These are the world’s prettiest cities to visit this autumn

Crackling fires, misty mornings and leaves a vibrant spectrum of red, orange and yellow – if anything is guaranteed to pull us out of our end-of-summer slump, it’s the promise of autumn’s cosy weekends and kaleidoscopic beauty. But when it comes to seasonal holidays, choosing the perfect destination guaranteed to deliver those hygge vibes can be hard.

After it revealed the world’s prettiest cities to visit in summer, travel service provider Travelbag conducted a study to analyse the data behind Instagram and TikTok hashtags to unveil the locations that are at their most beautiful in the autumn. Below, we show the results for the world’s prettiest cities to visit this season.

10. Melbourne, Australia

Number of views on TikTok: 535,200

Australia’s second-biggest city is known for its style, sophistication and warm-weather allure, but Melbourne comes alive in autumn. Think thick morning fog giving way to burnt orange trees, soft, hazy light and a brisk breeze, all best enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee from one of the city’s third-wave cafés.

Where to stay: The Lyall has long been known as one of Melbourne’s best boutique hotels, but it’s the spa we love most – ideal for soaking and winding down after long, autumnal walks.

9. Miami, United States

Number of views on TikTok: 735,500

Fall in Miami is like a breath of fresh air. The summer’s sweltering temperatures give way to more bearable weather, but the shores are still perfect for long sandy strolls from South Beach to Sunny Isles.

Where to stay: Book a stay at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach for a theatrical experience – the hotel was designed by Baz Luhrmann and has a rolling schedule of evening cabaret shows.

8. Seoul, South Korea

Number of views on TikTok: 740,300

This Asian city has been going from strength to strength over the last few years, but in autumn, Seoul’s beauty takes it to a whole new level. The Bukhansan National Park is a feast for the eyes, with fiery red, pumpkin orange and deep yellow leaves.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a cultural hub in the city, with installations and artwork by local artists strewn throughout – plus, it’s within walking distance of the city’s top historic sites.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

Number of views on TikTok: 771,900

This dramatic city is an idyllic autumn destination with its cloud-reaching spires, orange-hued architecture, and epic food scene. Come for the ancient castles and Cubist landmarks, but stay for the beer culture.

Where to stay: Sleek, modern design is the order of the day at this city centre spot. From the glossy hotel lobby to the floor-to-ceiling marble in the bathrooms, The Julius is the prime spot for a Prague experience.

6. Hanoi, Vietnam

Number of views on TikTok: 1,600,000

This romantic city comes into its own in autumn. Monsoon season falls between May and September in Hanoi, so the season brings with it the promise of dry, reliable weather. The skies empty, the streets fill, and lush, thick greenery emerges after a long season spent soaking up all that rain.

Where to stay: Capella Hanoi is an Art Deco escape perfectly placed to soak up the city’s autumn loveliness, perched between the Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi’s Old Town and the French Quarter.

5. New York, United States

Number of views on TikTok: 1,700,000

Autumn in the Big Apple is pretty special. New Yorkers are famous for their love of Halloween, so best believe that alongside ruby reds and burnt browns, you’ll find spectacularly spooky decorations that make this city one of the most beautiful places in the world during autumn.

Where to stay: As cliche as it sounds, The Plaza is the ultimate place to stay in autumn. With views over Central Park, you’ll have the best seats in the house to watch the leaves change colour.

4. Boston, United States

Number of views on TikTok: 2,800,000

Boston is known for its casual, cool rep. The city is at its brightest in autumn when crisp temperatures mean a thick-knit scarf, cosy jumper, and a Boston Red Sox cap is the standard uniform. Be sure to get a post-season ticket to witness Fenway Park in all its autumnal glory.

Where to stay: Wood-burning fireplaces, panelled walls adorned with art and a rooftop restaurant with epic downtown views, The Newbury Boston is about as snug as it gets.

3. London, United Kingdom

Number of views on TikTok: 3,700,000

Summer’s bright greens and light blues are replaced with burnt oranges and deep maroons in every corner of the capital, and you can feel a buzz of excitement in every neighbourhood – Londoners love autumn. It comes as no surprise that the city ranks so highly on this list – the capital is home to some of the world’s most famous city parks (Hyde, Richmond, Regents, Green, Hampstead, to name a few), which turn into an Instagrammable haven come September.

Where to stay: Right on the corner of London’s Green Park and within easy walking distance of Hyde Park, 1 Hotel Mayfair is a sustainable bolthole made for autumn strolls and cosy, wine-filled evenings in Mayfair’s best restaurants. For more places to stay, see our round-up of the best hotels in London.

2. Chicago, United States

Number of views on TikTok: 4,100,000

With its charming walkways, waterfront paths and green corners, Chicago transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour in the autumn. Head to the Morton Arboretum to see the season in all its colourful glory – the wooded grounds are home to more than 16 miles of hiking trails, a maze garden and art installations dotted around.

Where to stay: The Pendry is a reliably stylish stay in Chicago, with its gilded interiors and bustling clientele. It’s set next to the Riverwalk and the Millenium Park, so you’re prepped and ready to go spend a day strolling through the city’s prettiest spots.

1. Paris, France

Number of views on TikTok: 6,300,000

Paris is the dreamiest city in any season, but there is something truly breathtaking about the French capital in autumn. From walks along the sparkling Seine to cosy afternoons in some of the world’s best galleries and evenings drinking wine in quaint brasseries, Paris is truly deserving of the number one spot on this list.

Where to stay: Any trip to Paris requires some extravagance, and a room at Le Meurice is a worthy choice. The hotel has sweeping views of the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, so you can soak up the skyline from the best balconies in Paris.