Best Places to Visit in Europe in September

Looking for the best places to visit in Europe in September? We’ve handpicked some of the best cities to visit around this time of the year from catching the delicious autumn sun to witnessing the lush changing of colors in preparation for a full-blasted autumn.

September is one of the best months to visit Europe as it is generally still warm during the day and chilly at night in southern Europe and the weather starts to get colder in the northernmost countries.

On top of that, July and August crowds are back home after spending their holidays abroad making September a low-season month for traveling around Europe as everyone’s back at work and starting their semesters at school.

That said, Europe in September is not just a fantastic time of the year if you’re not a fan of crowds but it is also one of the cheapest months to travel as prices drop down to attract tourists.

And even though the weather is getting chillier at night if you head down south of Europe, you still get to enjoy the sun during the day, go for a swim, and enjoy better bargains on tours and hotels.

Or you can visit northern Europe and catch nature boasting in autumn colors in preparation for a change in season. The weather would be chillier but not too cold which makes it a cozy time of the year to roam around cities!

So, as the peak season is over and tourists are done with their summer escapades, here are some of the best Europe destinations in September!

Is September a good time to go to Europe

Yes, September is indeed a great time to go to Europe! Most Europeans take their holidays in the middle of summer which is either June, July, or August and they travel a portion of that time to other parts of Europe making the aforementioned months pretty crowded.

September is the start of school which means most families are back home and back at work hence crowd thinning. With the crowd thinning, most companies would drop their prices to attract what’s left of the tourists roaming around the area.

Also, the weather in Europe is generally mild with some occasional warm days. The average temperature is around 18C (64F), but it can vary depending on the location.

For example, in the UK, the average temperature is around 14C (57F), while in Spain it’s around 24C (75F).

This means, if you travel in Europe around September you’ll expect fewer crowds and score better prices. Win-win!

Which part of Europe is best to visit in September

Europe is a vast continent with many different cultures and landscapes. So, it really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. If you are interested in historical sites and beautiful architecture, then destinations like Greece, Spain, France, or Italy might be good choices.

The southern countries also have a plethora of the best places to visit in Europe in September that offers great weather, near-empty beaches, affordable travel, and a taste of luxury at a bargained price – you can choose between Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, and Malta for a sweet getaway.

If you would prefer to explore natural wonders and enjoy outdoor activities and see autumn at full blast, then countries like Norway, Finland, Sweden, or Iceland might be lush to visit.

September is a great time to visit Europe because the weather is usually still warm and pleasant, but the crowds of summer tourists have died down.

Is Europe cheaper in September?

Yes, Europe is cheaper in September. This is because many people take their summer vacations in July and August, so the prices for hotels, flights, and other tourist activities are lower in September. Additionally, the weather is still generally pleasant in most of Europe during September, so it’s a great time to visit.

Is it warm in Europe in September?

Yes, September is a great time to visit Europe because the weather is still warm and pleasant. However, keep in mind that the temperatures can vary depending on which part of Europe you visit. For example, the Mediterranean region tends to be hotter than the northern countries.

15 Best Places to Visit in Europe in September

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark and a great metropolis for culture, shopping, and nightlife. And it is still small enough to be safe, intimate, and easy to roam around.

Facing the Øresund strait just a minute away from Sweden, Copenhagen is the geographic and cultural bond between Scandinavia and mainland Europe.

It has the perfect fusion of excellent design and architecture with old fairy tales, where cold Electronica mixes with warm jazz. You may feel that you have visited the whole city in a day, but it can keep you exploring more for months.

If you are getting here by highway, you won’t find a sign of city limit saying Copenhagen or “København”. Instead, it says Greater Copenhagen “Storkøbenhavn”. Winter and autumn have great effects on the city.

The streets seem quiet and vivid summer life withers, as most locals remain busy with their work-life balance. Families and friends visit one another for getting together and cooking at home with quiet music and candlelight.

You can also check out some of the best day trips from Copenhagen or explore some of the beautiful castles in Denmark.

Check also: Winter in Copenhagen, best restaurants in Copenhagen, and museums in Copenhagen

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades of the Greek islands. It is sandwiched between Anafi and Ios islands. It is well known for serene sunsets from Oia town, dramatic views, weird white eggplant, its natural and active volcano, and the city of Thira.

It is well known for its fantastic beaches, including the bear beach of Santorini, Perissa, Kamari beach of black pebbles, and red and white beach.

The tourist season starts around Greek Easter or April It remains less crowded from December to March, as it is the off-season very much, due to colder temperatures, winds, and rain. Even though the temperature barely remains cold, it does not give a better experience on the serene island due to poor weather.

Guesthouses, hotels, and other businesses also remain cold. However, it is still one of the best European cities to visit in September, as the air is usually dry and hot with mild rain.

