15 Best Europe destinations in November of 2023

November can be an excellent month to visit Europe as long as you are prepared for the weather, which is mostly on the cool side and rarely even close to frozen. Summer is peak season for most popular European cities, and Christmas season tends to be crowded as well, so a November visit allows you to sneak in when crowds and prices are low and the weather is still decent.

The list below contains Europe’s only good beach destination in November as well as the 14 best options for those wanting a cultural holiday. Pretty much all of the famous cities are on the list below, and fortunately none of them are known for getting much in the way of rain, and that goes for London as well. All of the hotel prices are updated for 2023 and there are some great deals in Europe this November.

Important November 2023 Holidays

  • November 1 – All Saints’ Day (major public holiday in most European countries)
  • November 5 – Guy Fawkes Night in England (celebrations)
  • November 11 – Armistice Day in France (major public holiday)
  • November 17 – Velvet Revolution Anniversary in Czechia (major public holiday)
  • November 19 – Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam (family celebrations)
  • November 23 – Thanksgiving Day in the USA (major public holiday)

Below you’ll find

  1. Europe’s best November beach destination
  2. Europe’s 14 best November city destinations

Europe's only decent November beach destination

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

  • November avg high: 75°F/24°C
  • November avg low: 65°F/18°C
  • November avg precip: 1.1″/2.8cm

Tenerife highlights

  • Sandy beaches and hundreds of nice hotel pools
  • A pleasant atmosphere with very reasonable food and drinks
  • Interesting and mellow nightlife with no huge night clubs
  • Teide volcano and national park: Great day trip
  • Comfortable island for English speakers getting out of the cold

By the time November rolls in, the entire European continent is too cold to sit on a beach and that will be the case until April. The good news is that the Canary Islands are technically part of Spain and there are cheap flights to Tenerife and the other islands all year round. November isn’t scorching, but it’s warm and sunny enough to work on your tan, and it’s quite cheap as well.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and the best choice for English speakers as well. Head to the resort area in the southwest of Tenerife around the town of Los Cristianos for the most choices of hotels and apartment rentals. In November you’ll be surrounded by northern Europeans and the local workers. You might also look into the other Canary Islands including Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and La Palma, which all have similar weather and hotel prices. Tenerife is arguably the easiest for English speakers, but all of them are very welcoming.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €58 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €85 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €12 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Tenerife
>>>Tenerife prices and travel tips

14 Best non-beach destinations in Europe in November

Rome, Italy

  • November avg high: 63°F/17°C
  • November avg low: 47°F/8°C
  • November avg precip: 4.4″/11.0cm

Rome highlights

  • Colosseum, Ancient Rome, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and other monuments
  • Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
  • Stunning architecture that surprises you around every corner
  • Great place to sample Italian dining and drink styles from all over the country
  • Coffee and wine bars that are affordable and friendly

November marks the start of the low season in Rome, but this is a city that is popular all year round so you certainly won’t feel alone. The days are chilly and you might get some rain, but Rome is still a great destination even in the colder months because there is so much to see and do, and much of it is indoors such as the enormous Vatican Museum.

If this is your first visit to Italy you’ll probably want to head north from Rome and visit Florence and Venice (both mentioned below). But if you have more time you might also consider Sorrento, which is a bit south of Naples. It’s a bit warmer in November and it’s the perfect base for day trips of Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and the Isle of Capri.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €76 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €101 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €15 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Rome
>>>Rome prices and travel tips


Florence, Italy

  • November avg high: 59°F/15°C
  • November avg low: 42°F/6°C
  • November avg precip: 4.4″/11.0cm

Florence highlights

  • Florence Cathedral and city hall are two very photogenic attractions
  • Ponte Vecchio bridge and its abundant jewelry shops
  • Uffizi Gallery and other museums in the home of the Renaissance
  • The Tuscan capital is the best culinary stop among tourist towns
  • Great wine starting at shockingly low prices

Similar to Rome, Florence is such an amazing destination that it’s worth visiting any time of year. November is chilly and a bit wet, but even more than Rome and Venice, Florence is an indoor destination. This is one of the world’s great capitals for art and you’ll be indoors most of the day even if the weather is nice.

