20 Best Europe destinations in October of 2023 from cheapest to most expensive
October is one of the best months to visit Europe and savvy travelers are well aware of this. The summer crowds are gone and the summer weather has obviously cooled off, but most places are still warm and pleasant. Hotel prices are down in most European cities as well, so you can afford a nicer place in October than you could in any month of summer.
Believe it or not, there are still at least 4 good beach destinations in Europe in October (5 if you count Barcelona), and we have those listed at the top of the article. Below that you’ll find the 16 best European cities to visit in October, and this year we’ve ranked them from cheapest to most expensive. Using our famous Europe Backpacker Index, we rank 54 of Europe’s top cities each year in costs per day for backpackers and budget travelers. You may be surprised to learn the the most expensive cities on the list will cost around US$120 per day while the cheapest are around US$40. Needless to say, if you are on a budget it matters a LOT where you go, and the list below will suggest cool places in all price ranges.
Important October 2023 holidays in Europe
- September 16 to October 3 – Oktoberfest in Munich
- October 3 – German Unity Day (major public holiday)
- October 5 – Republic Day in Portugal (major public holiday)
- October 9 – Thanksgiving in Canada (major public holiday)
- October 12 – Spanish National Day (major public holiday)
- October 23 – Republic Day in Hungary (major public holiday)
- October 28 – Ohi Day in Greece (major public holiday)
- October 29 – Republic Day in Turkey (major public holiday)
Below you’ll find
- Europe’s 4 best October beach destinations
- Europe’s 16 best October city destinations
Europe's 4 best October beach destinations
Costa del Sol/Malaga, Spain
- October avg high: 75°F/24°C
- October avg low: 58°F/14°C
- October avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
Being honest, you will probably get pretty decent “beach weather” early in October, but by the end of the month it will likely feel too cold and windy to enjoy time on the sand. If you can’t get away for your summer holiday until October this is still a good choice because hotels and apartment rentals are much cheaper and obviously it’s not going to be too crowded.
Malaga is actually a very interesting city even during the cooler months, so those who don’t insist on sitting on a beach chair every day will have plenty to see and do. If you really need to sit in the sun in October, then the Canary Islands (see below) are probably your best choice.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €51 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €59 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €15 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Costa del Sol
>>>Costa del Sol/Malaga prices and travel tips
Algarve/Faro, Portugal
- October avg high: 74°F/23°C
- October avg low: 60°F/16°C
- October avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm
Very similar to the Costa del Sol (mentioned above), the sunshine scene in Portugal’s Algarve region is winding down as October goes on. This is really the last month until next May to have any hope of any real beach weather on the European continent, so you might have to take what you can get. The value is great during October and many northern Europeans like to spend the final warm days of the year in this area, so you won’t be alone.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €52 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €79 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €14 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Algarve/Faro
>>>Algarve/Faro prices and travel tips
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- October avg high: 79°F/26°C
- October avg low: 68°F/20°C
- October avg precip: 0.7″/1.8cm
Those wanting a proper sunshine holiday in October while technically staying in “Europe” are probably going to want to head to the Canary Islands. Tenerife is the largest of these islands and also the best choice for those who speak English rather than Spanish. The October weather is pretty much ideal and it comes after the months when Tenerife can really heat up a bit too much.
Flights into both Tenerife airports are reasonably priced in October because it’s the low season in spite of the ideal weather. The highest concentration of hotels and holiday rentals is around the Los Cristianos area in the southwest corner of the island. Of course, there are other Canary Islands including Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. They all have similar weather and you should be able to find a good deal in October on any of them.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €38 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €63 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €15 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Tenerife
>>>Tenerife prices and travel tips
Antalya, Turkey
- October avg high: 81°F/27°C
- October avg low: 59°F/15°C
- October avg precip: 3.4″/8.5cm
Even though Antalya is officially well into the Asian part of Turkey, it’s filled mostly with Europeans during all of the warm months, including October. You can still find cheap flights from all major European airports, and excellent deals at the hotels along the beach as well as those in the lovely historic town center.