September to October and April to June are the best times if you are getting here for lower prices, warmer weather, and less traffic.

Also, read what else to do outside of Santorini and discover some of the best towns that surround it.

Berlin, Germany

The capital of Germany, Berlin is among the 16 states under the Federal Republic of Germany and among the best European destinations in September. it has a population of over 4.5 million in the metropolitan region and around 3.5 million from about 190 countries in the city limits.

Berlin is known as the largest city in the state. Berlin has been historically connected with tolerance, internationalism, and active nightlife as the German capital. Hence, many clubs, bars, cafes, street art, palaces, museums, and other historic attractions always welcome tourists.

The architecture in Berlin is simply varied. Even though it was severely damaged at the end of World War II and was shattered in the Cold War, Berlin has significantly been rebuilt on its own, especially with a drive for reunification when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989.

Now you can easily see the representatives of several previous periods within a short time in the heart of the city. From a few historic complexes, which survived to the modern steel and glass structures of Potsdamer Platz. Berlin remains a city with several different neighborhoods.

Related read: Day trips from Berlin and Things to do in Munich

Budapest, Hungary

The capital city of Hungary, Budapest is well known for its lively environment, unique atmosphere, pulsating nightlife, and classical and excellent music scene. Which are appreciated well among European youth and, finally, a rich and exceptional offering of natural thermal baths.

Budapest is one of the most fun-loving and delightful cities to visit. It is well known as ‘Paris of the East’ thanks to its spectacular architecture and setting.

Budapest is listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987 for the architectural and cultural interest of the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, and the Banks of the Danube.

Budapest is well known as the historical, cultural, and economic capital of Hungary, with around 2 million residents, and it welcomes over 2.7 million visitors every year. Hungarians are proud of the historical attractions in their beautiful capital and how they contributed to European culture.

When you do visit this marvelous city, don’t forget to also visit some of Budapest’s neighboring towns.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and a city in Central Croatia. With around 800,000 residents, Zagreb is truly a vibrant city. It has the typical ‘old city’ medieval charm with cobbled streets and architecture like in Budapest, Vienna, Prague, and other capitals in Central Europe.

Visiting here is also very easy. Zagreb International Airport is located only 15 km southeast of the heart of the city in the Pleso district. Renovated in March 2017, it is the largest airport in Croatia and can accommodate over 5.5 million passengers.

The public transport system in Zagreb is very reliable, affordable, and convenient. Around 15 tram routes with 277 trams are operated by the Zagreb Electric Tram Company and 410 buses.

Related read: Day trips from Zagreb and Castles in Croatia

Tallinn, Estonia

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is located in the south of the Gulf of Finland, just 70 km south of Helsinki. The hill of Toompea is the medieval and historical heart of the city, which is capped with cobbled streets and is full of alleys and medieval houses.

Spread over the foot of the hill, the ruins of the city wall still cover the lower town. There is a range of well-settled green parks around the city, which is ideal for strolling around.

The city’s old town has been surprisingly well preserved and was listed as UNESCO World Heritage in 1997. Now, it has been better than ever, with larger roads turned into trendy shopping streets that seem like Geneva or Zurich.

The Old Town is loaded with tourists, especially in summer, with visitors coming from Helsinki thanks to cheap flights in Europe this season.

Sprawling all around the city, the new town was built in the usual Soviet concrete style, which is covered with steel and glass cubes as a tribute to the economic boom after the Soviet reign.

Vabaduse valjak (Freedom Square) is the new town center here at the edge of the old town. And there is a huge matchbox-styled Hotel Viru nearby, along with the former tourist flagship and the well-known den of the Cold War. Here, every room was monitored and covered by the KGB.

Related read: Day trips from Tallinn and Islands in Estonia

Brussels, Belgium

The capital city of Brussels Capital Region and Belgium, Brussels is entirely lived by Flanders who speaks Dutch and its associated province of Flemish Brabant. Brussels remained as headquarters of several European institutions, and it might be known as the European Union’s capital.

At the crossroads of cultures (the Romance of the South and Germanic in the North, Brussels plays a vital role in Europe. That fits the definition of the ‘melting pot,’ but it still holds its character. The city of Brussels has around 1 million residents, and there are 2 million residents in the Brussels metropolitan area.

When Brussels was declared the capital of a new country, a lot of old town buildings were destroyed in the 19th century. And finally make way to entirely new palaces, ministries, army barracks, schools, and office blocks built from 1880 to 1980. The ancient Flemish town centers are preserved well in cities like Bruges, Antwerp, Courtray, Ghent, Mechelen, and Leuven.

