Most Beautiful Autumn Destinations Around the World

There’s something about the cool crisp air and beautiful colours of autumn that make it one of my favourite seasons. Autumn in Canada means pumpkin patches, apple orchards, orange maple leaves and the celebration of Thanksgiving. Around home, school and hockey are starting and life gets back to normal after the kids’ summer break. It’s a busy time which means we have never been able to travel and enjoy beautiful autumn destinations around the world. I’d love to experience autumn in Europe … imagine the colours of autumn in Paris and London!

I’d love to return to some of our favourite travel spots during autumn. I bet they’d be some of the most beautiful autumn destinations! Returning to Basel and exploring the incredible mountains of Switzerland in its autumn glory would be amazing. I can also just imagine the beauty of autumn in the majestic Danube city of Budapest, the small jewel box village of Cesky Krumlov and the Atlantic shores Portugal’s Algarve. One day! But until then, we decided to find out where other travel bloggers recommend to travel in autumn. Some of these incredible and beautiful autumn destinations will definitely surprise you!

Beautiful Autumn Destinations in North America

Being our home sweet home, North America is filled with amazing and beautiful autumn destinations. But as mentioned above, it’s autumn in Canada right now so I’m totally tied up with the start of virtual school, competitive cheerleading and hockey.

I’m going to add my favourite autumn destinations in Canada bit by bit and they’ll include autumn in Ontario, where we live, autumn in Newfoundland, where we grew up, and autumn in Quebec, where we’re presently searching for a cottage since we won’t be able to travel for awhile. And who knows, if I can talk my nieces into doing a blurb for me, I might even include autumn in British Columbia!

Autumn in Canada: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Recommended by Lora of Explore with Lora

Canada is one of the most beautiful autumn destinations in the world, especially on the East Coast. One of the best places to see the amazing colours of autumn in Canada is Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.

Cape Breton has spectacular scenery all year-round, but it comes even more breathtaking during the autumn season as the leaves of the old-growth trees turn into an incredible show of colour, ranging from fiery red to golden-yellow.

One of the best ways to soak in the autumn colours of Cape Breton is by driving the world-famous Cabot Trail, a 300km highway that winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Although you could technically do this drive in one day, it’s recommended to plan at least 3-5 days for your Cabot Trail itinerary as there is so much to see and do.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a paradise for hikers, with over 26 hiking trails in the park that are perfect for seeing the fall colours. One of the best hikes in the park is the Skyline trail, where you can see an amazing view of the Cabot Trail. For a birds-eye view of the fall colours, you can join a helicopter tour with Celtic Air which will take you over the park.

The best time to see the autumn colours in Cape Breton is the first two weeks of October. This is a great time to visit as it also coincides with the Celtic Colors International Festival, which is a unique celebration of Cape Breton Island’s living traditional culture. 

Autumn in Canada: Nunavut

Recommended by Mikaela of Voyageur Tripper

Autumn in Nunavut is vastly different from other beautiful autumn destinations around the world. Nunavut is the largest territory in Canada, and yet remains one of the least visited destinations. It is especially unvisited in the fall, despite this being a time to see the vast colours of the tundra, watch a show of the northern lights and catch a final glimpse of arctic wildlife before winter sets in.

Due to its northern latitude, autumn begins earlier in Nunavut. The temperatures start dropping in August and, after the summer solstice, the territory loses more than five minutes of daylight each day. By the time September has rolled around, the moss, lichen and flowers of the tundra have changed to orange and red. Although you’ll need a warm jacket, this is a great time for hiking.

If you have a generous budget, there are a few wildlife safaris in the high arctic. I had the pleasure of working at one in the late summer and early fall – and let me tell you, it’s absolutely stunning. We kayaked among final icebergs freshly carved from glaciers and my guests saw polar bears hunting on the rocky shorelines. We were treated to spectacular sunsets and northern lights.

If you have a more modest budget, Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut, is much more affordable. There are two great hiking destinations – Sylvia Grinnell and Apex Trail – within the city (at 8,000 people, Iqaluit is really more of a town). There are also two tour operators who can take you on guided trips outside the city.

Regardless of how you choose to travel to Nunavut, the fall is a spectacular time to be in the high arctic. Just remember warm clothing and you’re in for the trip of a lifetime.

Autumn in New England, United States

Recommended by Jenn and Darin at By Land and Sea

New England is renowned for its fabulous fall foliage. Autumn in New England is one of the best autumn experiences in the United States. There are no shortages of beautiful places in the region to go leaf-peeping.  One of the great things about this area is that each of the New England states are small.  This means you can cover most of the key places in a few days before moving on somewhere new. 

