Where to Go in Europe in November 2025: 15 Great City Breaks
November might not be the first month that comes to mind for a trip to Europe — but it’s actually one of the best times to explore the continent’s great cities without the crowds (or peak-season prices). While beach weather is hard to find outside of the Canary Islands, Europe in November is ideal for cultural travel: museums, cozy cafés, historic streets, and early holiday charm. Flights are usually cheaper, hotel rates drop across much of the region, and popular attractions are refreshingly uncrowded.
Whether you’re looking for mild weather, rich history, or just a great deal on a city break, the 15 destinations below are some of the best bets in Europe this time of year. A few are surprisingly sunny, many are pleasantly quiet, and all offer real value in November 2025. And to help you compare, we’ve included freshly researched hotel prices for good, central 3‑ and 4‑star hotels — so you’ll know exactly what to expect when booking.
This article was last updated in July, 2025
The One European Beach Destination with Great November Weather
If you’re hoping to soak up some sun on a European beach in November, there’s really only one dependable option. While much of the continent is cooling down fast, Tenerife — the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands — stays warm, dry, and beach-friendly well into late autumn. It’s one of the few places in Europe where you can swim in the sea and enjoy a proper holiday vibe without hopping continents.
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
If you’re determined to stay in Europe and still want beach weather in November, Tenerife is your best — and really only — reliable option. Located just off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands enjoy year-round sunshine and mild temperatures, even as the rest of Europe cools down. In early November, you can still swim in the ocean, hike through volcanic landscapes, or just relax poolside with a drink in hand.
I spent almost a month in Tenerife, and while I’ll admit it’s kind of boring in terms of sightseeing, it’s also incredibly relaxing. Especially this time of year, the island tends to attract older northern Europeans looking for sun, not nightlife — so it’s peaceful, easygoing, and refreshingly low-stress. You won’t find much in the way of big cities or must-see attractions, but if you’re after sunshine and downtime, it’s hard to beat.
Tenerife also serves as a bit of a stand-in for the rest of the Canary Islands — places like Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura offer similar weather and bargains, often with even fewer tourists. If you just want to stay warm, unwind, and enjoy a proper beach holiday without leaving Europe, this is where you want to be.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$66 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
14 Great European Cities to Visit in November (Beyond the Beach)
Beach weather may be scarce in Europe come November, but that doesn’t mean the continent loses its charm. In fact, this is a fantastic month for city breaks — with cooler temps, fewer tourists, and lower hotel prices in many of Europe’s most iconic destinations. From cozy cafés and world-class museums to historic streets lit up for the early holiday season, these 14 cities are ideal for off-season travel that still feels exciting, cultural, and surprisingly affordable.
Paris, France
- November avg high: 51°F/11°C
- November avg low: 43°F/6°C
- November avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
Paris might not be warm in November, but it’s still one of the most rewarding cities in Europe to visit this time of year. Crowds are lighter, prices drop slightly compared to the peak summer months, and the city feels more local — with cozy cafés, glowing street lamps, and plenty of charm even on gray days. Museums and galleries are ideal for cooler weather, and holiday lights start going up across the city by mid-November, giving it an early festive buzz.
While hotel prices are still relatively high compared to most other cities on this list, they’re definitely lower than in spring and summer — and the food is worth the trip all by itself. From wine and cheese shops to cozy bistros and warm crêpes from street stalls, Paris in the off-season is a dream for food lovers. If you’re planning to visit several major attractions, the Paris Pass is worth considering, especially if you make use of the hop-on hop-off bus and the Seine River cruise.
Paris rewards slow, thoughtful travel — and in November, you get the beauty of the city without the intensity of peak season crowds. Bring a coat, grab a warm croissant, and you’ll be glad you came.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$124 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$134 per night for two people
Rome, Italy
- November avg high: 63°F/17°C
- November avg low: 47°F/8°C
- November avg precip: 4.4″/11.0cm
Rome is one of Europe’s most iconic cities, and November is a surprisingly good time to visit. The weather is still mild — often in the low 60s °F (around 16°C) — and the crowds are finally manageable after the tourist-heavy summer and early fall months. It’s a great time to explore the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and ancient ruins without waiting in long lines or baking in the sun. Street life is still active, and the city feels lively but not overwhelming.