Since the Turkish Lira has weakened quite a bit in recent years, this is quite an amazing value, especially for the Mediterranean. This area is also one of Europe’s cheapest all-inclusive destinations, with modest hotels and large resorts all along the beaches both east and west of the city center. In 2023 it is safe to say that Turkey is among the world’s great travel bargains for those starting in almost any other currency.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €32 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €51 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €11 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Antalya
>>>Antalya prices and travel tips
16 Best non-beach destinations in Europe in October from cheapest to most expensive
Budapest, Hungary – Cheapest
- October avg high: 61°F/16°C
- October avg low: 44°F/7°C
- October avg precip: 1.8″/4.5cm
Budapest has a lot in common with Prague (see below), but it’s different enough that it’s worth visiting both of them if you have at least 2 or 3 days to dedicate to each. The October weather is a bit warmer and most things are cheaper in Budapest than in Prague as well.
October might be too cold to spend time in one of the city’s famous mineral spas, but there is still plenty to do all the same. Hotels and restaurants right along the river can seem pricey, but if you go a bit inland you will get much better value and also more authentic food. Somehow Hungary carries on as one of the cheapest countries in Europe, and when you visit it doesn’t look like it would be cheap, so that’s a plus.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €41 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €61 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €12 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Budapest
>>>Budapest prices and travel tips
Budapest Backpacker Index for 2023: US$38.21
Krakow, Poland
- October avg high: 56°F/13°C
- October avg low: 41°F/5°C
- October avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm
Krakow is honestly on the borderline in October because it does get a bit chilly here this time of year. The reason it still makes the list this month is that it’s arguably Europe’s best travel bargain in general. The historic center is gorgeous and fun, and the prices here are shockingly cheap considering how nice and interesting it is.
You’ll want to do a half-day bus trip to Auschwitz, and there is a nearby salt mine attraction that is worth a look as well. Aside from those you’ll probably spend most of your time in the historic center, which is circled by an extremely pleasant and photogenic park.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €43 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €59 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €13 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Krakow
>>>Krakow prices and travel tips
Krakow Backpacker Index for 2023: US$41.03
Split, Croatia
- October avg high: 68°F/20°C
- October avg low: 57°F/14°C
- October avg precip: 3.0″/7.5cm
If you are like most people you have probably heard of Dubrovnik, but not Split. We recommend Split of the two because it’s very similar, actually slightly older, and it’s far less crowded than Dubrovnik. Split is also quite a bit cheaper because it’s not filled with cruise-ship passengers who are willing to overpay for everything.
The October weather in Split is very pleasant, even if it’s not warm enough to spend the day on the sand. This is also the main transit hub of southern Croatia, so you can take the train here or bus, and depart by ferry to Italy or one of the nearby holiday islands.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €50 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €64 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €18 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Split
>>>Split prices and travel tips
Split Backpacker Index for 2023: US$54.25
Istanbul, Turkey
- October avg high: 68°F/20°C
- October avg low: 54°F/12°C
- October avg precip: 2.8″/7.0cm
Istanbul is one of the world’s most historic and fascinating cities, and thanks to the currency situation, it’s also very cheap these days as well. The Turkish Lira has plunged in value over the last few years, even outpacing the very high inflation that has helped cause it. The October weather is almost perfect as the days are warm and the nights are still comfortable.
After a few days in Istanbul you might even want to head somewhere else in Turkey, where things are even cheaper. The Cappadocia area is a short flight or reasonable bus ride from Istanbul, and the sights there are like nowhere else on earth. The coastal towns of Antalya (mentioned above) are still warm enough in October to get in some tanning time.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €49 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €57 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €12 per person
>>>Check hotel deals for Istanbul
>>>Istanbul prices and travel tips
Istanbul Backpacker Index for 2023: US$56.35
Prague, Czechia
- October avg high: 58°F/14°C
- October avg low: 43°F/6°C
- October avg precip: 1.3″/3.3cm
Prague is one of those famously crowded European cities that is so nice that you have to come anyway. October is a good month because crowds are a bit smaller and the weather is still nice enough that a light jacket or sweater will keep you comfortable. You’ll also probably get no rain at all.
The architecture here is an amazing mix of many styles, and the castle overlooking the river is a major highlight as well. Hotels are a bit pricey, but food and especially beer is quite cheap here. If you want to spend a bit more time in Czechia, head to Cesky Krumlov, which is 3 hours away on a scenic bus ride or train. It’s lovely, quiet, and even cheaper than Prague.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €61 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €69 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €18 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Prague
>>>Prague prices and travel tips
Prague Backpacker Index for 2023: US$62.94
Berlin, Germany
- October avg high: 56°F/13°C
- October avg low: 44°F/7°C
- October avg precip: 1.5″/3.8cm
Berlin has arguably been Europe’s trendiest tourist city for a decade or more now, so it’s now the most popular stop in Germany. It lives up to the hype for most people, and it’s refreshingly cheap as well. You can get 4-star hotels here for what you’d pay for a 2-star in Rome or London.
