The world’s about to turn from green to gold, amber and russet. The nights are getting longer. Autumn is here, which means it’s a magical time to visit some of the world’s best cities.
So in alphabetical order, here are some fall favourites to leaf through.
1. Berlin, Germany
Berlin has two major light festivals in Autumn – Berlin Lichterfest (September) and the Festival of Lights (October).
But as well as that, the city has around 440,000 trees, so you’re going to see a lot of colourful changes in parks such as the Grunewald.
You can walk here along one of its two lakes or head into the forest and climb the Teufelsberg mountain for amazing views.
It’s Botanical Gardens are a good place to go and see foliage – its the second largest in the world.
If you fancy a quick trip, here’s what you can do there in just 48 hours.
2. Bruges, Belgium
The Historic Centre of Bruges is all medieval, cobbled streets and gothic architecture and the Grand Place looks lovely in the autumn light.
Head to Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) to get the perfect picture by the canal.
You don’t need the historic Belfort to chime on the hour to tell you it’s beer o’clock in Belgium
It’s also famous for its handmade chocolates and luxurious hot version – Chocolatier Spegelaere is family run and worth a visit.
Make the most of your trip by taking the Eurostar and seeing the French and Flemish countryside in all its red and gold glory.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Buda Castle © budapestinfo.hu
September and October are harvest time in Hungary. So the Budapest Wine Festival (September) and Chimney Cake Festival (October) are two of the best ways to try the local food and drink.
Margaret Island and the City Park are the best places to to see the autumn colours – you’ll get the best view in the city from Gellert Hill.
It’s still pretty warm at this time of year too – with temperatures staying into the late teens, early twenties into October.
Find out more about one of the prettiest cities in Europe.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
After the hectic summer festival season, in autumn Edinburgh starts to relax.
Edinburgh is a small city to walk around. You’ll get that autumnal feel on a stroll round the city through Princes Street Gardens and the rugged Holyrood Park.
There’s also a big firework display for Bonfire Night in November, and the International Storytelling Festival in October.
We’ve found 100 unusual things in Edinburgh for you to discover when you visit.
Top tip: the Meikleour Beech Hedges in Perthshire are around an hour and a half drive away. The highest hedges in the world, their autumnal colours have attracted visitors since they were planted in 1745.
5. Kyoto, Japan
One of the loveliest parts of Japan – Kyoto really comes into its own in autumn.
Maple Trees reach their peak redness in November, but there are loads of other trees shedding their green.
You can wander around Buddhist temples and their sprawling gardens, visit the Shinto shrines and see the traditional wooden houses framed by trees.
Discover more of the weird and wonderful sights you only see in Japan.
6. Los Angeles, USA
View of Downtown LA from Griffith Park in Autumn
You can still head to the beach, like the three miles of sand in Santa Monica, in Los Angeles during autumn – there’ll be more room now the peak summer season is over.
It’s also the perfect weather for walking, running, cycling and hiking in LA’s many parks – Griffith Park has great views as has Runyon Canyon.
Find out more about this super cool city with our guide to LA.
7. London, England
Go visit Kew Gardens to learn everything you need to know about nature in Britain.
There are 170,000 trees in London’s Royal Parks – Greenwich Park has the best free views of London while St James Park and Regent’s Park are great city centre options.
We know loads about London – so find all our features on the UK capital, including the best pubs to go to and museums, such as the British Museum and Natural History Museum on our things to do in London page.
Top tip: If you want to head out into the countryside and after some inspiration – The Forestry Commission have put together a top ten autumn spots to see the trees.
8. Lodz, Poland
Łagiewniki Park in Lodz is the biggest urban wood in Europe – so if you’re looking to take some snaps of trees changing colour – you can’t go wrong heading here.
They’ve also got a rather nice Botanical Garden to explore.
Poland in autumn is so good, they sum the season up using their own phrase – Złota Polska Jesień (Golden Polish Autumn).
Here’s how to get there.
9. Lugano, Switzerland
It’s still warm enough to spend time down at Lake Lugano in September and October. Which is handy, as you can hire a boat and see the splendid trees from the water.
To get a superb view, hike (or take the funicular) up Monte Brè. It’s supposed to be one of the sunniest spots in Switzerland.
They hold an annual autumn festival on the first weekend in October. This is the best time to party Swiss-style, try the local Ticinese specialties and hear traditional folk music.
10. Montreal, Canada
Not only is this the most temperate and visually beautiful time of year in Montreal, but there’s also lots going on.
Head to the top of Mount Royal – nicknamed the lungs of Montreal – for amazing views of the changing trees.
The Gardens of Light (Jardins de Luminere) in the Botanical Gardens runs from Sept-Oct. If you’re into music, time it right to attend Pop Montreal in September.
11. New York, USA
Two words – Central Park. Either head up high for a birds-eye view of the carpet of red and gold trees in the centre of the city, or wander through the park to see the leaves change colour.
You could also take a trip out of town to see fall across New England. It’s world famous for a reason: the neighbouring states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are beautiful at this time of year.
If you’ve never been – what are you waiting for? Read our first timer’s guide to New York..
12. Oslo, Norway
Weather-wise, Norway’s going to be a bit brisk in autumn. But the crisp air and exceptional afternoon light make the trip worthwhile.
They prepare for the harsh winter with several music festivals. There’s the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival in September, and the Oslo World Music Festival in November.
You can also try the Norwegian national dish – Fårikål” (pronounced “forrycall”). It’s mutton in cabbage, and comes into season in September.
This is also one of the best times to eat another local delicacy – crabs.
13. Paris, France
The City of Lights is brilliant to visit all year round, but it has quite a romantic appeal as the nights start to draw in.
Take a stroll down the tree-lined Jardin du Luxembourg or see the sights from the Parc des Buttes Chaumont.
Time your visit for Paris’s Nuit Blanche (White Night) arts festival in October, which runs from dusk til dawn and sees artists prepare contemporary works at famous city landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
If the weather is looking fine you can always go a day trip to Paris.
And if it’s a bit wet – not a problem as Paris is still incredible when it rains.
14. Prague – Czech Republic
Prague in autumn © Prague City Tourism
This is one of the prettiest of European cities anyway. But in autumn, the days get shorter and the trees make their annual colour change on Petrin Hill.
There’s lots of festivals on at this time of year – the annual grape harvest at Prague Castle is a great time to try the local wine ouy.
The Prague Light Festival (Oct) is a massive cultural event in the Czech Republic, featuring art and installations while the St Wenceslas Festivities (Sept) focus on music.
Find out more about Prague.
15. Stockholm, Sweden
There’s six parks to choose from if you’re looking to see the changing season and we recommend Brunnsviken Park.
It has a huge lake to take a shore walk and it also has some historic buildings to get your camera out for.
Stockholm Jazz Festival (Oct) one of the biggest events on the calendar.
If you have a sweet tooth – don’t miss Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbullens Dag – Oct) where you can eat the tasty Swedish pastry all day.
Where’s on your autumn trip list?
We’d love to hear about where you’re heading in the run up to winter.
Let us know which autumn cities you plan on visiting by leaving a comment below.
And if you need any further inspiration – check our latest city breaks deals and get going.
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