October, the last month of Fall before the cold truly hits. What I believe is the best time of year to visit most European cities for sightseeing as it is no longer crowded, and the weather is comfortable. If you’ve visited inland European towns during summertime, you’ll know how uncomfortable it can get. The following is a compilation of the best places to visit in October around the world so you can start planning your fall trips. Italy was a popular destination, with several recommendations around the country. Rome was recommended twice, by Italians, a local and one from Sardinia! Keep reading if you are looking for some European vacation ideas, are thinking of exploring the United States, South Korea or North Africa in October. The following October holiday destinations are perfect for anyone who wishes to enjoy the best a place has to offer.
Best Places to Visit in October
There are many reasons a person might want to visit Albuquerque in October. The weather is mild, dry, and warm so you won’t melt to death in the desert sun. Breaking Bad fans can visit Walter White’s house and buy some Blue Sky candy. But the number one reason why Albuquerque is one of the best places to visit in October is for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
The city of Albuquerque happens to be situated in the perfect spot for flying a hot air balloon. You can go on a sunrise hot air balloon ride there any time of year. I recommend Rainbow Ryders because we had a smooth landing, there were convenient pick-up and drop-off at my hotel, and I got a glass of champagne at the end.
But as majestic as it is to ride in a hot air balloon, it pales in comparison to the aerial frenzy of the Fiesta. Arrive on the Fiesta grounds before sunrise to watch the magic happen. Nothing prepares you for the sight of thousands of hot air balloons lifting up all around you. My favourites were the specialty hot air balloons shaped like penguins, cows, pirate heads, and the Wells Fargo Wagon. Just grab a green chilli breakfast burrito and a cup of strong coffee, and you won’t even mind that you had to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to experience this.
If you’re not a morning person, you can visit the Balloon Fiesta at sunset and watch the Night Glow. The balloons are all lit up and tied down, so they can’t fly away. This creates the effect of thousands of magic lanterns spread out over the New Mexico soil. It is a spectacle fit for the Duke of Albuquerque himself. Read More...
When I’ve been asked when the best month is to go to Rome - my hometown - I had no doubt about it: October! You might wonder: it’s already Fall, are you sure? What about the weather?
Well, dear reader, this month is mainly known by the locals for its “Ottobrate Romane," which is when the sun is out and giving you the warmest welcome to the Eternal City. Temperatures are as good as a late spring/early summer season, and this opens a massive list of reasons why Rome is one of the best places to visit in October.
Let me be more specific:
- Let's begin with the fact that it's not considered the high season, so prices are definitely more affordable than during the summer, for example.
- The city is less crowded, you can enjoy visiting all the great attractions without losing too much time in line!
- You can pack light: no heavy coats or big scarfs that will take too much space in your luggage.
- Not many of you know that Rome has a seaside. It’s about 25 km from the centre (Rome is vast), and it would not be weird to find people having a swim, so bring your swimsuit, you never know!
- What comes to your mind when thinking about Rome (or Italy in general)? Food, food, food and wine! There is nothing better than enjoying all the traditional delicacies on a restaurant terrace sipping good wine and admiring the beautiful view.
- It's also that time of year when nature's colours are changing, aka the best moment for your Instagram feed (c’mon we are all addicted to it).
Rome is a beautiful free open sky museum, so why not take advantage of good weather and lower prices to book a flight or train now? You won’t regret it! Read More…
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Related: Food Tour Experiences Around The World That Will Make You Hungry
One of the best places to visit in October is Rome. The city is crowded with tourists, no matter the season, but as opposed to the summer months, the temperatures are much milder, and it is way more pleasant to walk around, enjoy its attractions, and still eat delicious gelato.
Rome is packed with exciting things to see. The most famous attractions are the classic ones, the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican City, though not technically Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The many gorgeous fountains (Trevi is just one of them) and pretty squares (Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna) - are only a few of the most iconic attractions.
But there's more to Rome: a visit to the Quadraro shows incredible examples of street art. Food in Rome is delicious and reflects his history and culture. One of the largest Jewish communities in the world outside of Israel lives in Rome, so Kosher Roman cuisine is delicious. To avoid touristy restaurants, keep in mind that Italians eat their lunch between 1:00 and 2:30 pm, and their dinner from 8:00 pm. Any place that serves spaghetti at 5:00 pm is bound to be for tourists. Read More…
A month-long medieval festival transforms this ancient city back into the past with nightly drumming competitions, archery and medieval weapons contests, medieval costumes, and loads of booths for shopping and eating local foods. There's also two pop up restaurants that serve traditionally cooked medieval foods in the evenings for the entire month.
