Autumn 2025 is one of the best times of year to combine sport and travel. Crisp air, colourful scenery, and a packed sporting calendar create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable trips. Whether you’re chasing stadium atmospheres or outdoor adventures, here are 10 top destinations to explore this Autumn.
1. New England, USA: Football Fever & Fall Foliage 🏈🍂
There’s nothing quite like Autumn in New England. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the changing leaves create a breathtaking backdrop for any activity. Beyond the stunning scenery, New England is a hotspot for American football. Imagine catching a New England Patriots game at Gillette Stadium, soaking in the electric atmosphere of an NFL crowd. For a more collegiate experience, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Ivy League football at historic stadiums across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
📌 Ticket Tip: NFL tickets sell out early, with Ticketmaster the official marketplace of the NFL; college games are cheaper and often more atmospheric.
✈️ How to Get There: Fly into Boston Logan International (BOS).
🏨 Where to Stay: Boston’s Back Bay for central access, or Providence (Rhode Island) for a more affordable base close to Ivy League action.
2. Munich, Germany: Oktoberfest & Bundesliga Brilliance ⚽🍺
While Oktoberfest might be famous for its beer tents, Autumn in Munich also means the Bundesliga 2025/26 season is in full swing. Experience the incredible passion of German football fans by catching a Bayern Munich match at the Allianz Arena. Beyond the pitch, Munich offers stunning parks like the English Garden, perfect for an Autumn stroll. Combine your sporting pilgrimage with exploring historical sites and, of course, sampling traditional Bavarian cuisine and hospitality.
📌 Ticket Tip: Bayern tickets are scarce; smaller Bavarian clubs like 1860 Munich offer a great alternative.
✈️ How to Get There: Munich Airport (MUC), with direct S-Bahn into the city.
🏨 Where to Stay: Altstadt (Old Town) for easy Oktoberfest and city exploring, or Schwabing for a lively neighbourhood close to Allianz Arena.
3. Austin, Texas, USA: F1 Thrills & Live Music 🏎️🎶
For motorsports enthusiasts, Austin is the place to be in Autumn. The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix (17–19 Oct 2025) at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a spectacular race weekend that combines high-octane racing with an incredible festival atmosphere, featuring live concerts from world-famous artists. The city itself is a vibrant hub of live music, delicious BBQ, and a unique culture that makes it a perfect destination for sports tourists looking for more than just the race.
📌 Ticket Tip: General admission offers flexibility; book grandstand seats months ahead.
✈️ How to Get There: Austin–Bergstrom International (AUS).
🏨 Where to Stay: Downtown Austin for nightlife and concerts, or South Congress for a quirky, boutique vibe.
4. Scotland: Rugby Spirit, Autumn Internationals & Highland Adventures 🏉🏔️
The Scottish Highlands in Autumn are a feast for the senses, with dramatic landscapes painted in rich, earthy tones. Scotland’s rugby culture shines during the Autumn Internationals, with Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh hosting top-tier national team clashes. For club rugby, United Rugby Championship fixtures with Glasgow Warriors or Edinburgh Rugby provide an authentic sporting experience.
Beyond rugby, the Highlands offer vast outdoor adventure. Autumn is prime hiking and mountain biking season before winter sets in. Tackle a Munro, enjoy a round of golf on a world-renowned course, or try traditional Scottish pursuits like fishing. The rugged beauty and invigorating air make it an ideal destination for active travelers.
📌 Ticket Tip: Autumn International tickets sell fast; book via the Scottish Rugby website early. Club rugby tickets are affordable and easy to grab on matchday.
✈️ How to Get There: Edinburgh (EDI) or Glasgow (GLA).
🏨 Where to Stay: Edinburgh Old Town for rugby + city access, Inverness as a gateway to Highland adventures.
5. Paris, France: Horse Racing & Tennis Triumphs 🏇🎾
Paris offers an elegant sporting calendar in Autumn. The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (4–5 Oct 2025) at Longchamp Racecourse is one of the world’s most famous horse races — a spectacle of style, speed, and high-stakes racing. Later, the Rolex Paris Masters (27 Oct – 2 Nov 2025) brings the world’s best male tennis players to the city for a key ATP Tour tournament. Combine this with exploring the city’s art, culture, and cuisine for a truly immersive experience.
📌 Ticket Tip: Arc general admission is great value; Paris Masters early rounds are cheapest.
