September offers an exquisite balance of summer’s lingering warmth and the refreshing onset of autumn, making it an exceptional month for travel. As the high-season crowds wane, this period invites you to explore some of the world’s most captivating destinations. Where are the best places to visit in September to make the most of the changing seasons?
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant festivals in Barcelona, the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Reykjavik, or the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto, September provides a unique opportunity to experience these places at their most enchanting. Embrace the diverse landscapes, seasonal festivities, and cultural richness as you embark on unforgettable adventures across these top travel spots.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city of grandeur, known for its historical palaces, classical music heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. The city has been home to some of the greatest composers, including Mozart and Beethoven, making it a hub for classical music lovers.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn for mild weather and cultural events.
- Transportation Options: Fly into Vienna International Airport, then use the efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the U-Bahn.
- Things to Do: Visit the Schönbrunn Palace, the historic Hofburg, and the world-famous Vienna State Opera. Stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy a coffee at one of the traditional Viennese cafés.
- What to Eat: Experience traditional Austrian flavors at Figlmüller, famous for its Wiener Schnitzel, and Café Central, renowned for its Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel.
- Where to Stay: Luxurious accommodations include the iconic Hotel Sacher and the elegant Das Triest.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a vibrant city known for its artistic and architectural treasures, particularly the works of Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The city’s rich cultural heritage is complemented by its lively nightlife and beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather.
- Transportation Options: Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the main gateway, with the city well-connected by metro, buses, and trams.
- Things to Do: Explore the Gothic Quarter, visit the Picasso Museum, and enjoy a walk along La Rambla. Barcelona’s beaches, such as Barceloneta, offer a perfect place to relax.
- What to Eat: Where to Eat: Delight in local Catalan cuisine at El Celler de Can Roca, known for its creative Paella and Escudella, and Cal Pep, where you can savor a variety of tapas and Crema Catalana.
- Where to Stay: Consider the luxurious Hotel Arts Barcelona or the boutique Hotel Mercer in the Gothic Quarter.
New York City, USA
New York City, known as “The Big Apple,” is a global hub for culture, art, finance, and entertainment. The city’s iconic skyline, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods make it a must-visit destination.
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn (September to November) for a mix of pleasant weather and cultural events.
- Transportation Options: Fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, or Newark Liberty International Airport. The city is well-connected by subways, buses, and taxis.
- Things to Do: Visit landmarks like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. Explore the art collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
- What to Eat: Indulge in innovative dining at Eleven Madison Park, celebrated for its plant-based tasting menu, and enjoy classic New York flavors at Katz’s Delicatessen, famous for its pastrami sandwiches.
- Where to Stay: Luxurious options include The Plaza Hotel and the modern NoMad Hotel.
San Francisco, USA
San Francisco is known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep hills, and eclectic neighborhoods. The city is a cultural and financial hub on the West Coast, known for its diverse communities and progressive vibe.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall (September to November) for clear skies and fewer tourists.
- Transportation Options: San Francisco International Airport is the main entry point, with public transportation options including BART, buses, and historic cable cars.
- Things to Do: Visit Alcatraz Island, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, and take a stroll through Golden Gate Park. Don’t miss the vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District.
- What to Eat: Enjoy seafood delicacies at Swan Oyster Depot, known for its clam chowder and fresh oysters, and House of Nanking, where you can taste acclaimed dim sum and Peking duck.
- Where to Stay: Consider staying at the historic Fairmont San Francisco or the elegant Ritz-Carlton.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is renowned for its classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. It was the capital of Japan for over a millennium and is known for its well-preserved heritage.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for cherry blossoms or fall foliage.
- Transportation Options: Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport, followed by a train or bus to Kyoto.
- Things to Do: Visit iconic sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Experience a traditional tea ceremony and explore the Gion district, known for its geisha culture.
- What to Eat: Savor kaiseki cuisine at Kikunoi, renowned for its exquisite multi-course meals, and enjoy traditional yudofu at Yudofu Sagano, a beloved spot for tofu hot pot.
- Where to Stay: Stay at luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or traditional ryokans such as Hiiragiya.
Santorini, Greece
Known for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters, Santorini is a picturesque island in the Aegean Sea. It’s famous for its volcanic beaches and vibrant nightlife.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May) or early autumn (September to October) for warm weather and fewer crowds.
