Combine a city trip with day trips by rental car

A European city trip in the fall has a special charm. The summer crowds have thinned out, temperatures are usually pleasant for spending hours strolling through historic streets, and the parks are slowly turning shades of gold, red, and copper. What’s more, accommodations and flights are often more affordable outside the peak travel seasons than they are in the summer.

And then there’s an extra perk: a rental car. In the center of Prague, Vienna, or Rome, you’ll hardly need one. But as soon as you leave the city behind, a car opens up a whole new chapter of your trip. Below, you’ll discover eight cities that show their best side in the fall, plus practical tips for setting out in a rental car on day trips outside the city.

Would you rather take a longer route instead of using one city as a base? Then check out our 10 most beautiful fall road trips through Europe. Still looking for inspiration for your entire fall trip? Start by checking out our complete guide to fall vacations with a rental car.

On this page:

• Why take a city trip in the fall?

• Overview: 8 city trips for fall

• The 8 cities highlighted

• Why rent a car for a city trip?

• Frequently Asked Questions About Fall City Trips

Why take a city trip in the fall?

Fewer crowds, more space

After the summer vacation, tourist crowds thin out in many European cities. You’ll notice this most at major attractions. A visit to the Colosseum, Schönbrunn, or the Charles Bridge is much more enjoyable when you don’t have to constantly weave your way through large groups. Restaurants, museums, and smaller attractions are also often easier to visit on a whim.

The difference can also be significant for popular day trips outside the city. Sintra, for example, is much more pleasant outside the high season. Still, it’s wise to make reservations in advance for the most popular attractions, even in the fall.

Mild weather and colorful city parks

Fall is a comfortable time to explore a city on foot. In Rome and Lisbon, temperatures in October can still hover around 18 to 22 °C, while Prague, Vienna, and Berlin tend to have cooler days ranging from about 8 to 16 °C. Of course, the exact weather varies from year to year.

Those cooler temperatures are actually perfect for long walks. And in cities with large parks, you’ll be treated to a picturesque autumn backdrop: golden trees, wet cobblestones, and terraces where people are soaking up the last sunny afternoons.

Off-season and a touch of winter atmosphere

Outside of school breaks, flights, hotels, and rental cars are often cheaper than during the summer, though this depends heavily on the destination and local events. For a true Christmas market atmosphere, you’ll need to travel a bit later. In Vienna and Budapest, various Christmas markets start as early as mid-November.

Overview: 8 City Trips for Fall

Spotlight on the 8 Cities

1. Prague: A Fairy-Tale City in Fall Colors

Prague combines medieval magic with the cozy charm of fall.

Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, and the winding streets of the Old Town seem made for a crisp fall day. Chestnut trees turn golden, the outdoor cafes become cozier, and after a day of walking, a Czech beer cellar beckons. Visit Prague Castle, wander through Malá Strana, and reserve a table in the evening for hearty Czech dishes and local beer. With temperatures ranging from 8 to 15°C, a long city walk is also more comfortable than on a hot summer day.

Tips for Day Trips

Rent a car in Prague and drive about two hours to Karlovy Vary, the elegant spa town with domed arcades, hot springs, and striking Art Nouveau architecture.

Other day trips by rental car from Prague:

• Kutná Hora: a charming Bohemian town with a fascinating chapel built from human bones. (1-hour drive)

• Bohemian Switzerland: a national park with breathtaking mountain landscapes, dense forests, and deep gorges. (1 hr 45 min drive)

• Český Krumlov: a medieval town in South Bohemia. Stay overnight and experience the town without the day-trippers. (2h 15m drive)

You can also choose Prague as the starting point for a road trip through the Czech Republic.

2. Vienna: Imperial grandeur and wine-growing hills

Vienna carries its imperial past with flair, and in the fall, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it.

Schönbrunn, the Hofburg, and the Belvedere form the city’s imperial trio. With temperatures ranging from 10 to 16°C, this is ideal weather for walking. In the neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city, the Heurige season—featuring traditional Viennese wine taverns—is getting underway. A plate of regional specialties and a glass of young wine are the perfect accompaniment to an autumn evening. You can finally view the Klimt and Schiele collections in the museums in peace, without groups blocking your view.

