As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, the allure of a European autumn vacation gains traction. Whether you’re chasing the last warmth of summer or reveling in the cozy atmosphere, fall offers an array of travel options that are often easier on the wallet.
To help you navigate through the myriad of choices, DiscoverCars.com is back with an updated 2023 ranking of the best autumn getaway spots in Europe.
Using a range of criteria from average flight costs to weather conditions, DiscoverCars.com scored each destination out of a possible 120 points. The dataset takes into account a one-week trip from September 30 to October 7, 2023. The metrics include factors like the average price for a week-long hotel stay, as sourced from Expedia, and average car rental costs based on our internal data. Climate specifics, such as average temperature and rainfall, were obtained from Climate Data, while average daylight hours were sourced from Wanderlog.
For gastronomic and lodging affordability, DiscoverCars.com used TripAdvisor’s ‘cheap eats’ and ‘cheap hotels’ filters to gauge the number of budget-friendly options in each city. DiscoverCars.com’s rankings feature 15 European cities renowned for their fall tourism appeal, with data compiled in collaboration with The Telegraph and European Best Destinations
So, whether it’s your first European autumn escape or a seasonal tradition, our comprehensive guide aims to make your travel planning a breeze.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Lugano, Switzerland
Rounding out the 2023 ranking by DiscoverCars is Lugano, Switzerland, which scored 45 out of 120 points. Notable for being the city with the largest Italian-speaking community outside Italy, Lugano is situated by the scenic Lake Lugano. Despite the high costs of car rentals and limited budget accommodations, attractions like Parco Ciani make it a worthwhile destination for an autumn trip.
- Closest airport: Milan Malpensa Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 59
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 13
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 182
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 11
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 11
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Positioned 14th, Dubrovnik, Croatia scored 56 out of 120 points. Located in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik offers historical attractions like its famed city walls. Although the city experiences significant rainfall in autumn, sites like the Old Town and Mount Srd make it an appealing destination.
- Closest airport: Dubrovnik Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 52
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 217
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 194
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 16
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 11.1
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is 13th in the DiscoverCars ranking for 2023, with a score of 59 out of 120 points. Renowned as the backdrop for numerous Harry Potter locations and home to landmarks like Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh offers reasonable flight costs due to its proximity to London Heathrow.
- Closest airport: Edinburgh Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 382
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 174
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 75
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 9
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 10.6
Image Credit: godrick / istockphoto.
Florence, Italy
Securing the 12th spot in DiscoverCars’ 2023 ranking is Florence, Italy, with a score of 61 out of 120 points. The capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence is a hub for art and culture, boasting landmarks like Michelangelo’s David sculpture. Despite the high cost of accommodations, the city offers ample budget-friendly dining and lodging options.
- Closest airport: Florence Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 571
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 395
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 112
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 14
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 11.1
Image Credit: orpheus26 / iStock.
Pula, Croatia
Ranked 11th by DiscoverCars in 2023, Pula, Croatia, received a score of 62 out of 120 points. Known for its historic Roman architecture and beaches, Pula offers attractions like the Temple of Augustus. Although the city records a higher rainfall during autumn, it remains an attractive destination for travelers.
- Closest airport: Pula Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 41
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 42
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 134
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 16
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 11
Image Credit: Mislav Vidovic/istockphoto.
Bruges, Belgium
Completing the top 10 in DiscoverCars’ 2023 ranking, Bruges, Belgium, scored 63 out of 120 points. The city is famous for its canals and cobblestone streets in the West Flanders region. Although it slipped in ranking compared to the previous year, Bruges remains a delightful choice for an autumn getaway, offering attractions like Burg Square.
- Closest airport: Brussels Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 92
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 31
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 73
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 12
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 10.8
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Bordeaux, France
Landing in ninth place according to DiscoverCars’ 2023 survey, Bordeaux, France, scored 63 out of 120 points. Recognized as the ‘World Capital of Wine,’ Bordeaux boasts over 7,000 wineries, making it a top choice for tourists in France. The city offers a plethora of budget-friendly restaurants and hotels, as well as numerous wine-tasting experiences.
- Closest airport: Bordeaux-Merignac Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 464
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 96
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 72
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 15
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 11
Image Credit: Jean-Luc Ichard/iStock.
Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao, Spain, ranks eighth in the DiscoverCars 2023 survey, with a score of 42 out of 80 points. Known for its vibrant culture and modernist architecture, like the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao offers a unique blend of history and innovation. Situated in the Basque Country, the city is a hub for art, gastronomy, and culture, making it a strong candidate for an autumn getaway.
- Closest airport: Bilbao Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 52
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 130
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 118
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 22
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 11.2
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Copenhagen, Denmark
In seventh place in the DiscoverCars ranking is Copenhagen, Denmark, with a score of 73 out of 120 points. Known for its canal, Tivoli Gardens, and the Little Mermaid Statue, the city offers a rich cultural experience. With the cheapest average flight costs from London Heathrow among all the cities, Copenhagen stands as a budget-friendly option for autumn travel.
- Closest airport: Copenhagen Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 333
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 56
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 62
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 10
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 10.6
Image Credit: CHUNYIP WONG / istockphoto.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands, secured the sixth place with a score of 79 out of 120 points in the DiscoverCars 2023 survey. Known for its rich cultural heritage including the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam is a perennial favorite among tourists. It also offers one of the cheapest flights from London Heathrow, making it more accessible for travelers.
- Closest airport: Schiphol Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 723
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 187
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 71
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 12
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 10.7
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk, Poland, closes the top five with a score of 81 out of 120 points. Situated on the Baltic coast, Gdansk is noted for its rich history and numerous attractions, such as Old Town and St. Mary’s Church.
- Closest airport: Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 221
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 123
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 51
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 10
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 10.7
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Budapest, Hungary
In the 2023 ranking by DiscoverCars, Budapest, Hungary takes the fourth position with a score of 85 out of 120 points. Though it has slipped from its top spot in 2022, the Hungarian capital remains a popular destination for autumn travel. Known for its captivating architecture like the Fisherman’s Bastion and St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest offers a vibrant experience for tourists.
- Closest airport: Budapest Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 789
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 448
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 56
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 11
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 11
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany’s capital city, holds the third place with a score of 89 out of 120 points in the DiscoverCars 2023 survey. Known for its rich history and cultural landmarks like the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, Berlin is a versatile autumn destination.
- Closest airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 1422
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 360
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 51
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 11
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 10.7
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal, ranks second in the list with a score of 94 out of 120 points. The Portuguese capital is famous for its historical sites like Alfama and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, making it an excellent autumn travel choice.
- Closest airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 1073
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 455
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 67
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 18
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 11.3
Image Credit: SeanPavonePhoto / istockphoto.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain, tops the list with an impressive score of 98 out of 120 points according to DiscoverCars’ 2023 survey. Known for its distinct blend of Spanish and Catalonian culture, as well as its awe-inspiring architecture like the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona is the leading autumn destination.
- Closest airport: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport
- Number of ‘cheap’ (affordable) restaurants: 1793
- Number of ‘budget’ hotels: 534
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 80
- Average temperature in degrees Celsius (September, October, November): 17
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 11.2
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
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