Florence is smaller than Rome so you can see the most famous sights in only 2 days or so, but you might still want to spend 3 or even 4 nights here because this is the ideal base for day trips to Pisa, Siena, and even the Cinque Terre. There are also several nearby hill towns that are worth a look to experience something uniquely Italian. As the capital and largest city in the famous Tuscany region, Florence is also a great food city. Avoid places with English menus out front for the best quality and value.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €77 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €94 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €17 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Florence
>>>Florence prices and travel tips


Venice, Italy

  • November avg high: 53°F/12°C
  • November avg low: 40°F/4°C
  • November avg precip: 3.4″/8.5cm

Venice highlights

  • St. Marks Square and Cathedral are unforgettable
  • Rialto Bridge for amazing photos
  • Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs
  • Gondola ride or other boat rides on canals
  • Sidewalks and passageways in the morning and evening when they aren’t crowded

Again, if you are coming to Italy for the first time in November you are going to want to spend at least one day and night in Venice even if it’s a bit cool. There is no other city in the world like Venice and the smaller crowds in November will help you feel less like a herd animal.

The downside to visiting Venice in November is that it’s the peak month for the Acqua Alta, which is the high-tide flooding that the city experiences. It’s still possible to get around and enjoy a Venice visit in November, but it’s also wise to keep track of the Acqua Alta situation and work your schedule around it. The hotel prices for 2023 listed below are for rooms on the main island where all the sights are located. You can save some money by staying on the mainland or another nearby island, but it’s a lot of hassle getting back and forth so it’s really not worth it.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €96 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €114 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €26 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Venice
>>>Venice prices and travel tips


Paris, France

  • November avg high: 51°F/11°C
  • November avg low: 43°F/6°C
  • November avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm

Paris highlights

  • Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe among many other amazing structures
  • Louvre and Orsay Museum have amazing collections and are beautiful
  • Seine river cruise at sunset to see all the bridges illuminated
  • Hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tour (actually amazing!)
  • Probably the best food in the world, and wine as well

Similar to Rome and London, Paris is such an amazing city that you are going to want to visit no matter which month you are visiting. Fortunately, Paris still has reasonably mild temperatures in November and not much rainfall. There will be plenty of business travelers around, but tourist numbers are lower so it can be easier to get around and see the top sights.

As long as you dress properly you can still even enjoy the excellent hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Paris in November. It’s arguably the best city bus tour in Europe and it connects nearly all of the most famous buildings and attractions. It’s included in the Paris Pass, so you might also want to check our review of the Paris Pass. The included Seine River cruise is also highly recommended around sunset whether you buy a Paris Pass or not.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €97 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €149 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €19 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Paris
>>>Paris prices and travel tips


London, England

  • November avg high: 51°F/11°C
  • November avg low: 41°F/5°C
  • November avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm

London highlights

  • Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey and on and on
  • Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, all in a small area
  • Oxford Street shopping is world class
  • Camden Markets and Portobello Road market for unusual vibes and items
  • Neighborhood pubs and surprisingly good international cuisine

The good news about London in November is that it tends not to rain very hard when it does rain, so you often don’t even need an umbrella. But of course it will be cool every day in November so you will need to bring some outerwear with you. As with a few others on this list, London is such an amazing city that you’ll want to visit no matter the month of your trip.

London is another example of a mostly indoor city so the weather doesn’t really slow most visitors down. The famous attractions such as the (free) museums and famous cathedrals are welcoming no matter the weather outside. You might even want to look at our London Pass review if you want to see the top attractions in 2 or 3 days.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from £101 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from £127 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from £13 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for London
>>>London prices and travel tips


Barcelona, Spain

  • November avg high: 63°F/17°C
  • November avg low: 47°F/8°C
  • November avg precip: 2.3″/5.8cm

Barcelona highlights

  • Sagrada Familia cathedral and other Gaudi architectural highlights
  • La Rambla pedestrian zone (watch for pick pockets!)
  • Sandy beaches located within the city and are nice
  • Marina complex with great food, shopping, and activities
  • Nightlife that rivals Madrid and is late night and world-class

Being on the Mediterranean, Barcelona stays warmer than Madrid (see below) during the colder months. So November is still fairly nice and one of the better months to visit partly because the summer months have become so ridiculously crowded here. The main attraction here is the interesting architecture, and you can see all of the most famous buildings on top of the hop-on, hop-off bus tour, which is included with the Barcelona Pass.

