Must-See Places in Northern Italy This Fall

Lake Como

Truly, Lake Como is at its best in the fall!

From unforgettable sunsets to colorful lake como towns to early morning boat ride explorations, lake como will capture your heart!

Glitz and glamour meet in lake como, but this lake has so much more to offer.

Visit each scenic lake towns on lake como, plan a photo shoot in one of the iconic villas, book a private boat tour or simply immerse yourself in the bella vita vibe.

When we visited lake como in 2023 in mid-October, we were still wearing summer outfits because it was hot during the daytime.

In fact, the beaches and spiagga were still very active with people taking a dip in lake como.

Lake como is also frequented by cyclists, who cycle up the difficult climb to Ghisallo, where the cycle museum and bizarre cycle shrine are located.

Furthermore, the well-known Moto Guzi motorcycle manufacturer has its headquarters in Mandello del Lario.

Tip: Pick one of the lake como towns as your base and hop on a ferry to see the remaining world-famous towns.

Bergamo

Bergamo is an ancient Roman city that was built on a hill. The enchanting old town is therefore overlooking the newer town.

Your journey starts at the base, where you take the quaint funicular up to the old town. There you will be greeted with typical Lombardy-style architecture and endless winding car-free streets and passages.

Truly, we believe that Bergamo is an absolutely must-see if you are in Milano or in the Lombardy region. You will be transported back into time, and Bergamo is not all that crowded in autumn.

Seasonal food specialties, such as mushrooms and white truffles, can be tried in one of the traditional food places and boutique shops. The prices are reasonable and won't have to pinch pennies.

I recommend that you get to the city walls and take in the beautiful foliage panoramic view of the city and get to the Bergamo cathedral in the morning without waiting times.

Get Food Souvenirs if possible! We bought sous vide Bergamo salami, Formagella di Malga cheese, Gorgonzola cheese, Taleggio cheese and local Polenta. The lady and sir from the butchery and cheese shop in Bergamo are so helpful!

Tirano & Valtellina Valley

Tirano is an almost forgotten historical city bordering Switzerland. It is most notably known for being the starting and end point of the Swiss Rhaetian Railway.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, the Rhaetian Railway is an epic ride across the Swiss alps, known for it's high passes and countless tunnels, viaducts, passages, and bridges.

Tirano is this quite age-old city with its abandoned Renaissance palaces and medieval stone structures, surrounded by mountains and vineyards.

We were amazed that tourists seemed to be oblivious to the existence of Tirano and the beautiful valley of Valtellina.

Vinyards, apple orchards and small timeless villages hidden on hills, oftentimes simply perched against the mountains. Here you can experience the authentic side of Northern Italy.

Our personal recommendation: We truly enjoyed our stay in a former Monastery in Dubio and our most exciting food experience was at the Osteria del Benedet.

Verona

Verona has a charm that you will not encounter anywhere else in Northern Italy. We absolutely loved our days in Verona when we visited in October 2023.

The city is mainly known for 2 major sights, the roman arena and the Shakespeare's house of Juliette.

We didn't have to queue to the roman arena in October on a weekend, which was honestly fantastic!

The house of Juliette, which is said to have inspired Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliette, had a long queue in October because of a special seasonal event on that day.

My sister-in-law, visited on another day in autumn, and she didn't have to queue to Juliette's house. You will have more luck, and no waiting times, if you visit on a weekday.

We haphazardly visited Verona on the wine festival weekend, which was a pleasant surprise. You get to learn about Italian wines whiles enjoying the stunning city of Verona, there is no better combination for a wine enthusiast!

Did you know? Verona is the city of lovers and couples come to propose to each other in Verona.

Lake Garda

We visited numerous villages and towns along the Lake Garda last year in mid-October, and we were still wearing summer attire.

Lake Garda is very popular among Austrian and German tourists in the summer months, so it can get very busy there.

Fortunately, autumn is not only better in terms of the crowds, but you'll prefer this season if you don't like hot European summers.

I highly recommend visiting Peschiera del Garda, Sirmione, Limone sul Garda and Riva del Garda in October or November to avoid crowds.

