Top 25 Best Places to Visit in October

Autumn truly is a magical season where everything looks different from what it looks like in any other season.

The trees start to change their clothes and put on beautiful colors like red, orange, and yellow, just like a big box of crayons!

It’s the season that ushers in the winter, so everywhere begins to get colder, and you’d need to get on your cozy sweaters if you plan on stepping out.

As wonderful as dwelling on all these is, the endgame here is to get you out of your house to experience it yourself.

If you’re not one given to travel, visiting somewhere in the autumn to take the edge off is a good start.

The purpose of this article is to give you a list of the top 25 best places to visit in October for a memorable getaway so you can have a dig at it and choose what suits you best.

What Makes Autumn Special (October)?

October travel offers an interesting blend of vibrant foliage and delightful weather as the leaves transform the landscape into a colorful canvas of artistry.

The crisp, cool air creates the perfect atmosphere for outdoor adventures like hiking through forests ablaze with color, strolling through towns adorned with autumn decorations, or just having a picnic in the park.

In addition to that, October often brings fewer crowds to great places that would otherwise be crowded in other seasons, so the prices are lowered to encourage tourism. This allows you to savor the beauty of the season in tranquillity.

We could journey in the written wonders of the season, and that’ll be satisfying in itself. But it could be tuned up a notch by helping you with a list of the best places to travel to in October so you could pick for yourself.

How Did We Select These October Travel Destinations?

Selecting the best places to visit in October is quite tricky because there are a thousand and one options that are equally unique to choose from.

In that regard, the selection of these 25 destinations for October travel takes into consideration several factors:

1. Fall Foliage: The places on this list for this feature offer beautiful natural landscapes, whether it’s fall foliage, blooming flowers, or scenic coastlines, making them especially appealing in October.
2. Autumn Festival: Many of these destinations host significant cultural events, festivals, or celebrations in October, providing unique experiences for travelers.
3. Moderate Climate: October is typically a pleasant month in these locations. Mild temperatures and favorable conditions for outdoor activities all play a part in giving the perfect mix for the season. 

These cities are also safe, and that’s why they are on this list of the best places to go in October.

However, you must stay updated on travel advisories.

1. Kyoto, Japan

To some people, Kyoto doesn’t seem like much in other seasons but does come alive with vibrant autumn colors in October.

The weather of the season creates a comfortable atmosphere to hang out and do lots of fun stuff, like attending the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages) on 22nd October, which is one of the city’s most famous events.

The food is also great! Renowned for its traditional Japanese cuisine, including kaiseki meals or seasonal delicacies like matsutake mushrooms and persimmons in various dishes.

And just so you know, the city’s temples, parks, and gardens, particularly spots like Tofuku-ji Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, are transformed into a sea of red, orange, and yellow foliage.

While doing all that, keep an eye out for Geisha and Maiko because Kyoto is one of the few places where you can still encounter geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha).

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has a very rich cultural heritage and local cuisine that has stayed alive regardless.

You can stroll down the Gothic Quarter’s narrows or Antoni Gaudí’s architectural wonders like the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló, and enjoy the magical atmosphere with the sunshine filtering through the buildings.

Take a stroll along the beaches; there are not many tourists who take advantage of this season, so expect less crowd.

The parks, such as Park Güell and Montjuïc, also offer their magic in the form of vibrant autumn foliage, which creates a picturesque background for your exploration.

Barcelona is also known for its wine, but you could want more than the wine and visit a vineyard to see where it’s from. It’s one of the best places to visit in October with family.

Notable celebrations include La Mercè, the city’s largest street festival, and The La Castanyada festival is another must-see festival.

3. Bavarian Alps, Germany 

In plain text, the Bavarian Alps in Germany is a great place and offers a stunning and picturesque landscape, especially during October. 

The autumn foliage is one of the most enchanting aspects of this place, especially with it forming the canvas for a picturesque background with the mountainsides and valleys adorned with colorful trees, creating a breathtaking scene.

The pristine alpine lakes, such as Lake Konigsee and Eibsee, which dot the region, are another attraction, as the reflection of the surrounding mountains on the clear waters of these lakes is simply mesmerizing.

A boat trip or leisurely walks along the shorelines to fully appreciate the beauty. Hiking and other outdoor activities have a different feel to them as the crispy cool weather makes the atmosphere a lot more comfortable.