- Transportation Options: Santorini (Thira) National Airport, with ferries connecting to other Greek islands and the mainland.
- Things to Do: Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, relax on the beaches of Perissa and Kamari, and enjoy wine tasting tours in local vineyards.
- What to Eat: Relish Greek specialties at Selene, famous for its moussaka and seafood dishes, and Taverna Katina, known for its fresh fish and traditional tomatokeftedes.
- Where to Stay: Luxury options include Katikies Hotel and Mystique, offering breathtaking views of the caldera.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital, is known for its rich maritime history, colorful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city offers a mix of traditional and modern experiences.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for mild weather.
- Transportation Options: Lisbon Portela Airport, with an extensive network of trams, buses, and metro lines within the city.
- Things to Do: Explore the historic Alfama district, visit the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and enjoy a ride on Tram 28. Discover local markets and enjoy the lively nightlife.
- What to Eat: Enjoy local flavors at Time Out Market, offering a variety of dishes including bacalhau and pastéis de nata, and Ramiro, celebrated for its seafood, including fresh crab and shrimp.
- Where to Stay: Stay at the luxurious Bairro Alto Hotel or the historic Palácio Belmonte.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech, known as the “Red City,” is famous for its vibrant souks, historical palaces, and the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. The city’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture, gardens, and cuisine.
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn (September to November) for cooler temperatures.
- Transportation Options: Marrakech Menara Airport, with taxis and buses available for local transport.
- Things to Do: Visit the Jardin Majorelle, the Koutoubia Mosque, and explore the Medina. Enjoy shopping in the souks and experience traditional Moroccan hammams.
- What to Eat: Sample Moroccan delights at Le Jardin, known for its tagine and couscous, and Café des Epices, famous for its pastilla and traditional mint tea.
- Where to Stay: Stay at the luxurious Royal Mansour or the charming Riad El Fenn.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. The city offers a unique blend of modern and traditional Icelandic culture.
- Best Time to Visit: September for the Northern Lights and fewer tourists.
- Transportation Options: Keflavik International Airport, with local buses and taxis available for city travel.
- Things to Do: Explore the Golden Circle, relax in the Blue Lagoon, and visit the Hallgrímskirkja church. Enjoy Reykjavik’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene.
- What to Eat: Experience Icelandic cuisine at Dill, known for its modern take on traditional dishes like lamb and seafood, and Saegreifinn (The Sea Baron), famous for its fish soup and grilled fish skewers.
- Where to Stay: Consider staying at the luxurious Hotel Borg or the contemporary Fosshotel Reykjavik.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is famous for its stunning harbor, iconic Opera House, and beautiful beaches. The city combines a laid-back beach mix with a vibrant urban lifestyle. It’s a city of contrasts, offering a rich cultural scene alongside breathtaking natural beauty.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (September to November) for blooming flowers and pleasant weather.
- Transportation Options: Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport, with extensive public transport options including trains, buses, and ferries.
- Things to Do: Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Explore the Royal Botanic Garden and take a ferry ride to Manly Beach or Taronga Zoo. Bondi Beach is also a must-visit for sunbathing, surfing, and experiencing the local beach culture.
- What to Eat: Enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine at Quay, renowned for its modern dishes and stunning harbor views, and The Grounds of Alexandria, famous for its meat pies and vibrant food markets.
- Where to Stay: Luxury hotels such as the Park Hyatt Sydney and The Langham offer stunning views of the harbor. For a more boutique experience, consider staying at the Ovolo Woolloomooloo or The Old Clare Hotel.
If you’re looking to get away this September, definitely add these destinations to your list of potential vacation spots!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is September a good time for vacation?
Though families might not want to go on vacation during back to school season, September is an excellent time for single folks or couples to travel. Destinations that are too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter often enjoy temperate weather during the month of September. Since it’s outside of the typical summer vacation months, popular destinations are typically less crowded in September.
Where to visit the USA in September?
Locations in the USA where the summer and winter months bring extreme weather are great places to travel in September because the temperatures are mild, but not too chilly. The New England states are great places to visit in September for leaf peeping as well as the milder temperatures, and Southern states like Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana are great choices for those who want to avoid visiting in the summer months.
