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Do you know what I love about September travel? With the kids back to school, the cities are calmer and not overrun with families on vacation. Since September is a shoulder season month, there are deals everywhere and you can easily find cheap flights and accommodation.

Fall foliage is not yet at its best in September, but by the end of the month, the colors really start to change, making for awesome photo opportunities. And let’s not forget the wine lovers. September is when the grapes start to be ready for picking.

Keeping all this mind, here are the best September getaways in Europe.

European Destinations to Visit in September: Athens, Greece

September average temps: 24.2 C / 75.6 F
Average accommodation price: 25 USD per night in an apartment. Book your accommodation in Athens now!

The temperature is finally back to being acceptable, after the scorching heat of summer. The crowds are also starting to dissipate and you will enjoy a less crowded capital of Greece. You will not pay high season prices for accommodation or food. Enjoy visiting the archaeological sites, with the Acropolis being the highlight. I really loved the Greek Agora as well. Maybe even plan a day trip from Athens, too.

European Destinations to Visit in September: Bratislava, Slovakia

September average temps: 16 C / 62 F
Average accommodation price: 55 USD per night in a double room. Book your accommodation in Bratislava now!

Bratislava is a small city and tends to get a bit crowded during summer peak season, especially if you plan to visit Devin Castle. But come September, with its crisp temperatures, and you are blessed with fewer crowds and cheaper prices for accommodation. Food is always on the affordable side here and always amazing. Enjoy a stroll on the Danube Promenade and check out the Old City.

European Destinations to Visit in September: Bucharest, Romania

September average temps: 17 C / 64 F
Average accommodation price: 23 USD per night in a double room. Book your accommodation Bucharest now!

The Old Town streets may get quite busy during the long summer days and nights, but once the locals are back from vacations – just like all Europeans – you can enjoy a less crowded experience. Spend some time strolling in one of the parks , too. A personal favorite is Cismigiu park. Don’t forget to try the traditional Romanian food and make sure to visit the Palace of Parliament.

European Destinations to Visit in September: Budapest, Hungary

September average temps: 16 C / 62 F
Average accommodation price: 42 USD per night in a double room. Book your accommodation in Budapest now!

Budapest is super crowded during peak summer months and for the New Year’s festivities. But come during the shoulder season and you can enjoy it without bumping into too many fellow travelers – so take that selfie! On the plus side, the archaeological park at Acquincum is still open (until end of October). Spend some time checking out Buda Castle, walk all the way up to Citadella and shop a bit at the Central Market.

European Destinations to Visit in September: Crete, Greece

September average temps: 23.5 C / 74.3 F
Average accommodation price: 43 USD per night in a studio. Book accommodation in Crete now!

Looking for warm weather? Look no further than Crete, Greece’s biggest island and home to the healthiest cuisine in Europe. If you like hiking, then you’ve come to the right place as there are a lot of trails to explore. Let’s not forget about the ruins of the Minoan civilization either, with the Palace of Knossos being the most important (and well known).

European Destinations to Visit in September: Dubrovnik, Croatia

September average temps: 21 C/ 70 F
Average accommodation price: 54 USD per night in a double room (with sea view). Book accommodation in Dubrovnik now!

I debated whether to include Dubrovnik or not since it has become very expensive as of late – I am looking at you, Game of Thrones! The Old Town will keep you busy for hours but I am pretty sure it will still be quite busy in September. Don’t forget to check out the City Walls as well. And if you like churches, there is a lot to visit here.

European Destinations to Visit in September: Lisbon, Portugal

September average temps: 21.7 C / 71.1 F
Average accommodation price: 37 USD a night in a double room. Book accommodation in Libson now!

Affordable and warm, Lisbon is one of those European cities which are sought after once the weather turns sour elsewhere. It is not overrun by tourists though in September. There is a lot to see here but you may not want to forget to take the funiculars, for amazing views, and pay a visit to the Belem Tower. Take a ride in Tram 28 – one of the few traditional lines still operating – to see the city and don’t forget to enjoy the amazing food.

European Destinations to Visit in September: Madrid, Spain

September average temps: 20.2 C / 68.4 F
Average accommodation price: 74 USD per night in a double room. Book accommodation in Madrid now!

If you like the buzz of a larger city, then Madrid is the place to be. Enjoy the many busy plazas and pay a visit to Maercado de San Miguel. Stop for some tapas, too. Museo de Prado is the most well known, but there are plenty other to check out. When you want to take a break, head to one of the parks.

European Destinations to Visit in September: Prague, Czech Republic

September average temps: 13 C / 57 F
Average accommodation price: 52 USD per night in a double room. Book accommodation in Prague now!

Want to see Prague without the hordes of tourists? This is the time to go. It may not be the cheapest place to visit in September but hey, at least it’s not freezing cold yet. Do pack layers, though, if you are not a fan of cold falls. Bonus points: the fall foliage is kicking in! Walk on Charles Bridge, check out the Castle, visit the Old and New Town and, by all means, try the (many) local beers.

European Destinations to Visit in September: Venice, Italy

September average temps: 18.9 C / 66 F
Average accommodation price: 113 USD per night in a double room. Book accommodation in Venice now!

Always wanted to visit Venice but not a fan of aqua alta? Visit Venice before autumn really kicks in and September is a good choice as the chance for it to happen during this month is low. Take a vaporetto ride to see the city from the water, visit the Doge’s Palace and check out the Bell Tower at St. Mark’s. You may even feed those pigeons. There are also a lot of churches to check out.

Read also about
>>7 Best European Destinations to Visit in January
>> 5 Best European Destinations to Visit in February
>>6 Best European Destinations to Visit in March
>>7 Best European Destinations to Visit in April
>>7 Best European Destinations to Visit in May
>>5 Best European Destinations to Visit in June
>>5 Best European Places to Visit in July
>>5 Best European Destinations to Visit in August
>>10 Best Places to Visit in October
>>5 Best European Places to Visit in November
>>5 Best European destinations to visit in December

In times of uncertainty, flexibility matters. We recommend booking an option with free cancellation in case your travel plans change.

Note: This article was first written in Sep 2016. The prices have been updated as of June 2024.