While all spots are beautiful, we found the mid-October landscapes to be most beautiful in New Hampshire.  

To plan an autumn in New England road trip, ensure you travel along the scenic Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains.  This route takes you through some of the most breathtaking spots.  Along the way you will encounter endless hills covered in vibrant foliage, quaint bridges and rushing waterfalls.  Our favorite waterfall is Flume Gorge located within Franconia Notch State Park.  Here, you will work your way deep into the forest along granite formations until you reach the waterfall.  It is an incredible place to visit and truly a beautiful autumn destination.

These mountains also offer plenty of things to do for active travelers.  Hiking is a prime activity in the area.  If that’s not quite your thing, take the historic Cog Railway to the summit of Mt. Washington for views from the highest peak in the Northeast.

Wherever you go, be prepared to drive cautiously, and look for safe pullouts alongside the road.  Towns in the area are full of the quintessential New England charm one would expect on a trip like this.  Dotted with farmers markets and quaint shops, New Hampshire is one of the most beautiful autumn destinations we can recommend.

Beautiful Autumn Destinations in Europe

Autumn in France: Provence

Recommended by Nadine from Le Long Weekend

As one of the most popular destinations in France, Provence does a fine job of promoting itself as a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. But while most visitors choose the fresh days of spring or the searing hot summer to visit, there are plenty of valid reasons to visit Provence in autumn.

Come September, the landscape begins to change into a brilliant tapestry of golden hues which makes it an absolutely beautiful autumn destination. The vines – straining from the weight of their ripe fruit – change first, with their leaves turning orange under the sun. Next come the iconic plane trees that line the long avenues. Their foliage turns bright yellow before gradually falling later in the season. The stone houses sport crimson ivy, and coral-coloured pumpkins start to pepper the fields.

Autumn is the time for harvesting the local crops, and several festivals celebrate the occasion. You’ll find vine harvest parties, chestnut festivals, and pumpkin fêtes throughout the region in the fall. It’s also the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the trails that are too hot to tackle in the summer months. Head to the calanques for breathtaking sea views, or the Alpilles for typical Provençal landscapes, complete with olives trees and terraced gardens. Of course, all the usual attractions are open throughout the season too, only they’re a lot more quiet once summer holidaymakers have gone back to school and work. Take advantage of this time to experience life like a local, and enjoy the markets, châteaux and seaside without the crowds.

Autumn in Germany: Freiburg im Breisgau

Recommended by Cassie at Cassie the Hag

While there are many options for enjoying autumn in Europe, Freiburg im Breisgau is a wonderful choice for a city break in autumn. Not only is Freiburg im Breisgau situated to explore the nearby Black Forest, the gorgeous medieval architecture of the city itself is beautiful when the hills and forests surrounding it form their autumn glow. Just a short walk away is the Schlossberg hill which has stunning panoramic views over nature and the city itself. Stop in the market for traditional German food, such as bratwurst or flammkuchen (there is even a vegan hot dog truck) or even better, warm up with a glass of mulled wine. If visiting in October, you could also visit the Autumn Fair, Halloween events – or, of course, Oktoberfest!

Since Freiburg im Breisgau is in the warmest region of Germany, there are many vineyards close to the city, and a walk through the vineyards is a great way to get some exercise before enjoying a glass of local red. The Dreisam River is another option for a relaxing walk beneath the autumnal trees overhanging the path. 

Hiking in the Black Forest will be the best way to see the autumn colours, and there are many routes near Freiburg im Breisgau. The closest, and thus easiest if you only have a weekend in Freiburg, is Schausinland. You can drive most of the way to the 1284 metre peak or take the cable car. From here, there is a viewing platform up 85 steps which has views over the surrounding mountains from every angle. 

Autumn in the Caucasus: Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan

Recommended by Kristin of Adventures with Ensuite

Autumn is the perfect time to visit the three countries in the Caucasus – Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. At this time of year, the summer crowds have abated, the temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing and the wine harvest is in full swing.

Georgia has many monasteries, atmospheric towns and activities such as hiking or wine tasting to offer, which should be included in any Georgia itinerary. Seeing the Caucasus mountains is also a must and the best views can be found whilst visiting ancient villages in Svaneti or in Kazbegi, where 5,000-metre-high mountains rise from the village below.

Not many people know that Georgia and Armenia were the first countries in the world to produce wine. In September and October the wine harvesting is in full swing and many vineyards allow you to help with both picking and stomping the grapes.

