Best Places In Europe To Visit This Autumn
Top Picks
Think crisp sunny days, crunchy golden leaves under your boots, numerous cups of hot chocolate, wine festivals and so much more – what could be better? Europe’s high season has finished and the crowds have dispersed; if you’re looking to escape this autumn, these destinations are the perfect places to visit. Indulge in the fall foliage and its gorgeous golden hues, celebrate some local festivals and explore the outdoors. Instagrammers: No filter needed here! Discover your perfect autumn getaway and stay at some of our favourite HIP Hotels...
Ljubljana - Slovenia
Voted the Green Capital of Europe in 2016, spend your perfect autumn break in Slovenia’s charming capital. The luminous colours of crimson and orange brighten up the city during the autumn months as the trees begin to transform in early October. Ljubljana is a traffic-free, pedestrian-friendly city – making it a perfect place to escape and explore! Graced with astonishing architecture, gorgeous bridges, spiraling cobbled streets and rich history at every corner, wander through the large meadows of the Tivoli Park (the city’s largest park), stroll along the glimmering Ljubljanica River and discover the spellbinding ambience that Ljubljana has to offer – the autumnal hues mixed with the magical ambience of this city will make you feel like you’re in the heart of a storybook.
Nestled in the heart of the old city lies a secret you’ll be glad you were let in on - the charming family-run boutique that is Lesar Angel Hotel. Featuring wooden floors, neutral colour palettes, gorgeous sights over the town and a quiet pedestrian street on its doorstep. With welcoming details and warm interiors, this small townhouse hotel is the perfect autumnal stay in the medieval city of Ljubljana.
Edinburgh - Scotland, United Kingdom
With endless amounts of sights and curiosities to see, the capital of Scotland is a beautiful city to visit during the autumn season. Where the warm sun and colourful nature gracefully combine to create a breathtaking landscape, escape to the enchanting Edinburgh and be mesmerised by its hidden secrets. Not only are there impressive landscapes during this season, but the crisp yet sunny days make for perfect walking conditions - venture up to the famous Edinburgh Castle or Arthur’s Seat to watch over this historic city. Whether you find yourself captivated by some of the performances at the International Storytelling Festival, inspired by the Scottish ceilidh tradition and its sense of togetherness, or you’re just looking to discover the perfect cosy pub on a narrow cobbled street to enjoy a pint or two by the log fire, this is the best time of year to make the most of this enchanting city!
An elegant Scottish townhouse that spreads over two Victorian houses right in the middle of Edinburgh’s West End awaits your arrival. A family-owned boutique with tons of character, The Dunstane Houses is your perfect autumnal stay. From four-poster beds and free-standing baths to the more snug ‘Wee Double’ rooms, find yourself surrounded by cosy fabrics, a flawless mix of vintage pieces and gorgeous views. Be sure to try a hearty Full Scottish to warm up those bellies before you venture out into the cold! A stay at The Dunstane Houses truly is the cherry on the top.
Paris - France
“Paris is always a good idea.” - Audrey Hepburn
As summer comes to an end, autumn is definitely one of the best times of year to visit the French capital. If you didn’t think this city could get any more beautiful, imagine the colourful fall foliage and sunset hues that fill the air as travellers in Paris find themselves in the perfect getaway! Stroll along the Seine and watch the fine mist hang over the water, wander through the cobbled side streets, find your ideal Parisian cafe and enjoy a delicious crêpe and a cup of the thick and creamy Chocolate Chaud (luxurious Parisian hot chocolate).
Showcasing its authentic style through contemporary architecture and exposed brick, Hotel Fabric celebrates the building’s past as a textile factory fulfilling the labourers' “work hard, play hard” lifestyles. Located right in the heart of the city's old industrial yet lively neighbourhood, the iconic design, warm interiors and bright colours that fill the hotel makes it a perfect stay during the autumn season. Filled with delicate patterns and colourful fabrics inspired by the hotel’s history, this is your perfect Parisian stay.