Trevi is one of the best places to visit in October as it is also the month of food festivals. First up is the Sagra del Sedano Nero e Della Salsiccia or black celery and sausage festivals. Trevi is famous for its “black” celery, which is dark emerald green and freaking incredible in flavour. Make sure you try the Sedani Alla Trevena made with celery heads stuffed with sausage and deep fried before being covered in red sauce and cheese.
Next, up is the Castagnata (chestnut) Festival and before the month ends with the beginning of the Festa di Olio (olive oil festival) which runs into November and celebrates the olive oil harvest with loads of fresh bread rubbed with fresh garlic and dipped into the season’s first pressed olive oil.
Mixed into all this festival mayhem are free cooking classes (in Italian, of course), bike races, plays, operas, religious celebrations for Saint Francesco and olive oil tasting and mill tours where you’ll sample some of the finest olive oils in the world.
For visiting, Trevi’s October weather is mostly perfect with warm autumn days, crisp nights and the occasional gray, rainy day. The city features several hotels and B&Bs, restaurants, an opera house, more than a few cathedrals and churches, an olive oil museum and plenty of shopping, including a once a week farmers and goods market. Read More…
"Tuscany in October is a magical experience. With a bit of luck, the last of the summer tourists will have cleared out, the weather will be perfect (think warm during the day and cool at night), and the leaves will be starting to change.
Wandering the streets of Florence or Siena as the sun sets and the weather cools off makes for a beautiful evening--as does exploring museum highlights like the Uffizi Gallery with slightly fewer tourists than in the summer.
The weather will also be perfect for dining outside, a staple of Tuscan life--sit down for an 'aperitivo' at a sidewalk cafe in the early evening, and enjoy people-watching with a glass of prosecco in hand, all without worrying about summer heat or winter chills.
The big draw of Tuscany in October, though? Would be the olive oil.
Fall is harvest season, and that means fresh olive oil being bottled and sold in Tuscany. Last year, we sampled some olive oil the very day it was pressed, and it was delicious! Unlike other Italian staples such as wine and balsamic vinegar, olive oil is at its best when it is fresh--which makes it one of the best places to visit in October and an excellent time to be eating your way through Tuscany." Read More…
The Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the Fall. So, if you’re looking for an October getaway to enjoy crisp evenings, log fires, and autumn mountain beauty, Shenandoah National Park is the place to go. The 200,000 acres of protected wilderness is only 50 miles from Washington, DC and provide a haven for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
With over 500 miles of trails, it’s a hiker’s paradise. Take a few days to hike the 100 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail that runs through the park. Or climb to the park's highest peak, Hawksbill Mountain, for one of the best views in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are also many waterfalls within walking distance and even trails that are suited for the disabled and young children.
If you’re not a hiker, you can also spend your time cruising along the scenic Skyline Drive, or mountain biking, horseback riding, or swimming in a backcountry watering hole. Shenandoah has a little bit of everything for everyone.
It may be a rustic location, but visitors can still travel to Shenandoah and enjoy a taste of luxury. Just 30 minutes from the park entrance at Thornton Gap is the renowned Inn at Little Washington. It was the first Bed & Breakfast to receive five stars, and today is the winner of numerous accolades, including two Michelin stars for its restaurant. Read More…
Lanzarote is located in the Canary Islands, off the Northwest coast of Africa. It is full of volcanic wonders, especially the Timanfaya National Park, also referred to as the Fire Mountains! Therefore, the island is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Volcanic cones and lava fields … Dark and red rocks against a blue sky… Waves are crashing against basalt columns… Cliffs are reflecting on the beach at sunset… Lanzarote is a great place to visit every month of the year.
It is one of the best places to visit in October for 2 main reasons:
- The Summer tourists have left, but the island is not yet crowded with visitors depressed by winter and looking for winter sun. It is busy but not overpopulated. I even enjoyed several volcano hikes where I crossed path with less than 10 people.
- October is often a month to appreciate the autumn foliage in the Northern hemisphere. Despite having almost no trees, Lanzarote is no exception. It is home to strange looking vineyards protected by stone circles, and in autumn the leaves change colours, creating fascinating landscapes.
On the photo, you can see the vines of El Golfo with a volcano in the background.
