When you think of fall foliage and general fall scenery, your mind probably jumps to New England. And while it definitely boasts some of the best in the United States, but there are several other spots around the world that are also home to insanely gorgeous foliage, and some pretty cool travel adventures, cultural excursions, and culinary experiences, too. So if you thought your travels ended when summer did, think again.
And, just to make things a little easier, there’s a hotel recommendation with every spot so that you can visit once the world opens up for travel again. Now you have no excuse not to plan a trip. Ahead, take a tour of the 25 most beautiful fall scenery around the world.
1Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but fall is particularly breathtaking thanks to its namesake, the Aspen trees. Their golden glow is truly magical. And fun fact: They’re the largest living organisms on earth.
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2Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo feels even more magical when the the leaves turn red, matching the red pagodas.
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3Edinburgh, Scotland
Between all the medieval architecture, charming streets, and stunning foliage, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Edinburgh in autumn.
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4Vermont, USA
It doesn’t get any more scenic than Vermont in autumn. Sign us up for all the foliage and all the syrup, please and thank you.
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5Bavaria, Germany
If you ever wanted to experience a storybook come to life, this is it. Bonus: There’s beer, pretzels, and black forest cake aplenty.
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6Napa Valley, California
California might be the place you’d think about going to see the leaves change, but hear us out. Seeing leaves changing on the trees in New England is classic, but seeing all the fall colors on the vineyards is something seriously special. Bonus? Hotels, like the ultra-luxe Meadowood resort, are much less expensive in wine country’s off-season.
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7Bruges, Belgium
Known as the Venice of the north, Bruges is an enchanting fall destination with quiet, romantic canals winding throughout the city.
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8Seoul, South Korea
Just north of the heart of Seoul, you’ll find Bukhansan National Park. This leafy gem is densely packed with trees of every color during the fall.
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9Tuscany, Italy
Wine tasting with a side of fall foliage? A million times yes.
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10Torres Del Paine, Chile
The juxtaposition between the snow-covered rocks jutting up behind the foliage makes Patagonia a particularly unique place to take in fall scenery. It’s right on the border between Chile and Argentina.
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11Bulgarian Countryside
Devil’s Bridge in the Bulgarian countryside truly looks like something out of a storybook. Nestled in the Rhodope Mountains over the Arda river, it dates all the way back to the ancient Ottoman Empire. It’s pretty remote but worth the trek if you’re staying in Plovdiv. It got its name from dark lore, which to this day prevents many locals from crossing it at night (the perfect Halloween dare, if you ask us).
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12Husafell, Iceland
Check off two bucket list items in one trip: seeing the Northern Lights the fall foliage.
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13Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto may be know for its bamboo forrest and cherry blossoms, but its Diago Ji temple is also a beautiful sight to see when shrouded in yellow, orange, and red leaves.
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14Scottish Highlands, UK
Scotland is gorgeous any time of year, but it’s simultaneously eerie and ethereal in the fall. You’ll feel as though you’re living in .
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15Alberta, Canada
Alberta, Canada’s Banff National Park is full of natural treasures. For vibrant colors, go check out Emerald Lake during the fall. And don’t forget to pack a suit for the hot springs.
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16Paris, France
We didn’t think it was possible for the City of Love to get anymore romantic, but , it absolutely is when you see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Seine framed in rich fall hues.
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17New York City, USA
You could leave the city for a glimpse of stunning foliage—or you could just head to Central Park. The changing trees are particularly awe-inspiring in contrast with the city’s skyscrapers.
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18Jiuzhaigou National Park, China
Inside the Jiuzhaigou National Park in the Sichuan Province of China, you’ll find crystal clear turquoise lakes and hot springs, making the colorful fall foliage even more vibrant. It’s the perfect travel destination for nature lovers.
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19Prague, Czech Republic
Going to Prague in the fall is like traveling to a magical realm—or at least another time.
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20Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley provides a myriad of colors and views for days. If a fall foliage road trip sounds like your jam, this is the spot to do it.
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21St. Petersburg, Russia
The elaborate and whimsical palaces and churches of St. Petersburg look even more regals glowing in the fall light.
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22Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
In the summertime, Croatia is known for its beachside bliss, island hopping, and coastal cities with rich cultural histories. But peel away from the seaside and head inland to the woodsy Plitvice Lakes during the fall and you’ll find jaw-dropping panoramas of waterfalls covered in colorful leaves.
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23Sleepy Hollow, New York
Want to go somewhere spooky for Halloween? There’s no better place than Sleepy Hollow. And it’s an easy day trip to take from New York City, just about an hour drive north.
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24Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a mecca for art, culture, and fun. And while there are endless cultural excursions to enjoy, the fall is a beautiful time to get lost wandering up and down the streets along the canal.
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25Denali National Park, Alaska
If you’re waiting for snow to visit Alaska, consider changing your game plan. Denali National Park is bursting with color (and not to mention more than 200 species of animals) come autumn, making it a photographer’s dream.
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