Hotel prices in November are looking pretty reasonable this year, with well-located 3-star options starting around $88 per night and solid 4-star hotels from about $101. That’s a welcome break compared to the prices Rome commands in spring and early autumn. Food is another big draw year-round — even the touristy spots often serve delicious pasta, pizza, and espresso at prices that are fair if you know where to look.
Personally, I always look forward to visiting Rome — and also look forward to leaving. It’s one of the most fascinating cities in the world, but also one of the most hectic, with constant traffic, noise, and a level of urban energy that can wear you down. A few days in Rome in November is just about perfect: enough time to see the big sights, eat exceptionally well, and enjoy a bit of Roman chaos before heading somewhere quieter.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$88 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$101 per night for two people
London, England
- November avg high: 51°F/11°C
- November avg low: 41°F/5°C
- November avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
London is cold and gray in November — and it’s still one of the best cities in Europe to visit this time of year. With its world-class museums, cozy pubs, and festive lights beginning to appear, London becomes all about indoor culture and crisp autumn atmosphere. November is also when hotel prices dip a bit before the December holidays, and flight deals are easier to find than in the warmer months.
I lived in London for six months and have been to nearly every major attraction — and trust me, you’ll want to plan strategically if you want to see the highlights without overspending. The London Pass is worth looking into if you plan to hit several of the top sights, especially when you combine it with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. One of my favorite money-saving tips is to simply walk a few blocks away from the big tourist areas like Westminster or Piccadilly. Prices drop quickly, and the neighborhoods start to feel more like the “real” London — even though you’re still in Zone 1.
Whether you’re visiting for history, shopping, theater, or just the atmosphere, London in November is a great city break with a little planning and a good coat.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$143 per night for two people
Barcelona, Spain
- November avg high: 63°F/17°C
- November avg low: 47°F/8°C
- November avg precip: 2.3″/5.8cm
Barcelona in November offers the perfect mix of culture, energy, and mild weather — all without the tourist crowds that fill the city in summer. With daytime temperatures often in the 60s °F (high teens °C), it’s still comfortable enough for long walks through the Gothic Quarter, strolls along the beach, or taking in Gaudí’s surreal architecture. Plus, you’ll find shorter lines at places like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell, which makes the city feel a lot more relaxed and enjoyable.
This is also one of the best times of year to experience Barcelona more like a local. Outdoor dining is still an option during the day, tapas bars are buzzing in the evenings, and prices for hotels and flights are noticeably lower than peak season. Whether you’re here for the food, art, or just the city’s unique Mediterranean vibe, November is an underrated time to go — especially if you want to avoid the chaos without sacrificing atmosphere.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$107 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$130 per night for two people
Istanbul, Turkey
- November avg high: 60°F/16°C
- November avg low: 47°F/8°C
- November avg precip: 3.3″/8.3cm
Istanbul is one of the most exotic-feeling cities in Europe — a true crossroads of continents, cultures, and empires. But despite the stories and imagery that make it feel like a desert bazaar, it’s actually a waterfront city much farther north than many people expect. I used to picture sand and heat, but in reality, November weather here is cool and often damp — think jackets and tea, not sun hats and camel rides. Still, it’s an amazing time to visit, especially if you want to experience Istanbul without the heat or crowds.
This is a city packed with indoor highlights: grand mosques, underground cisterns, spice markets, palaces, and museums — all ideal for cooler days. November also brings lower hotel prices, smaller tour groups, and a slightly slower pace that lets you take in the atmosphere without being overwhelmed. It’s not a beach trip, but for architecture, history, and something completely different from Western Europe, Istanbul in November is a fascinating choice.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$50 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$56 per night for two people
Florence, Italy
- November avg high: 59°F/15°C
- November avg low: 42°F/6°C
- November avg precip: 4.4″/11.0cm
Florence may be known for its Renaissance beauty and summer crowds, but November offers a quieter, more atmospheric version of the city — ideal for art lovers and anyone who prefers cool, uncrowded museum visits. The Uffizi and Accademia are far easier to enjoy without long queues, and the compact city center is made for slow wandering, with plenty of cozy cafés and trattorias to duck into between sights. The weather is brisk but manageable, and hotel rates are lower than in peak season.
