Fall is one of the most rewarding times of the year to travel. Between September and November, crowds thin out, prices drop, and landscapes transform with autumn colors. In 2025, shoulder-season travel is especially popular, with more travelers choosing authentic, mindful experiences over peak-season rush.
Whether you’re craving vibrant fall foliage, cozy city escapes, or cultural festivals, these destinations will make your autumn trip unforgettable.
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is simply magical in autumn. The city’s medieval architecture takes on a gothic charm under misty skies, and its parks glow with golden leaves. Stroll through Princes Street Gardens or hike Arthur’s Seat for sweeping city views framed by fall colors.
In late October, the Samhuinn Fire Festival brings Celtic traditions to life, celebrating the seasonal shift with fire displays and music. Add in whisky tastings, cozy pubs, and fewer tourists than summer, and Edinburgh becomes one of the best fall destinations for 2025.
2. Swiss Countryside, Switzerland
Switzerland tops many 2025 travel lists thanks to its autumn scenery. Rolling valleys, crisp mountain air, and glowing vineyards make it a dream destination. Regions like Lauterbrunnen Valley and Lake Geneva are stunning in October, when the landscape explodes with yellow and orange hues.
Fall is also harvest season, perfect for wine tours and alpine wellness retreats. For travelers seeking a mindful escape, Switzerland offers a peaceful rhythm far from summer’s crowds.
3. Kyoto & Osaka, Japan
Japan in autumn is as breathtaking as its famous cherry blossom season. From late October through November, maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold — a spectacle known as kōyō.
In Kyoto, temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Tōfuku-ji provide serene settings to witness the leaves. In Osaka, combine food festivals with colorful city parks like Osaka Castle Park. Visiting Japan in fall means enjoying cultural traditions, seasonal cuisine, and nature at its best.
4. Paris, France
Paris in autumn is a city of romance and reflection. Stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens or along the Seine, where golden leaves line the walkways. October also brings wine harvest festivals, while cooler weather makes sightseeing more pleasant.
With fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations compared to summer, Fall 2025 is the perfect time to enjoy the French capital at a slower pace.
5. Porto, Portugal
For travelers who want mild weather and fewer tourists, Porto is a top pick. Autumn is grape harvest season in the Douro Valley, making it ideal for wine lovers. The city itself offers charming riverfront walks, cozy cafés, and vibrant cultural life without the summer rush.
Porto combines history, cuisine, and scenery in a way that makes autumn travel especially rewarding.
6. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is a fairytale city in the Alsace region, and fall is one of the best times to visit before the Christmas market season begins. The half-timbered houses of Petite France reflect beautifully in the canals surrounded by autumn leaves.
Nearby vineyards host grape harvest festivals, making it a dream for wine lovers. Strasbourg also offers cozy cafés, Gothic architecture like Strasbourg Cathedral, and crisp weather perfect for riverside walks. A blend of French and German culture makes it one of Europe’s most unique fall destinations.
7. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul in autumn offers the best of both worlds: pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The city’s historic sites, from the Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar, can be explored without the summer crowds. Strolling along the Bosphorus during sunset, or sipping tea in a garden surrounded by colorful leaves, makes for a unique seasonal experience.
Istanbul is also a hub of autumn festivals and cultural events, blending East and West in unforgettable ways.
Tips for Planning Your Fall 2025 Trip
- Book early: Autumn is a growing trend for 2025 travel, so flights and hotels may fill quickly.
- Check local festivals: From harvest fairs in Europe to cultural celebrations in Asia, many destinations host seasonal events.
- Pack layers: Fall weather can shift quickly — from crisp mornings to sunny afternoons.
Fall 2025 is the perfect season to embrace mindful, authentic travel. From the cozy streets of Edinburgh to the vineyards of Switzerland, the canals of Strasbourg, and the fiery maples of Japan, autumn invites us to slow down, reflect, and connect with local culture.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our guides for a mindful city escape in Central Europe.
For additional fall travel ideas, see this list of best October destinations (external).
Where will your journey take you this autumn?
