12 Cities Where Fall Foliage Turns the Streets into a Living Art Gallery—And You’ll Definitely Want To See It
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As the crisp air of autumn arrives, many of the world’s cities transform into vibrant canvases of golds, reds, and oranges. This vibrant fall foliage against the cities’ architectural marvels is one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles.
From tree-lined streets covered with fiery foliage to serene parks bathed in vibrant colors, autumn reveals a unique and captivating side of urban landscapes. Now, do not stay in a city that only sees a handful of trees transforming into beautiful colors when there are cities that transform into works of art. Go out there and experience the best of autumn in cities that have the best of it
If you are wondering which cities offer the best autumn scenery, you are in the right place; we wrote this post with you in mind. Whether you’re a leaf-peeper or simply searching for picturesque views, these cities promise an unforgettable autumn adventure.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is one of the best destinations to enjoy the charming New England autumn scenery. The city sees vivid fall colors in autumn, especially in its numerous parks. The autumnal colors in Boston usually peak in mid-to-late October.
Some of the best places to take in fall colors in Boston include Freedom Trail, which passes through significant historical sites; Boston Common, the oldest public park in The US, known for offering stunning fall foliage; and Public Garden, a park featuring beautifully landscaped areas that glow vibrantly in fall. Whether you want to relax in beautiful parks or hit scenic trails, autumn in Boston offers picture-perfect scenery that will elevate your experience.
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New York City, New York, USA
New York’s Central Park in autumn is a dream. The park is the perfect place to enjoy colorful foliage, scenic walks, and fall color reflections on its picturesque lakes and ponds. Stroll around and find a spot to enjoy views of the park’s foliage and the city’s skyscrapers in the background—it is absolutely picturesque.
While the entire city is usually bathed in beautiful fall scenery, some of the other picture-perfect spots include the High Line, Prospect Park, West Village, Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park, and the New York Botanical Garden. While exploring these spots, you will love how the city’s urban landscape contrasts sharply with vibrant fall foliage. With its beautiful scenery, autumn is undoubtedly the most Instagrammable season for visiting New York.
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Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City, the capital of the province of Quebec in Canada, is one of the world’s most picturesque destinations in autumn. The city is even more charming in autumn when the fall foliage transforms into a vibrant canvas of red, orange, and yellow hues. The season usually peaks in late September to mid-October, with the mild weather adding to the overall charm.
Start by exploring Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire autumn colors against the backdrop of centuries-old buildings. Montmorency Falls and its surroundings are also very striking in fall. Other perfect places to enjoy beautiful autumn scenery in Quebec City include the Plains of Abraham, a historic park with expansive views of trees; and Citadel, a historic military installation that offers stunning panoramic views of the vibrant city.
The Promenade des Gouverneurs is the perfect place for evening strolls. This walking path provides beautiful views of the city and the St. Lawrence River, framed by autumn colors.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is an all-season destination, but the scenery in autumn is just unbeatable. This Czechia capital, also called “The City of Hundred Spires,” boasts a rich blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, making it one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. Now imagine the city’s architectural beauty framed by colorful fall foliage … magical.
When visiting Prague in autumn, wander through the Prague Castle complex and enjoy views of the city and fall foliage from its elevated position. Make sure to also stroll across Charles Bridge, Vltava Riverbanks, Petrin Hills, Stromovka Park, Old Town Square, and Letna Park. These are the city’s best spots to enjoy the colorful autumn scenery.
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Chicago, USA
Chicago is another American city that offers rich, colorful autumn scenery. Known for its stunning skyline, world-class museums, and diverse neighborhoods, Chicago is one of the must-visit American cities. In autumn, the city’s beautiful urban landscape is complemented by the brilliant colors of fall. The city’s parks, lakefront, and neighborhoods are transformed into red, orange, and yellow shades.
While strolling around the city, you will bump into fiery fall foliage. However, if you want to focus on spots that offer the best fall colors, your best bet would be Millenium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean); Lincoln Park, Chicago Riverwalk, Grant Park, and Chicago Botanic Garden.
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Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea, is famous for its historic palaces, trendy neighborhoods, and diverse culinary scene. Autumn is a good time to experience Seoul’s beauty, as it is elevated by the vibrant shades of fall foliage. The way the fall colors contrast with the city’s modern skyline and historic architecture is a scenery that was made for a trendy Instagram feed.
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For the best autumn scenery in the city, make time for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Seoul Tower, Han River Parks, and Bukhansan National Park, which is just outside the city. This park offers beautiful hiking trails with spectacular autumn foliage.