By November it’s usually too chilly and quiet for a proper Cinque Terre sidetrip, but a quick visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is still a great half-day option. You can be there, snap the classic photo, and be back in Florence before lunch. If you’re looking for a city that combines art, food, and manageable crowds, Florence in November is about as pleasant — and peaceful — as it gets.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$88 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$130 per night for two people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- November avg high: 48°F/9°C
- November avg low: 39°F/4°C
- November avg precip: 3.0″/7.5cm
Amsterdam isn’t known for amazing weather — and that’s exactly why November works here. It’s more of an indoor city anyway, with world-class museums, cozy brown cafés, and scenic neighborhoods that are just as charming under gray skies. Most of the top sights are within walking distance of each other, and the whole city is compact and well-connected, so it’s easy to explore even when the weather isn’t perfect.
I lived in Amsterdam for three months and have been back countless times, and honestly, it really only has a month or two of “nice” weather each year. November doesn’t feel much different from the rest — cool, cloudy, and occasionally damp, but rarely snowy or stormy. Hotel prices tend to dip a bit, and the crowds thin out just enough to make the city feel more local. If you want a low-key, walkable destination where the atmosphere matters more than the temperature, Amsterdam delivers year-round.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$86 per night for two people
Lisbon, Portugal
- November avg high: 64°F/18°C
- November avg low: 53°F/12°C
- November avg precip: 4.2″/10.5cm
Lisbon is one of the best bets for warm-ish weather in mainland Europe in November. While it’s not quite beach season, daytime highs often reach the mid-60s °F (around 18°C), and the sun still makes regular appearances. That means you can comfortably explore the city’s steep hills, historic trams, and scenic viewpoints without bundling up too much — and without the summer crowds. It’s a relaxed time to visit, and hotel prices are usually well below peak season levels.
Lisbon has become more popular in recent years, but it still feels like an underrated gem — especially in the off-season. The food is fantastic (and cheap), the public transportation is easy to use, and day trips to places like Sintra or Cascais are still worthwhile in November. If you’re looking for a cultural city break that doesn’t require gloves and scarves just yet, Lisbon is one of the most pleasant surprises in Europe this time of year.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$59 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
Madrid, Spain
- November avg high: 56°F/13°C
- November avg low: 43°F/6°C
- November avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
Madrid tends to fly under the radar compared to Barcelona, but in November, that works to its advantage. The weather is often crisp and sunny, with daytime highs in the upper 50s to low 60s °F (around 14–17°C), and there’s less chance of rain than in many northern cities. It’s a great time to explore the city’s famous museums, stroll through Retiro Park in a light jacket, and enjoy long lunches and late-night tapas in the capital’s lively neighborhoods.
November also brings lower hotel prices and a more local pace, especially in the historic center. While Madrid doesn’t have the coastal charm of some other Spanish cities, it more than makes up for it with culture, food, and energy. From the Prado and Reina Sofía to flamenco shows and rooftop bars, Madrid delivers an authentic big-city experience — and it feels even more relaxed when you’re not visiting in peak season.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$92 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$99 per night for two people
Venice, Italy
- November avg high: 53°F/12°C
- November avg low: 40°F/4°C
- November avg precip: 3.4″/8.5cm
Venice in November feels like a secret. The summer crowds are long gone, the canals are misty and atmospheric, and the narrow streets are much easier to enjoy without shoulder-to-shoulder tourists. It’s one of the quietest months to visit — and that’s exactly why it’s one of the best. You’ll still want to bring a jacket and an umbrella (flooding is possible during acqua alta season), but the tradeoff is a far more peaceful version of this famously over-touristed city.
That said, Venice is usually best as a one- or two-day stop. The food here tends to be noticeably below the standard you’ll find in Rome, Florence, or smaller Italian cities — and it’s usually more expensive too, especially in the central areas. But for a short visit full of unforgettable views, historic charm, and dreamy canals, November is one of the few times you can enjoy Venice without feeling like you’re in a theme park.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$91 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$135 per night for two people
Berlin, Germany
- November avg high: 45°F/7°C
- November avg low: 36°F/2°C
- November avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm
Berlin may not offer sunshine in November, but it does offer something better: a deep, fascinating dive into history, culture, and creativity. The city is packed with museums, galleries, and indoor landmarks that are perfect for cooler, darker days. From the Berlin Wall memorials and the Reichstag to the sprawling Museum Island, there’s no shortage of things to see and do — and many of them are either free or very affordable.
