As summer fades, Europe eases into autumn, a season that invites slower, unhurried exploration. Familiar streets and landmarks feel new again, bathed in amber light, crisp air and vibrant foliage. Many travelers miss this quieter magic by sticking to well-trodden paths of summer, but for those who wander, autumn in Europe is the continent at its most enchanting.
Paris, France
Peninsula Paris
Autumn casts its spell over Paris, turning tree-lined boulevards, parks and café terraces into a sea of coppers, oranges and yellows. When it’s too brisk for picnics along the Seine, the city’s cultural treasures take center stage—and so does its famously rich chocolat chaud. Cooler days bring fewer crowds, shorter lines at world-class museums like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and the Bourse de Commerce and easier access to a table at one of Paris’s 123 Michelin-starred restaurants. Just a cobblestone’s throw from the Arc de Triomphe on Avenue Kléber, The Peninsula Paris turns autumn strolls into a stylish affair. Its haute couture–inspired façade, chic rooftop restaurant and the city’s largest hotel spa make it a warm, elegant retreat amid falling leaves and crisp air.
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London, United Kingdom
The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse
From scenic strolls and pop-up markets to candlelit pubs and mulled drinks, autumn in London brims with simple pleasures. Scarlet ivy winds across centuries-old façades, and the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot sets the tone for a gentler, more reflective escape—think long afternoons over roast dinners and a chance to explore London’s quieter corners before the holiday rush begins. Just beyond Hyde Park’s golden canopy, where over 4,000 trees shift from green to fiery hues, The Capital offers a warm, intimate retreat in the heart of Knightsbridge. Unwind in a newly refurbished room, sip a whisky or cocktail in The Capital Bar or head upstairs to the freshly opened Tom Brown at The Capital for innovative seafood tasting menus crafted to perfection.
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Barcelona, Spain
SLS Barcelona
Barcelona bursts with life in autumn, offering a lively mix of cultural and culinary delights. From September 23rd to 28th, La Mercè, the city’s largest street party, fills the streets with music, parades and celebration, while October 31st ushers in La Castanyada, a cherished Catalan festival celebrating the flavors of the harvest. In the surrounding countryside, grapevines yield their bounty and concert halls showcase spectacular classical performances. A short distance from the city’s buzz, the newly opened SLS Barcelona proves autumn in the Mediterranean isn’t slowing down. Lounge by three pools—two rooftop infinity pools—sip cocktails at the South Beach-style pool bar, savor five restaurants and, come September 2025, indulge in a brand-new spa.
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Verona, Italy
Vista Verona
There’s much more to Verona than its storied link to Romeo and Juliet—and fall reveals the city at its most captivating. Low-angled sunlight bathes rose-hued façades in golden warmth, casting dramatic shadows across Roman ruins and Renaissance courtyards. Skip summer’s crowds and the long lines at Juliet’s House; instead, enjoy crisp mornings strolling through a peaceful Piazza delle Erbe and unhurried evenings sipping Amarone in family-run osterias. Vista Verona, set within a 19th-century building, serves as an ideal home base to explore the city’s charms. Fall is the time to curl up in the cozy library for a quiet afternoon with a book, dive into the indoor swimming pool or relax in the Turkish bath. From the rooftop Sottovoce Verona, take in sweeping views of the rolling hills of Valpolicella and the colorful autumn foliage, while plotting your next Amarone tasting among the vineyards.
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Lisbon, Portugal
InterContinental Lisbon
Autumn in Lisbon hits a sweet spot for travelers: warm days, cooler evenings and plenty of time to get lost in the city’s maze of cobbled streets. The air turns rich and fragrant as locals celebrate São Martinho with bonfires, wine tastings and roasted castanhas on every corner. Perched atop one of Lisbon’s iconic seven hills, InterContinental Lisbon offers a serene yet central place to unwind, with sweeping views over Eduardo VII Park and the city’s sea of terracotta rooftops. Inside, the cozy Akla Restaurant invites guests to share plates inspired by traditional Portuguese flavors. And when the rain rolls in, there’s no better place to linger than the Uptown Bar, where expert mixologists craft cocktails to match your mood.