Read also: Day trips from Brussels

Prague, Czech Republic

The largest city and capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is among the largest cities of Central Europe, and it serves as the capital of Bohemia for over the centuries. The city is well regarded for its medieval and unique architecture, and Prague is a historic center listed among the World Heritage sites.

Prague is one of the best places to visit in Europe in September. It is known as the magical city of cathedrals, bridges, church domes, and gold-tipped towers and it has been seen in the swan-filled surface of the Vltava River for over ten centuries.

Prague’s medieval center has been virtually undiminished by World War II. It remained a great blend of walled courtyards, cobbled lanes, endless churches, cathedrals, and spires in the shadow of the 9th-century castle which felt eastward as the sunsets. Prague is the most happening and modern city with a blend of cultural art, energy, music, special events, fine dining, and catering to the traveler.

Paris, France

The cosmopolitan capital of France and one of the largest cities in Europe, Paris has around 2.2 million people in the central and dense town and about 12 million residents in the entire metropolitan region.

It is located on the banks of the Seine river in the north of France, Paris has a good reputation as one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. It has a significant influence on art, culture, fashion, design, and food across the world. It is well regarded as the Capital of Fashion and the City of Light.

Read also: Day trips from Paris, Paris itinerary, and Castles in France

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, has over 1 million residents in its urban center and around 2.5 million residents in the metropolitan region. It is the largest city in the Netherlands as well as its cultural, financial, and creative hub. Amsterdam is named after its origin – the Dam of Amstel River.

It was previously known as Amstelredamme. Later on, it was renamed “Amsterdam.” It is one of the most well-known destinations in Europe having over 7 million global tourists every year. Amsterdam is well regarded as the Venice of the North due to its serene canals crisscrossing the city, over 1500 bridges, and peaceful architecture.

Related read: Day trips from Amsterdam

Budva, Montenegro

Budva is a town located in the coastal region of Montenegro. The city is well known for its beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world. In addition, Budva also has a lively nightlife scene that keeps visitors entertained into the late evening hours.

One of the city’s main attractions is its historic old town, which is enclosed by Venetian stone walls. Here, visitors can explore narrow streets and visit religious sites such as the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, which was constructed in the 9th century.

Budva is a great destination to visit in September because the weather is still warm, but not as hot as it is during the summer. There are still people traveling, but the crowds aren’t as bad as they are in the summer.

There are also plenty of festivals and events that take place in Budva during September, so there is always something to do.

Sarandë, Albania

Sarandë is a beautiful town on the Albanian Riviera that is perfect for a vacation. The town is surrounded by hills of olive groves and edged by beaches and a promenade.

There are also some lovely archaeological remains in the town, including a 5th-century synagogue that has been converted into an early Christian basilica. The floor mosaics are still evident and are quite intricate. There is also the 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle on a hilltop above Sarandë that is worth checking out.

Sarandë is a great place to visit in September because the weather is still warm and you can enjoy the beaches and the lovely weather. The town is also very pretty and there are lots of things to do, such as swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and sightseeing.

Malta

Malta is a fascinating country with a rich history that spans back thousands of years ago. It’s known for its many fortresses, temples, and Hypogeum, which are all testament to the country’s long and varied history. One of the most interesting things about Malta is its multicultural heritage.

The country has been ruled by a succession of different peoples, including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French, and British. This unique heritage has resulted in a culture that is both diverse and eclectic. Malta is definitely a place worth visiting for anyone interested in history and culture.

Malta is an amazing place to visit in September because the weather is still really nice. The temperatures are in the mid-20s during the day, and it’s not too hot or too cold at night. There’s also plenty to do on Malta, from exploring the ancient ruins to swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

Plus, the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to explore and get to know new people.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is a city located in southern Finland. It is the capital of Finland and is home to a population of approximately 650,000 people. Helsinki is a major center for business, culture, education, and government in Finland.

The city sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland and is known for its beautiful architecture, including many examples of neoclassical, art nouveau, and Functionalist designs.

Some of the most famous landmarks in Helsinki include the National Museum, the Parliament House, Kiasma, and the Uspenski Cathedral.

The weather in Helsinki during September is typically mild with average temperatures ranging from 12-20 degrees Celsius. This means that it is comfortable enough to explore the city without feeling too hot or too cold.

Additionally, September is one of the drier months in Helsinki so there is less chance of experiencing rainfall. This makes sightseeing and spending time outdoors much more pleasant.

Finally, September is a great time to visit Helsinki because there are plenty of cultural events and festivals taking place throughout the month.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a city located in Sweden. It is an amazing place to visit in September, as the weather is still warm and there are plenty of events and activities to keep you busy.

Some of the top attractions in Stockholm include the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, and Skansen Open-Air Museum.

There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, as well as shopping opportunities. If you’re looking for an exciting European city to visit in September, Stockholm is definitely a great choice!

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