While the weather tends to be chilly and gray, Berlin wears it well. The café scene is strong, the public transportation is excellent, and the city’s gritty charm feels more authentic without summer crowds. If you’re looking for a destination that’s all about substance over scenery, Berlin in November is a smart choice — especially for travelers who like their cities with a bit of edge and a lot of depth.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$90 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$126 per night for two people
Prague, Czech Republic
- November avg high: 44°F/7°C
- November avg low: 36°F/2°C
- November avg precip: 1.2″/3.0cm
November is one of the most budget-friendly months in Prague—and one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are cool but not harsh, and while the days are shorter, the city retains its fairy-tale quality with atmospheric light on the old buildings and bridges. With tourist crowds thinning, museums and churches are easier to explore, and iconic spots like Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and the Prague Castle district feel much more manageable.
Hotel prices also take a noticeable dip in November, especially in well-located 3‑ and 4‑star properties. This year, you can find solid options starting around US$55 for a comfortable 3‑star and just US$66 for a central 4‑star room. These rates are considerably lower than the US$105 average for the year.
Like Cusco or Pokhara, Prague is one of those destinations where visitors often end up staying longer than planned – not because they feel they have to, but because it’s surprisingly pleasant. Cafés, beer gardens indoors, low-cost attractions, and a fairytale ambiance that’s free to walk around make it easy to linger. For budget travelers looking for easy charm, history, and value in November, Prague delivers in spades.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$66 per night for two people
Budapest, Hungary
- November avg high: 47°F/8°C
- November avg low: 36°F/2°C
- November avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm
Budapest is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, and it becomes especially appealing in November. The weather is cool and often gray, but the city’s thermal baths, cozy cafés, and ornate architecture create a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for late autumn travel. It’s a great time to explore indoor attractions like the Parliament building, ruin pubs, and the excellent Central Market Hall — without the summer tourist crowds.
Hotel prices in November are consistently low, even for well-located 3‑ and 4‑star properties. Whether you’re soaking in the famous Széchenyi Baths or just wandering through the city’s historic neighborhoods with a hot mulled wine in hand, Budapest offers an incredible value this time of year. It’s a perfect choice for travelers looking for a low-cost European getaway with plenty of culture, comfort, and character.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$61 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$70 per night for two people
Interlaken, Switzerland
- November avg high: 46°F/8°C
- November avg low: 33°F/1°C
- November avg precip: 3.3″/8.3cm
Tucked between two alpine lakes and surrounded by towering peaks, Interlaken is the gateway to one of Europe’s most stunning regions — including the Lauterbrunnen Valley, which many (myself included) consider the most beautiful area in all of Europe. That said, November is a bit of a transitional period here. The hiking trails are mostly shut down, and ski season hasn’t really started, so the area feels quieter than usual — and many hotels and restaurants close for a few weeks.
Still, enough remain open to make a short visit worthwhile, and the tradeoff is almost no crowds and some of the lowest hotel prices of the year. If you’re not counting on outdoor activities and just want to soak in the views or explore nearby towns like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen at your own pace, this can be a peaceful, affordable way to experience Switzerland’s alpine beauty without the usual price tag. Just be prepared for limited services and cooler weather — and bring a camera.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$196 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$233 per night for two people
Hello Roger,
I have been reading through your replies and wondering if you could give me a few suggestions. we ( me and my husband) planning on travelling a few places in europe in 7 days , between 2 november and 9 november. At the moment we have a plan for Big 3, which are Rome, Florence, and Venice or london and paris. which would you recommend us to travel during that time ( nov 2 to nov 7)and which would be best for one week . We mostly want to explore the cities, so planning on being outside most of the time. This is our first europe trip. Please let me know what you think, would be greatly appreciated.
NavyaSree,
Hmmm…that is a very tough call. If I had to choose the two best 7-day options for a first-time visit to Europe I would choose exactly those two you are deciding between. In other words, either one of those would be an excellent introduction to Europe and you could do the other one next time. I’d say if I have to choose one of them for you it would be Italy since you mention your desire to be outside most of the time.