A visit to the mountain villages has also been found to be even cozier in October, and the food is great; it counts as one of the best places to go in October on this list.

The world-famous Oktoberfest Celebrations hosted in Munich is a festival that brings more life to the city with its lively celebration.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, and one might argue that it is so because it hosts a stunning view year-round, and even better in October.

The autumn foliage is great for photos, especially in the parks and along the Vltava River, where you could also go on a cruise. The weather creates an atmosphere that brings the magic of the city’s historic architecture to life. 

In this season, there are fewer crowds because tourists don’t exactly take advantage of this season. The local cuisines like goulash, trdelník (a sweet pastry), and hearty soups are heavenly, and the cultural events like The Signal Festival all add to the flavor of the season.

The beer gardens also offer some fun in this season. This is, no doubt, one of the best places to visit in October at the moment.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

This counts as a picturesque city with several qualities to validate the claim.

The tree-lined canals of Amsterdam and parks create a blend of autumn colors during this season, and places like Vondelpark and Amsterdamse Bos are stunning backdrops.

The weather is so mild and comfortable that it makes it seem like the heat was never around. With this, outdoor activities like hiking, attending the Amsterdam Dance Event, and enjoying a canal cruise are more fun.

You could choose to visit museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, take a walk to admire the architecture, enjoy a Dutch apple pie, or maybe the local market to pick out a souvenir for yourself.

Another option is to take a 90⁰ turn straight into the Halloween celebrations. It truly is one of the best places to visit in October with family.

6. Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria, is special in October due to its picturesque qualities.

The foliage is great in the city parks, the woods offer great hiking grounds, the Opera Season and cultural highlights begin this month, and the coffee is fantastic.

The great weather creates the optimal atmosphere to enjoy local cuisines like schnitzel and pumpkin soup.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia, with its stunning coastal setting and well-preserved medieval architecture, isn’t something to overlook because in October, it offers unique picturesque qualities:

Great weather with a mashup of autumn colors and fewer crowds is a mix to die for. Cultural events like the Dubrovnik Film Festival and classical music concerts all begin to take center stage at this moment.

But if you’d prefer to immerse yourself in nature, then a visit to the banks of the Adriatic Sea will make this city one of the best places to travel to in October for someone like you.

8. Aspen, USA

Aspen, located in the USA’s Colorado Rockies, is particularly special in October for several reasons, especially around this time of the year.

Be it the foliage, the mild weather, hiking or horse riding, or fly-fishing, there’s just something to keep any and everyone engaged all day.

The season brings arts & film festivals with it, but that doesn’t take away from its charming townscape with historic buildings, nor its colorful trees backdropped by rocky mountains that make for great photo backgrounds.

The world-class ski resorts are another thing that makes this place. The beauty it offers is most pronounced around this time of the year, with fewer tourists around. It’s one of the best places to visit in October in the US, without a doubt.

9. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco, which can get hot on sunny days, is somewhat warm in the day and cool at night, and that’s why October is a great time.

The weather makes a stroll around town to admire the colorful textiles, spices, and ceramics ideal. 

It’s a great time to visit the Majorelle & Menara gardens, attend festivals like the Marrakech International Film Festival, visit historical sites, and go on desert excursions.

10. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland, is somewhere that its picturesque qualities put it on the map.

Beginning with the foliage, the increased Northern lights in the night sky, the geothermal pools that host fewer people at this time of the year, and the harvest festivals, it all screams “come”.

And although Iceland can get cold, it’s warmer around this time and makes visiting The Golden Circle a lot more fun.

11. New York City, USA

New York City, USA, is an interesting place to be at this time of the year. The picture-perfect background of foliage, the weather, the iconic landmarks, the cultural events, and the boutique stores all scream “Welcome to New York City”!

The farmer’s market, food festivals, and cafes all go hand-in-hand to make your stay memorable. 

The river cruises also have a different feel to them with the Halloween season.

This is why it’s also one of the best places to visit in October in the US.

12. Québec City, Canada

Looking for the best places to visit in October, Quebec City, Canada, is the place you need to visit.

The weather with the great photo backgrounds of foliage, the old Quebec with its architecture, the festivals like Oktoberfest, the cultural heritage, the views, and the local cuisine all play a part in making your stay great.

