August 14, 2024
2024’s Best Autumn Getaway Destinations Revealed in Annual Report
- Introduction
- Methodology
- The results
- Barcelona, Spain
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Berlin, Germany
- Budapest, Hungary
- Gdansk, Poland
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Bilbao, Spain
- Bordeaux, France
- Bruges, Belgium
- Pula, Croatia
- Florence, Italy
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Lugano, Switzerland
- The comparison
- Top related locations
- Sources
Going on vacation is, without doubt, good for the soul, as well as our health and overall well-being. This is because it allows us to discover exciting and exotic global cultures, languages, activities and cuisines while making great friends and happy memories along the way.
Yes, summer might seem like the perfect season to take the trip of a lifetime, but here at DiscoverCars.com, we believe that autumn is jam-packed with just as many unmissable feasts for the senses.
There are many good reasons why it’s great to travel during the autumn months, not least because there are fewer crowds to navigate, crisp air to breathe in, an abundance of seasonal produce to sample and stunning scenery to absorb as the leaves on the trees change color, making way for a host of stunning photo opportunities.
In addition to this, traveling during autumn is one of the most cost-effective times of year to see the world, because it comes complete with lower prices for travel, accommodation, tourist sights and attractions.
If all of this has given you the travel bug, we’re sure you’ll want to see the best of what autumn has to offer around the world. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a must-have list of the best autumn getaway destinations for 2024, which have been ranked accordingly.
We also completed this report last year, but now we're back with fresh statistics and our top 10 newest locations for you to sink your teeth into.
Yes, summer might seem like the perfect season to take the trip of a lifetime, but here at DiscoverCars.com, we believe that autumn is jam-packed with just as many unmissable feasts for the senses.
There are many good reasons why it’s great to travel during the autumn months, not least because there are fewer crowds to navigate, crisp air to breathe in, an abundance of seasonal produce to sample and stunning scenery to absorb as the leaves on the trees change color, making way for a host of stunning photo opportunities.
In addition to this, traveling during autumn is one of the most cost-effective times of year to see the world, because it comes complete with lower prices for travel, accommodation, tourist sights and attractions.
If all of this has given you the travel bug, we’re sure you’ll want to see the best of what autumn has to offer around the world. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a must-have list of the best autumn getaway destinations for 2024, which have been ranked accordingly.
We also completed this report last year, but now we're back with fresh statistics and our top 10 newest locations for you to sink your teeth into.
The Results
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Methodology
We collected data for a number of ranking factors to find out the best autumn getaway destinations in 2024. We explored the following ranking factors and then scored each location a score out of 144:
We collected the data on the premise that the reader would be going away for a week and used the dates September 29 to October 6, 2024 for any data that required dates to be inputted.
We used Google Flights and recorded the top 18 round-trip prices from London Heathrow to the city's nearest airport.
We used Expedia and recorded the prices of the top 18 recommended hotels in each city (not including adverts) to create an average price.
We discovered the average cost of renting a car by using our internal data and recorded the average price for a car rental available in the city to create an overall average.
Finally, to find out the number of 'affordable' restaurants and hotels the location has on offer, we collected this from a popular travel review platform.
- Closest airport
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow)
- The average cost of a week-long hotel stay
- The average cost of car rentals (for a week)
- Number of 'cheap' (affordable) restaurants
- Number of 'budget' hotels
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November)
- Average temperature (September, October, November)
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November)
We collected the data on the premise that the reader would be going away for a week and used the dates September 29 to October 6, 2024 for any data that required dates to be inputted.
We used Google Flights and recorded the top 18 round-trip prices from London Heathrow to the city's nearest airport.
We used Expedia and recorded the prices of the top 18 recommended hotels in each city (not including adverts) to create an average price.
We discovered the average cost of renting a car by using our internal data and recorded the average price for a car rental available in the city to create an overall average.
Finally, to find out the number of 'affordable' restaurants and hotels the location has on offer, we collected this from a popular travel review platform.
