Why fall is the best time of year to travel to Europe

Lower airplane fares are one reason to start packing your sweaters and scarves

There are people in this world who hate fall. They wallow over the end of summer. But those glass-half-empty people are wrong.

Fall is a season for rejoicing, because while the weather cools off in the Northern Hemisphere and birds begin their long slog south, travel to Europe is at its best. Gone are the hordes of tourists in sweat-soaked tank tops. You’re looking at sweater weather. Better yet, you’re looking at European scarf weather.

The perks go beyond climate considerations, too. If you take a peek at airplane fares year-round, prices dip in the fall. The only time you’ll find lower prices is in the dead of winter.

Once you’re ready to start packing your layers, you’ll need to plan out your autumnal trip across the pond. We checked in with expert local guides in Europe’s best fall destinations to find out what makes their cities great this time of year.

Paris

In the summer, Paris is a minefield of tourists. Come fall, most of those families are back at home, leaving the banks of the famous Seine to you and the perfectly dressed Parisians.

“Sounds a bit cliche, but Paris is the perfect city to enjoy fall because you can sit at any coffee place and feel immediately in an old Rom-Com movie or like you were a famous novel writer,” says writer Jennifer Padjemi in an email.

Padjemi has many recommendations for fall in the City of Lights. Strolling the Seine and the various parks is a must-do.

Tracking down seasonal produce is on Padjemi’s list as well. She recommends Marche d’Aligre, one of the most famous local markets.

Berlin

Berlin is an incredible walking city, but even more so in the fall. The vines creeping up the city’s historical buildings complement the colourful street art.

Cooler temperatures also facilitate binge-eating currywurst and schnitzel.

“Tourists and locals alike head to art exhibitions or reflect on the turbulent historic days of German reunification and the fall of the Berlin Wall — both dates fall into October and November, respectively,” writes Rick Noack in an email.

Rome

Summer tourism in Rome has gotten so extreme that the city’s government has had to step in with new fines and regulations to protect its treasured monuments. Avoid contributing to over-tourism by skipping a trip during the summer and visiting Rome a few months later.

“By the beginning of October, the city returns to the residents in full force,” writer Erica Firpo told us.

“Everything is back in business, including the buses and politics. Even if it feels a bit chaotic, it’s the kind of chaos we know and love because the city is alive following the summer snooze.”

Dublin

Leaf-peepers, fall in Dublin is for you. Pack a raincoat to don over your new Irish wool sweater and find a pub to nestle into for a warming whiskey.

“Dublin is beautiful in fall — or autumn, as we call it,” says Yvonne Gordon.

“The trees all along the canals and rivers, and in parks like the Phoenix Park and St. Stephen’s Green, turn yellow and gold, and the ground is carpeted with soft leaves. The autumn light is spectacular, especially early in the morning and in the evening. There’s also aslight chill in the air, so knitted woollies come out, and the first crackling fires are lit.”

The joys of Europe in fall aren’t exclusive to these four cities.

The continent has a wealth of options for the fall traveller to explore for fractions of the prices you would pay during the summer.