Armenia is the least visited of the three Caucasus countries but autumn is the ideal season for a road trip covering its many remote monasteries. The monasteries are often located on cliff edges with fabulous views.

Yerevan, the capital, is brimming with cafes which spill out onto the sidewalks. One of the most atmospheric places for a glass of wine and a meal is the Cascade complex.

Azerbaijan’s capital Baku is sizzling in the summer months making autumn the best season to explore the city’s futuristic architecture. The country’s silk road history can clearly be felt in Baku’s old town, but the best place to see the rich heritage is in the small village of Sheki, close to the Georgian border.

These three countries are more different than you might expect given their proximity to each other and the fact that they were all part of the USSR for 70 years. So try to include more than one country on any visit to the region. It really is a beautiful autumn destination and the perfect place to enjoy autumn in Europe.

Autumn in London, England

Recommended by Dymphe at Dymabroad

London is a beautiful city to visit in autumn. There are many places where you can see the beautiful fall colours and therefore, you should go there!

One of the most beautiful places to visit during autumn in London is Richmond Park. Richmond Park is a large royal park. In autumn, the leaves turn orange and come down. It is very magical to see. A great thing to do in autumn in London is to go to Richmond Park for a morning jog.

Another beautiful spot to enjoy autumn in London is Kew Gardens. At the Kew Gardens you can see an arboretum where there are more than 14,000 trees. The trees change every season and especially in autumn, they look gorgeous. The oaks and redwoods are amazing.

By far the most beautiful place in London in autumn is Kynance Mews. Kynance Mews is a mews street with many pretty houses. But, the entrance is especially beautiful in fall when it’s covered by bright red leaves. It is also one of the most popular colourful places in London to take photos!

One of the best events to enjoy during autumn in London is Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes Night). This is an event with lots of fireworks that takes place every 5th of November. It has been occurring since 1605. In 1605, the House of Parliament and King James I were almost blown up by Guy Fawkes. The fireworks are very beautiful and it’s great to see them! Also fun to know, it is a tradition that the House of Parliament’s cellars are searched on the 5th of November.

Autumn in the Cotswolds, England

Recommended by Roshni at The Wanderlust Within

One of the best places to visit during autumn in England is the Cotswolds. Only 90 minutes from London, it is one of the most popular places to spend an autumn’s day or a cosy autumn weekend in a unique Cotswolds Airbnb. There are plenty of quirky options like shepherds’ huts, but there are also many traditional stone cottages with log fires, ceiling beams and thatched roofs!

Autumn is a great time to visit the Cotswolds as it is much quieter than summer, but the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy all the great things to do. One of the most popular autumn activities in the Cotswolds is visiting all the beautiful villages and towns that make up this AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). They are filled with local pubs, beautiful homes made from Cotswolds stone and plenty of places to grab a traditional afternoon tea. Some of the most popular Cotswolds villages are Castle Combe (dubbed the prettiest in England), Bibury (which features on the British passport) and Bourton-on-the-water which is often called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. As well as these popular spots there are plenty of hidden gems in the Cotswolds including the quaint villages of Minster Lovell and Kingham. 

If you want to explore more of the countryside, then hiking the Cotswolds Way National Trail is great during autumn with all the colour changes. It is also a fairly quiet time to hike the trail so you can be sure to enjoy the tranquility of some of England’s best countryside in one of the most beautiful autumn destinations in the world.

Autumn in Norway

Recommended by Megan Starr

One of the most beautiful autumn destinations in the world to visit is Norway.  The greatest thing about the Scandinavian country is that the landscapes differ throughout the territory and if you’re up north, autumn is a great time to see the northern lights and the season’s first snowfall while the south is glistening in various hues of red, orange, and yellow.  Visiting Norway in autumn is something that every traveler can enjoy, whether you go to Bergen or the North Cape.

Another perk of visiting Norway in autumn is that it is a true shoulder season for the country and is one of the cheapest times to visit.  I recommend hiking if you’re in the south. Hardangervidda has some fantastic hikes that you can do in early autumn and you’ll get to see wondrous landscapes changing their colours.  You’re also not far from Vøringsfossen, Norway’s most famous waterfall.

If you’re visiting the north of Norway during winter, it is actually the best time to see the northern lights but almost everyone goes in winter!  Definitely take the time to visit Tromsø, the North Cape, or Lofoten before the dark winter days set in.  Norway is a great place for an autumn visit and you won’t regret booking a trip there!