Tip: The first Christmas markets in Vienna open as early as mid-November, including the one at Schönbrunn.

Tips for Day Trips

By car, it takes about an hour to drive to Krems and the Wachau region. After picking up a rental car in Vienna, follow the Danube past vineyards, villages, and castles, and combine a walk with a wine tasting. Be sure to visit Melk Abbey as well.

Other trips by rental car from Vienna:

• Kreuzenstein Castle: a medieval castle that, with all its turrets and pointed roofs, is reminiscent of Hogwarts. (45-minute drive)

• Baden bei Wien: a spa town with thermal baths. Or take a walk through nearby vineyards with views of the Vienna Woods. (45m drive)

• Semmering: the eastern foothills of the Alps are surprisingly close to the Austrian capital. (1h 30m drive)

You can also rent a car in Vienna for a longer route taking in Austria’s best sights.

3. Budapest: Thermal Baths and Danube Panoramas

Budapest combines steam, architecture, and river romance like no other city.

Divide your time between Buda and Pest, both of which boast stunning architecture on either bank of the Danube. Climb Castle Hill, stroll along the Danube, and admire the massive Hungarian Parliament Building. Afterward, it’s time for a warm bath. The Széchenyi and Gellért thermal baths are at their best in the fall: the combination of cool autumn weather and warm spring water makes the experience especially appealing. In the evening, visit the so-called “ruin bars”: abandoned buildings and spaces that have been transformed into lively bars.

Tips for Day Trips

Follow the entire Danube Bend. Drive from Budapest in a rental car via Szentendre and Visegrád to Esztergom, passing historic towns, castles, artists’ villages, hills, and views of the river along the way.

Other fall road trips from Budapest:

• Hollókő: This village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring traditional whitewashed Palóc houses. Combine your visit with a hike in the Mátra Hills. (1h 30m drive)

• Eger: a mighty castle, an imposing basilica, thermal baths, and a wine valley where you can taste the famous Hungarian “Bull’s Blood” wine. (1h 45m drive)

• Aggtelek: a national park with an extensive cave system and kilometers of hiking and biking trails. (2.5-hour drive)

Or make Budapest the starting point for a tour of 20 highlights in Hungary.

4. Kraków: History, Culture, and the Tatra Mountains

Krakow is compact, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also a great base for exploring the mountains.

On the Main Market Square, around Wawel Castle, and in the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, the city’s history comes to life everywhere. The fall colors enhance the atmosphere in Planty, the green belt surrounding the Old Town. At the same time, Kraków is an excellent base for visiting a number of significant sites outside the city, including the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, about an hour and a half’s drive from Kraków by rental car. A visit is deeply moving; be sure to allow plenty of time and approach the memorial site with respect.

Tips for Day Trips

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a half-hour drive away, and if you rent a car in Krakow, you can easily combine this with a trip to the Tatra Mountains near Zakopane, about two hours away.

Other trips by rental car from Kraków:

• Zalipie: This village is known for the hand-painted floral motifs that adorn houses, barns, fences, wells, and doghouses. (1.5-hour drive)

• Eagles’ Nests Route: known in Polish as Szlak Orlich Gniazd, this is a journey past 14th-century castles. A rental car is a must for this route (164 km).

• UNESCO Wooden Churches: In southern Poland, there are several wooden churches, all of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This route is a hidden gem among road trips. (Full route: 240 km, 2 days)

Find more inspiration in our road trip featuring 8 must-see sights in Poland.

5. Berlin: museums, history, and underground culture

Berlin is a city to explore in depth, and fall gives you plenty of time to do just that.

Start at the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building, then delve into history at the remains of the Berlin Wall and visit Museum Island. With cool temperatures ranging from about 8 to 14°C, this is an excellent time for a museum marathon. In between, discover the cafés, alternative shops, and the underground scene that give Berlin its unique character. Rent a car in Berlin to visit Potsdam and take other trips outside the city.