In early November you can expect Italy to be noticeably warmer than London or Paris, and you could get by with light jackets as opposed to having to bundle up more in Paris and London. You also get more hours of daylight in Italy that time of year, and that should also come in handy. I’d do about 24 hours in Venice and then 3 nights in Florence and 3 nights in Rome. Buy your train tickets as early as possible for the best fares, though it should be fairly cheap even if you had to buy them on travel day. London and Paris are both much nicer in summer months because they are pretty far north so in summer you get very long days and moderate temperatures. Summers in Italy can be quite hot, so going in the autumn should be great. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
When we plan a family vacation, one of the first things we consider is transportation and lodging; how accessible will everything be from where we will be staying. What type of transportation will we need during the day-train, bus, rental car. We would prefer to use public transportation in Europe so would try to find lodging within walking distance of a train or bus station, if possible.
As far as lodging, we prefer to stay in an apartment or condo, where we have a kitchen to prepare our own meals. Not only does that save a bit of money, but we love to explore local markets so our boys can try new types of food. We will occasionally eat out at a nice dinner so also try to find dining establishments where our children won’t be a bother. Because even though our boys are usually very well-behaved, I do understand some people just don’t want children around that could possibly interrupt their dinner, and we try to respect that.
As you mentioned, we also want to make sure we’re in an area that has different types of attractions, so everyone can enjoy themselves. It’s a plus if the city has a park or beach, where we can take a picnic lunch in the afternoons (weather permitting) and let the boys run off some energy. We’ve learned what works best for our family is to pick a few attractions/activities ahead of time, but keep the schedule flexible and try not to fit too much in one day.
We started traveling when our oldest was a few months old, with weekend trips just to nearby cities. Because my husband and I both just absolutely love to travel. Quite a few people have told us it’s a waste to travel with young children, because they won’t remember most of it. And we understand that. But we both feel the more they travel now, the better they will understand and appreciate the different cultures and lifestyles that they see and experience. They might not remember the details, but they will learn how diverse the world can be.
Trista,
Thank you very much for this. It was very valuable and I’m going to start my long article on family destinations in Europe soon now that I’ve seen your notes. -Roger
Hello Roger,
I have been reading through your replies and wondering if you could give me a few suggestions. I’m planning on travelling a few countries in europe in 10 days , between 26 november and 5th december. At the moment we have a plan for barcelona, nimes,paris and amsterdam. My first preference was italy but i always thought italy was a place to go in summer, plus apparently its the flood season in november? (read it on some website). Reading your replies, you say italy is one of the best places to visit during the europe winter. Would you recommend us to travel rome, venice and florence during 1-5th of december? We mostly want to explore the cities, so planning on being outside most of the time. Would it be raining? Please let me know what you think, would be greatly appreciated.
A,
If you are going for 10 days I would recommend visiting 3 or perhaps 4 cities at most. Nîmes is relatively small so you could see some of it in a day or two, but otherwise I would spend 3 nights in each place you stop.
If you wanted to go to Italy instead I’m sure you’d enjoy it and 10 days there would be great. Italy doesn’t typically have a general “flooding” problem at all, but specifically in Venice there is something they call Acqua alta (high waters) and November is one of the months where the lagoon can flood the sidewalks for a few hours at a time. When it happens they put planks across the water so you can still get around, but of course it’s not great for sightseeing. And it doesn’t happen every day, as it comes and goes. I’d still visit Venice on your trip for a day or so, and hopefully most of the time it is dry.
As for rain, almost all of Europe gets rain most of the year and it’s pretty evenly distributed. So there are no “rainy seasons” on the flat lands, although it can rain any given day. It would be extremely unlucky if it rained for most of a day or several days in a row, so you can basically just keep what you are doing and if there is rain in the forecast you bring an umbrella. All over Italy it will be dry most days in November, so it’s a good time to go. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
We are planning to travel to Europe with our children (4 and 9 years old) this November, for about 8 days. Our children have traveled quite a bit in the states but this will be our first trip to Europe. Which cities do you think are more child/family friendly?
Trista,
I’m really glad you asked this question and I’ll try to help. Especially lately I’ve received quite a few questions from parents asking about child-friendly or family-friendly destinations in Europe, and I think it’s time to write a detailed article on that topic. Could you give me a few more clues as to what sorts of things you are looking for in a “child-friendly” destination? It would help a lot. I know for parents of infants and toddlers they are very interested in cities that have public restrooms with changing tables and transportation that is stroller-friendly and streets that are stroller friendly (rather than steep or cobble stones). And I’m guessing for parents of kids 4 to 15 they are mostly interested in cities that have sights such as natural history museums or other exhibits with hands-on displays, as well as accessible theme parks or other things that are fun for kids like boat rides or pirate ships. Are those the sorts of things you have in mind?