Read also: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the World You Need To See
Seattle, Washington, USA
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It is said that you will never be far from nature in Seattle. The city is home to numerous parks and green spaces, all of which transform into an autumn wonderland from September to November.
Some of the city’s best places to soak in the autumn scenery include the Washington Park Arboretum, Discovery Park, Volunteer Park, Seattle Japanese Garden, and the waterfront.
In addition to soaking in the fall foliage, autumn is a great season to visit the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture. The city is also surrounded by mountains, water bodies, and forests, which provide numerous outdoor exploration opportunities and enhance the charming autumn scenery.
If there is a destination that offers a unique blend of urban and natural beauty in the fall, it would have to be Seattle.
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Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido island, is known for its long fall foliage season. In some destinations, the distinct fall colors last two or, at best, three weeks. However, thanks to its northern location, the season lasts longer in Sapporo and the entire island.
The city’s best places to explore autumn colors include Moerenuma Park, Odori Park, Maruyama Park, Mount Moiwa, and the Hokkaido Shrine.
Mount Moiwa is an especially great spot for panoramic views of the city below. Its observation deck lets you enjoy the city’s colorful autumn scenery in all its glory.
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Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp, a city in northern Belgium known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is the perfect destination to experience the full charm of an autumn wonderland. In autumn, Antwerp’s cityscape is complemented by rich red, orange, and red hues. The fall colors enhance the beauty of Antwerp’s historic streets, parks, and riverside areas, making it one of the best European destinations for fall foliage viewing.
Start your exploration at the Cathedral of Our Lady. Come ready with your camera because the cathedral’s medieval architecture is usually beautifully set against autumn colors. Other amazing places to experience the city’s autumn colors include Antwerp Zoo, Scheldt River promenade, Antwerp Botanical Garden, and Groenplaats, a central square surrounded by historic buildings and colorful trees in fall.
If you are looking for a European destination that offers a blend of historical charm and autumn beauty, Antwerp would mesmerize you.
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Paris, France
We all know that Paris is a beautiful destination. However, the fall foliage transforms it into an even more enchanting one. The city’s well-manicured gardens and tree-lined streets become even more picturesque and colorful in autumn.
Start by strolling along the Seine. The riverside is particularly beautiful and more serene with the fall colors. Visiting Luxembourg Gardens is another amazing way to appreciate Paris’s fall colors. Tuileries Garden is a spot that lets you enjoy autumn in a rich historical setting.
Champs de Mars, a beautiful city garden, offers views of the Eiffel Tower framed in fall foliage. It is an absolutely picturesque spot to enjoy autumn scenery in Paris. Other amazing spots for autumn leaf-peeping in Paris include Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Palais Royal, and Bois de Boulogne, all of which add a unique touch to the city’s beautiful urban landscape.
Read more: Unmissable Things To Do in Paris
Kyoto, Japan
Located in the Kansai region, Kyoto is one of the best places to enjoy autumn scenery. The city is known for preserving classical Japanese culture and historical significance, as seen in its historic temples, traditional houses, and shrines. With over 1,600 temples and shrines, Kyoto is a treasure trove of historical and cultural sites.
In autumn, the city transforms into vibrant shades of reds and yellows. The vivid foliage colors amidst the historic architecture and temples are picture-perfect. You will also love that the weather is generally mild and crisp, perfect for strolling through parks and enjoying fall foliage.
Some of the best places to see fall foliage in Kyoto include temples like Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, parks like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the city’s walkways like Philosopher’s Path.
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Portland, Maine, USA
Portland, a coastal city in Maine, is one of the best urban places to experience New England’s famous autumn scenery. In autumn, Portland is covered with fiery hues of reds and oranges – a scene your camera lenses will love. The fall colors enhance the beauty of the historic buildings and coastal landscapes, making them even more picturesque.
For the ultimate fall experience, stroll along the Old Port District as you soak in the historic architecture and fall foliage. The Eastern Promenade provides beautiful views of the waterfront, and the fall colors are not to be missed. You can also relax at Deering Oaks Park as you admire the expansive lawns and colorful autumn colors or hit the Back Cove Trail, which is lined with colorful trees and views of the city skyline.
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Can’t wait to experience these spots myself and maybe find some writing inspiration.
Would have loved to read more about the museums in Antwerp!
Anyone knows if Prague’s as cool for students as they say? Budget-friendly spots?
The food there is truly one of a kind.
If you need more food recommendations, Gwangjang Market is a must-visit too!
Did you find that the places mentioned were actually locals-approved or just tourist traps?
I’m not sure where you did your research but no mention of the Appalachians…you know…where the mountains are? But NYC gets a mention ?! 😂🤦🏻♀️