Tips for Day Trips

Rent a car in Berlin and drive to Potsdam in 45 minutes. The Sanssouci complex, with its palaces and gardens, offers a beautiful contrast to urban Berlin. Especially on a sunny fall day, the gardens are well worth the drive.

Other day trips by rental car from Berlin:

• Spreewald: a forest crisscrossed by canals where you can go kayaking, canoeing, or punting. A beautiful destination in any season, but especially in the fall. (1 hr 15 min drive)

• Rakotz Bridge: a bridge that, together with its reflection in the water, forms a perfect circle. Especially beautiful in the fall when the surrounding trees and colors make the scene even more stunning. (1 hr 45 min drive)

• Saxon Switzerland: one of the most beautiful national parks near Berlin and a must-see for nature lovers and hikers. (3-hour drive, so best for at least 2 days)

6. Rome: Ancient Monuments Under a Gentle Sun

Rome in the fall means the Eternal City without the intense summer heat.

The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain together form an almost endless collection of monuments. In October and November, the weather is often more pleasant for long walks than during the hottest summer months. The season also brings culinary changes: fall dishes featuring mushrooms, truffles, and game are plentiful in and around Rome.

Tips for Day Trips

For a short getaway, Frascati, in the Castelli Romani, is a natural choice. There, you can taste wine and stroll through the historic center. The Roman ruins of Ostia Antica are also about a half-hour drive away.

Other trips by rental car from Rome:

• Tivoli: World Heritage sites Villa d’Este, famous for its spectacular Renaissance gardens and fountains, and Villa Adriana, the sprawling estate of Emperor Hadrian. (40m drive)

• Calcata: In the 1960s, this village was slated for demolition but was instead occupied by artists. Today, it’s an idyllic spot with cozy cafes and galleries. (1-hour drive)

• Monti Simbruini: Enjoy the fall colors in the forests and visit the traditional villages within this national park. (1-hour drive to Subiaco on the western side of the park)

We have many more tips for day trips by rental car from Rome.

7. Lisbon: fado, sunshine, and the magic of Sintra

In the fall, Lisbon is one of the warmest city break destinations in Europe.

Wander through the steep streets of Alfama, take the tram to the higher neighborhoods, and listen to the melancholic sounds of fado in the evening. With temperatures in October often ranging from 18 to 22°C, fall here feels very different from what it’s like in Northern Europe. The city combines colorful facades, views of the Tagus River, and a vibrant food scene with the Atlantic coast just around the corner.

Tips for Day Trips

Drive to Sintra and combine the fairytale-like Pena Palace with Cascais and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The drive to Sintra takes 30 to 40 minutes.

Other trips by rental car from Lisbon:

• Évora: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic center, Roman temple, and the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones). The Alentejo vineyards are located nearby. (1.5-hour drive)

• Óbidos: is a delightful place to visit, with its castle walls and medieval streets. If you rent a car in Lisbon, this town is easy to combine with a visit to the National Palace of Mafra.

• The Monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha: Both monasteries are listed among the 7 Wonders of Portugal. They are located 120 and 145 kilometers from Lisbon, respectively, making them perfect for a day trip. (1.5-hour + 30-minute drive)

Want to drive further? Then check out our highlights between Lisbon and Porto or discover beautiful routes between Lisbon and Faro.

8. Copenhagen: Autumnal Hygge

Copenhagen embraces fall with exactly the kind of coziness the city is known for.

Stroll past the colorful facades of Nyhavn, explore the bohemian neighborhood of Christiania, and pull up a chair at a café for coffee and pastries. As soon as it gets cooler outside, hygge naturally comes into play: warm lighting, cozy cafés, and long evenings indoors. Tivoli closes after the summer but reopens in early October for a festive Halloween season with pumpkins and lights through early November—check the current dates before you go.

