Best Destinations for an Autumn City Break

We've handpicked 8 of our favourite hotspots to travel to this autumn, with low-cost holiday meals to match!

There’s something undeniably special about autumn. As the leaves turn gold and amber, cities across the world take on a new kind of charm; less hurried, more atmospheric, mild temperatures, lesser crowds, and brimming with cultural and culinary delights. It’s the ideal season for exploring somewhere new!

Here are eight incredible cities that truly shine in autumn, making for an incredible city break. 

1. Prague, Czech Republic

Few cities feel as magical as Prague in autumn – it feels like stepping into a timeless fairytale. The medieval streets of the Old Town glow in warm hues as leaves carpet the cobblestones, and the city’s parks and gardens like Petrín Hill and Letná Park turn golden. The summer crowds have eased, leaving you space to explore the narrow, cobbled laneways of the Old Town or take in panoramic views from Prague Castle without feeling rushed. Warm up with a cup of svarák (Czech mulled wine), enjoy hearty seasonal dishes in traditional beer halls, and wander along the Vltava River as the mist rolls in.

2. New York City, USA

There’s something cinematic about New York during autumn. Central Park becomes a colourful canvas of red, oranges, and yellows, perfect for bike rides or long walks with a hot drink in hand. Beyond the park and foliage, the city buzzes with seasonal events - Halloween parades, Thanksgiving markets, and the early sparkle of holiday lights. It's a great time to catch a Broadway show, explore intimate bookstores, and enjoy the cultural heart of the city without the oppressive summer heat or winter chill.

3. Paris, France

Paris in autumn is effortlessly romantic. The trees lining the Seine River turn gold, and the chill in the air makes a sidewalk café even more inviting. Museums like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay are less crowded, and the city slows down, allowing you to wander with ease. A stroll through Luxembourg Gardens, followed by a glass of French wine in a tucked-away bistro, is the kind of simplicity that makes Paris feel particularly special in the autumn.

Autumn also marks the start of the new cultural season in Paris, with fresh exhibitions, fashion shows, and performances. 

4. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is one of Europe’s most underrated autumn destinations, offering beauty on a budget. This elegant, historic city is gorgeous in autumn, with the Danube shimmering under warm-toned skies and tree-lined boulevards glowing. The city’s thermal baths are particularly inviting in cooler weather; imagine soaking in steamy outdoor pools with autumn leaves falling around you. Add in the city’s trendy café culture, rich history, grand architecture, and ruin pubs serving up warm goulash and local wines, and you’ve got a perfect seasonal retreat.

Autumn also brings cultural festivals and concerts, making Budapest as lively as it is cosy.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona in autumn offers a slower, more local pace that’s hard to beat. The summer crowds have dissipated, but the weather is still pleasantly warm, perfect for outdoor tapas, long walks by the beach, or exploring Gaudí’s whimsical architecture without the long lines. Parks like Parc de la Ciutadella and Montjuïc are especially lovely this time of year, their trees turning golden while the Mediterranean sun still lingers. Autumn is also a fantastic time for food lovers, with seasonal markets full of wild mushrooms, chestnuts, and sweet pastries. Barcelona’s charm feels more personal in autumn. 

6. Boston, USA

Experience classic American fall in Boston. The city’s tree-lined streets and historical neighbourhoods like Beacon Hill and Back Bay burst into beautiful shades of orange and crimson. Boston Common and the Public Garden are must-visits for their foliage alone, and Harvard and MIT campuses provide a storybook backdrop, perfect for a crisp walk.

Autumn in Boston also brings cosy seafood chowders, cider donuts, and the start of hockey season - a cultural experience in itself. Take a ferry ride to the Harbor Islands or explore the Freedom Trail under a canopy of changing leaves, and you'll understand why autumn is Boston’s most beloved season.

7. Rome, Italy

Rome in autumn is a gift. The Eternal City reveals itself in a slower, more authentic rhythm. Historic sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Museums are much more enjoyable without the long waits, and the golden light makes ancient ruins glow. Autumn is also harvest season in Italy, which means wine festivals, fresh truffles, and rich pasta dishes are in abundance. Picture yourself wandering through Trastevere, wine glass in hand, with soft jazz playing from a nearby trattoria. Rome in autumn is both a cultural journey and a sensory delight.

8. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s steep hills, tiled buildings, and sweeping viewpoints become even more enchanting in autumn. The intense summer sun gives way to gentle warmth, perfect for exploring the city on foot or riding the iconic yellow trams. The city’s miradouros viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas of terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River, especially spectacular at sunset. Autumn also brings seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts sold on street corners and local festivals celebrating food, music, and heritage. 

If you’d like to experience one or more of these epic adventure hotspots this autumn, check out our low-cost city breaks to all the above and contact us to let us help you plan an unforgettable autumn city break.