If this is your first time to Spain you are going to want to spend 3 or 4 nights in Barcelona but also then take the high-speed train (in 2.5 hours) to Madrid for 3 or 4 nights there. The cities are very different from each other and both are wonderful for tourists with excellent food and nightlife on top of everything else. November is actually one of the best times to visit Spain, due to the mild weather and smaller crowds.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €88 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €107 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €18 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Barcelona
>>>Barcelona prices and travel tips


Madrid, Spain

  • November avg high: 56°F/13°C
  • November avg low: 43°F/6°C
  • November avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm

Madrid highlights

  • Best city to experience the wide range of Spanish cultural highlights
  • Royal Palace complex
  • Prado Museum, which is one of the world’s best art museums and a gorgeous building
  • Tapas bars, where you get free snacks with each drink ordered
  • Excellent and famous nightlife that draws people from all over the world

Madrid does get a bit cool in November, but as mentioned above in the Barcelona section you are going to want to come here anyway. Madrid is of course the capital of Spain so this is where you see the Royal Palace and many other official buildings of note, as well as the Prado Museum.

The high-speed train that connects Madrid and Barcelona is fairly cheap if you book it at least a couple weeks in advance. Spain has a few of its own low-cost airlines, so flights into Madrid are pretty cheap this time of year, although booking early helps here as well.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €68 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €100 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €17 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Madrid
>>>Madrid prices and travel tips


Lisbon, Portugal

  • November avg high: 64°F/18°C
  • November avg low: 53°F/12°C
  • November avg precip: 4.2″/10.5cm

Lisbon highlights

  • Castles, towers, and cathedrals, all in the main center
  • Tram 28, which connects many of Lisbon’s tourist sights for €3 a ride
  • Elevador de Santa Justa – the famous outdoor elevator
  • Great food at surprisingly affordable prices
  • Fado local music shows to go along with great meals

If you have ever wondered which city on the European continent has the best year-round weather, you have found it in Lisbon. The breezes off the Atlantic keep this city cool in summer and mild in winter, although it does get a bit of rainfall this time of year.

This otherwise remote city is a real gem for those who go out of their way to get here. It’s a lovely city on 7 hills so views are fantastic in every direction. And the food and culture here are very interesting as well as quite different from Spain. You can take an overnight train from Madrid, but flying is probably the better option for most people.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €55 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €77 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €15 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Lisbon
>>>Lisbon prices and travel tips


Interlaken, Switzerland

  • November avg high: 46°F/8°C
  • November avg low: 33°F/1°C
  • November avg precip: 3.3″/8.3cm

Interlaken highlights

  • Gateway to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the most beautiful place in Europe
  • Cable cars and hikes and mountaintop views
  • Jungraujoch railway and Schilthorn cable car are amazing and a bit expensive
  • Skiing in winter and adventure sports the rest of the year
  • Gimmelwald and other tiny villages in the Lauterbrunnen Valley

The weather in Interlaken isn’t exactly great in November, but it’s still worth considering on your trip because this is THE place to see the most dramatic Alps views anywhere in Europe. So many people say they just want to visit “Switzerland” that I wrote an article about where to go in Switzerland on a short visit.

On the other hand, Interlaken in November is not ideal because many hotels and businesses close down between mid October when the hiking season ends and mid December when skiing season begins. There are still places open and plenty to see, but you have to plan a bit more. If you want to visit a second place in Switzerland to admire the unusual beauty, Lucerne is your best bet.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €171 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €177 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €29 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Interlaken
>>>Interlaken prices and travel tips


Berlin, Germany

  • November avg high: 45°F/7°C
  • November avg low: 36°F/2°C
  • November avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm

Berlin highlights

  • Brandenburg Gate and a variety of Berlin Wall attractions
  • Berlin Cathedral and Reichstag building
  • Museum Island and its collections
  • Europe’s most eclectic and interesting nightlife
  • Cheap food, drinks, and hotels for a big European city

Berlin has cold winters and in November the weather here is already started to become a bit annoying. Still, this is such an incredible city that it’s worth dressing a bit warmer if a November visit is your best or only choice. The famous nightlife and cultural sights are all going strong all year round, so there is plenty to see and do.

