The 9 most beautiful autumn destinations around the world

Whether you call them Momiji or maple, when the leaves begin to turn, it’s time to head to these destinations. 

Temperatures drop. Increasingly shorter days. Autumn has got her work cut out to gain our affection. But each year, she stylishly rises to the occasion with a stupendous amount of bright beauty. 

We’re talking speckled leaves falling onto ripe orange pumpkins and golden ginkgos framing wooden temples. Dark beer quaffed over plates of freshly-picked mushrooms swimming in creamy sauce, and grey mists descending over cold medieval castles. 

So, pull out your bobbled beanies and clutch a coffee cup in chilled fingers. We’re going to the destinations where autumn does its magic best. 

1. Kyoto, Japan

Explore autumn colours at Eikando Temple. (Image: Getty Images / blanscape)

The delicate pinks of the sakura (cherry blossom) season might be what it’s best known for, but the earthy glows of Japanese trees in mid-to-late November are just as dramatic. And the ancient capital of Kyoto, with its centuries-old shrines and temples, is the best place to see the koyo (autumn foliage) in an outing to view them, known as Momijigari. 

Walk canal side along a tunnel of ginkgos on the Philosopher’s Path, watch the boat processions of the Arashiyama Momiji Festival, or catch the vivid reds at hillside temples like Eikando Temple. See the changing maples (known here as Momiji) in the valley of Tofuku-ji Temple, at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and from the Arashiyama bamboo grove, where the views stretch over the river and surrounding hills. Don’t forget to pack a koyo bento (autumn bento), filled with sweet potato Manju and creamy chestnut rice. 

Key seasonal experiences:

• Take part in Momijigari by visiting Kyoto’s temples and gardens at peak colour 

• Watch the Arashiyama Momiji Festival boat parade 

Good to know: Kyoto’s autumn season is wildly popular. Book accommodation well in advance. 

2. Stowe, Vermont, USA

Embrace your inner Gilmore girl in Stowe. (Image: Jeffrey Clayton)

Gilmore Girls, unite! East Coast USA is waiting, open-armed, to welcome you into its official fall aesthetic. From late September to mid-October, you have your lattes, pumpkin-spiced or not at all, and the real deal squashes must be picked out in the patches. Tipples at traditional cider mills will have you tripping on your oversized scarf, with the only way to soothe yourself being the apple cider doughnuts rolled in crunchy cinnamon sugar.

To really see the birches, maples and oaks explode, skip town. The drive on Smugglers’ Notch and the gondola ride up to the lookouts of Mount Mansfield are stunners. Take the gondola to the top for the best outlook.

Key seasonal experiences:

• Sip cider and eat cider doughnuts at classic Vermont mills 

• Drive Smugglers’ Notch Pass 

Good to know: Take the gondola to the Mount Mansfield summit for the most spectacular views of the season. 

3. Bled, Slovenia

Bled is a must-visit autumn destination. (Image: Getty Images / Alberto Loyo)

In early to mid-October, you can expect Bled’s surrounding snow-capped mountains to be rudely pushing for winter. But down by the lake? Autumn still rules the roost, judging by those reddening chestnut leaves. The best way to see it has to be a trip over the water in a traditional Pletna boat to the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary on Bled Island, watching the colours of the trees reflected in the ripples. 

Once you’ve made your way up to Bled Castle above the city, you’ll probably be freezing and starving. The chalkboard specials of Bled’s restaurants will be scrawled with dishes that use mushrooms and truffles. Just order fast – locals adore them. 

Key seasonal experiences:

• Take a traditional Pletna boat to Bled Island 

• Dine on truffle and mushroom dishes in lakefront restaurants 

Good to know: Seasonal specials sell out quickly on cold days. Arrive early for lunch or dinner. 

4. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Sip bold Pinotage in Stellenbosch. (Image: Getty Images / fokkebok)

Summer may get the glory in the Cape Winelands, but it’s autumn (March to May) when Stellenbosch shows its true colours. Vineyards shift from green to glowing golds and crimsons, framed by the rugged Helderberg and Simonsberg mountains. The grape harvest is in full swing (you can tell by grape-stomping going on during harvest festivals thrown by the wineries), and the oak-lined avenues are pure gold. 

20-degree days make it excellent timing to cycle through the vines, sip bold Pinotage, and hike nearby Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (just book your entry permit in advance). Afterwards, it’s all about rich slow-cooked lamb stews, desserts made from ripe figs and long nights sharing cabernet sauvignon. And when you’ve had your fill? The cooler weather of the bush beckons. Big Five safaris are just a few hours’ drive away. 

Key seasonal experiences:

• Take a wine-tasting tour at harvest time 

• Hike the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve 

Good to know: Autumn is at the tail end of safari low season, making it an excellent time to get in there. 

