13 Best Places to See Fall Foliage Around the World

There’s something almost magical about fall. One day the trees are green, the air still warm, and summer feels endless. The next, the world transforms into a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, golden yellows, and rich oranges. For travelers and digital nomads, it’s one of the most photogenic, soul-soothing seasons of the year — and one you don’t want to miss.

But here’s the catch: peak foliage is fleeting. Blink, and the leaves are gone, swept away by winter winds. That’s why nomads and travelers plan entire trips around autumn, chasing the leaves across continents. From cozy U.S. towns where maple trees glow like fire, to Japanese temples framed by scarlet maples, to castles in Europe that look straight out of a fairytale — the best fall destinations are bucket-list worthy.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping cider under golden trees, hiking through red-streaked mountains, or watching entire landscapes ignite with color, this guide is for you. Here are 13 of the best places in the world to see fall foliage in 2025 — and why you’ll want to book your trip now before the season slips away.

Montpelier, Vermont, Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Vermont, USA

Why Go: Vermont isn’t just a fall destination — it’s the fall destination. Rolling hills blanketed in blazing colors, iconic red barns, and charming small towns make it a leaf-peeping paradise. Autumn here feels like stepping into a postcard.

For Nomads: Burlington makes a great home base with good internet, coworking spots, and a youthful vibe thanks to the University of Vermont. From there, you can road trip to some of the best foliage drives in the U.S.

Where to Stay: Quaint bed-and-breakfasts in Stowe or Woodstock offer the quintessential New England fall experience.

What to See: Drive Route 100 for sweeping views, hike Mount Mansfield for panoramic colors, and visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider and donuts that taste like fall in a bite.

Kyoto, Japan

Why Go: Kyoto is arguably the most beautiful city in the world in autumn. Picture this: centuries-old temples surrounded by flaming red Japanese maples, golden gingko trees lining quiet streets, and mist rising off serene gardens. Unlike cherry blossom season, fall brings fewer crowds, making it easier to enjoy the city’s magic.

For Nomads: Kyoto offers a quieter base compared to Tokyo or Osaka, but still plenty of coworking cafés and reliable WiFi. Spend mornings getting work done, then head out for afternoon temple strolls surrounded by leaves that look hand-painted.

Where to Stay: Gion for old-world charm, Higashiyama for easy access to temples, or a modern apartment near Kyoto Station if you need quick transport connections.

What to See: The gardens of Tōfuku-ji Temple are unmissable, as is the Philosopher’s Path, which glows in autumn. Head to Arashiyama for a double treat: fiery foliage around the bamboo grove and panoramic views from the Monkey Park.

Bavaria, Germany, Andrew Mayovskyy/Shutterstock

Bavaria, Germany

Why Go: Bavaria in autumn looks like a storybook. Golden forests surround castles perched on hillsides, Alpine lakes reflect fiery trees, and crisp mountain air makes hiking unforgettable.

For Nomads: Munich is the easiest base, with coworking spaces, great transport, and fast trains to the countryside. Plus, if you time it right, Oktoberfest overlaps with early foliage season.

Where to Stay: Stay in Füssen to wake up with Neuschwanstein Castle on your doorstep, or book a cozy alpine lodge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for mountain views.

What to See: Neuschwanstein Castle framed by autumn leaves is a must, as is Lake Eibsee, where turquoise waters meet golden forests. For active nomads, hike in the Bavarian Alps for unforgettable scenery.

Quebec, Canada

Why Go: When it comes to maple leaves, Quebec is unbeatable. The province bursts into brilliant shades of red and orange every autumn, with French-Canadian charm adding a cultural twist.

For Nomads: Montreal is a creative hub with coworking cafés and a lively nomad scene. Quebec City offers historic vibes with quick escapes to nature.

Where to Stay: Book a cabin in the Laurentians for peak foliage, or a boutique hotel in Old Quebec for charm plus walkability.

What to See: Mont-Tremblant National Park is jaw-dropping in October, and the drive through the Laurentians will make you stop every few minutes for photos.

Tarn Hows, Lake District National Park, England, Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

The Lake District, England

Why Go: England’s most beloved national park turns golden in autumn. The mix of tranquil lakes, stone cottages, and fiery hillsides makes it one of the UK’s most romantic fall getaways.

For Nomads: While WiFi can be hit-or-miss in rural areas, towns like Ambleside and Keswick offer decent infrastructure, cozy cafés, and plenty of pubs to warm up in after hikes.

Where to Stay: Lakeside cottages in Ambleside or a countryside inn near Grasmere.

What to See: Hike Catbells for panoramic views, take a boat ride on Derwentwater, and stroll through Grasmere village to taste traditional gingerbread.