Tips for Day Trips

It’s a 45-minute drive to Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, known as the setting for Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*. On the way back, you can stop at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

Other day trips by rental car from Copenhagen:

• Køge: a charming medieval trading town south of Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s largest concentration of 17th-century half-timbered houses. (40m drive)

• Frederiksborg + Roskilde: the royal grandeur of Frederiksborg Castle and Viking history in Roskilde. These two destinations are only easy to combine if you rent a car in Copenhagen. (45-minute drive to Frederiksborg)

• Møns Klint: chalk cliffs up to 120 meters high on the east coast of the island of Møn. Very photogenic. (1h 45m drive)

You can find more route ideas in our tips for road trips and day trips from Copenhagen.

Why rent a car for a city trip?

A rental car is especially useful during a city trip when you’re outside the city. In city centers, you can usually get around just fine by public transportation and on foot. Parking can be expensive, and historic centers often have traffic restrictions. In Rome, you also need to be aware of ZTL zones; other European cities may have car-free or restricted-access zones as well.

A rental car really comes into its own for day trips outside the city. Think of Vienna and the Wachau Wine Route, Rome and Frascati in Lazio, Copenhagen and Kronborg Castle, or Budapest and the Danube Bend. With a rental car, you have flexibility: you decide when to leave, where to stop, and how long to stay somewhere.

Don’t rent a car for your entire stay— just for the days you need it. Explore the city first, then pick up the rental car for day trips. Return it before you fly home. Still unsure about the right car class? Read our guide on which rental car class to choose. And for strategic booking: what’s the best time to rent a car.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Fall City Trip

What’s the best city for a city trip in October?

For mild and sunny weather, Rome and Lisbon are attractive choices. For a distinct autumnal feel, Prague, Budapest, and Krakow are better fits. Vienna is a great destination for palaces, museums, and coffeehouses, while Berlin excels in history and modern culture. Copenhagen is highly recommended for those who love a cozy “hygge” atmosphere.

Are European city trips cheaper in October?

Often, yes, but not automatically. Outside of peak periods, hotels and flights can be cheaper than in the summer, while popular events and school vacations can actually drive prices up. Central and Eastern European cities like Prague, Budapest, and Kraków are generally more budget-friendly than Rome or Lisbon. If you’re traveling in late November, you should also factor in the start of the Christmas market season.

Do I need a rental car for a city trip?

Not in the city itself: most cities have a good metro or tram network, and parking is relatively expensive. For day trips outside the city, however, a rental car can be ideal and give you a lot of freedom. Think of Rome and trips in the surrounding area, Vienna and the Wachau Valley, Copenhagen and Kronborg Castle, or Budapest and a trip along the Danube Bend. Book the rental car only for the days you’ll actually use it.

Which city trip is best for beginners?

Prague is a good first choice thanks to its compact historic city center, the many sights within walking distance, and its relatively manageable size. Copenhagen is also easy to navigate, with excellent public transportation, a compact city center, and a high level of English proficiency. Rome is fantastic, but due to the crowds and traffic, the city can be a bit more overwhelming for a first city trip.

What are some kid-friendly city trips in the fall?

Budapest combines sightseeing with thermal baths; Copenhagen has Tivoli (Halloween) and many child-friendly museums; and Vienna offers attractions such as Schönbrunn Palace and the zoo. For young children, heavy historical topics in Berlin or Kraków may be less suitable; be mindful of which museums and memorial sites you visit there.

How many days do you need for a city trip?

Plan on at least three days to see the main attractions in each city. With four or five days, you can combine your city visit with one or two day trips to nearby areas. For a more extensive combination of city and road trip, a week is ideal. Then you can, for example, combine Rome with Tuscany or a route to Naples, or Lisbon with Sintra and the Atlantic coast.

What’s the warmest city break destination in October?

Of the eight destinations in this article, Lisbon and Rome are generally the warmest choices. Lisbon often has pleasant temperatures ranging from 18 to 22°C in October, while Rome usually ranges from 15 to 22°C. Athens is even a bit warmer in October, but we haven’t included that city in this list.

Can I combine multiple cities into one trip?

Of course—European cities are perfect for combining. Vienna and Budapest, for example, are well-connected by train, as are Prague and Vienna. Rome and Florence are also a natural pairing, while Lisbon and Porto together make for a classic Portuguese city trip. With a rental car, you can also make extra stops along the way between these cities.