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh has a distinctly mystical vibe in autumn. (Image: Getty Images / georgeclerk)

Few British cities do spooky like the Scottish capital. This is especially true when Halloween, known here as Samhain, hits. Edinburgh has a distinctly mystical vibe in autumn, from the gently falling foliage up on Arthur’s Seat to the towering castle that overlooks Old Town.  

Peer down the shadowy, narrow closes off the Royal Mile. Join a ghost tour to hear eerie stories about Edinburgh’s past and its tragic history of witch hunts. Haunting tales not your bag? A draft of whisky by the fire can be a cheerier alternative. 

Key seasonal experiences

• See the Samhuinn Fire Festival, which takes place every year on Halloween 

• Attend the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in late October 

Good to know: Tickets to ring in the Celtic New Year at the Fire Festival sell out fast. Purchase tickets online ASAP. 

6. Québec City, Canada

Soak in Québec’s French atmosphere. (Image: Getty Images / Wirestock)

Breathe out clouds of freezing air as you walk the cobblestones towards the wafting scents of hot food. No, you’re not in Europe. You’re in Québec, Canada, meaning you’ve got the best of both worlds. 

Late September to late October is when you’ll see the best foliage, but also apple and pumpkin picking on the farms of Île d’Orléans, served up in ‘stick-to-your-ribs’ meals at French-style bistros. There are days out to see the maples and aspens cluster around Montmorency Falls and the St Lawrence River, and nights at the Québec City Film Festival. By the end of it all, you might have trouble remembering what side of the Atlantic you’re on. 

Key seasonal experiences:

• Pick apples and pumpkins on Île d’Orléans 

• Attend the Québec City Film Festival 

Good to know: The Québec City Film Festival attracts over 25,000 visitors each year, so accommodation options might be a bit tight. 

7. Arrowtown, New Zealand

An old gold mining hut in Arrowtown. (Image: Getty Images / Jack Burden)

Queenstown gets the glory when everything is blasted white during the snow season. But before the snow bums arrive, it’s nearby Arrowtown that wins first prize at the seasonal beauty competition. 

The gold rush town is a natural, flaming beauty in April, when poplars, oaks and willows flare up along the river. Hiking boot-wearing devotees tramp out to them with their cameras at the ready – but not for too long. Back at civilisation, the parades and performances of Arrowtown Autumn Festival await. 

Key seasonal experiences:

• Join the Pie, Pint and Pinot event at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival 

• Walk or cycle the Queenstown Trail’s Arrow River Bridges route 

• Explore gold rush heritage at the Chinese Settlement 

Good to know: The Arrowtown Autumn Festival is a community event with a full schedule of food, markets, arts and performance. Check the dates early and come hungry. 

8. Seoul, South Korea

Explore the alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. (Image: Getty Images / Sayan Uranan)

Seoul is a decidedly futuristic city. But outside of its high-speed vibes, Mother Nature wields her paintbrush between mid‑October and early November. Russet maples and burnished ginkgo trees transform the courtyards of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. Out among the peaks of Seoraksan National Park, you can chase your fall fix alongside hikers. 

And while it’s hard to match the energy of this raw beauty, the locals definitely come close. The Itaewon Global Village Festival brings parades, food stalls and K‑pop beats, and the Seoul Lantern Festival lights up Cheonggyecheon Stream from November into December, the air filled with the scents of winter street snacks like Hotteok and roasted chestnuts. 

Key seasonal experiences:

• Plan hikes to Seoraksan National Park 

• Celebrate at the Itaewon Global Village Festival and stroll the lantern-lit Cheonggyecheon at night 

Good to know: The foliage peaks from mid‑October to early November, but the lantern festival extends the seasonal glow into December. 

9. Füssen, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle overlooks the small town of Füssen. (Image: Getty Images / emicristea)

At this time of year, Bavaria is known for one thing: Oktoberfest. But while internationals bring a whole lot of pilsner-stained dirndl and lederhosen outfits and questionable decisions to the streets of Munich, the rest of the region offers a way more aesthetic experience.  

Stop for a beer at the medieval town of Füssen, whose cobblestoned streets are perfect for wandering at this time of year. Drive the mountain roads, stop by The Alpsee, and make a non-negotiable stop at Neuschwanstein. The so-called ‘Disney castle’ is an ode to romanticism, and wildly beautiful at the best of times. But when the leaves of the beeches and oaks are tumbling just right, that beauty hits otherworldly levels. 

Key seasonal experiences:

• Drive the scenic alpine roads and catch fiery reflections off Alpsee 

• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle 

Good to know: Autumn foliage peaks in mid‑to‑late October