Ten Best Places to Visit in October 2024 : Last Minute Getaway Ideas

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to The Ten Best Places to Visit in October 2024 : Last Minute Getaway Ideas, by Hannah REES.

October can be one of the best months to travel ! Not only are most places a lot quieter and it tends to be a lot cheaper, but the temperatures are also mild as autumn arrives, the new season bringing with it some spectacular landscapes, with one of the most stunning sights being the turning of the leaves. 

So whether you’re planning a family holiday or a solo adventure, here are our Ten Best Places to Visit in October 2024.

Ten Best Places to Visit in October 2024 : Last Minute Getaway Ideas

October is an ideal time to travel, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a chance to witness the natural beauty of autumn in various parts of the world. Whether you’re looking for vibrant autumn foliage, stunning coastal views, or bustling cities, October has something for everyone. Here are our Ten Best Places to Visit in October 2024, each offering a unique experience.

1. Santorini, Greece. 

If you’re not quite done with summer and you want some more sunshine, head over to Santorini. 

The island’s iconic sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters are even more enjoyable without the heavy tourist traffic.

Greece is a dream destination for many and it’s easy to see why! With turquoise waters, white houses and sandy beaches, Santorini is the perfect autumn escape! So while everyone is getting their coats and sweaters out, you can slip on your bathing costume and relax on one of the fabulous Santorini beaches like Kamari, Perissa and Red Beach, or take a boat around the islands while eating moussaka ! 

Must-sees are the villages of Oia and Fira, with their narrow streets and iconic white houses. The great thing is, there should be fewer people in October so you can explore them without the crowd. 

Another fun activity in October could be a wine-tasting tour to visit the island’s beautiful vineyards ! 

October is still warm enough for a boat trip around the caldera. Cruises often include stops at volcanic islands, swimming in hot springs, and experiencing Santorini from a unique sea-level perspective.

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2. Kyoto, Japan. 

You may think of going to Japan during cherry blossom season in the spring, but autumn also turns out to be a lovely time of year in Kyoto. As the colours change to fall ones and the weather turns a bit more mild, it makes it the perfect backdrop to fully appreciate all the culture that Kyoto has to offer. And chances are there will be fewer tourists which means that busy attractions such as temples and traditional gardens will be a lot quieter. 

The city’s temples, gardens, and parks are adorned with vibrant red and orange hues, creating a stunning backdrop for sightseeing.

Make sure you check out Philosopher’s Path, which is a charming walk along the canal that is lined with sakuras that will be turning shades of orange and red. Other must-see attractions are the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. 

And if you are there on the 22nd of October, make sure you go to the Jidai Matsuri, also known as the Festival of the Ages where you’ll be able to spot participants dressed in historical costumes.

For something a bit different why not book a ramen cooking class and learn how to make ramen from scratch at a local ramen factory, including making the noodles, mixing the soup, and adding the toppings. Finish by enjoying your delicious bowl of home-cooked ramen.

Another fun activity is a Japanese tea ceremony, which is at the heart of Japanese culture and is a centuries old ritual, in Kyoto.

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3. Vancouver, Canada. 

If you’re a fan of hiking or any type of outdoor activity, Canada may already be on your list of places to visit as it offers so many beautiful outdoor sights, especially in October which brings with it beautiful autumn foliage.

Sure, the days are getting shorter, but you can still enjoy a walk or a bikeride along the Stanley Park Seawall or head over to Grouse Mountain and take the Skyride to catch a panoramic view of the city. 

Another attraction that is even better in October is the Capilano Suspension Bridge and its surrounding forest, which is tinted with autumn colours and is less crowded than the summer and the holiday season. And also, you may get a glimpse of the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and even catch a screening at one of the many venues in the city. 

Plus, Vancouver is a foodie paradise, with fantastic seafood and a diverse culinary scene, which contributes to its inclusion on our list of Ten Best Places to Visit in October 2024.

Visit the Vancouver Aquarium or explore the city’s galleries, such as the Vancouver Art Gallery, to enjoy indoor attractions if the weather turns rainy. October is also a great time to visit Granville Island Market for local produce, handmade goods, and cozy cafés.

And since Halloween is in October, if you’re looking for a spooky experience, check out the Fright Nights at the PNE or take a ghostly walking tour in Gastown.

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4. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

Make sure you head over to the trendy Palermo neighbourhood and visit the Bosques de Palermo where the flowers will be in full bloom. La Boca is another must-see neighbourhood, seeping with history and culture and make sure you catch a street performance on Caminito Street. 

Another must-see place is the San Telmo Market on Sundays where you’ll spot tango dancers and other street artists performing amidst the numerous stalls. 

You might also consider attending a tango show or taking a tango lesson to immerse yourself in this iconic dance. The Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival, typically held in October/November, is another highlight, showcasing talented musicians across various venues. Don’t miss the chance to savor traditional Argentine barbecue at a parrilla and explore the bustling nightlife, with bars and clubs in Palermo Soho and La Boca

And if you can attend a concert in the Teatro Colón, you won’t be disappointed. 

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5. Cape Town, South Africa. 

If you head over to Cape Town in October, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views with fewer tourists.

A must-see attraction is of course, Table Mountain, which is possibly the town’s most iconic landmark. You can hike up it or you can take the cable car to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city without too much effort. 