Prague - Czech Republic
Popular in the summer and winter seasons, Prague is your perfect destination to visit this autumn. The significant amount of fewer visitors makes it the ideal time to explore this enchanting city inside and out. From fantastic parks to delicious foods, stroll up to Castle Hill before dusk, take in the panoramic views of the red rooftops and spires, breathe in that brisk fresh air and watch the mesmerising city of Prague transform as the sun rises – the autumn’s golden glow provides a superb romantic feel to the historic cityscape!
Made up of three 14th-century buildings, complete your perfect autumnal stay in Prague by checking into the alluring Design Hotel Neruda. With classically chic yet modern interiors, indulge in the aesthetically pleasing spaces designed by famous architect Borek Sipek and designer Barbora Skorpilova, and relax in its elegantly cosy chambers – a perfectly romantic yet relaxing stay right in the heart of the city.
Amsterdam - Netherlands
Known as one of the most romantic yet popular destinations throughout the year, Amsterdam is one of the top places to visit during autumn. The entire city is completely transformed and bathed in fiery foliage – nothing can quite beat the views of the historic canals and cobbled streets lined with a golden carpet of leaves. Significantly quieter during this time, this is the perfect season to explore Amsterdam. Stroll through the gorgeous boutiques, museums and bookshops that fill the city, indulge in the colourful 17th-century architecture, then head to the parks such as the Vondelpark or the Beatrixpark to experience the very best of Mother Nature’s display – no camera could quite capture the perfect image of Amsterdam during autumn, it truly looks like a living painting.
Filled with delightfully rich colour palettes, luxurious interiors and bundles of unique character, Canal House is your perfect city stay in Amsterdam. With great views over the Keizersgracht Canal in the Jordaan neighbourhood, this former merchant’s house will make your autumnal escape even more cosy and stylish. Formed of 23 individually decorated rooms and suites, this gorgeous boutique perfectly reflects the surrounding city’s laidback energy and atmosphere.
Stockholm - Sweden
Taking on a golden glow in the soft autumn light, the distinctive old-town of Stockholm becomes moodily atmospheric as the evenings draw in. Although autumn in this city may seem a bit gloomy, travel back in time to experience the 1900s Swedish autumn at the Skansen’s famous fall market; with a delicious selection of traditional delicacies such as marmalades, cheeses and vegetables – a true taste of autumn. Explore the city by bike, visit the Vasa Museum and indulge in the captivating artworks that fill the numerous subway stations in the city; therefore if you’re not up for feeling the cold, there is plenty to do indoors! Why not spend a day on apple-picking and baking your own delicious äppelsmulpaj (Swedish apple crumble) – it’s totally worth it!
If everything about your autumn escape to Stockholm is perfect but you’re looking for the cherry on the top, Downtown Camper by Scandic is what you’re looking for. Filled with natural earthy tones that give you feelings of a cosy campfire, with a hint of urban concrete, this HIP Scandi basecamp is your perfect stay. Set away from all the tourist traps, indulge in the log-cabin chic style that fills the hotel, socialise with other travellers and tantalise your tastebuds at the cosy Campfire Restaurant that revolves around an open fire.
Lugano - Switzerland
Nicknamed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland”, Lugano is known as one of the best places to visit during the autumn season in Europe. Nestled in the Southern region of Switzerland, celebrate one of the best change-of-season events at the open-air Autumn Festival in October. Hosted by the lake in the town’s pedestrian zone, discover some delicious local cuisines and excellent wines spread throughout various grottos, enjoy the quirky parade, listen to some live music and indulge in the riot of tastes and colours that bring this old city to life! From mesmerising architecture to gorgeous landscapes, hike up to Monte Brè, where panoramic views over the Lugano come together in perfect harmony, and indulge in the blooming autumn colours that glisten throughout the city.
Endearingly set atop a hill boasting with views of Lake Lugano awaits your perfect stay. With vast, mountainous lakes as the backdrop, THE VIEW Lugano marries its breathtaking surroundings. From private terraces to your own pillow menu to choose from, be sure to indulge in a range of fish and meat delicacies prepared by Chef Mauro Grandi, and let yourself into the true meaning of fine dining during those crisp autumnal evenings.