Autumn in Paris, France

Recommended by Elisa from World in Paris

Paris is a great destination if planning to enjoy autumn in Europe. It is still high season in Paris but the tourist crowds are gone, the Parisians are back to work and school so there’s definitely a much more local atmosphere. It’s a great time to explore the best of Paris and if you are lucky, you can have excellent weather until mid-November (the famous Indian summer in Paris!) so you can enjoy beautiful strolls and drinks in outdoor terraces until late in the afternoon.

And of course, Paris is also a beautiful place to see fall foliage, especially in the parks of Paris. If you have 3 days in Paris or more, try to enjoy autumn in Paris by visiting the most eccentric parks, which are also the biggest. The Tuileries Garden or the Luxembourg Gardens are beautiful in the fall but Parc Buttes-Chaumont, Bois de Boulogne, or Bois de Vincennes, are hidden gems in Paris as they are even more gorgeous and without tourists.

After the summer break, food and wine festivals are back to Paris in the fall. With the end of the grape harvest, September and October see many wine festivals and fairs, and French cheese and cold cuts are never far from wine! The most famous wine festival in Paris is the one in Montmartre, which takes place in October but there are many more.

If you have the budget, try to book a hotel with Eiffel Tower view, which looks especially gorgeous with the fall colours of the trees in the foreground. The best locations are Paris 7 and Paris 8 but there are also good hotels with Eiffel Tower views in Paris 15 and Paris 16.

Autumn in the Austrian Tyrol

Recommended by Linda from Travel Tyrol

Autumn in the Austrian Tyrol is a colourful celebration of centuries-old traditions centered around the harvest festival.

One of the best autumn traditions in Tyrol is called the Almabtrieb or coming home of the cows from the mountain pastures after summer. The animals are “dressed up” in beautiful headdresses of flowers and huge copper bells hanging from colourful neckbands.

The reason for an Almabtrieb is rooted in a Catholic practice to give thanks for the safe keeping of the animals in the mountains. They spend the summers there to graze out in the open, exposed to the elements and predators, before returning to their stables for winter.

Many of the Almabtriebs coincide with the annual harvest festival in small Alpine villages. While the cow herders start out early to bring the animals down to the valley, the rest of the villagers prepare a feast to welcome them. There is a lot of traditional cooking, dancing, and singing.

While some Almabtriebs are small and local, others have become big festivals showcasing the villagers’ skills, crafts, and products to visitors. Popular ones to be recommended are those in Reith im Alpbachtal, Mayrhofen, Kufstein, and Kirchberg in Tirol.

When all the festivities are over, a hike in the mountains of Tyrol is a perfect way to spend an autumn day. The foliage-rich gorges or Klamms are particularly beautiful at this time of year. The Tiefenbachklamm near Kramsach, the Geisterklamm near Seefeld in Tirol, and the Wolfsklamm in Stans are excellent choices.

Autumn in Finland

Recommended by Jeanine of Le Wild Explorer

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and the most densely populated city of the country. It’s a modern city surrounded by the sea and has a beautiful archipelago consisting of over 330 islands. Autumn in Helsinki is beautiful as there are many things to do for both nature lovers and city dwellers. This makes it a wonderful stop while exploring Europe in autumn.

There’s a short summer in Helsinki and the weather does get chilly quite fast as it transitions into autumn. The leaves start to fall and the city is full of vibrant colours. There are trees just about anywhere in the city so you’ll see the colours change all throughout. Check out the flora and fauna around the Helsinki Winter Garden, Sibelius Park, and the other parks in the city. 

If you’re feeling adventurous try mushroom picking. You won’t have to go far, some of the city’s best mushroom spots include Central Park and Mustavuori. If you are not familiar with the mushroom types do not eat them. You can also opt to go on a tour, perhaps with a private guide. Another Finnish favorite is to enjoy some of the best saunas in Helsinki. As the weather starts to get colder the saunas are the perfect way to stay warm. Saunas have many health benefits and they are used often by the locals.

And don’t forget to visit Suomenlinna, the sea fortress island which is also a popular destination for leaf-peeping. There are many colours to see and it’s only a short ferry ride from Helsinki’s city center. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been around since the mid 18-century and is full of history. The autumn season is a great time to enjoy the natural beauty of Helsinki.