Marrakech, Morocco
Topping our list is the evocative city of Marrakech, which scored 108 of a possible 144 points. Marrakech is located in southern Morocco, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and at the foot of the Great Atlas mountains. This vibrant Middle Eastern city is best loved for its luxurious palaces, revered mosques, thriving souks, manicured gardens and Arabian Nights-style architecture.
Must-see sights include the distinctive blue-tiled Jardin Majorelle, exotic marketplace Djemaa El Fna and Musée Yves Saint Laurent, which is curated in honor of the French fashion designer who called this vibrant city his home.
Marrakech enjoys a desert climate that gets extremely hot in summer, but reaches the perfect mix of sun and warmth in autumn, which is why holidaymakers flock here at this time of year. Highlights for the season include Marrakech Harvest Festival, which celebrates the diversity of goods grown and produced in the region.
Must-see sights include the distinctive blue-tiled Jardin Majorelle, exotic marketplace Djemaa El Fna and Musée Yves Saint Laurent, which is curated in honor of the French fashion designer who called this vibrant city his home.
Marrakech enjoys a desert climate that gets extremely hot in summer, but reaches the perfect mix of sun and warmth in autumn, which is why holidaymakers flock here at this time of year. Highlights for the season include Marrakech Harvest Festival, which celebrates the diversity of goods grown and produced in the region.
- Closest airport: Marrakech Airport
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £253
- The average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £168
- The average cost of car rentals (for a week): £54.68
- Number of 'cheap' (affordable) restaurants: 318
- Number of 'budget' hotels: 325
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 25
- Average temperature (September, October, November): 19
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 9
Seville, Spain
Coming in second place is sunny Seville which scored 104 out of 144 and is located in southern Spain, in the central part of Andalusia. It is renowned for its graceful parks, magnificent public squares and charming winding streets, as well as its rich history, beautiful architecture, relaxed vibe and famous fragrant oranges.
When it comes to the city’s top destinations, the Moorish Alcázar Real de Sevilla - or Royal Palace of Seville - is not to be missed. Neither is the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, which is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. For those wanting a sensory stroll, the district of Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter and comprises a maze of narrow streets, terraces and restaurants.
The weather in Seville during autumn is wonderfully balanced and there are a host of cultural events to take in, including the Bienal de Flamenco festival, the city being the birthplace of this iconic dance.
When it comes to the city’s top destinations, the Moorish Alcázar Real de Sevilla - or Royal Palace of Seville - is not to be missed. Neither is the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, which is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. For those wanting a sensory stroll, the district of Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter and comprises a maze of narrow streets, terraces and restaurants.
The weather in Seville during autumn is wonderfully balanced and there are a host of cultural events to take in, including the Bienal de Flamenco festival, the city being the birthplace of this iconic dance.
- Closest airport: Seville Airport
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £161
- The average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £239
- The average cost of car rentals (for a week): £52.29
- Number of 'cheap' (affordable) restaurants: 607
- Number of 'budget' hotels: 149
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 52
- Average temperature (September, October, November): 20
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 9
Lisbon, Portugal
In third place on our list is Lisbon, which scored 98 out of 144 points, which lies in the western portion of the Iberian Peninsula. The city boasts a unique historic quarter, with stunning architecture and buildings covered in colorful tiles - called azulejos - and fantastic food, such as the world-famous pastel de nata.
There are lots of exciting things to do and see in Lisbon, including taking a trip to the Unesco-listed monastery Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, hilltop fortification Castelo de Sao Jorge or the distinctive yellow-painted Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga.
Lisbon offers warm temperatures, fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs in autumn than during the summer months. It’s a great time for nature lovers to enjoy the parks or beach or consider taking a day trip to the nearby resort town of Sintra.
There are lots of exciting things to do and see in Lisbon, including taking a trip to the Unesco-listed monastery Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, hilltop fortification Castelo de Sao Jorge or the distinctive yellow-painted Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga.
Lisbon offers warm temperatures, fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs in autumn than during the summer months. It’s a great time for nature lovers to enjoy the parks or beach or consider taking a day trip to the nearby resort town of Sintra.