If you want to go for a swim in Lake Garda, you'll be able to still do so in late September and October.

Our highlight was a road trip along the steep and narrow Strada della Forra road. The views from there were just next level in autumn.

Look out for hotels with lakeside views along Lake Garda, which are more affordably priced in the autumn months.

Tip: Compare if you should visit lake garda or lake como.

Milano

Milano is the capital of fashion, art and good taste. There is no other city that offers all this at the same time, except perhaps Paris, in France.

I contradict the notion that many feel that Milan is underwhelming and perhaps not worth a visit. Milan is great if you have the means to enjoy it!

Designer suits and dresses, villa parties and Michelin star food don't come cheap.

All these things are all the more enjoyable in fall because the city isn't as busy as in the summer months.

Historically, premium accommodations in Milan are better priced in November and you are more likely to come across a good bargain last minute.

Shop in the Italian designer boutiques for the latest seasonal fashion pieces, and visit the most notable landmarks, including the Santa Maria delle Grazie basilica to see Da Vinci's The Last Supper.

Don't skip on trying on some seasonal food specialties that the city has to offer.

Tip: Milan makes for a fantastic base. Plan a day trip from Milan to explore the region.

Trento

Trento is the city closest to Verona and the Garda lake, and it's well situated at the entrance to the dolomite mountain range area.

Cooler temperatures and stunning mountain views await you in Trento. The city is much calmer and not that well known yet.

Medieval Venetian and Austrian architecture meet in Trento and tell the tale of the Trident city of the alps.

Most visitors come to Trento to enjoy the colorful foliage views on a hike to the house mountain or another nearby hiking trail.

Experience gushing mountain streams in the dazzling Orrido di Ponte Alto gorge, which is one of the most incredible hikes in Trento.

Or head to the Cesare Battisti Mausoleum to take in the panoramic view of Trento.

Bonus View: Head to the Toblino castle and lake for unforgettable autumn views.

Heading to Trento? See what attractions and sights you can visit in Trento.

Venice

You might have heard that Venice, one of the most stunning cities in Italy and Europe, is very popular with tourists from around the world.

What if I told you that there is a way to see the Renaissance beauty of Venice without the overwhelming crowds?

If you want Venice to yourself with affordable hotel prices without having to book a room way in advance, head there in November.

The cooler temperatures keep the tourists at bay, and the city on the Adriatic Sea is still warmer compared to other places in Italy in those autumn months.

It is easy to get lost in the small, age-old alleyways and maze of streets of the island canal city.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Venice or take part in an art exhibition. The Venice Biennale takes place from the 10th May to 23rd November 2025.

Head to the Venetian islands, Murano and Burano, with a Vaporetto ferry and have the colorful villages to yourself.

In Murano, you can watch traditional glassblowers crafting intricate glass utensils and ornaments. Burano on the other hand, is highly regarded for its lace craftsmanship.

Tour the Venice food market and eat Venetian seasonal foods. Fall is typically the most gourmand-friendly period of the year and a food lover's dream.

Tip: Read my quick guide to Venice for inspiration.

Meran

Meran, also known as Merano, is often overshadowed by the capital of the South Tyrol region, Bolzano/Bozen. Yet, the city is charming and absolutely worth a trip if you are nearby!

The region is known for its Austrian flair (South Tyrol was part of Austria over 100 years ago) and the unique identity and identity of the natives is visible on a stroll through the historic old town.

Colorful foliage and cool temperatures await you in Meran and while you are at it, I recommend a day trip to one of the many crystal clear lakes near Meran.

One such lake is the Resia lake, with the picture-perfect medieval bell tower protruding out of the lake.

South Tyrol celebrates fall and the harvest season in one of the many traditional autumn festivals. Save the Meran Traubenfest (grape feast) held on the 19th and 20th October and the Speckfest held on the 28th and 29th September at the Kronplatz.

Besides, South Tyrol has a unique autumn food and drink tradition known as Törggelen. Taste the seasonal young wine and taste the unique regional food specialties.

Tip: Get the guest card from your hotel or the tourism office to get free or reduced access to sights and events in the region.