13. Cape Town, South Africa

Somewhere to visit in Africa at this time of the year is Cape Town, South Africa. It’s great to visit every time of the year, but October has a different ring to it.

 The wildflower blooms create a landscape that can’t be ignored.

The weather is moderate, with the Table Mountain towering above all things; the beach atmosphere is great with all the whale watching going on on its end, the cultural events, and the spring awakening; this all makes Cape Town great.

14. Buenos Aires, Argentina

This list might be considered invalid without Buenos Aires, Argentina, being on this list.

The Jacaranda Blossoms bring a vibe to the streets that’s only seen here. 

The weather is just right; the historic architecture coupled with the cultural scene, cafés, and the spring festivals all play their part in creating the perfect experience befitting one of the best places to go to in October.

15. New Orleans, USA

New Orleans, USA, and its culture is just out of this world. The spooky history creates the perfect backstory for the Halloween season.

Aside from that, the weather, music, historic French neighborhood, and culinary delights all play their part in giving the kick.

16. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland, is one place where the autumn foliage hits differently. The Edinburgh Festival mingled with historic architecture, the scenic view, and the occasional fog, makes the city worth every penny.

17. Amman, Jordan

Amman, Jordan, is a necessary entry on this list. The weather, historic sites, colorful landscapes, and cultural festivals all give it a solid place.

The local cuisine in outdoor cafés also adds to the uniqueness.

18. Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia, has a special place in everyone’s heart. The spring blooms are dreamy, the weather is pristine, and the Jacaranda trees are lovely in photos.

The season also draws less crowds to the beaches and a lot of festivals to the scene. Outdoor dining and harbor cruises also bring in some heat.

19. Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal, is just nice!

The foliage and clear skies are great, and even greater is the weather that makes festivals like Dashain and Tihar great.

The heritage sites are also places that create the right vibe for the season.

20. St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Russia, brings its uniqueness to the stage. The weather and foliage are great, but the Golden Hour is better, especially for capturing the historic architecture.

The palaces also make for great places to visit in October, and the cultural events bring on everything simultaneously to give a feel that can’t be forgotten.

21. San Francisco, USA

San Francisco, USA, is popular and for the right reasons. The weather in this season is just great, and with the foliage backdrop and clear skies, it’s gorgeous, especially in photos.

It’s also less crowded at this time, and the cultural events in no way leave anything to be imagined.

22. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is like the golden child of South America.

The spring blooms, pleasant weather, clear skies, and great beaches all play a part in its greatness.

The lush greenery of the Tijuca Forest leaves no stone unturned in making your stay remarkable.

23. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey, at first glance, doesn’t seem like much, but it surely is a paradise hidden in plain sight.

The weather is just right, and the townscape is littered with vibrant colors from its historic architecture that contrasts with the foliage.

Cruising along the Bosphorus Strait leaves a view so stunning that one can’t forget. Although there are numerous cultural festivals, tourists don’t exactly take advantage of the season and the food.

24. Santorini, Greece

Renowned for its picturesque qualities, this place leaves no stone unturned in impressing tourists.

The weather is comfortable, the golden sunsets are simply magical, and the harvest season brings with it seasonal ingredients for local cuisines.

Because there are fewer tourists at this time, accommodation is cheaper, and you can take advantage of that to enjoy the cultural events.

25. Hanoi, Vietnam

Lakes and gardens, that’s what comes to mind with Hanoi, Vietnam.

Great weather, beautiful foliage background, rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and great food. What more can you ask for? It almost makes you want to stay back.

Making the Most of Your October Adventure

It’s advised that you check travel advisories and local guidelines before planning your trip because availability and conditions may vary in unexpected ways.

Always pack your essentials, get comfortable clothes (or you could buy them upon arrival), and always have your insect repellent handy.

Pack some hiking shoes if you plan on going leaf peeping (it’s the act of enjoying and appreciating the vibrant colors of autumn foliage, typically by taking scenic drives or hikes in areas where the leaves change color during the fall season).

Check the local calendars for dates of scheduled events so you can maximize your stay.

In summary, getting away for the fun of getting away is something you should try often and in doing that, always ensure you make the most of it. You can start by visiting the places mentioned on this list.

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