Another great thing about this city is that it’s cheaper than the other large cities in Germany including Munich and Hamburg. Better still, this city has become so popular and international that you can just speak in English to anyone you encounter and you’ll almost always get a polite answer back in English.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €80 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €108 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €15 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Berlin
>>>Berlin prices and travel tips


Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • November avg high: 48°F/9°C
  • November avg low: 39°F/4°C
  • November avg precip: 3.0″/7.5cm

Amsterdam highlights

  • Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum
  • Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House and many other top museums
  • Heineken Experience is fun and they give you free beer at the end
  • Stunning historic center with gorgeous 16th century buildings
  • Nearly car-free nightlife and restaurant areas

Unfortunately, Amsterdam is another northern European city that typically only has one or two good months of weather each year. In other words, if you wait until it’s warm and sunny in Amsterdam, you’ll be here with a billion other people in mid July. With an excellent public transport system, it’s easy to get around Amsterdam by street car or even just walking.

The stunning architecture is one of the things that brings people to Amsterdam, and as long as you dress properly you’ll be able to soak that all in this month. Aside from that this is a cultural capital with excellent nightlife and a thriving arts scene. That goes all year round, as do the coffeeshops and small pubs all over town.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €101 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €145 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €27 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Amsterdam
>>>Amsterdam prices and travel tips


Prague, Czech Republic

  • November avg high: 44°F/7°C
  • November avg low: 36°F/2°C
  • November avg precip: 1.2″/3.0cm

Prague highlights

  • Prague Castle complex, which is one of Europe’s largest and most impressive
  • Charles Bridge and Old Town Square for amazing photos
  • Eastern Europe’s most interesting architecture that somehow survived WWII
  • Hearty food at great prices (if you avoid tourist zones)
  • Arguably the world’s best beer that is also cheap if you follow locals

Prague is a city that is so crowded in summer that many people actually prefer to come when it’s colder like in November, so they don’t have to battle crowds every minute of the day. As you can see, it’s chilly in Prague in November, but it rarely rains much as all so it’s just a matter of wearing another layer.

It will still be crowded in the main squares of Prague in November, but much less so than in warmer months so it’s more pleasant in general. If you want to spend a bit more time in Czechia, head to Cesky Krumlov, which is 3 hours away on a scenic bus ride or train. Cesky Krumlov is much more charming than Prague, and it’s cheaper than Prague by quite a bit as well.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €39 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €58 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €14 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Prague
>>>Prague prices and travel tips


Budapest, Hungary

  • November avg high: 47°F/8°C
  • November avg low: 36°F/2°C
  • November avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm

Budapest highlights

  • Parliament building overlooking the Danube for your own postcard photos
  • Some of Europe’s best architecture fitting of a major capital
  • Very cheap food and drinks (outside of the main tourist zone)
  • Natural hot spring complexes right in the city that are easy and cheap to visit
  • “Ruin pubs” set in courtyards of old apartment buildings (highly recommended!)

This part of Europe gets quite cold in winter so Budapest in November is already on the chilly side. But it doesn’t rain much and this city has so much to see and do that it’s worth a visit even in the cool months, when crowds are much smaller as well.

Budapest has a lot in common with Prague, but the architecture here is on a grander scale for the most part and it feels very different. This city is also one of the cheaper capital cities in Europe, so your travel fund really goes a long way here. The famous nightlife in the ruin pubs should not be missed at any time of year.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €46 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €64 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €9 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Budapest
>>>Budapest prices and travel tips


Istanbul, Turkey

  • November avg high: 60°F/16°C
  • November avg low: 47°F/8°C
  • November avg precip: 3.3″/8.3cm

Istanbul highlights

  • Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, which are right next to each other
  • Grand Bazaar other excellent and interesting shopping areas
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Great food at very reasonable prices, especially the breakfasts
  • Affordable hotels in the popular tourist district of Sultanahmet

November still has reasonably warm days in Istanbul so this is worth considering on any trip of eastern Europe this time of year. Istanbul itself is one of the world’s most historic and interesting cities, and it’s quite a travel bargain these days as well because the currency rate has gone down against almost all countries in the last couple years.

Those that have more than a few days might also consider exploring more of Turkey. For one thing, every other city in the country is at least a bit cheaper than Istanbul. And most places have even warmer temperatures in November, so it’s an ideal time to explore Cappadocia or even the southern coast along Antalya.

The currency in 2023 has plummeted and inflation has been pretty severe. The net result is that Turkey is one of the cheapest countries in the world this year for foreign visitors who bring in other currencies. That said, there has been a bit of unrest (usually very easy to avoid) so keep you eye on the news.