- Closest airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £129
- The average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £367
- The average cost of car rentals (for a week): £25.19
- Number of 'cheap' (affordable) restaurants: 981
- Number of 'budget' hotels: 471
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 67
- Average temperature (September, October, November): 18
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 8
Madrid, Spain
Next in fourth place is another Spanish city, Madrid, which scored 97 out of 144 and can be found at the heart of the Iberian Peninsula by the River Manzanares. Madrid has a rich cultural heritage and cuisine, being home to a thriving restaurant scene. It boasts many parks, monuments, squares and museums, making it a great place to soak up an authentic Spanish atmosphere.
Places to visit include Europe's largest palace - the Palacio Real - and world-renowned museums like the Museo del Prado, which is home to a selection of Spanish masters. The Parque del Retiro boasts lush gardens, while the Mercado San Miguel houses some of Spain's finest produce and regional specialties.
After the summer crowds clear out and autumn sets in, Madrid takes on a much more relaxed vibe. Pleasantly sunny days and mild nights bring together the best of both worlds and make the perfect setting for the Madrid Autumn Festival.
Places to visit include Europe's largest palace - the Palacio Real - and world-renowned museums like the Museo del Prado, which is home to a selection of Spanish masters. The Parque del Retiro boasts lush gardens, while the Mercado San Miguel houses some of Spain's finest produce and regional specialties.
After the summer crowds clear out and autumn sets in, Madrid takes on a much more relaxed vibe. Pleasantly sunny days and mild nights bring together the best of both worlds and make the perfect setting for the Madrid Autumn Festival.
- Closest airport: Madrid Airport
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £191
- The average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £280
- The average cost of car rentals (for a week): £45.78
- Number of 'cheap' (affordable) restaurants: 1,805
- Number of 'budget' hotels: 544
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 46
- Average temperature (September, October, November): 15
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 8
Barcelona, Spain
Coming in fifth on our list and scoring 80 out of 144 points is the city of Barcelona, which is on the coast in the region of Catalonia. Its blend of cosmopolitan city hotspots and chilled-out beach vibes makes for an ideal tourist hotspot, especially when paired with its renowned cuisine, culture and architecture.
Top attractions in Barcelona include the atmospheric Gothic Quarter, Art Nouveau architecture - including work by Antoni Gaudí - the famous Mercat de la Boqueria, eye-catching La Sagrada Familia, lively La Rambla and scenic Park Guell.
During autumn, temperatures in Barcelona are on the mild side, making it ideal for outdoor attractions, beach visits, festivals and cultural celebrations. In October, La Rambla hosts the Festa del Roser, which celebrates the tradition of flower sellers on Barcelona’s historic pedestrian street.
Top attractions in Barcelona include the atmospheric Gothic Quarter, Art Nouveau architecture - including work by Antoni Gaudí - the famous Mercat de la Boqueria, eye-catching La Sagrada Familia, lively La Rambla and scenic Park Guell.
During autumn, temperatures in Barcelona are on the mild side, making it ideal for outdoor attractions, beach visits, festivals and cultural celebrations. In October, La Rambla hosts the Festa del Roser, which celebrates the tradition of flower sellers on Barcelona’s historic pedestrian street.
- Closest airport: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport
- Average flight cost (from London Heathrow): £96
- The average cost of a week-long hotel stay: £648
- The average cost of car rentals (for a week): £66.10
- Number of 'cheap' (affordable) restaurants: 1,654
- Number of 'budget' hotels: 489
- Average rainfall in millimeters (September, October, November): 80
- Average temperature (September, October, November): 17
- Average daylight in hours (September, October, November): 7
Rounding up the top 10
Those were our top five destinations and here are the remaining locations where tourists can enjoy an autumnal trip in our top 10 roundup.
Taking sixth place is Venice with 77 points out of 144. Romantic Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region and is built on more than 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. Visitors love its rich history, beautiful bridges, gondola rides and spectacular architecture, where buildings rise from the water.
Seventh on the list is Budapest, which is the capital of Hungary and scored 76 out of a possible 144 points. Budapest is a bustling and vibrant city which enjoys scenic parks, lively markets, cool bars and ancient thermal baths.
