Discover Ultimate Autumn/Winter Destinations

Whilst the end of summer might mean no more picnics in the park and rooftop bars, September brings a crisp chill to the air, falling autumnal leaves, pumpkin spice lattes… and city break escapes!

“Autumn getaways” has seen a 100% increase in Google searches over the last year, suggesting that September’s getting everyone in the mood for a little exploring. So, we wanted to uncover the best destinations to visit during the cooler months; which we did by analysing various factors, including the number of Christmas markets, average rainfall, hotel prices, and more.

 1. London, United Kingdom

London’s at its prettiest during the autumn and winter months, so it comes as no surprise that it’s been ranked as our top destination!

Not only does it have the largest Google search volume for ‘autumn’ and ‘winter’ keywords, at an impressive 28,340; but the city also has the second most social media posts during the season, at 39,604,000.

Book a trip to London, and you’ll get to discover the 12 Christmas markets around the city, including the world-famous Winter Wonderland; and if you’re in need of some warming up, why not give one of the 2,305 five-star restaurants a go – the third highest on our list?

2. Seoul, South Korea

South Korea’s capital is the perfect escape over autumn and winter, especially if you’re a foodie – after all, it has the most number of five-star restaurants in the world, at 4,940. However, even if you’re on a budget, you’ll be able to sample Korean classics, from bibimbap and tteokbokki – boiled rice cakes with a chilli sauce.

Discover the nine Christmas markets scattered across Seoul, from the European Christmas markets, to the Siheung Premium Outlet Christmas market, that runs all the way into mid-January. Have we convinced you to visit South Korea? Make sure you browse our range of Asia cruise deals.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s pretty all year round, but the city really comes alive as the weather starts to get cooler. With 19 Christmas markets dotted throughout the city, it has more than anywhere else in the world, with the traditional vendors at Tivoli Gardens some of the most popular. Snack on classic Danish treats including marzipan, gingerbread, and æbleskiver, before wandering through the winding paths of the park with their twinkling wintry lights, and going on some of the fairground rides.

Aside from Tivoli, there’s so much more this city has to offer – from the picturesque Nyhavn, to the big department stores with their Christmas displays; Copenhagen really is a great place to visit when the weather gets colder.

4. Vienna, Austria

Austria’s charming capital makes it into the fourth spot, thanks to the fact that it has 13 Christmas markets that descend on the city in December – the third most on our list. Vienna’s dramatic Rathaus acts as the backdrop for the main Christmas market, which surrounds the large Christmas tree.

However, even if you don’t visit at Christmas time, you can still have lots of fun! Go ice skating on the rink outside the Rathaus, catch a classical concert at Schönbrunn Palace; and tuck into a delicious slice of Sacher-torte – a delicious chocolate apricot cake that’s one of the most famous Viennese delicacies.

If you want to tick some key European cities off your bucket list this year (including Vienna), then our selection of European cruises can help you do just that!

 5. Prague, Czechia

One of the prettiest cities in all of Europe, it’s no surprise Prague has made it into fifth place. Its dramatic Gothic architecture makes it the perfect backdrop for pictures, and with the joint second lowest rainfall, at 31mm, whilst it might be cold, you won’t have to worry too much about getting rained on!

Not only that, but hotel prices average at just £113 a night (the eighth cheapest on our list), and the city also has the third most autumn/winter Google search volume, at 12,350, showing just how popular Prague is to visit in the colder months.

 6. Cape Town, South Africa

Situated in the southern hemisphere, Cape Town is a great place to escape to over the autumn/winter months, as it means you’ll actually be visiting when it’s their spring and summer! For that reason, you can enjoy the lowest rainfall of all the cities on our list, at just 3mm.

Cape Town is also home to the joint cheapest hotel prices, at just £83 a night (tying with Krakow), which can offset the more expensive flight prices. Discover the beautiful nature surrounding the city – from the looming Table Mountain, to the penguins that live at Boulders Bay, and the golden sands of Camps Bay.

The V&A waterfront is where you’ll want to spend your evenings, with its range of restaurants and bars – and it’s also where the city gathers together to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

We have tons of Cape Town cruise deals that’ll let you explore not only this beautiful city, but the likes of Port Elizabeth, Durban, and more.

7. Munich, Germany

Of course, there’s no way we could talk about the best cities to visit during autumn and winter, and not have somewhere in Germany featured on the list! Munich comes in seventh place, with 16 Christmas markets to discover (the second most on our list).

Munich Christkindlmarkt is the main event, and can be found in the centre of the city, by Marienplatz, but if it’s tasty snacks and mulled wine you’re after, then pay a visit to the Viktualienmarkt.

Other things to enjoy in Munich over the colder months include ice bathing in the Isar (if you’re brave enough!), strolling through the beautiful botanical gardens, and warming up with a stein of beer at one of the beer halls, where you might just catch an oompah band playing!

 8. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is the second German city to feature on our list, with the city coming alive at Christmas, as eight different markets settle in the city. The market at Alexanderplatz features a traditional market and funfair rides, whereas the market at Berlin City Hall has an ice rink.

Berlin is definitely an outdoorsy city, with the East Side Gallery, Brandenburg Gate, and Tiergarten all top sights to see – and the great thing is, Berlin has the fifth lowest rainfall during autumn and winter, at 36mm. However, if you do find you need to warm up, there’ll be no end of coffee shops, bars, and shops that you can take refuge in.

If it’s a German Christmas you’re dreaming of, we can help! Our selection of German cruise deals could see you sailing along rivers and seas to visit some of the best cities the country has to offer.

9. San Francisco, California, USA

San Francisco places ninth on our list of the best autumn/winter travel destinations, and highest overall in the US. The city enjoys the joint second lowest levels of rainfall, at just 31mm, which means you can get out and about and explore; as well as the third most social media posts, at a huge 36,800,000.

Alongside the iconic attractions San Fran has to offer, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz; if you visit at the right time, you could be lucky enough to attend one of the tree lighting ceremonies at Pier 39, Union Square, and Ghirardelli Square, as well as catching a Christmassy musical (although there are many Broadway shows showing in the city throughout the year).

If you can’t wait to start exploring some of the biggest and best cities in the US, take a look at our North American cruises, which visit major ports across the east, west, and south coast.

10. New York City, New York, USA

Rounding off our top 10 list of autumn/winter travel destinations is the city that never sleeps: New York City! And, with the most social media posts, at an impressive 64,000,000, and the fourth most Google search volume, at 12,110; it’s easy to see why.

If you’re visiting around thanksgiving, you’ll be able to watch the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which ends in Herald Square; with the Rockefeller Tree lighting ceremony happening just a week later. You’ll also be able to indulge in lots of Christmas shopping, catch the Rockettes perform at Radio City, and spend the evening ice skating by Rockefeller, or the Wollman Rink in Central Park.

So, if you’ve been looking for a sign to book your next holiday, this is it! Whether you love to wrap up warm and sip mulled wine at Christmas markets during the winter, or you’d prefer to escape for some summer sun; our top 10 destinations for this autumn/winter offer you a little bit of everything.

Alternatively, if you’re still in some need of travel inspiration, browse our selection of cruise deals, where you’ll find exclusive offers and promotions updated on a daily basis.

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