It is a fascinating island to explore! Read More…
Ireland is one of the best places to visit in October. Fall in Ireland is just stunning, and there are fewer tourists than usual. The weather in Ireland in October is quite pleasant and moderate, and if there is rain, it is very light, more like mist, so you can still explore. A light jacket and boots are all you really need.
Ireland in October is less popular among tour companies so you won't be battling with other travellers for a place at fantastic scenic spots or at an Irish Pub. While there are still some tours, it is a much lighter time of year.
Ireland is unimaginably green in October, so if you are looking to see the Emerald Isle at its best, this is an excellent time of year to plan your trip.
Nothing is off limits, even in October, from jumping off cliffs in County Mayo (no, really!) to visiting the stunning and memorable Cliffs of Moher or exploring Temple Bar in Dublin, there is something for everyone!
Prices are more affordable, there are fewer tourists, and the island is greener than ever, so why not visit Ireland in October?? Read More…
Dubrovnik is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year, but with the region growing in popularity, visiting in the Summer is a bit of a challenge. That’s why it is one of the best places to visit in October! After the crowds have left, you’ll get a lot more space and still a lot of sun to explore the city and its main sights.
There are three attractions you absolutely can’t miss! Explore the world-famous Old Town that dates back to the 13th century, walk the City Walls, and ride the orange cable car for stunning views of Dubrovnik! The city is also known as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, and there are a lot of tours to showcase the most important locations. Even if you are not a fan of the show, these attractions are still very much worth a visit. Also, do not miss the delicious seafood, but bear in mind that there are also a lot of options for meat lovers. With the city growing in popularity, so are the options for vegans and vegetarians.
There are a lot of luxury options to choose from, and in October you’ll still be able to enjoy the sun and a dip in the pool (or in the Adriatic sea) during the warmer hours. This region also offers delicious food and a wide range of activities to do in the surroundings, from small hikes to cruises to beautiful islands. Read More…
Gyeongju, located in the south-east of South Korea is known for being the 'museum without walls.' A city rich in history, dating back to the Silla dynasty which started around 800 AC. Gyeongju used to be the capital of the Silla kingdom, which at that time was the most prosperous kingdom in the whole of Asia.
Today, it is a rather small but picturesque UNESCO city filled with national parks, palace remains, Asian gardens, Buddhist temples and the tombs of kings and queens.
During October, when all the leaves turn yellow, the city transforms into a real paradise. The soft autumn temperatures and the scenery make it a perfect weekend getaway for families with children, couples or a group of friends from Korea's capital Seoul.
Must go places to visit in Gyeongju are Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, the Tumuli Tomb park, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju National Museum and Anabji Pond.
If you're lucky to spend extra days in Gyeongju; Golgulsa Temple, Yangnam coast and Namsan mountain are definitely worth visiting.
All touristic sites in Gyeongju are easily accessible by bus, taxi or even by bike. Read More…
Tallinn, Estonia is probably one of the last places you would think to book your holiday in Winter. It’s true, most tourists flock to Tallinn via Cruise ships in the summer season causing the city to be crowded with tourists. Here is why I think Tallin is one of the best places to visit in October.
The tourists come in summer, which means you will have the entire city to yourself during late Fall and Winter. The old medieval town is practically untouched and being able to wander in the streets and shops with only the locals and expats around is a special feeling. Ok, so it snows 8 months out of the year in Estonia. By travelling in Winter, you will get to see what life as a local is genuinely like! Not to mention the absolute stillness and peace the freshly fallen snow brings. It only adds to the charm of the old churches and alleyways.
The best thing is that you can do awesome touristic activities for a fraction of the cost you would pay elsewhere! For example, you can do a HUSKY SLED tour for pennies compared to what you would pay for the same tour in Norway or Finland. Being from California, I find myself terrible at dealing with the cold but if I can do it, and have a fantastic time, then anyone can! Read More…
''I spent 3 weeks in Morocco during October, and I must say it was a great time to visit the country. While still hot most of the time, in some places it was getting chilly in the evening, and I even wore jeans and a light jacket in Chefchaouene. With temperatures getting up to around 40 °C in July and August, 28-30 °C in October sounds great, doesn’t it?
The October temperatures are enjoyable all around the country - you can, of course, still visit the desert, go surfing and even hike! There are also a few festivals that are happening in Morocco during October: Erfoud Date Festival, Taragalte Festival MOGA.''
I always knew October was a great month to visit Italy and it seems that several travel writers would agree! This post has also put a few more destinations on my radar for future travels during October. Time to start planning our October vacations!
What are some of the best places to visit in October that you’ve been to?
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