Italy’s capital city of Rome, is eighth on our list, having scored 74 out of 144 points. It is a city with a rich history and culture that is known for its ancient Roman landmarks. They include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Roman Forum.
In ninth place is Florence, scoring 72 out of 144 for best autumn locations. Florence has a rich cultural heritage and is celebrated for its architecture, culture, food and wine. It’s also known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to and is home to Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo.
Closing our top 10 is Bruges, which scored 71 out of 144. This city is located in the region of West Flanders in the Flemish province of Belgium and - being a canal-based city - is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’.
That might have been our top 10 list of cities but there are plenty more gems to explore as part of our top 18 autumnal getaways. Here they are:
If you're looking to rent a car for your next autumn trip, please consider choosing us as we are a leader in online car rental bookings. This is because we compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose the best deal for your individual family's needs.
We also operate in more than 145 countries and 10,000 locations, so we're sure to have the car rental deal for you, no matter which destination you choose for your next autumn adventure.
Taking sixth place is Venice with 77 points out of 144. Romantic Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region and is built on more than 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. Visitors love its rich history, beautiful bridges, gondola rides and spectacular architecture, where buildings rise from the water.
Seventh on the list is Budapest, which is the capital of Hungary and scored 76 out of a possible 144 points. Budapest is a bustling and vibrant city which enjoys scenic parks, lively markets, cool bars and ancient thermal baths.
Italy’s capital city of Rome, is eighth on our list, having scored 74 out of 144 points. It is a city with a rich history and culture that is known for its ancient Roman landmarks. They include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Roman Forum.
In ninth place is Florence, scoring 72 out of 144 for best autumn locations. Florence has a rich cultural heritage and is celebrated for its architecture, culture, food and wine. It’s also known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to and is home to Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo.
Closing our top 10 is Bruges, which scored 71 out of 144. This city is located in the region of West Flanders in the Flemish province of Belgium and - being a canal-based city - is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’.
That might have been our top 10 list of cities but there are plenty more gems to explore as part of our top 18 autumnal getaways. Here they are:
- Prague, Czech Republic (Prague Airport)
- Copenhagen, Denmark (Copenhagen Airport)
- Dubrovnik, Croatia (Dubrovnik Airport)
- Berlin, Germany (Berlin Brandenburg Airport)
- Vienna, Austria (Vienna Airport)
- Edinburgh, Scotland (Edinburgh Airport)
- Paris, France (Charles de Gaulle Airport)
- Amsterdam, Netherlands (Amsterdam Airport)
If you're looking to rent a car for your next autumn trip, please consider choosing us as we are a leader in online car rental bookings. This is because we compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose the best deal for your individual family's needs.
We also operate in more than 145 countries and 10,000 locations, so we're sure to have the car rental deal for you, no matter which destination you choose for your next autumn adventure.
Top Related Locations
Here are some great fall destinations in North America.
- Austin, Texas (Austin-Bergstrom International Airport): Enjoy cooler temperatures and lively outdoor festivals in the heart of Texas.
- Denver, Colorado (Denver International Airport): Experience stunning fall foliage in the Rocky Mountains and vibrant city life.
- San Francisco, California (San Francisco International Airport): Mild weather and fewer tourists make this the perfect time to explore the iconic city.
- Vancouver, British Columbia (Vancouver International Airport): Revel in breathtaking autumn colors and crisp air in one of Canada's most beautiful cities.
- Toronto, Ontario (Toronto Pearson International Airport): Fall brings vibrant city parks and cultural events to life in this dynamic metropolis.
- Montreal, Quebec (Montréal–Trudeau International Airport): The city's European charm shines with colorful leaves and cozy cafés.
- Calgary, Alberta (Calgary International Airport): Witness the stunning transition of the prairies and mountains during this serene season.
- Mexico City, Mexico (Mexico City International Airport): Enjoy the cooler weather and immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions and festivals.
- Orlando, Florida (Orlando International Airport): Cooler temps make it ideal for theme park adventures and outdoor activities.
- Miami, Florida (Miami International Airport): Pleasant weather and vibrant festivals make this the perfect season for beachside fun and culture.
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.