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Hampshire, United Kingdom
Heckfield Place
When fall blankets the Hampshire countryside, Heckfield Place offers a quintessential English escape—just an hour from London, yet a world away. The stately red-brick Georgian home is tucked within 400 acres of meadows and woodland, where crisp air invites long walks or bike rides to a nearby country pub. Seasonal rhythms shape every detail, from estate tours and falconry to willow weaving and vineyard visits. Chillier days are perfect for fireside reading, hearty lunches and cozy nights in the underground screening room. The harvest takes center stage across the estate, from open-fire cooking at Hearth to refined menus at the Green Michelin-starred Marle Restaurant. On November 27th, a traditional Thanksgiving feast offers a warm invitation to savor the season’s bounty.
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Lugano, Switzerland
Villa Principe Leopoldo
Switzerland may be synonymous with Europe’s grandest peaks, but you don’t need skis to experience the country at its most charming. In autumn, as the landscapes glow golden, a more poetic side emerges. Hike or cycle through fjord-like glacial valleys and lake-dappled plateaus, take in cinematic views from panoramic trains or savor quiet moments by the lakeside. Witness cattle descending from mountain pastures dressed in bright flower crowns, garlands and bronze bells—a beloved fall tradition known as Alpabzug. Set on a hillside above Lake Lugano, Villa Principe Leopoldo captures the season’s elegance with warmth and ease. At La Luce, the autumn menu celebrates local flavors and the art of Italian cuisine, while the intimate spa and graceful interiors ensure a truly restorative stay.
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Munich, Germany
Mandarin Oriental, Munich
Each year from mid-September to early October, Munich comes alive with Oktoberfest, the world’s most iconic beer festival. Millions of visitors clad in dirndls and lederhosen gather for vintage carnival rides, hearty German fare and steins upon steins of beer. Amid the city’s festive energy, Mandarin Oriental, Munich invites guests to celebrate in signature style with its exclusive Oktoberfest offer. The experience includes gourmet Bavarian delicacies, private transport, a personal Oktoberfest host and a shopping appointment with traditional attire designers Heimatglück Tracht. Guests can even craft their own Bavarian hat in collaboration with local milliners Fatzke. After a day of revelry, restore balance with in-room LVATE IV infusions offering the perfect post-Oktoberfest boost, designed to revive energy, enhance immunity and support overall wellbeing.
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Lyon, France
Boscolo Hotel & Spa Lyon
Autumn in Lyon ushers in a season of cultural festivals that chase away any lingering post-summer blues. From the Lumière Film Festival to the whimsical Vogue des Marrons fun fair and the spirited Beaujolais Nouveau wine celebrations, the city brims with events that delight locals and visitors alike. Fall is also harvest season in the surrounding vineyards, making it the perfect time to explore local wines. Take to the countryside along one of Lyon’s scenic wine routes and enjoy tastings, cultural gems and rolling landscapes along the way. Back in the city, Boscolo Hotel & Spa Lyon offers a lavish urban retreat with wellness at its core. Inspired by Roman baths, their expansive spa features a pool, hammam, sauna, four treatment cabins and signature skincare rituals. And for those eager to dive deeper into the region’s artisanal traditions, the concierge can arrange curated day trips to discover local wine, chocolate and cheese producers.
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Istanbul, Türkiye
The Bank Hotel Istanbul
Cool autumn days spark a renewed appetite for urban discovery—and in Istanbul, charm awaits around every corner. Breezes from the Bosphorus, Marmara Sea and Golden Horn carry fresh energy through the Historic Peninsula, where crisp evenings replace the summer heat. Fall also marks the start of fishing season, the ideal time to savor freshly grilled lüfer (bluefish) or a classic uskumru (mackerel) sandwich from a street vendor—best enjoyed with a glass of rakı. Take a Bosphorus cruise framed by fall colors, then unwind in the soothing warmth of a traditional hammam. For design-minded travelers, The Bank Hotel Istanbul makes an elegant base. Set in one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, the 1860s neoclassical hotel blends heritage with contemporary comforts. Sip warm drinks and sample local delicacies at The Bank Roof Bar while taking in sweeping city views.
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