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
We are planning for Italy in first week of November for 9 days, we have shortlisted Rome, Venice, Florence, for completeness of our tour we are also planning for Milan with Lake Como or any parts of Italy from Alps will be visible better. Please suggest, thanks in advance.
Raja,
I think spending 3 days in Rome, 3 days in Florence, and 1 day in Venice is a great idea. Lake Como is primarily a place where Italians (and increasing numbers of tourists) go in summer to relax. By November it’s very quiet and less scenic because it’s often cloudy and gray. It’s a lovely area, but nothing like the Swiss or French Alps. If you’ve got 2 more days and want to see the most dramatic views I would take a train from Venice to Interlaken, with a change in Milan. You can read much more information on my Switzerland recommendations in this article.
Switzerland is expensive though, and it’s also fairly quiet in early November, even though the views are still amazing. If you want to stay closer to Italy you might head to Lugano, which is just across the border and it should be more interesting and less quiet than Como that time of year. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello.. its been great reading your article and the queries. I am planning a European vacation with my kids aged 4 and 3 for 5 or 6 days from the end of November to December 3. What would be great choices of destination then? Have been to Italy and Paris – so thats pretty much off the list. Been thinking of Prague especially because its supposedly a small city and the christmas markets might be fun for the kids! And living in Dubai, we are looking forward for some cold weather as well
Rahul,
For most people the idea of going to Prague in late November isn’t ideal, but living in Dubai I totally know what you mean about wanting a bit of cool weather once in a while. I think Prague would be a great choice for a trip like that, and you can see the highlights in about 3 days. For another city to visit the closest and best options are Berlin if you want a large (and fun) city, or Salzburg if you want to see some snow and beautiful mountain scenery, or you could go about 3 hours to the small and gorgeous town of Cesky Krumlov. Any of those would be fantastic for what you have in mind. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger,
We are planning a trip to London in December end. We have to be in London for 3 days from December 29-Jan 2, for family event.
We are a family of 3 ( 8 year old kid), we planning to do tourist stuff in London, visit Windsor castle & Stone hedge pror to family event. We wanted to visit another city for 3-4 days , which city would you recommend to see with a kid. We were thinking of Scotland- since its close to london. Your thoughts?
Based on your experience and knowledge, which cities would you recommend and in which order should we organise our itinerary for smooth transits? More than happy for you to suggest other cities instead of the ones we are interested in.
Thanks
Art,
I think Scotland would be a great choice as an add-on, except that in late December the days up there are very short. The days in London that time of year are fairly short as well, but you can still see a lot with the sun setting at 4pm. In Edinburgh the sun sets at 3:40pm and in the Highlands near Inverness it’s more like 3:30pm. Edinburgh is a cool city, but seeing the scenery in Scotland is a big part of the experience, and late December is not ideal.
I’d instead go to Paris, which can be reached in a bit over 2 hours on the Eurostar train. It’s the easiest other city to reach from London, and it’s also one of the world’s greatest cities. They also have a Ferris wheel and kids also enjoy the boat rides on the Seine, and even the hop-on, hop-off bus tours to some degree. Buy your Eurostar train tickets as far in advance as possible for the lowest fares. I really think it’s your best choice, but if Paris won’t work for you let me know and I’ll try again. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I’m from Manchester, England and have travelled to all the main cities around Western Europe and was wanting to trip to somewhere in November. I was wondering if you have any suggestions of cities to visit around this time that are less touristy but also quite cheap! Sorry for the vague comment!
-Meg
Meg,
As a Karl Pilkington fan, it’s always nice to hear from someone from Madchester. My first thought on this is Split, Croatia, although it’s possible you’ve been there. They have pretty good weather in November (for Europe) and that time of year you can get a very good deal on a hotel or apartment. I’ve you’ve been to Dubrovnik then Split is similar in some ways in that the historic center is the same limestone and white marble and it’s really gorgeous. The main difference is that Split is a proper city with locals going about their days, compared to Dubrovnik that feels like an amusement park because 95% of everything within the city walls is touristy (and overpriced). Everything in Split is cheaper than in Dubrovnik, including food and drinks and such. And you can go to the islands nearby and maybe even head to Plitvice Falls National Park, although you’d want to do it on a clear day.
