If you’re considering booking an October escape but are still undecided on your destination, a travel expert has devised a list of three European cities she suggests visiting in the coming weeks.

Ahead of every month, Emma Ansley Knight takes to TikTok to provide her travel recommendations for that given period. And next month is no different, with her revealing that as she is feeling really autumnal, now is the time to share her “bucket list” of locations which are perfect to explore in October.

Ghent, Belgium

“This has been on my list for such a long time,” Emma confessed. “I’ve already done Bruges and Brussels, but Ghent often gets overlooked.” Despite this, she explained she believes Ghent looks “a lot more charming” particularly in autumn.

“The thought of waking up there on an October morning with crisp blue skies, a little chill in the air and throwing on a jumper and walking down the canals with golden leaves on the floor is the picture of heaven in my head,” Emma declared. Visitors can expect temperatures of 14-15C in October.

Piedmont, Italy

“This place is an absolute paradise for foodies, wine lovers and truffle lovers as well,” Emma said of Piedmont, a region which borders Switzerland to the north and France to the west. She continued: “It’s the white truffle capital of the world and there’s actually a lot of festivals that start in October (including the 2025 International Alba White Truffle Fair), so you can try pastas with different truffles or cheeses, and pair them with the local wine.”

Another benefit of heading to Piedmont, is that it sits at the foot of the Alps – something Emma says provides “breathtaking views of unbelievable mountainous backdrops and golden vineyards”. The region also boats an average October temperature of 18C, while Emma suggests flying to Turin.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Concluding Emma’s list is the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, which she explained is only an hour from Vienna, Austria and therefore a viable option should you wish to “tackle” both cities on one trip.

Emma added of the city that sits on the Danube: “Because so many people do visit Vienna, it [Bratislava] seems like a bit of a hidden gem. The old town looks so colourful, so charming and it’s also a really walkable city.”

She also pointed out that Bratislava is “a lot more affordable” than many of Europe’s other capital cities, making it a perfect choice for those wanting to keep the budget tight. With an average October temperature of 15C, however, expect a slightly cooler experience than Piedmont.

Writing in response one TikTok user enthused of Ghent: “I recently did Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp in one trip to Belgium and Ghent was definitely top of the list, it’s lovely!”

While a second person agreed with Emma’s third recommendation, penning: “Love Bratislava and the Christmas markets are ace.”