When we think about travelling around Europe, summer usually steals the spotlight. However, autumn is easily one of our favourite times to explore European cities. Temperatures are far more comfortable than in the summer heat, the peak season crowds have cleared out, and the countryside transforms into an incredible backdrop of autumn colours, making any short break feel that bit more special.
This time of year is perfect for a slightly different kind of holiday. You can focus on exploring a single city, or use it as a base to venture out into the surrounding region and discover hidden gems well off the beaten track.
If you are planning a trip to Europe this season, here at CarJet we have picked 8 European cities that are well worth considering for an autumn getaway.
For starters, temperatures are much more mild and pleasant than in the height of summer. It makes a world of difference when you are spending most of the day out on foot, wandering between sights, visiting famous landmarks, or exploring new neighbourhoods.
Cities and the countryside around them take on a completely different look. City parks light up in shades of gold and amber, and in many places, the autumn scenery becomes a highlight of the trip in its own right.
Then there's the biggest bonus of all: visiting outside peak season means far fewer tourists. That lets you take in the sights at a much more relaxed, peaceful pace.
Prague is built for autumn. Its buildings, streets, and parks look even better once the autumn colours set in.
You can start off in Old Town Square, walk across Charles Bridge, and head up to Prague Castle. If you have time to spare, it's also worth getting out of the capital to see more of Czechia.
If you decide to explore further, hiring a car gives you proper freedom to plan day trips. Take a look at the car hire deals on CarJet to compare your options before booking.
Vienna is a safe bet if you want culture, architecture, and great food on an autumn break.
You can check out Schönbrunn Palace, wander around the historic centre, pop into a few museums, and make time for a coffee and local pastry in a traditional coffee house.
Autumn is also a great time to stroll through the city's many parks and gardens. If you want to see more of Austria, Vienna works as the ideal starting point for a road trip.
Before heading off, check out the CarJet blog for more route ideas, tips, and guides to planning your trip.
After taking in sights like the Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, or a walk along the Danube, you can set aside a few hours to unwind in one of its historic spa baths.
Budapest works brilliantly as a launchpad for a longer trip, too. If you have a few days to spare, hiring a car lets you explore Hungary at your own pace on quick day trips out of the city.
The canals are famous all year round, but Amsterdam feels completely different in autumn. As the leaves turn, walking along the water is easily one of the best ways to see the city.
You can wander through the historic centre, pop into a few museums, and head over to Vondelpark to enjoy the autumn trees.
If you're sticking strictly to Amsterdam itself, you won't need a car. But if you want to explore the areas outside the capital, having your own vehicle makes getting around a lot easier.
If you're looking for somewhere cosy for an autumn break, Copenhagen is a brilliant option. As the weather turns cooler, the city slows down, making it the ideal time to duck into a cafe, wander around at your own pace, and soak up that famous Danish hygge atmosphere.
You can start the day with a stroll along Nyhavn, head over to Tivoli Gardens, and then just wander through the local streets and neighbourhoods. When you need to warm up, simply stop off at a local cafe for a hot drink.
Got a few extra days? It's well worth getting out of Copenhagen to see more of Denmark. If you hire a car, you'll have complete freedom to move around and plan the trip your way.
If you want a city packed with history and nature, Edinburgh is one of the best choices for an autumn trip.
You can start at Edinburgh Castle, walk down the Royal Mile, and wander through the streets of the Old Town. However, we recommend not staying just in the capital. The real highlight comes when you get outside the city.
Scotland is tailor-made for a road trip, with plenty of castles, lochs, small villages, and stunning landscapes to discover. If you have a few days, hiring a car makes a huge difference and gives you complete freedom to plan your route.
If you're putting together a trip around Scotland, you can compare car hire options on CarJet to find the right vehicle for your journey.
You can wander the streets of Alfama, walk up to one of the viewpoints, visit Belém, and make sure to save time for sampling traditional Portuguese food and pastries.
The areas surrounding Lisbon are well worth a visit too. You can head over to Sintra, visit Cascais, or drive along the coast to check out local towns. If you want to do a few day trips, hiring a car gives you the freedom to get around easily and make the most of your time.
Before booking, you can use CarJet to compare car hire options and find the right vehicle for your dates and travel plans.
Munich is a great choice if you want to combine a city break with a drive through some of Germany's best scenery.
In the city, you can visit Marienplatz, wander through the historic old town, and sample classic Bavarian food. But if you have a few days to spare, it's well worth setting aside time to explore the surrounding area.
From Munich, driving gives you easy access to small towns, alpine lakes, and famous spots like Neuschwanstein Castle. It's an ideal destination if you want a mix of city sightseeing and driving on your autumn trip.
To find the right car for your route, you can check the vehicle range on CarJet and compare the different options available.
The best option really depends on what you're after.
If you want a romantic getaway, Prague is hard to top. If you prefer a mix of culture, architecture, and great food, Vienna is a solid choice. And if you're looking to unwind after a day of sightseeing, Budapest and its thermal baths are a safe bet.
For a cosy city break, Copenhagen fits the bill, while Amsterdam is ideal if you like canals, museums, and quiet walks.
If you're after scenery and want to go on a road trip, Edinburgh and Munich offer endless options. And if you prefer milder weather, Lisbon is easily one of your best bets.
Before packing your bags, there are a few practical details worth keeping in mind.
First, check the weather forecast for your destination and pack layers. Temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day, particularly in northern Europe.
Keep in mind that daylight hours get shorter as autumn progresses. If you are planning day trips out of the city, plan your days carefully to make the most of the sunlight.
If you plan to hire a car, map out your route in advance and check local road conditions. Comparing hire options beforehand will also help you find a vehicle that fits your trip in terms of price, size, and specification.
You will not always need a car. If you are spending two or three days in a single city and sticking to the historic centre, getting around on foot and using public transport is usually sufficient.
It is a different story if you want to explore beyond the city limits. In destinations like Edinburgh or Munich, having a vehicle makes planning much easier and gives you access to places that are difficult to reach using public transport.
If you decide to hire a car, you can use CarJet to compare options and choose the right vehicle for your route.
There isn't a single right answer, it all depends on the kind of trip you want.
If you're after history and romance, Prague is a great choice. If you prefer thermal baths and good food, Budapest is a safe bet. To combine stunning scenery with a road trip, Edinburgh or Munich are well worth considering. And if you're looking for milder weather, Lisbon might be just what you need.
The best thing about autumn is that you have so many options for exploring Europe in a different light. Just pick the destination that appeals most, plan your route, and decide how far you want to go.
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