Or you could go to the Algarve, which has even nicer weather. I spent a few days in a small (fairly touristy) town called Tavira and I loved it. It’s pretty crowded in summer, but I think in November it should have few other tourists. And of course if you go to pretty much any other town in that area it will be less touristy. You should be able to get a cheap hotel there in November, and food and drinks are pretty cheap in Portugal as well.
If you really want a place that is cheap once you get there you might consider Serbia or Bulgaria. I actually lived in a town in Serbia called Nis for 5 months a few years ago and things there are VERY cheap and there are almost no tourists because there are few worthwhile attractions. But it does have a busy university so there are lots of young people, and there are city walls and a few other things to see. Sofia has more things to see and it’s very cheap without too many tourists. One problem with those is that a flight from Manchester might not be too cheap, although if the right low-cost carrier is flying there it might be very cheap. I hope some of those suggestions are interesting. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Thank you so much for your response. I will check out the article you reference here.
I am planning a 2 month trip to Europe starting the last week in October. The only place I have ever been is Prague. I’d love to see it all, if possible! Can you send me a suggested itenerary. My starting point is NY. I am 22 years old and on a budget but not bare bones. Thanks
Drew,
I don’t have time to type out a 2-month itinerary for you, but I will help in other ways. First off you might have a look at my main article on suggested Europe itineraries for first-time visitors. Those itineraries are meant for 1, 2, or 3 week trips with destinations grouped in logical orders so you can get from place to place pretty quickly. I think if you look at some of those you can choose 2 or 3 of the itineraries that interest you and then combine them together and then see where else you might go to connect them.
If you are starting in October I would start in northern Europe (or at least as far north as you’ll go) and then mostly head south and west from there. The mid-December weather in Copenhagen or even Krakow is pretty chilly and the daylight hours are short, but that time of year in Spain and Portugal is still pretty nice. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
My husband, toddler and I are travelling around Europe on 21st of October for 24 days. We will fly in and out of Paris from Australia. These are the cities we’re interested in seeing but we know based on time we won’t be able all of them:
France – Paris, Lyon, Nice or just Toulouse
Spain – Barcelona, San Sebastian, Seville?
Portugal – Lisbon, Porto, Lagos?
We plan on using high speed trains to get around if the max time is 3 hrs, otherwise we will fly if we can. We don’t plan on doing too much sight seeing, it will be a more leisurely holiday, strolling around taking in the views and eating lots of delicious food. We’ve been to France and just in Paris to visit friends.
Based on your experience and knowlegde, which cities would you recommend and in which order should we organise our itinerary for smooth transits? More than happy for you to suggest other cities instead of the ones we are interested in.
Thanks
Mary,
My strong recommendation for trips like this where you want to move quickly without moving TOO quickly is to stay three night in each city you visit. The travel day between cities always ends up taking most of the day from the time you pack to leave one hotel until you are moved into a hotel in the next city, so you won’t get much sightseeing done on those days. To travel every third day gives you a nice balance of two full days in each place and then the transit day. So with a 24-day trip I think you should choose 8 total cities to visit. You’ve only got 10 cities on your list, so saving two of them for a future trip shouldn’t be too tough.
I haven’t spent any time in Lyon, and that’s mostly because it’s not really considered a tourist city. I’ve seen a few travel shows on it and it looks interesting, but there aren’t many notable sights compared to many other smaller cities and towns in France. But if you are mostly planning on strolling and eating and such, it could be a good stop and I’ve heard the food is very good. Nice is actually pretty out of the way for your trip, and those trains that go along the southern coast are pretty slow. So getting from Nice to your next stop would take a long time. Speaking of that, my rule of thumb is that if a train journey takes 5 hours or less then it’s definitely preferred over flying. If you are going to take a one-hour flight in Europe it will take you at least 5 hours from the time you leave the city center until you reach the city center in the next place. You have to factor in airport transportation times (and costs) and of course security and waiting times before your flights, and then transportation back into the city from the next airport.