Generally speaking, Europe tends to be very family oriented and they do a great job with making transportation easy for all ages and whatnot. There are a few places that lag behind, but pretty much all of the top places get so many families that they have no choice but to make it easy. However, when it comes to fun activities for kids there are some that are far better than others. For example, I think most of the attractions in Rome and Venice are quite boring for younger kids. But in London and Paris they have kid-friendly museums and boat rides and Ferris wheels and some other cool stuff. If you can tell me more about what you are looking for I will give you a more complete answer, and it will also help me write a detailed article that should help others in the future. For now, I think London and Paris could both be ideal, and they are pretty amazing in general. I appreciate any more feedback. -Roger
Planning to go Europe with my wife in November. I have seen most of Europe but my wife is going for the first time. Which cities do you think are the most appealing in November? We like to go to beaches do hikes, love diverse food not really into museums. I was thinking of Italy and Spain. Our plan is to go for 8 days.
Roman,
My top recommendations for Europe in November are in the article above, and I think Italy and Spain are both great choices that time of year. That said, I think I would choose one or the other because if you did 4 days or so in both of them you’d be rushing around and also missing things, and most of one day would be spent flying between them. Since this is your wife’s first time to Europe I would vote for Italy because I really do think it’s far more impressive for a new visitor.
November is a good time for Italy as long as you aren’t planning on beach days (and Spain is too cold for beaches in November as well). And personally, I think Italy is in the Top 2 for European food (along with France) and I’d put Spain in the middle of the list at best. If you really want to impress her I’d focus mostly on the Big 3, which are Rome, Florence, and Venice. There are plenty of fantastic sights in all of those cities that aren’t museums, although you still might want to squeeze in the Vatican Museum in Rome because it’s pretty amazing.
If you really prefer hikes and the outdoors to cities and culture then Spain might be a better choice, although it’s not ideal in November. Barcelona and Madrid are both very worthwhile and very different from each other, and you’d probably have time for one more stop as well. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Roger, I could use your help. I am planning a trip to Europe this coming Thanksgiving. A few years ago we did a trip to Prague and Paris at the same time and it was epic. This is my wife’s second trip to Europe so I am trying to expose her to the various cultures. Rome is top of my list for the next trip. We walk a lot and the City will be exciting. The problem is the second city. We fly between City’s so distance is not really an issue. The places I have been looking at are Austria-Salzburg or Vienna, Germany because I think that culture difference would be cool. I am excited to go in off season questionable weather and all just to avoid tourists. We are in our mid 50’s so nightlife is not crucial. Do you have any ideas?
Bill,
Rome will be amazing and it’s very different from Paris and Prague. As for a second city, Salzburg or Vienna would be great choices, or you might even visit both because there are fast and frequent trains running between them. Salzburg is a beautiful and charming town at the foot of the Alps and it’s very proud of being Mozart’s birthplace. As I frequently say, the Sound of Music bus tours are really fun even if you aren’t much of a fan of the movie because the scenery they visit is really gorgeous. Vienna is very buttoned-down and it’s very different from Salzburg. The opera and the waltz events are very popular there, and the season should be going when you are there.
In Germany I think the best options are Berlin and Munich, although they are both very different as well. Berlin is very cool and cutting-edge in many ways, while Munich is more traditional as a rich city. Munich is also the capital of Bavaria, which is where lederhosen and that traditional lifestyle is from. I think any of them could be good choices so it’s a matter of what sounds most interesting to you. If you were going in summer I would probably put Salzburg on top of the list, and it should be nice enough in late November, but it would be an easier call in summer. Vienna is wonderful if you enjoy cafes and palaces and culture more than nightlife. I hope this helps and I’m happy to answer other questions if you have them. -Roger
Hi Roger,
i really appreciate your views and suggestion
i am planning a 14 day trip to europe in this september
i am targeting london amsterdam france switzerland
and its the first time i am travelling to europe
1) how should i divide my days between these countries
2) can you please highlight places to visit in these countries
3) please do let me about the connectivity in these countries
4) i would like to cover the most must visit places
5) please brief about the accomodation in these countries accomodation
can you please help me with best and most experential itenary
thank you.
Shehzad,
I’ll try to help.