The October weather is decent and you probably won’t get any rain. The former East Berlin is cheaper and more interesting than the former West Berlin, but the West does have better high-end shopping if that interests you. Berlin is cheap even compared to Munich or Hamburg. Another bonus is that everyone you encounter will speak enough English (or fluent English) so you don’t even have to ask before speaking to them.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €84 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €85 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €21 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Berlin
>>>Berlin prices and travel tips
Berlin Backpacker Index for 2023: US$70.96
Lisbon, Portugal
- October avg high: 72°F/22°C
- October avg low: 58°F/14°C
- October avg precip: 3.1″/7.8cm
Among the best things about Lisbon is that it arguably has continental Europe’s best year-round weather, and of course October is yet another lovely one. The winds off the Atlantic keep the summers from getting too hot, and they keep the rest of the year fairly mild as well.
Lisbon is an underrated city that is also one of Europe’s better travel bargains. Its location on the far edge of the continent means that no one arrives here by accident. You can get here by overnight train from Madrid, but honestly flying in is probably the better idea for most people.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €59 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €90 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €13 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Lisbon
>>>Lisbon prices and travel tips
Lisbon Backpacker Index for 2023: US$71.59
Madrid, Spain
- October avg high: 66°F/19°C
- October avg low: 50°F/10°C
- October avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm
As Madrid is in the center of Spain, it gets a bit cooler by the time October rolls around than Barcelona (see below). But the days are still very pleasant for sightseeing and you’ll probably get no rain at all this month unless you are very unlucky.
Again, it’s ideal to spend 3 nights in each of these two huge cities and take the quick high-speed train between them. Madrid is also famous for its late-night dining and later-night nightlife, but this is also where you find the royal palace and the Prado, which is one of Europe’s finest museums.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €68 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €69 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €20 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Madrid
>>>Madrid prices and travel tips
Madrid Backpacker Index for 2023: US$76.00
Florence, Italy
- October avg high: 70°F/21°C
- October avg low: 50°F/10°C
- October avg precip: 3.5″/8.8cm
Since we are heading north from Rome you can expect that things are a bit cooler in Florence, but it’s still very pleasant, especially for those who are walking between sights all day. Florence is the heart of Tuscany and it’s also one of the world’s great art capitals, which are two great reasons to visit.
As with Rome, the hotel prices and crowds in Florence are much more manageable than during the hotter months. Florence is also a good base for day trips to nearby Pisa, Siena, and even the Cinque Terre. One odd thing about Florence is that hotels can be double the price from one week to the next, so if your trip is flexible it can be worth looking into hotels before you lock everything in. All hotels are on a similar frequency with this so it’s most likely business travelers coming during trade fairs that drive up prices one week and not the next.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €64 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €94 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €23 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Florence
>>>Florence prices and travel tips
Florence Backpacker Index for 2023: US$83.19
Rome, Italy
- October avg high: 72°F/22°C
- October avg low: 54°F/12°C
- October avg precip: 3.7″/9.3cm
After a scorching summer that can stretch into parts of September, Rome has pretty much ideal weather in October, although it can rain just a bit. In fact, October might be the best month of the year to visit Rome and all of Italy because the crowd sizes are smaller, hotels are cheaper, and yet the weather is nearly perfect.
Most first-time Italy visitors head to Rome first and then move north to Florence and Venice. That is a fantastic little trip to hit the so-called Big 3.
Anyone interested in a longer visit to Italy should consider heading south from here for a stop in Sorrento, which is a bit south of Naples. It’s far less crowded than Venice or Florence and it’s the perfect base to visit Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the isle of Capri.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €75 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €104 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €27 per person
Rome Backpacker Index for 2023: US$83.32
Barcelona, Spain
- October avg high: 71°F/22°C
- October avg low: 55°F/13°C
- October avg precip: 3.6″/9.0cm
This Mediterranean city gets quite hot in the peak summer months, and it’s still packed with tourists through September. It will feel crowded when you get there in October, but at least you have mild weather and slightly lower hotel prices to make things better.
If this is your first trip to Barcelona you should also take the 2.5-hour high-speed train to Madrid and spend 3 additional days there. The cities are very different from each other and both excellent for first-time visitors. Barcelona is known for its architecture and its seaside location, but it’s also got some of Europe’s best restaurants and fantastic nightlife as well. We also rate Barcelona as being a top city for solo travelers.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €75 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €86 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €19 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Barcelona
>>>Barcelona prices and travel tips
Barcelona Backpacker Index for 2023: US$83.72
Paris, France
- October avg high: 61°F/16°C
- October avg low: 51°F/11°C
- October avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
October is a busy month in Paris, partly because this is also a business city that hosts many conferences and meetings. The October weather is cool but pleasant and it usually doesn’t rain much, so you should be able to see everything without interruption.
Paris is another city that is so beautiful and unique that you will want to visit no matter what month it is. October is one of the better ones, as the winter temperatures can be chillier than is comfortable for outdoor sightseeing. If you are interested in visiting the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and taking the wonderful hop-on, hop-off bus tour, you should look into the Paris Pass.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €105 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €138 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €29 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Paris
>>>Paris prices and travel tips
Paris Backpacker Index for 2023: US$105.89
Interlaken, Switzerland
- October avg high: 58°F/14°C
- October avg low: 42°F/6°C
- October avg precip: 3.1″/7.8cm
It seems that almost everyone wants to “visit Switzerland” but most of them don’t know exactly where to go. That is why I wrote an article about where to go in Switzerland on a short visit and the short version is that if you want to see the most amazing views of the Alps, then Interlaken is the best place to base yourself.
The October weather isn’t ideal, but it’s still nice enough that you’ll be able to see the main sights without much delay. The Alps can be rainy in summer, and by October you are less likely to get those quick storms, although it can be cloudy or foggy any day of the year. If you want to visit a second place in Switzerland to admire the unusual beauty, Lucerne is your best bet.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €119 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €238 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €29 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Interlaken
>>>Interlaken prices and travel tips
Interlaken Backpacker Index for 2023: US$116.75
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- October avg high: 57°F/14°C
- October avg low: 46°F/8°C
- October avg precip: 4.1″/10.3cm
London is more famous for kind of crappy weather all year round, but Amsterdam might even have them beat. October is nice enough that you won’t have to bundle up, but you might get a rainstorm or two in any given few days of a visit. Still, this is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and most of the famous attractions are indoor ones, so the weather usually isn’t much of an issue.
You can reach Amsterdam from Paris in a bit over 3 hours by high-speed train, and from London in only a little longer using the Eurostar train and then a change in Brussels. Hotels in the main canal ring area are expensive, but it’s worth paying a bit more for the better location here. Book early for the best hotels at reasonable prices.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €128 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €161 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €39 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Amsterdam
>>>Amsterdam prices and travel tips
Amsterdam Backpacker Index for 2023: US$116.86
London, England
- October avg high: 59°F/15°C
- October avg low: 48°F/9°C
- October avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
Even though London has a reputation for being rainy, it’s really the mist that you are most likely to encounter in October, and even then probably not much of that. London is obviously one of the world’s great cities so you will want to visit in whatever month you are coming to Europe. Fortunately, October is actually one of the nicer ones, with smaller crowds and cheaper hotel rates.
If you want to visit somewhere else in Britain then Edinburgh is the best choice for most people. You can get there on a high-speed train that is surprisingly cheap if you book at least a couple weeks in advance. Here are some of the other best England, Scotland, and Wales itinerary ideas.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from £77 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from £119 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from £21 per person
>>Check hotel deals for London
>>>London prices and travel tips
London Backpacker Index for 2023: US$122.18
Venice, Italy
- October avg high: 65°F/18°C
- October avg low: 49°F/9°C
- October avg precip: 2.7″/6.8cm
Venice is insanely crowded pretty much every day of the year, and that can be even more frustrating when it’s hot outside. In October you don’t have to worry about scorching days, and the crowds are a bit smaller than during the summer months as well.
The truth is, Venice is so beautiful and unusual that you should visit any time of year if you are in the area. One nice thing is that it’s compact enough that you can hit all of the most interesting sights in about 24 hours or so if you want to. The key is to get up early and be out before the herds from the coach tours and cruise ships arrive, and also be out in the evening after they have left for the day.