  • Good 3-star hotels in November from €57 for two people
  • Good 4-star hotels in November from €69 for two people
  • Hostel dorm beds in November from €6 per person

>>>Check hotel deals for Istanbul
>>>Istanbul prices and travel tips

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All Comments

  1. Halima says:

    Hi Roger,
    Thank you for having such an informative and helpful page.
    We are planning a last minute trip to Europe during Thanksgiving break for 10 days landing and departing from Frankfurt. We will most likely be traveling by train. We were hoping to be able to hit a couple of countries during our first time trip to Europe. Ideally we would prefer warmer destinations for this time of the year. We are not really into partying and drinking rather we enjoy sightseeing, seeing different cultures, eating local foods. Which countries/ cities would you recommend for us? Ooh lastly how many days and nights in each place would you suggest. Hoping to explore as much as we can during this time away. Thank you in advance for all your help and guidance.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Halima,

      Sorry about the delay on answering this. It’s probably too late if you are going this year. Needless to say, if you want milder temperatures you should go south from Frankfurt. I’d focus on Italy, southern France, and Spain. Again, sorry for missing this before. -Roger

  2. Raquib says:

    Hi Wade ….

    I have been planning for an Euro trip by Nov 2021 and for 30 days. I wanna visit maximum famous spots but with adequate time at every spot. Not to rush over everywhere.Can you please suggest me a few cities ? And also since I have a longer time in hand, biased to that do u have some other time to suggest for me to manage? Like February or March…?

    How best I can utilize the time sir?

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Raquib,

      I’d start out with this article about the best European destinations for a first visit. That will give you all of the most popular choices for groups of cities and countries to visit, with some other options to add on for each one.

      I highly recommend London and Paris as two of the best places for a first visit. London is amazing and fairly easy to visit because of the language, and Paris is so filled with impressive sights and great food that it ends up being the favorite stop of most who visit.

      November is nice enough in both places, but I’m not sure I’d recommend going in December through February because the days are quite short (sunrise at 8:30 AM and sunset at 4 PM or so). March is nicer so it’s another good choice. I’m happy to answer more questions as you start to put your trip together. -Roger

  3. Sonja Miller says:

    Hello Roger,

    Hoping we will be out of the Covid crisis by November, my daughter (28) and I would like to either travel to Italy or Croatia, or both. We would be going the first of November. Would your recommend either or both? Also, would the south of Italy be a better option or would it be all closed up for the season?

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Sonja,

      Sorry for the slow response. Of those two I’d definitely go to Italy in November. Almost all of the best places in Croatia are along the coast, and by November it’s quite chilly and many places are very quiet. Italy, on the other hand, has some beach towns that are slow in November (Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre etc), but the cities are still lively and November weather tends to be pretty mild.

      Again, I’d probably minimize time in the beach areas, but you could go to Sicily and have very nice weather. The main cities will all be quite busy, though still not many tourists. November is a great time to visit Italy. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  4. Linda Lilley says:

    Is it a good idea to visit the Dolomites from Rome for 3 days? We enjoy the outdoors and especially mountains. We would be there the first part of November .

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Linda,

      I’m not very familiar with sights within the Dolomites, although I’ve heard good things. It looks like the trains between Rome and the Dolomites are fairly slow and take 4 hours just to get to the close edge, so it’s worth checking into the transportation before you do much more planning. I wish I could help more and I’m sure you’ll find good advice elsewhere. -Roger

  5. kkum says:

    Hey Roger, I must say the post as well as your reply on each comments is commendable. I along with 3 friends(all below 30yrs old) are planning our first European trip from India for 10-11 days. Expected date will be during 15th Oct to 10th Nov. After googling as well as reading your various posts, it looks like Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice) is great choice. What other places would like to suggest to add in this? Please also suggest, if not Italy what other choice I can have.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      kkum,

      Yes, I think Italy will be a great choice for a first trip to Europe and those three cities are the best choices. My general recommendation is 1 or 2 nights in Venice (it’s small and quite crowded so staying longer doesn’t really pay off), 3 nights in Florence, and 3 nights in Rome. That would give you 3 to 5 additional days on your trip. Since this is your first trip to Europe I’d highly recommend adding Paris for 3 or 4 days. You can fly there cheaply and quickly from Rome or Venice or Milan or Pisa (near Florence) and then fly back to Rome for your flight home.

      Compared to your 8th, 9th, and 10th days in Italy, I think Paris would provide a lot more entertainment and diversity.