✈️ How to Get There: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY).
🏨 Where to Stay: Saint-Germain for central elegance, Bercy area for walking distance to the tennis venue.
6. Melbourne, Australia: Footy Finals & Cricket’s Return 🏉🏏
While it’s Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, remember that it’s spring in Australia, which makes Melbourne a brilliant sporting destination at this time of year. The AFL Grand Final (27 Sept 2025) at the MCG is a cultural phenomenon not to be missed. As the footy season ends, anticipation for cricket’s summer builds, making it a fantastic time to tour the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and soak in the city’s sports-obsessed atmosphere.
📌 Ticket Tip: AFL Grand Final tickets mainly via member ballots; official travel packages are reliable.
✈️ How to Get There: Melbourne Airport (MEL).
🏨 Where to Stay: Melbourne CBD for convenience, Richmond for walking distance to the MCG.
7. California, USA: Surfing & Sunshine State Sensation 🌊🏄♂️
California in Autumn offers fantastic opportunities for both water sports and stadium action. The surf is still good at iconic spots like Malibu and Trestles, and the crowds have thinned. Inland, enjoy NBA preseason (Oct 2025) or MLB playoffs/World Series (Oct 2025) in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
📌 Ticket Tip: MLB playoffs are pricey; early-round games are better value. NBA preseason is much cheaper than regular-season games, with Ticketmaster the official Marketplace of the NBA.
✈️ How to Get There: LAX for Los Angeles, SFO for San Francisco.
🏨 Where to Stay: Santa Monica for beaches + NBA/MLB access, or Union Square (San Francisco) for central city + sports.
8. London, UK: NFL International Series & Rugby Union 🏈🏉
London has become a major hub for international sports. The NFL International Series 2025 (5, 12, 19 Oct 2025) features three games in October at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while the Gallagher Premiership Rugby 2025/26 season is underway with top London clubs.
The mix of American football and English rugby creates a vibrant atmosphere, complemented by London’s pubs, museums, and historical sites.
📌 Ticket Tip: NFL tickets usually sell via ballot; rugby tickets are more affordable and family-friendly.
✈️ How to Get There: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), or Stansted (STN).
🏨 Where to Stay: Shoreditch for nightlife + easy Tottenham access, Richmond for rugby-friendly pubs near Twickenham.
9. Algarve, Portugal: Mountain Biking & Trail Running 🚴♀️🏃♀️
Autumn is ideal for adventure sports in the Algarve. Temperatures are pleasant for mountain biking and trail running along clifftops and rolling hills. Explore fishing villages, rugged interiors, or the stunning coastline — all while enjoying Portuguese cuisine and local wines.
📌 Ticket Tip: Local football matches are inexpensive and easy to buy on matchday.
✈️ How to Get There: Faro Airport (FAO).
🏨 Where to Stay: Lagos for nightlife + beaches, Tavira for quieter, scenic coastal charm.
10. Rome, Italy: Serie A Passion & Autumn Cycling ⚽🚴♂️
Autumn in Rome is a dream for football and cycling enthusiasts. Serie A 2025/26 is in full swing, with iconic clubs like AS Roma and SS Lazio playing at the historic Stadio Olimpico. Experience the passion of Italian fans as chants echo through the stadium — it’s an unforgettable sporting atmosphere.
For cycling fans, Italy is home to some of the most prestigious one-day races of the season. The Il Lombardia (October 11, 2025), also known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves,” is one of cycling’s five Monuments and a spectacular event for spectators. The challenging course through the Lombardy region is a true test for the world’s best riders. Other notable Autumn Classics, such as the Gran Piemonte (October 9, 2025), offer a taste of Italy’s rich cycling heritage in scenic settings.
📌 Ticket Tip: Serie A derbies sell quickly; midweek matches are usually easier to access.
✈️ How to Get There: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA).
🏨 Where to Stay: Centro Storico for walking access to historic sites and stadiums, or Trastevere for a lively, local atmosphere with great dining options.
From roaring NFL crowds in London to serene trail runs in Portugal, Autumn 2025 is the perfect season to combine sporting passion with travel adventures. Whether you’re after iconic finals or active escapes, these destinations promise unforgettable memories for every sports tourist. Share your thoughts in the comments, and for more trip ideas and guides, subscribe below!
Last Updated on September 23, 2025 by Sports Tourist
