As the long, sun-drenched days of summer give way to the crisp, golden light of autumn, a different kind of travel magic awakens in Europe.
The massive summer crowds begin to thin, the weather cools to a perfect, sweater-friendly temperature, and the continent’s most beautiful destinations transform with a flurry of auburn leaves.
It’s a season that savvy travelers know is one of the best times to explore, and it feels like it’s coming early this year!
We just had a Travel Off Path meetup in Paris last week and can confirm, the fall vibes are here!

But with an entire continent of options, deciding where to go can be overwhelming.
Do you default to the usual suspects, or do you look for something with a bit more character?
To help cut through the noise, the travel experts at Condé Nast Traveller have curated a list of their favorite fall destinations for 2025.
This isn’t your standard list—it’s a fantastic mix of stylish city breaks, cozy countryside escapes, and unique adventures that capture the true spirit of autumn in Europe.

Beyond Pumpkin Spice: A New Kind of Fall Trip
While many fall travel lists focus only on foliage, this expert-approved guide is all about the vibe. It recognizes that a perfect autumn trip means something different to everyone.
For some, it’s the energy of a world-class city, where you can explore museums and galleries by day and dive into a vibrant restaurant scene by night. For others, it’s the complete opposite: the peaceful tranquility of a lakeside retreat or the rugged charm of a blustery coastal walk.
The destinations on this list reflect that incredible diversity. Think beyond the standard capital cities and imagine yourself sipping a boozy hot chocolate in a grand café in Vienna, hunting for vintage fashion and design inspiration on the stylish streets of Copenhagen, or escaping the crowds for an early-season ski run under the gaze of the Matterhorn in Zermatt.
From the late-season sun and hiking trails of Madeira to the energetic nightlife of Amsterdam, this list is a reminder that a fall escape can be anything you want it to be.

Find Your Perfect European Fall Getaway
With so many incredible but different options, the only question left is: which one is right for you? Are you seeking a fast-paced, energetic trip filled with festivals and events, or a slow and stylish retreat where people-watching from a chic café is the main event? Is your top priority this fall to indulge in cozy food and drink, or is it to discover Europe’s most innovative designers and boutiques?
To help you find your perfect match, we’ve taken these nine expert-approved destinations and built a brand-new interactive quiz.
In just 3 quick and easy questions, our tool will analyze your personal travel preferences and pinpoint the fall destination that you were truly meant to discover.
There are no wrong answers! Our quiz uses a comprehensive logic map to ensure that every recommendation is a direct and sensible match for your choices.
Ready to find out where you should actually go for fall this year? Take our quick quiz below to get your personalized recommendation in seconds!
What kind of fall escape are you dreaming of?
🏛️
Vibrant City Break
Exploring museums, shops, and a lively restaurant scene.
🏡
Cozy Countryside
Hunkering down by a fire, with coastal walks and charming pubs.
😌
Lakeside Relaxation
Still, glassy waters, verdant surroundings, and a slow pace.
☀️
Late Sun & Adventure
Hiking, exploring nature, and soaking up the last of the warmth.
What’s your top priority?
🎨
Arts & Culture
Museums, galleries, and a vibrant, creative energy.
☕
Food & Drink
Cozy cafes, hot chocolate, and an amazing culinary scene.
🛍️
Shopping & Style
Vintage shops, innovative designers, and inspiring interiors.
⛷️
Unique Outdoors
Early-season skiing or exploring unique flora and fauna.
What’s your ideal trip pace?
💃
Energetic & Lively
I want festivals, nightlife, and a bustling atmosphere.
✨
Stylish & Slow
People-watching from an al fresco cafe with a chic, carefree vibe.
🤫
Peaceful & Quiet
I want to escape the crowds and truly detach from everyday life.
Your Potential Fall Destinations Based on your answers above
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Antwerp, Belgium
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Lake Garda, Italy
- Madeira, Portugal
- Madrid, Spain
- Trevone Bay, Cornwall
- Vienna, Austria
- Zermatt, Switzerland
So what did you get? How many times did you take the quiz? Let us know in the comments below if you have plans to head to Europe this fall.
We can confidently say it’s one of the best places on Earth to watch the colors change and enjoy the vibe!
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
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