10 Best Destinations for an Autumn Break

New York in autumn is a time of fun and festivals. As temperatures cool and autumnal trees shed their leaves, this metropolitan city welcomes crisp air and seasonal festivals and celebrations such as Thanksgiving and Halloween. Fans of theatre will also rejoice as world-class productions are in full swing during this time of the year. 

Foodies get to try a variety of fall-inspired treats – New York’s microbreweries produce pumpkin-based ales and beers, while cafes serve desserts made with pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon. Hotel prices in New York drop to yearly lows in autumn, so it’s a great time to experience this magnificent city on a tight budget.

Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most handsome cities at any time of year, but it’s also exceedingly busy. Planning a visit in autumn is a savvy option if you want to avoid large crowds at prominent landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

The fallen leaves carried along on gusts of wind blow through the Old Town and down to Princes Street, where you’ll find cosy cafes and bars to explore. For fans of the macabre, Edinburgh makes an especially spooky place to celebrate Halloween due to its history of witches and ghost tales.

Leafy Amsterdam becomes a blaze of colours in autumn. Taking a cruise along the famous canals is one of the best ways to explore the city – especially if the weather takes a turn. You’ll be able to take in grand 17th-century canal houses, historic museums like the Anne Frank House, Seven Bridges, and much more, while giving your feet a rest from all of the walking you’re bound to do.

Museumplein is the city's museum quarter, where a collection of iconic museums offering fascinating exhibitions awaits. Must-visits include the iconic Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. 

Paris is at its evocative best in autumn, with the locals well rested after their long summer breaks and the evenings still long enough for leisurely pursuits. Right across Paris, the trees lining the city’s boulevards are draped in autumnal shades of gold and red. Take a walk down Champs-Élysées towards the Arc de Triomphe, stopping frequently whenever a particularly charming patisserie beckons you in.

Several festivals take place in autumn in Paris. The biggest and most famous is Festival Automne, which brings a variety of theatre, dance and music to the French capital. Away from the stage, early morning mists cloud The Seine adding a romantic air to riverside strolls.

Dubai is renowned as much a world business hub as a family beach destination. Other pulls to this futuristic city include amazing Middle Eastern cuisine, luxury shopping malls, and unforgettable outdoor pursuits in the desert dunes on the outskirts of town.

Although Dubai’s desert climate doesn’t technically have an autumn, temperatures from September to November range in the low 30s (°C), which makes it superb for sun lounging yet not quite hitting the blistering temperatures of midsummer.

Barcelona is the cosmopolitan Catalan capital that makes an enchanting first impression. While the weather in autumn might not be suitable for sunbathing, you can enjoy the flamboyant, fairytale-like architecture of Antoni Gaudi by visiting Sagrada Familia and the surreal structures of Park Guell.

Autumn is when the football season kicks into gear. In Barcelona, football pervades every part of life. FC Barcelona is a legendary football team that also represents the soul of the city. Visit Camp Nou to enjoy a match with 100,000 other fans.

The city of Rome is often basked in the sunshine even towards the tail end of the year. With its cafés, bars and party atmosphere, Piazza Navona attracts crowds of locals and visitors to its cobblestoned square. It’s a great spot to enjoy an espresso and watch well-dressed crowds.

Of all Europe’s cultural capitals, there are none as jam-packed with historical landmarks as Rome. Simply turn a corner and there’s a majestic church or ancient ruin just about wherever you look. The Roman Forum and St Peter's Basilica, in particular, are must-sees. It’s important to remember your sunglasses and trendy clothes when visiting Rome in autumn.

September in Lisbon retains the long evenings of summer, yet the cool winds of autumn blow down the cobblestone streets. Praça do Rossio (Rossio Square) is one of the most vibrant spots in all of Lisbon. In the autumn months, you can still enjoy balmy afternoons strolling through the majestic square and admiring the architecture.

The culinary scene in Lisbon is a real highlight, with local restaurants serving fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Once you’ve had your fill, head to some of the city’s best cultural institutions. Museu Nacional do Azulejo is home to a massive collection of works and artefacts detailing the history of tile and its influence on Portugal. The items on display here go back to the 15th century and include works from the modern era as well.

As the dark nights descend on London, look for interesting things to do inside. The collection of museums found in London is pretty much unsurpassed – certainly ranked as one of the world’s most culturally rich cities. The British Museum houses priceless treasures from a wide range of ancient civilisations, but other options include the Natural History Museum, The Science Museum and the Imperial War Museum. All are well worth a visit.

For wholesome food, lively company and a few drinks, visit an iconic London pub to get a glimpse into the local life. There are said to be 3,000 pubs in the English capital, so you’re never far from a warm welcome and a traditional ale.

Ireland might be famous for its emerald-green landscape, but an autumn break in Dublin means rich golden colours. Enjoy St Stephen’s Green and admire the changing leaves, even better against a backdrop of a crisp blue sky. The fortnight-long Dublin Fringe Festival in September sees a melange of contemporary high-octane performing arts, from risqué circus in makeshift arenas to escapology in public squares.

Halloween is a big deal in Dublin – or Samhain, to use its original Gaelic name – and is celebrated with music, dance and fancy-dress parades. The last Monday of October marks the end of the summer harvest season and incorporates the pagan festival of the dead, so expect to see a grand parade with a ghostly theme. It’s also the same day as the Dublin Marathon through the city centre.