Halloween may be next month, but one of Europe’s most storied cities of haunting tales, eerie folklore, and a spooky Gothic cityscape is arguably best visited in September.
That’s what the experts at The Points Guy are saying, being named a top 12 European city for fall— and it’s easy to see why.
I mean, who doesn’t love free attractions and fewer crowds? Check and check — lock in the whole crew at Travel Off Path for both after a busy, busy summer.
Not to mention what usually is a lively, yet brooding city, takes on a whole new vibe as it begins to glimmer with fall foliage by the time the calendar flips to October.
September, on record, is typically one of the cheapest months to travel, making the appeal of pub and castle-hopping, autumn leaf-peeping, and timeless landmarks that don’t cost a penny all the more enticing to fly ‘across the pond’.
Without further ado, it’s time to tell London to kick rocks (or “bugger off” as they might say) in favor of another timeless city on the flip side of the UK.
Great Scot! Edinburgh Is The UK’s Top Fall Destination
There are many UK cities breaking tourism records right now, and no, we’re not talking about London.
Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle…but what about Edinburgh?
Well, there are no active reports out to suggest Scotland’s medieval marvel is seeing record-breaking numbers, but our most recent coverage of Edinburgh was backed by the claim that it was voted as the ‘Best Destination In Europe’.
Best of all, Americans can fly nonstop to avoid the chaos at one of London’s many always-packed airports.
What also separates London is the fact that they just couldn’t help themselves from modernizing their city.
Sure, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey aren’t going anywhere, but you can’t help but notice the towering high-rises either.
Edinburgh has surely taken pitches to amplify their skyline and add some extra commas to their accounts, but this 15th-century wonder is immaculately (and purposely) preserved, remaining largely unchanged to the eye.
Boasting a maze of cobbled roadways, storybook castles, scenic shores, and pubs dating back centuries — oh, and a secret island full of history nobody ever seems to talk about — why overpay in London when you can book an unforgettable trip to Edinburgh?
Where To Witness Edinburgh’s Fall Splendor
We’re just getting the ball rollin’ toward fall, but no matter if you’re planning a last-minute getaway like The Points Guy suggests or want to plan ahead deeper into fall, don’t expect solely dark Gothic hues.
Edinburgh’s tree-lined streets and lush parks begin to transform into golden browns among other hints of glowing colors.
Edinburgh still sees steady temps in the 60s in September and early October before a steep drop-off in November, where you then might have to pay for extra luggage for extra layers.
The Points Guy highlights the Royal Botanic Garden and Lauriston Castle as the best places to experience the city’s most vibrant foliage.
But…I’ve dug up another stunner — Prince Street Gardens.
Set under the staggering Edinburgh Castle, this must-visit was recently described by a visitor as ‘peaceful spot right in the middle of Edinburgh. It’s the perfect place to take a break from walking around the city, with plenty of benches, greenery, and a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle above’.
“Door Open Days”: Unpacking Edinburgh’s Free Attractions
The word “free” typically comes with some illegible fine print nobody wants to read. In this case, it’s fairly simple.
Edinburgh offers what’s known as “Door Open Days”. As such, numerous popular sites open their doors for free to the public.
According to Forever Edinburgh, these are the most notable stunning attractions you can visit only in September free of charge:
However, a full list of every single locale participating in the 2025 program is provided directly by Door Open Days—and it’s a doozy!
To view that list, click here. Also note pre-booking is required for most events.
Unveiling Edinburgh’s Secret Island
Yes, Edinburgh is a beach city, yet that aspect tends to be overlooked by the wondrous cityscape.
Sitting on the shores of the Firth of Forth, there are a handful of delightful beaches to visit. Though, let’s be honest —— summer is best for those given the weather in Scotland.
However, there’s an exception to the rule that many guidebooks miss too — the textbook “hidden gem” of Cramond Island.
There are a couple of features that make this little-known island truly unique:
1) It’s only accessible by walking at low tide. That’s right — no boat rides. Available times to cross the causeway can be accessed by texting “Cramond” to 81400 and looking for signs at the Crammond Village entry point.
2) Crammond Island is packed with ruins. Dating back to World War II, ruins rise from the rocky terrain, showcasing weapon emplacements, bunkers, and observation posts. It feels like a film set.
Better yet, the views are astounding. Just remember to keep your visit brief before the tides rise, leaving you stranded to act out your own war movie.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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