Seoul, South Korea

Why Go: Seoul in fall is magical. The city’s temples, palaces, and mountain parks glow in crimson and gold, and the cool weather makes it perfect for exploring.

For Nomads: Seoul is a powerhouse for nomads: lightning-fast internet, countless coworking cafés, and a vibrant expat scene. Plus, you can squeeze in mountain hikes between Zoom calls.

Where to Stay: Hongdae for nightlife and trendy cafés, or Gangnam for modern apartments and coworking hubs.

What to See: Stroll Changdeokgung Palace, hike Bukhansan National Park, and ride the cable car up Namsan Mountain for sweeping city views wrapped in autumn color.

Isle of Skye in the Highlands of Scotland, Helen Hotson/Shutterstock

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Why Go: If you love dramatic landscapes, autumn in the Highlands is pure magic. Think rugged mountains painted russet, mirrored lochs, and misty glens.

For Nomads: Inverness offers coworking spots and good connections, but renting a car is the only way to truly see the Highlands.

Where to Stay: Rustic lodges near Glencoe or cozy B&Bs by Loch Ness.

What to See: Drive through Glencoe for jaw-dropping mountain views, hike in the Cairngorms National Park, and take a boat trip across Loch Ness.

New England, USA

Why Go: Beyond Vermont, all of New England is legendary for foliage. From Maine’s rocky coastlines to Massachusetts’ rolling hills, it’s a leaf-peeping playground.

For Nomads: Boston makes a great base with plenty of coworking options and quick weekend trips north.

Where to Stay: Cabins in the White Mountains (New Hampshire) or Airbnbs in coastal Maine towns.

What to See: Drive the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, explore Acadia National Park in Maine, and wander Cape Cod’s marshes painted in gold.

Sankt Magdalena, The Dolomites, Italy, iPics/Shutterstock

The Dolomites, Italy

Why Go: The Dolomites are stunning year-round, but autumn brings golden larches glowing beneath jagged peaks. It’s one of Europe’s most underrated fall escapes.

For Nomads: Bolzano offers solid infrastructure and easy access to mountain trails, plus plenty of cozy cafés for downtime.

Where to Stay: Alpine chalets in Ortisei or a boutique hotel in Bolzano.

What to See: Lago di Braies framed by autumn colors, the Seceda ridgeline, and quaint alpine villages that feel frozen in time.

Nikko, Japan

Why Go: Just two hours from Tokyo, Nikko is one of Japan’s most stunning autumn spots. Temples, waterfalls, and mountains framed by red and gold make it unforgettable.

For Nomads: Stay in Tokyo for coworking during the week, then take weekend trips to Nikko for foliage escapes.

Where to Stay: Traditional ryokans near Lake Chuzenji.

What to See: Shinkyo Bridge surrounded by fiery trees, Kegon Falls, and hikes around Lake Chuzenji.

Castle Bran, Transylvania, Romania, Emily Marie Wilson/Shutterstock

Transylvania, Romania

Why Go: Castles + autumn = Gothic perfection. Transylvania’s mix of misty mountains, medieval towns, and colorful forests make it one of Europe’s best-kept fall secrets.

For Nomads: Brasov is a perfect base, with coworking cafés, reliable internet, and proximity to castles and hiking.

Where to Stay: Boutique hotels in Brasov or rustic guesthouses near Bran.

What to See: Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle), Peles Castle, and scenic drives through the Carpathians.

Hokkaido, Japan

Why Go: Japan’s northernmost island sees the earliest fall foliage, usually by late September. Vast national parks and fewer crowds make it a dream for nature lovers.

For Nomads: Sapporo is the main hub, with coworking options and a lively food scene.

Where to Stay: Mountain lodges near Daisetsuzan National Park or modern apartments in Sapporo.

What to See: Hike Mount Asahi, explore Lake Akan, and catch the first bursts of autumn in Daisetsuzan.

Patagonia Mountains, Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock

Patagonia, Argentina & Chile

Why Go: On the flip side of the globe, Patagonia’s fall (March–April) is just as breathtaking. Think golden forests set against snow-dusted mountains and crystal-clear lakes.

For Nomads: Bariloche (Argentina) is the most reliable base, with coworking spaces and good connectivity.

Where to Stay: Cabins by Nahuel Huapi Lake or mountain lodges in El Chaltén.

What to See: Torres del Paine, Mount Fitz Roy, and the Argentinian Lake District glowing in autumn hues.

Fall is fleeting — that’s what makes it so special. Whether you’re wandering through Kyoto’s scarlet temples, sipping cider in Vermont, or hiking the fiery Dolomites, chasing foliage is one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Don’t wait — once the leaves drop, you’ll have to wait another year for the magic to return.

So where will you chase autumn colors this year?