1) I’d do London for 3 or 4 days and then Paris for 3 or 4 days. From there you could either take a train to Amsterdam and stay about 3 days or take a train to Interlaken and spend 3 or 4 days in Switzerland and then fly from Zurich to Amsterdam for 3 days.
2) If you look at the individual page for each destination on this site you’ll see the top attractions listed, but you might also look into a guidebook or do more research on Things to Do in (city) to see what appeals to you most.
3) If by “connectivity” you are wondering about internet access, you’ll get free wi-fi in any hotel and it’s quite fast in these places. You can also buy a SIM card for your phone and get a data package for a few days, but it can be a bit complicated and sort of expensive. Now that Europe has laws that all SIM cards have to include cheap roaming between countries, you can probably get a SIM card in your first country for the whole two weeks. If you buy a SIM card at an airport it will often be more expensive than if you buy at a phone store in the city, although it’s usually faster and easier as well.
4) This is the same as #2 above
5) On each of those city pages I have a link to an article with hotel recommendations, and on those articles I discuss the different neighborhoods that are best and easiest for first-time visitors. Aside from that, I’m not a travel agent and I can’t book anything for you. I just try to help people if they have specific questions. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Me and my wife are going to London for 2 weeks in mid November 2018, this is our second time visit London and plan to spend only 3-4 days in London.
We are also plan to cover another 2-3 cities, so far in mind would be Paris (mainly for shopping and Eiffel tower), and shortlisted either Germany (Berlin or Munich), Austria (Vienna or Salzburg), Czech (Prague), or Amsterdam. Any tips to share for the first timer? Thank you in advance.
Zhi,
All of the cities on your list are fantastic and worth a visit. I think you have time for London and 3 or possibly even 4 other cities as long as they are easy to reach from each other. The easiest to reach and the best next stop is Paris because it’s only a bit over two hours away on the Eurostar train. From there it’s fastest and easiest to reach Amsterdam, in a bit over 3 hours on a high-speed train, so I’d do that one next.
From Amsterdam you can get to Berlin by train in about 6 hours and then to Prague from Berlin in about 4 hours. Or from Amsterdam you could fly to Munich and then take a short train ride to Salzburg before flying home. I think doing London, Paris, Amsterdam, and at least Berlin would be my top choice and those are all pretty easy train rides to great cities. I’m happy to answer any other questions if you have them. -Roger
Hi Roger,
This article is exactly what I have been looking for, thank you! Our only time available for a 12 day trip to Europe, 1st timers, will be this November. We know it will be cooler and are fine with that, almost welcome it living in Florida. Our big cities to visit are Paris, Barcelona,but open to other suggestions. Germany is also on the list, we just don’t know how difficult travel might be between the cities and what is best to see in Germany. Can you give your ideas and a rough itinerary? Thanks so much!
Sherri,
If you have 12 days I would recommend seeing 4 total cities. You’ll want to spend 3 or 4 nights in Paris and then 3 nights in Barcelona. With the remaining 5 or 6 days you could also visit Madrid for 3 nights because it’s very worthwhile and very different from Barcelona. But if you want to visit Germany you’ve got many options so I wrote an article about where to go in Germany that I think will help. You could visit Munich and also one or two of the smaller towns mentioned in that article.
Again, think in terms of cities rather than countries and it will become more clear. I’m happy to help more if you have other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
My family and I want to take our first trip to Europe over Thanksgiving this November, and we’re not sure if we should do 1) Rome, Florence, Venice OR 2) London, and Paris. We will have about 9 days for the trip, flying out of LAX. I know the weather will be a bit warmer and possibly dryer in Italy, but I wanted to get your thoughts and opinions on which trip we should do. We are a family of 4 with an 11 and 13 year old. Thanks so much!
Morgan,
You summarized my main point already, which is that Italy will have nicer weather and also noticeably more daylight hours in late November. Paris is a bit better, but in London the sun will come up around 8am and the sun sets right around 4pm that time of year. I think 9 days is a great amount of time to visit Italy’s Big 3, and you might even have time for one more stop for a couple days such as Sorrento. Nine days is also slightly long for just London and Paris, although I love both of those cities and you definitely won’t get bored. I think I’d vote for Italy because of the time of year. If you were going in, say, September I’d probably vote for London and Paris, but Italy is always nice. I’m not sure how much this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger