12 Best Places to Visit in Europe in September

12 Best Places to Visit in Europe in September

September is one of my favourite months for travelling in Europe. The busiest part of summer is beginning to fade, temperatures are often more comfortable, and many destinations still feel lively without the intensity of July and August.

It is also a month that offers real variety. You can still swim in Greece, Portugal or the south of France, but you can also enjoy cooler city breaks, vineyard landscapes and early autumn colours farther north. In destinations such as the Côte d’Azur, September remains part of an extended summer season, while cities such as Bologna continue to host cultural events well into the month.

For this list, I wanted to avoid repeating the same European favourites that appear in every travel guide. These 12 places include food cities, mountain regions, islands, lakeside towns and smaller cultural destinations that feel especially rewarding in September.

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1. Bologna, Italy

Bologna is one of the best European cities for a September food and culture break. The summer heat is beginning to ease, but evenings are still warm enough for long dinners outdoors.

I would spend at least two full days exploring the porticoed streets, Piazza Maggiore and the medieval centre. Bologna is also a city where eating is part of the experience, so leave time for fresh pasta, local markets and traditional trattorias.

September is particularly appealing because the city’s summer cultural programme continues into the month, with exhibitions, cinema and outdoor events still taking place.

2. Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania feels made for early autumn. The region combines medieval towns, forested hills, castles, fortified churches and traditional villages spread beneath the Carpathian Mountains.

Rather than treating it as one quick stop, I would plan a short road trip through places such as Brașov, Sibiu and Sighișoara. The scenery between them is just as important as the towns themselves.

September suits Transylvania because the landscape is still green, the main attractions are generally calmer than in midsummer, and the first signs of autumn begin to appear. The region is especially known for its well-preserved medieval centres and layered Romanian, Hungarian, German and Jewish heritage.

3. The Côte d’Azur, France

The Côte d’Azur is often associated with peak summer, but I think September is a much better time to experience it.

The sea is usually still warm, the beaches feel less crowded, and towns such as Nice, Antibes and Menton are easier to explore on foot. I would base myself in Nice and use the coastal train for day trips rather than changing hotels every night.

September remains a strong travel month on the Riviera, with the region’s official tourism organisation describing an extended season that continues through September.

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4. Graz, Austria

Graz is a great choice for travellers who want an elegant European city without the scale or crowds of Vienna.

The historic centre is compact, colourful and easy to explore, while Schlossberg offers a wide view across the red rooftops. I also like Graz for its mix of traditional architecture, contemporary design and relaxed café culture.

September is ideal for walking, cycling and exploring the surrounding Styrian countryside. It is also a natural time to combine the city with vineyards, farm shops and regional food experiences.

5. Ghent, Belgium

Ghent has the canals and historic architecture many travellers look for in Bruges, but it feels larger, livelier and more lived-in.

I would spend a long weekend walking around Graslei and Korenlei, visiting Gravensteen Castle and exploring the streets around Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. After dark, the illuminated waterfront gives the centre a completely different atmosphere.

September works well because the city remains energetic while the busiest summer travel period is ending. The cooler weather also makes long walks along the canals far more comfortable.

6. Albi, France

Albi is one of the most distinctive small cities in southern France. Its centre is built from warm red brick, giving the streets and riverfront a colour that changes beautifully throughout the day.

The enormous Sainte-Cécile Cathedral dominates the old town, while the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum adds a strong cultural reason to stay longer than a few hours.

I would visit Albi as part of a slower journey through Occitanie rather than a rushed day trip. September is especially pleasant for combining the city with nearby villages, countryside drives and outdoor lunches.

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7. Tavira, Portugal

Tavira is one of my favourite alternatives to the Algarve’s busier resort towns.

The town is set around the Gilão River and has tiled façades, small squares, historic churches and a noticeably slower rhythm. The nearby beaches are reached across the lagoons of the Ria Formosa, which makes the journey feel like part of the day.

September is an excellent time to visit because the weather is still warm enough for the beach, while the atmosphere is usually calmer than during the main school-holiday period.

8. Turku, Finland

Turku offers a completely different kind of September trip. Rather than chasing late-summer heat, this is a destination for riverside walks, Nordic design, historic buildings and the first feeling of autumn.

The Aura River runs through the centre, lined with cafés, restaurants and museum ships. I would also visit Turku Castle and, with extra time, continue into the surrounding archipelago.

Early September still allows plenty of outdoor exploration, but the cooler air and changing light give the city a quieter, more atmospheric character.

9. Annecy, France

Annecy is beautiful in summer, but September gives you a better chance to enjoy the lake and old town without the same level of crowds.

Spend the morning walking beside the canals and pastel buildings, then rent a bicycle or follow part of the path around Lake Annecy. On clear days, the combination of blue water and mountain scenery is exceptional.

I would stay overnight rather than visiting from Geneva. The town becomes more peaceful in the evening, and the lakefront is particularly enjoyable after day-trippers leave.

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10. Kalymnos, Greece

Kalymnos is a strong choice for travellers who want a Greek island that still feels active and local beyond the main summer rush.

The island is known for dramatic limestone cliffs, small beaches, traditional settlements and excellent climbing. Even if you are not a climber, the rugged landscape gives Kalymnos a very different character from flatter, more resort-focused islands.

September is one of the best times to visit. The sea remains warm, the strongest summer heat begins to soften, and the island is well suited to swimming, walking and boat trips.

11. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar is famous for Stari Most, but the city deserves more than a brief photo stop.

I would stay at least one night, explore the old streets early in the morning and return to the bridge after sunset, when the day-trip crowds have thinned. The river, stone buildings and surrounding hills create one of the most memorable urban landscapes in the Balkans.

September brings warm days but is generally more comfortable for walking than the height of summer. Mostar also works well as part of a wider journey through Herzegovina.

12. Lausanne, Switzerland

Lausanne combines a steep historic city, Lake Geneva views and easy access to one of Europe’s most beautiful vineyard landscapes.

The old town rises above the waterfront, so expect plenty of hills. I would divide the day between the cathedral area and Ouchy, then take a short trip into the Lavaux vineyards.

September is especially attractive because the lake remains lively, the vineyards are approaching harvest season, and the weather is usually comfortable for walking. It is an elegant choice for travellers who want scenery, culture and food without a packed sightseeing schedule.

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Why Visit Europe in September?

The main advantage of September is balance. Southern Europe still offers beach weather, while central and northern destinations begin moving gently towards autumn.

Flights and accommodation are not always cheap, especially in popular cities, but the overall experience is often calmer. Restaurants are easier to book, historic centres are more comfortable to explore, and beaches usually have more space.

I also think September encourages a better style of travel. Instead of rushing between major attractions in extreme heat, you can spend longer walking, eating outdoors and exploring smaller places at a slower pace.

Final Thoughts

The best places to visit in Europe in September are not limited to the Mediterranean. This list includes warm islands and coastal towns, but also cultural cities, mountain regions and northern destinations entering early autumn.

For sunshine and swimming, I would choose Kalymnos, Tavira or the Côte d’Azur. For food and city life, Bologna, Graz and Ghent stand out. For scenery and a slower road trip, Transylvania, Annecy or Lausanne would be my strongest choices.

Wherever you decide to go, September rewards travellers who leave a little room for spontaneity. The weather is still inviting, the pace is calmer, and Europe begins to feel more local again after the busiest weeks of summer.

Written & updated by Matteo — Travelupo