London - United Kingdom
If London wasn’t one of your choices for the perfect autumnal getaway, think again…
The frantic crowds have dispersed, the stuffy heat from the summer has disappeared and the early morning mist along the Thames creates the perfect autumn atmosphere. Whether you decide to explore the city or venture out a little bit to the countryside, there’s no better time to explore London and all of its splendour than now. Wander through the tree-lined paths at Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath and indulge in a riot of yellow, red and orange foliage. Unwind at the many cultural events this season, browse through the famous Frieze art fairs, discover new films at the BFI or watch historic scenes being projected onto St Paul's Cathedral at the ‘Where The Night Falls’ event - the choice is endless. Be sure to venture out to the gorgeous Richmond Park, walk among deer and breathe in that crisp fresh air. For the ultimate British autumn experience, discover a cosy country pub and enjoy a pint of local ale or some mulled wine with a hearty Sunday Roast.
After a long day of exploring everything that London has to offer during the autumn season, discover the rockstar hangout of your dreams. Nestled in West London’s elegant Notting Hill, Portobello Hotel is the perfect way to experience proper London and all of its quirks. Formed of 21 individually decorated rooms and suites, why not check yourself into room no.16 – where Johnny Depp and Kate Moss have famously stayed. With every room having its own unique personality, indulge in the eclectic spirit of Portobello Hotel and be enchanted by the views of the gorgeous rustic-coloured trees that fill the private Stanley Gardens.
Copenhagen - Denmark
While Copenhagen is a remarkable city to visit throughout the year, nothing can quite compare to the charming warmth it obtains in autumn when the crisp and cool air takes over, and the flashes of copper, red and orange dominate the streets. Regardless of what kind of mood you’re in, Copenhagen offers a ton of activities during the autumn season. From tasting the delicious Danish delicacies in the food markets to the biggest annual event - Kulturnatten (Culture Night), be sure to visit the Open Air Museum that’s open just three times a year, and indulge in the fun harvest activities and traditional fall foods!
Stroll through the romantic Frederiksberg Gardens - a meadow filled with Roman temples, a Chinese summerhouse, bridges and waterfalls, then snuggle up by the log fire in a cozy pub and enjoy a delicious glass of Gløgg (mulled wine) – a perfect way to end your autumn getaway in the enchanting Copenhagen.
Filled with vibrant pink furnishings and a unique character popular in Danish design, check in to the charming Andersen Boutique Hotel during your autumn escape. Perfectly reflecting the vivid colours of Copenhagen, this Scandi-cool hideaway will not disappoint. Be sure to tantalise your tastebuds with some deliciously fresh Danish pastries every morning to energise you for your full day of exploring!
Florence - Italy
Anytime is a good time to visit Florence, but the autumn season may be the best. With a romantic atmosphere adorning the streets, the change of the colours on the leaves throughout the city and its glimmering reflections on the Arno river make the city even more worth seeing! For all you wine enthusiasts, autumn is Florence’s wine season; therefore, be sure to wrap up warm and visit a vineyard whilst the harvesting is taking place, and form a boozy jacket with some delicious, world-class Tuscan wines. Whether you are strolling through the city’s famous landmarks such as Michelangelo's David or the Florence Duomo, or visiting some of the most famous theatres in Florence that are generally closed over the summer, marvel at Italy’s extravagant colours on a quiet autumns day and indulge in everything this charming city has to offer.
Discover your perfect home-away-from-home at the charming Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1. Nestled within the historic centre, take in the one-of-a-kind views over the city and indulge in the magnificent autumnal hues that cover the magical city of Florence. As a former medieval tower back in 1200, this boutique hotel captures the ancient history of Florence within its walls. With a personalised take on the Florentine style, be enchanted by the high ceilings, fine antiques and warm colour palettes that fill this hotel. Be sure to take advantage of the cell-phone with free wifi they provide you to help you move around the city!