- Good 3-star hotels in October from €179 for two people
- Good 4-star hotels in October from €215 for two people
- Hostel dorm beds in October from €38 per person
>>Check hotel deals for Venice
>>>Venice prices and travel tips
Venice Backpacker Index for 2023: US$125.77
Hi, we three ( husband, wife, and 14yrs old son) planned to visit Europe in early October…can we manage in 15days Vienna, Prague, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, and Venice …to & fro India. You better suggest the cities with the different interest in place….regards, sarat toy
Sarat,
With 15 days in Europe I’d recommend focusing on 5 total cities. For nearly all of Europe it’s best to stay 3 nights in each city. You won’t be able to do much or any sightseeing on travel days, so if you change cities every other day it means spending half of your trip in transit.
I’d definitely visit Paris and Amsterdam. You could also visit Munich, Prague, and Vienna and it would be an amazing trip full of highlights. The easiest way to do it would be to fly into Paris and then take the high-speed train to Amsterdam. From there it would be best to fly to Prague and then take the trains to Munich and Vienna.
Or you could do Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and the fly to Italy to visit Rome or Florence along with Venice. Actually, Venice is small enough that you can visit it in a day or two, and you can see Florence in two days as well. I hope this helps and I’ll be happy to answer any other questions if you have them. -Roger
Your article states that the winds off the Pacific keep Lisbon cool.
Atlantic, surely.
Regards
PB
Paul,
Thank you for this. I’ve fixed the mistake and I appreciate you taking the time. -Roger
Can u please suggest a itinerary for travel to Spain in October for 10 days
Nikita,
Normally I don’t do this, but I’m in a good mood. You might have a look at my main article on European itineraries for 1 to 3 weeks, which has more information.
With 10 days I’d fly into Barcelona and spend 3 nights there and then take a high-speed train to Madrid for 3 nights. You could then take a train to Granada for 2 nights and then a train to Seville for your final 2 nights. From Seville you could fly back to Barcelona for your flight home. There are obviously many other ways of doing this, but to me this one is the most filled with top highlights. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Great article….planning a 2 wk trip with my husband this Oct I A to Europe..Hv been to Seychelles South Africa and Kenya..plz recommend few must see cities in Netgerlands-germany-Switzerland-italy…Too much on our platter ??
M A,
If you’ve got 14 days in Europe I would suggest choosing 4 or 5 different cities to visit, and hopefully ones that are within easy train rides of each other. You might find some ideas on this article about Europe itinerary planning. There are suggestions for all of those countries and places that are easy to add on.
You could start in Amsterdam for 3 nights and then take a train to Berlin for 3 nights. You could then fly to Interlaken for 2 or 3 nights and then take a train to Venice for about 24 hours and then a train to Florence for 2 nights and then a train to Rome for your last 3 nights. That would be the fastest way to see all of the places on your list, and even then you’d feel like you were rushing. I’m happy to help more if you have further questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Going through your replies and will like your help for 3 families trip with 3 kids (age between 2-8) in October first half from India . We have been to Switzerland earlier in aug month and wheather was really good. We are planning for 8 days holiday and wanted your advise where temperatures will not below 3-4 degrees and cities/places will be comfortable to travel with kids. We don’t want beach destinations. Is Vienna/Budapest/Salzburg ok to travel or you can suggest any other options…
Thanks for your help.
ND,
Actually, Vienna-Salzburg-Budapest would be a great trip. Those three cities are all quite different from each other and they should have pleasant weather in early October. I think there might have been a typo when you wrote “where temperatures will not below 3-4 degrees”. Can you clarify what you meant?
I wrote an article not long ago about the best family-vacation cities in Europe, so that might help a bit. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Going on a European trip in September /October 2019, Need some information please, thought about a river cruise in Europe.
Corrie,
I’ve researched European river cruises quite a bit, but have yet to experience one myself so I don’t have much on the website about them. I think the Rhine cruises and Danube cruises are the most popular, though there are many smaller lines that do smaller rivers in France as well. I wish I could help you more. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks for the list. We( myself, wife and our two daughters ,elder aged 2 years while the younger onr will be 4 months) are planning a euro trip from 27 Oct to 11 Nov. We’re a little apprehensive about the weather keeping the age of our daughters in mind. Based on your experience, could you suggest cities to visit. We are looking for a slow paced relaxed trip which gives us time to enjoy the beauty.
Thanks in advance