Another factor to consider is that trains are MUCH more comfortable than planes, even in Second Class, and you get pretty good scenery in most cases. One of my favorite things about traveling around Europe is to be able to check out of my hotel at 10am and then walk 10 minutes to the train station to jump on a 10:20am train, and then hop off that train a few hours later and already be in the center of the next city.
So I think saving Nice for later probably makes the most sense, and then saving Porto or Lagos for later as well. Those Portuguese cities are close enough together that you could probably enjoy them in about two days each, although Lisbon is pretty big so I still think three nights is better. One last thing is that Madrid really is a fantastic city and it’s very different from Barcelona, so you might consider it in place of San Sebastian or Seville. I think starting in Paris and then going to the next closest city by train makes the most sense, and then fly back from Lisbon to Paris for your flight home. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
our agency is suggesting a travel date: Nov 9 to 25, 2018.
Places to see for Berlin, Prague,
salzburg,Ljubljana-Postojna cave Vienna, Broastos;ava. Budapest, Krakow, and Warsaw. Its our first tour in Europe based on a package tour, where there is daily itinerary of places to see and hotels are already arranged. I just want to know if i will still be seeing the place as beautiful as they are as i Know that November is already winter and my family might not see anything as places will be covered by snow (winter months).
I want your honest opinion on the travel dates.
Liza,
It will be chilly in mid November in those cities, but it’s unlikely you’ll get any snow in those cities and it might not ever go below freezing. January and February are typically the coldest months in most of Europe, although large snow storms are rare in any of those cities, believe it or not. Actually, if it does happen to snow it will be really beautiful for the first day or so, and the streets will be cleared before you can take enough photos.
Personally I really enjoy traveling around Europe in November (although I’m not crazy about January and February in northern Europe) so I think you’ll really enjoy it. I’m sure that tour is cheaper than it would be in summer, but another advantage is that those cities will be far less crowded with tourists when you are there than in summer. It can really be exhausting when you are touring, say, a palace in Vienna, and there are 500 people right in front of you the whole time.
The mountains, including those above Salzburg and in Slovenia, will have snow on them, and they will look really beautiful. I’m not saying that it’s the best time of year to go, but I am saying that there is plenty to enjoy and a few big advantages to going in the autumn like that. Have a great trip. -Roger
Thanks a lot for your advice . Appreciate it 🙂 Have a great day
Hello Roger
I have been reading through your responses and wondering if you could give me a few suggestions/inputs.
We family of 6 (4+2 children) from India; planning to visit Austria in the 1st week November (4th Nov to 8th Nov).
As per Accuweather it will rain occasionally on these dates so wondering how we are going to manage with kids.
Please advise if its OK to visit Salzburg (2 nights) and Innsbruck (2 nights). And how we can plan our visit there?
Our basic plan is:
@ Salzburg: 1.5 day Hop-on / orientation tour
@ Innsbruck : 1 day at Stubai , half day at Swarovski and rest of the time orientation tour.
Please advise
P,
If you are skiing then Innsbruck is great, but otherwise I find it to be kind of a dud as a tourist destination. Salzburg, on the other hand, is really lovely and interesting, so I might even spend more time there.
As for weather forecasts, it’s usually not as bad as it looks that far ahead. In India and many other places you have a “rainy season” where it can sometime rain for days on end. Europe has rain spread around the year and if you get very unlucky it will be raining pretty hard for 4 or 6 hours on a couple of those days. But often it doesn’t rain at all, or just overnight, or it just sprinkles so lightly that you don’t even need an umbrella. If it is raining steadily you can always buy an umbrella for €5 or so from a shop or person who appears on the street with a box of them.
In Salzburg the main things to do are to explore the historic old town and the castle above it, as well as hopefully taking a sightseeing bus around the countryside to see the amazing scenery. You should be able to keep going just fine if it’s raining for any of those things, and hopefully it won’t be raining at all. If you are skiing in Innsbruck then it shouldn’t matter and hopefully you get light snowfall instead of rain. If you are going to Swarovski Crystal Worlds then hopefully you can find a time when it’s not raining. I’m not sure what else to say other than it can rain any day of the year in Europe and the cities are quite good at dealing with it and offering shelter and indoor options. -Roger