Another thing you can do is drive down to the Cape of Good Hope, which is the most south-western point of the African continent. 

And if you love animals, and penguins in particular, head over to Boulders Beach to see them. 

And in the evening, why not head over to the V&A Waterfront where you’ll be able to find plenty of shops and restaurants.

And from there, you can take the ferry to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. 

October is also a great month to explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which hosts the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, offering live music amidst a backdrop of stunning flora. The Cape Winelands come alive during this season, making it perfect for wine tasting tours in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

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6. Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

It seems that Croatia has been on people’s travel list for some time now, which could be explained by the success of series such as Game of Thrones. And because October is off-peak, you’ll be able to explore the medieval city walls without getting stuck behind lots of fellow tourists. 

In October, Dubrovnik enjoys mild weather and fewer tourists, making it easier to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s medieval walls, terracotta rooftops, and Adriatic Sea views are spectacular, especially without the summer crowds.

Make sure you explore the city’s old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and if you’re interested in the town’s history, make sure you visit one of its museums such as the Cultural History Museum or the Maritime Museum. 

If you fancy a panoramic view of the city, take a cable car up to Mount Srđ and if you have some extra time, hop on a ferry to Lokrum Island to visit an old Benedectine monastery. 

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7. New England, USA

October is peak season for autumn foliage in New England, with states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine showcasing a spectacular display of red, orange, and yellow leaves. It’s a dream destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in fall colors.

Scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway, hiking in the White Mountains, and exploring charming small towns with fall festivals and farmers’ markets are some of the must-dos.

Stop in quaint towns such as Stowe, Vermont or Woodstock, New Hampshire, where you can enjoy cozy inns, apple cider, and autumn festivals.

Fall is also harvest season, so don’t miss visiting local farms for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and tasting fresh seasonal produce. From charming villages to vibrant nature, New England’s fall foliage and autumnal charm make it a quintessential destination for experiencing the beauty of the season.

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8. Queenstown, New Zealand.

Spring has well begun in New Zealand in October so why not head over there to see the entire country in bloom? You’ll also be able to explore popular places with fewer crowds and the mild temperatures also make October a great time to go. 

If you’re heading to Queenstown, you can enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu or ride the Skyline Gondola to reach Bob’s Peak

Because the weather is nice and the flowers are in full bloom in October, you can enjoy the Queenstown Gardens or even organise a picnic with friends and family. And if you’re a wine aficionado, you can book a wine tasting tour in the Gibbston Valley and enjoy a nice Pinot Noir surrounded by stunning views !

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9. Lisbon, Portugal. 

Portugal can get very crowded in the summer but things usually calm down as autumn starts. You’ll be able to enjoy a Pastel de Nata without having to queue too long for it and if it’s a cream-filled pastry you’re after, why not head over to the district of Belém, where you’ll be able to find Pastéis de Belém amongst the iconic landmarks the neighbourhood offers.

Now if you want to see Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, head over to Alfama and make sure you see the São Jorge Castle, from which you’ll be able to spot stunning views of the city as well as of the Tagus River. 

Alfama is colourful: you can see multi-coloured houses against a beautiful backdrop of (usually) blue sky, but it is not perfectly maintained – you will probably see derelict buildings, graffiti and washing hanging out to dry from balconies, but it is an area where people live and the maze of cobbled streets are a delight.

If you have the time, make sure you take a day trip to Sintra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where you can see the fabulous Pena Palace. 

If you are planning a weekend trip to the beautiful city of Lisbon, you can have a look at this two/three day itinerary.

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10. Nairobi, Kenya. 

If you’re a fan of animals, head over to Kenya in October to spot wildlife. You can head over to the Nairobi National Park to spot a huge variety of wildlife such as giraffes, lions and even rhinos. 

Kenya in October is still part of the dry season, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras is in full swing in the Maasai Mara, providing a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.

If you particularly love giraffes, you can head over to the Giraffe center to learn about the endangered Rothschild giraffe. 

And if you are a fan of elephants, you can head over to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants. 

Now if you’re a book enthusiast, you may have read Karen Blixen’s book “Out of Africa“. Well you can visit her former home which is now a museum to learn more about her time in Africa. 

If you’re looking for some relaxation, then head to one of the the beaches along the Kenyan coast.

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October Bonus Destination

We already mentioned Munich in our post about ten places to visit in May, but Munich’s famous Oktoberfest is one of the world’s largest and most popular beer festivals, attracting millions of visitors each year, so Munich deserves its spot in our October list too!

October is the perfect time to experience Bavarian culture, from beer and bratwurst to lively parades and traditional music.

In addition to the festival, explore Munich’s historic landmarks such as Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the English Garden. The city also offers fantastic shopping, art galleries, and museums.

Final words on The Ten Best Places to Visit in October 2024 : Last Minute Getaway Ideas

October 2024 offers a wealth of travel opportunities, whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, natural beauty, or seasonal events. From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the serene temples of Kyoto, or the fiery foliage of New England, there’s something for every type of traveler. Plan your trip wisely, and you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and unforgettable memories.

If you need any help planning your trip, then have a look here.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about The Ten Best Places to Visit in October 2024 and you can also have a look more of our travel features.

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Article By Hannah Rees