Where to go in September
14 destinations at their peak in September, plus 9 more that are still a good choice.
At their best in September
Paris
France · best Apr–Jun, Sep–OctBoulevards, bakeries and the best people-watching on earth.
London
United Kingdom · best Apr–SepFree museums, royal parks and a food scene drawn from the whole world.
Rome
Italy · best Mar–May, Sep–OctThree thousand years of history, and dinner at nine.
Barcelona
Spain · best Apr–Jun, Sep–OctGaudí, the Mediterranean and dinner after ten.
Lisbon
Portugal · best Mar–Jun, Sep–OctSeven hills, yellow trams and the sweet ache of fado.
Istanbul
Türkiye · best Apr–May, Sep–OctWhere two continents meet over tea on the Bosphorus.
Santorini
Greece · best May–Jun, Sep–OctWhitewashed villages on the rim of a sunken volcano.
Bali
Indonesia · best Apr–SepRice terraces, temple ceremonies and surf at sunset.
New York City
United States · best Apr–Jun, Sep–OctFive boroughs, eight million people and a pizza slice on every block.
Cusco and Machu Picchu
Peru · best Apr–SepThe Inca capital and the citadel in the clouds.
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil · best Apr–Jun, Sep–OctMountains, beaches and samba between them.
Buenos Aires
Argentina · best Mar–May, Sep–NovTango, steak and grand cafés that stay open until dawn.
Vancouver
Canada · best May–SepSea, forest and mountains, all within a bus ride.
Sydney
Australia · best Feb–Apr, Sep–NovThe world's best harbour and a beach for every mood.
Also good in September
Reykjavík, Tokyo, Kyoto, Bangkok, Singapore, Jaipur, Mexico City, Cape Town, Marrakech.
Festivals and events in September
La MercèBarcelona
The city's main festival with castellers and concerts. Barcelona guide
Singapore Grand PrixSingapore
Formula 1's original night race. Singapore guide
Independence DayMexico City
El Grito in the Zócalo and a military parade. Mexico City guide
Vancouver International Film FestivalVancouver
Hundreds of films from around the world. Vancouver guide
Whale seasonCape Town
Southern right whales along the coast, especially at Hermanus. Cape Town guide