      The other good options would be to add Switzerland by taking a train through the Alps to Interlaken for a few days. It’s amazingly scenic, but also very expensive.

      Probably the cheapest and easiest option would be to add a few more days in Italy. Have a look at my suggestions for the best Italy itineraries for your best options. If you are adventurous I’d suggest exploring Naples, Pompeii, and staying in Sorrento for those days. But again, I think your best overall option would be to add Paris by flying in and out. Let me know if you have any questions.

      By the way, your photo appears automatically and it must be through your gmail account. I’ll try to change your gmail address and hopefully it won’t pull it up after that. -Roger

  6. Chirag says:

    Hello Roger.
    I am planning a trip to Europe with my wife and 6 year old daughter this November. I was planning for London, but I am told that days are very short in November in London and hence i wont be able to utilize time. What would be the next best destination? Italy? Spain? any other? Is Italy warmer than London? We will have about 8 to 9 days in hand for travel. Please suggest.
    Thanks in advance.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Chirag,

      It’s true that London is so far north that the sun rises around 08:00 and sets around 16:30 in November, and it’s somewhat chilly as well, but it’s still a really fun place to visit during the winter and you’d have plenty of time to see the famous sights during the daytime. There is plenty to do after dark as well and the museums typically stay open until 17:30 even during the winter.

      That said, you’ll find more daylight hours and milder weather in Italy or Spain. If you haven’t been to either of them I’d recommend Italy, as it’s much more impressive for the first-time visitor and it’s easier as well for those of us who don’t speak Spanish. The classic Italy itinerary is Rome, Florence, and Venice. In 8 days you could do 3 or 4 days in Rome, 3 or 4 days in Florence (including possible day trips to Pisa or Siena or Cinque Terre) and 1 or 2 days in Venice. You’ll find this and other options in my article about the best first-time Europe itineraries. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  7. Deeps says:

    @Roger thanks for the feedback ! I prefer Rome over Prague since am alone and can explore the historic stuff there .. also I think the weather in Rome can be a bit nicer I think ? Is taking a night train to Rome am better option than flying … because I couldn’t find a lot of flights late in night ! Also Rome can be intimidating in the sense of tourist ? Can you please shed some light on that ? Because I am more interested in Rome just to see the colosseum and Sistine chapel ! Please advise !

    Thanks

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Deeps,

      If you are more interested in the sights of Rome then I’d go there for sure, and the weather is almost certainly going to be a little nicer than Prague. Night trains are becoming less common all over Europe, mostly because of all the cheap flights. I’m not too fond of overnight trains for a few reasons, but if you find one you might enjoy it.

      As far as Rome being a little intimidating, it’s mostly that it feels somewhat disorganized and crowded, especially when you first arrive. It’s a huge city and most locals speak little or no English, although obviously it’s got plenty of hotels catering to English speakers and at the tourist attractions you’ll find English signs and ticket sellers who speak enough English to help. You’ll be fine though so I wouldn’t worry about it. Prague is also quite crowded in its heart, and English isn’t too widely spoken, but it feels a bit easier because there are so many other English-speaking tourists around.

      As mentioned, Prague has beautiful architecture and it’s a fun party city and at least a little cheaper than Rome, but Rome makes my list of 5 best European cities to visit, and Prague doesn’t. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  8. Deeps., says:

    Hi Roger

    I found this article great ! I am travelling to Germany (Munich) for work . I have time on weekend (Fri after work, Sat,Sun) to make a trip.I would want to catch a direct flight back to Dubai. Which place can you suggest ? Is Prague nice or Rome ? Am also concerned about travelling with all the luggage if on a train is that a problem ?

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Deeps,

      Thank you. You can go from Munich to Prague by train in about 5 hours, and I think that would be a great idea. You’d obviously have to fly to Rome, and taking the train is much more enjoyable and should also be cheaper (and a bit faster). Prague is a really gorgeous city and it’s one of Europe’s better party cities, so spending a weekend there will be fun.

      The intercity trains like that are pretty good with having enough space for luggage, so it shouldn’t be a problem, but you’ll obviously want to pack as light as you can and keep an eye on your things.

      Also, Rome is a very interesting city, but it’s also rather hectic and kind of intimidating. If you want to see the Coliseum and Trevi Fountain, go to Rome, but if you want to experience nightlife and have a fun weekend in an interesting place, I’d go to Prague. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger