Our guide on the best Italian Cities to Visit in the Fall season for your next trip.
Italy is enchanting year-round, but the fall season (September to November) is particularly magical. The summer crowds thin out, temperatures cool down, and the landscape transforms into a canvas of rich autumn colors.
Italy’s cities come alive with seasonal festivals, wine harvests, and culinary delights, making it the perfect time to explore without the hassle of peak-season tourists.
Here’s a guide to the best Italian cities to visit in the fall, highlighting what makes each destination special during this season.
Read Here Things to know before visiting Italy and how to buy a sim card in Italy
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Best Italian Cities to Visit in the Fall Season
1. Florence: The Renaissance City
Why Visit in Fall: Florence’s narrow streets and world-class museums are best enjoyed when the summer tourists have left. The crisp air is perfect for strolling the historic center, and the city hosts several cultural events during this season.
Fall Highlights:
Fiera di San Luca (October): A historic fair that has taken place for centuries, featuring crafts, food, and cultural events.
Wine and Olive Harvest: Head to the nearby Tuscan countryside to experience grape and olive harvest season, or take a vineyard tour in Chianti.
Art & Museums: Explore the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, and the Boboli Gardens with fewer crowds.
Must-See Spots: Climb the Duomo for a panoramic view of the city, visit Piazza della Signoria, and enjoy a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Food Tip: Try seasonal Tuscan specialties like ribollita (a hearty vegetable and bread soup) and cantucci (almond biscuits) paired with Vin Santo.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
2. Rome: The Eternal City
Why Visit in Fall: Rome’s autumn brings pleasant temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it easier to explore the city’s ancient ruins, beautiful piazzas, and historic churches without the intense summer heat.
Fall Highlights:
Rome Film Festival (October): An international film festival held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, showcasing a mix of mainstream and indie films.
Cultural Events: Many of Rome’s museums and galleries host special exhibits and evening openings.
St. Peter’s Basilica: Cooler temperatures make it a perfect time to climb the dome and enjoy the sweeping view of the city.
Must-See Spots: Wander through the Roman Forum, visit the Colosseum, and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
Food Tip: Indulge in seasonal dishes like porcini mushrooms, artichokes (available later in the season), and truffle-infused pasta.
3. Verona: The City of Love
Why Visit in Fall: Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is a beautiful autumn destination with its medieval architecture, romantic ambiance, and vibrant fall colors along the Adige River.
Fall Highlights:
Vinitaly and the City (September/October): A wine event that showcases the best regional wines, held in Verona’s historic squares.
Arena di Verona: Attend an opera or concert in this stunning ancient Roman amphitheater.
Less Crowds at Juliet’s House: Visit the iconic balcony and Juliet’s House with fewer tourists around.
Must-See Spots: Walk across the Ponte Pietra, visit Castelvecchio, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic center.
Food Tip: Try risotto all’Amarone (risotto made with Amarone wine) and bollito misto (a mixed boiled meat dish served with various sauces).
4. Bologna: The Food Capital of Italy
Why Visit in Fall: Known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One) for its rich cuisine, Bologna is a haven for food lovers, and fall is the perfect time to indulge in seasonal dishes like pumpkin tortellini and truffle dishes.
Fall Highlights:
Mortadella Festival (October): Celebrate Bologna’s most famous delicacy, with tastings, cooking classes, and food stalls in the heart of the city.
Truffle Season: Take a day trip to nearby Emilia-Romagna towns like Savigno for truffle hunting or truffle-themed meals.
University Life: Bologna’s historic university fills the city with a youthful vibe and lively student events in the fall.
Must-See Spots: Climb the Asinelli Tower, explore the Piazza Maggiore, and visit the Archiginnasio, the former university library.
Food Tip: Don’t miss tagliatelle al ragù (the original Bolognese pasta), tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth), and a sampling of local cheeses and cured meats.
5. Milan: The Fashion and Design Capital
Why Visit in Fall: Milan’s bustling streets and stylish atmosphere take on a cozier vibe in autumn. With its high-end shopping, art galleries, and trendy cafés, Milan is perfect for a sophisticated city break.
Fall Highlights:
Milan Fashion Week (September): One of the biggest fashion events in the world, showcasing the latest collections from top designers.
Fiera Internazionale Tartufo Bianco d’Alba: An easy day trip from Milan, this truffle fair in Alba (September-November) is a must for truffle enthusiasts.
Art Exhibits: Milan’s top museums, including the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, often host special fall exhibitions.
Must-See Spots: Visit the Duomo di Milano, see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and stroll through the upscale Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Food Tip: Try risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto), ossobuco (braised veal shanks), and enjoy a Campari spritz at the historic Camparino bar.
6. Turin: The Elegant Piedmont City
Why Visit in Fall: Turin is a sophisticated city known for its elegant architecture, rich history, and vibrant café culture. In the fall, it hosts some of Italy’s best food and wine events.
Fall Highlights:
Turin Chocolate Festival (Cioccolatò): Held in November, this festival is heaven for chocolate lovers, with tastings, workshops, and chocolate sculptures.
White Truffle Fair in Alba (October-November): Just a short drive from Turin, this world-renowned fair features fresh truffles, gourmet food stalls, and wine tastings.
Vineyard Views: Visit the nearby Langhe and Barolo wine regions for harvest tours and wine tastings.
Must-See Spots: Explore the Mole Antonelliana (home to the National Cinema Museum), visit the Egyptian Museum, and stroll through Piazza Castello.
Food Tip: Indulge in bagna càuda (a warm garlic and anchovy dip), agnolotti del plin (small stuffed pasta), and sample gianduja chocolate.
7. Perugia: The Chocolate Lover’s Paradise
Why Visit in Fall: Perugia, the capital of Umbria, is known for its medieval charm, hilltop views, and the world-famous Eurochocolate Festival.
Fall Highlights:
Eurochocolate Festival (October): A dream for chocolate enthusiasts, this festival features everything from chocolate tastings and sculptures to cooking demonstrations and workshops.
Truffle and Wine Season: Explore the nearby towns of Norcia and Montefalco for truffle hunting and Sagrantino wine tastings.
Foliage in Umbria: The surrounding hills and valleys are bathed in beautiful autumn colors, perfect for hiking or scenic drives.
Must-See Spots: Visit the Fontana Maggiore, explore the Rocca Paolina, and wander the historic streets lined with artisan shops.
Food Tip: Don’t miss torta al testo (a traditional flatbread sandwich) and umbricelli al tartufo (pasta with black truffles).
Final Thoughts: Which Italian City is Right for You?
For Art and Culture: Choose Florence or Turin.
For Food Lovers: Head to Bologna, Perugia, or Turin.
For a Romantic Getaway: Opt for Verona or Rome.
For a Sophisticated City Break: Try Milan or Bologna.
With fewer crowds, cooler weather, and an array of festivals and seasonal dishes, these Italian cities are at their best in the fall. So, pack your bags and enjoy the charms of autumn in Italy!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.