inspiration, read our guide to Ljubljana with recommendations from a local.
2. Budapest, Hungary
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Chilly evenings make thermal baths irresistible, and fall foliage wraps the Danube in warm colors.
Book a private tour of Faust Wine Cellar, hidden beneath the Hilton in the Buda Castle district. This medieval cellar offers candlelit tastings of rare Hungarian vintages.
Must-dos: Soak at Széchenyi Baths, admire Parliament lit up at night, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, and try chimney cake still warm from the oven.
3. Ghent, Belgium
The canals reflect gold-and-crimson facades, and the summer tourist flow gives way to a local vibe.
Join the Ghent Light…