5 Places in Europe That Shine in Shoulder Season, With Fewer Crowds, Lower Costs, and Great Weather

Key Points

• Get the normally overrun streets of Venice all to yourself by visiting in the spring or fall.

• Plan a luxurious vacation on the French Riviera for fewer euros in September or October, while temperatures are still warm.

• Sip on the world's best beers in Munich, but go in the spring or wait until after the Oktoberfest crowds clear out.

There's never a "bad" time to visit Europe, but there are a few times when it makes a lot more financial sense—namely, during the shoulder seasons. This term refers to those Goldilocks periods right before or after a destination's high season. It's a time when travelers can often find fantastic deals on flights, accommodations, and far fewer crowds. And it's an especially stellar time to explore Europe like a local.

"A peak European summer translates to crowds taking advantage of warmer weather and, of course, higher prices," Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going , told Travel + Leisure. "Shoulder seasons, though, are a magic time when you can experience the region's splendor with fewer people, temperate weather, and less sticker shock regarding costs."

As an example, Nastro pointed to places like southern Spain, which sees an influx of tourists throughout the summer. However, Nastro said you can still experience a summer-like beach getaway in the region at the end of September or early October. "It's also a better time to take advantage of attractions since there can be shorter lines and better weather to wait in compared to colder off-seasons," she added.

Additionally, Nastro noted that most major cities in Europe are great to explore in the fall since "the heat of summer won't be breathing down your neck, [and] places where you can get into a bit of nature and explore the changing of the seasons are worth considering as well."

Need a little inspiration for where to go? Here are five spots scattered throughout the continent that make spectacular shoulder-season getaways.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has been having a real moment in the sun when it comes to travel, and for good reason. The capital city of Portugal is home to fantastic boutique hotels, historic sites, and the tastiest pastries in the nation (we're looking at you, pastel de nata ). Its shoulder seasons are from March to May and September to early November. That's when you'll find fantastic flight deals and will likely be able to score reservations to some of the city's hottest hotels, like the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon .

Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most-visited destinations on the continent, welcoming about 30 million tourists each year. It's a busy place, no doubt, but one that still belongs high on your must-see list thanks to its historic canals and world-class museums. To avoid the throngs of high-season tourists, consider visiting the Italian town during one of its shoulder seasons, between March and May or September and November. This way, you may have a canal or two all to yourself.

Nice, France

Want a luxury European seaside getaway for less? Book a trip to Nice during its shoulder season. The gorgeous town, located on the French Riviera , is a haven for those looking to relax by its gin-clear waters. Due to the area's natural beauty, Nice attracts heaps of travelers during the summer months, making both accommodations and space scarce. However, you can still make the most of the quaint seaside community by visiting in September or October, when temperatures remain relatively balmy in the 70s Fahrenheit.

Munich, Germany

Munich is the place to be to see centuries-old architecture, enjoy delicious Bavarian food, and sample some of the world's best beers. The city is a popular spot, especially around Oktoberfest and the festive holiday season, as it's known for its Christmas markets . But for those who want to experience Munich more intimately, it's a fantastic place for shoulder season travel. For the best deals, plan a trip to the capital of Bavaria in the spring, from March to June, or just after Oktoberfest in mid-October—remember, the popular beer festival typically lasts about two weeks from mid-September to early October.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is perhaps the best destination for those looking to see and do it all in Europe. The city has everything, from gorgeous beaches to fantastic architecture and delicious food. And while the summer season tends to be slammed, the shoulder seasons—from April to May and September to October—provide warm enough temperatures and much easier access to famed sites such as the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà . Make sure to book a hotel rather than a vacation rental, as the city is currently experiencing an extreme housing shortage that's deeply affecting the locals. We're particularly fond of the SLS Barcelona , which opened in 2025, for those seeking a chic city stay.

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