Other Beautiful Autumn Destinations Around the World

Autumn at the Adelaide Hills – South Australia

Recommended by Natalie and Steve from Curious Campers

When you think of beautiful autumn destinations, Australia tends not to be the first place that comes to mind. Beaches and kangaroos yes, splashes of colourful foliage no. However, there is some spectacular fall – or autumn – colour in Australia and the Adelaide Hills in South Australia is a great place to see it.

Only 20 minutes from the capital city Adelaide, the hills’ cooler, wetter climate is perfect for deciduous trees. Visiting the hills is a great day trip from Adelaide. Walks, gourmet food, wildlife, and wine are just a few reasons to explore the region. But, there’s nothing better than doing all this amidst a sea of autumn colour.

The best place to start is the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. The gullies, lake and picnic grounds sit beneath a patchwork of red and yellow leaves. Nearby, the Mount Lofty Summit has views across Adelaide and is a great spot for watching sunset. Next door, Cleland Wildlife Park is the perfect spot to cuddle a koala or feed a kangaroo.

The villages of Stirling and Hahndorf are just down the road. Their tree-lined main streets are spectacular. Stirling hums with cafes and coffee shops. You have to try some fresh roasted chestnuts! Hahndorf’s main street celebrates the town’s German heritage. From the food and architecture to galleries and pubs, it is a great spot to spend a day.

Adelaide Hill’s wines are always delicious but the cellar doors are never more spectacular than in autumn. Famous for its chardonnay and Sauvignon Blancs, sampling some great wine amongst the golden leafed vines is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Many of the vineyards are nestled in valleys or perched on hillsides so the views are the stuff of lifelong holiday memories.

Autumn at Mount Takao – Tokyo, Japan

Recommended by Jackie and Justin at Life Of Doing

Visiting Mount Takao, also referred to as Takao-san in Japanese, is a special place to visit during autumn in Tokyo. With the cooler weather and gorgeous red and yellow leaves on the mountainside, it’s a fantastic way to spend time with nature, go hiking and enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful autumn destinations.

Mount Takao has 8 hiking trails that range from easy to advance levels. Omotesando Trail is the beginner-friendly trail and is paved. This trail passes through temples and shrines, so it tends to get crowded. The more advanced trails are dirt paths with tree-roots sticking out from the ground so there are fewer hikers. Visitors will need a minimum of 1-2 hours one-way depending on the trail. 

If visitors do not want to hike, they can take a ski lift or a cable car to reach the summit or use either of these options to descend the mountain. 

Once visitors reach the summit 599 meters (1965 feet), they’re rewarded with a beautiful view of the mountainous landscape. In the main walking area, there are plenty of photogenic spots to take photos of the fall foliage, such as red maple trees. It makes for a beautiful autumn destination.

Before heading back down the mountain, visitors line up at one of the restaurants to eat a bowl of delicious soba (noodles made out of buckwheat). Or, they try grilled mochi (a glutinous rice cake) on a stick. 

Mount Takao is easy to get to as a day trip from central Tokyo since it’ll take only an hour by train. It’s recommended to visit Mount Takao on a weekday with fewer crowds on the trail and a shorter line for the cable car. 

Autumn in Rajasthan, India

Recommended by Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Rajasthan in India is a great destination in autumn. It’s when the monsoon is over and temperatures become pleasant that India celebrates its biggest festivals. Dussehra and Diwali make autumn one of the most joyous times to visit Rajasthan in India.

Dussehra and Diwali are some of the biggest festivals in India and the festive atmosphere starts days in advance. Cities are decorated with lights and people are out and about in a festive atmosphere.

Autumn is also when Rajasthan hosts the famous camel fair in Pushkar. The Pushkar camel fair is more than just trading camels. It’s a cultural event with traditional folk arts and music. It attracts hundreds of pilgrims and tourists every year.

The autumn festivals form a great backdrop to the beautiful forts and palaces in Rajasthan. Rajasthan means land of the kings. Nowadays Rajasthan is a state in northwest India, but for years it was dominated by several Rajput kingdoms.

These kingdoms left behind a rich cultural heritage with historical hill forts and extravagant palaces. The former Rajput capitals like Jaipur and Udaipur offer a great number of things to do. Most palaces have turned into museums that are open to the public.

But Rajasthan is not only about royal architecture. Rajasthan also has great landscapes with the Thar desert and the Aravalli hills. You can even go on a safari to spot tigers in Ranthambore National Park. At last, the food is absolutely delicious and another highlight of traveling in Rajasthan.

Final thoughts on some of the most beautiful autumn destinations in the world

So tell me, were you surprised by a few of these amazing and beautiful autumn destinations around the world? What other places should we add to our list?

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