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. Prathyusha says:

    Hi Roger,

    Thanks for your response. We are flying to Rome from Stockholm on 20th April Morning and returning from Venice to Stockholm on 27th April Afternoon. So, we have 7 days for entire trip. Based on the duration, request you to suggest the Itenary and the best way to commute from Rome->Florence->Venice. Also, pls suggest if we can travel to Milan in this short duration. Thank you

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Prathyusha,

      I’d fly into Rome and spend 3 nights there and then take the high-speed train to Florence to spend 3 nights and then the high speed train to Venice for about 24 hours if possible. The train journeys only take 90 to 120 minutes so they are very convenient. I’d buy the train tickets very soon though because the fares go up as more seats are sold and as the travel date draws near.

      Milan is famous for banks and fashion labels, but it’s actually not a great tourist city and it wasn’t even part of Italy in the late 1800s, so it doesn’t look very “Italian.” On the other hand, the main cathedral and the shopping area that surrounds it are really wonderful so you might consider just a stop there for a few hours on your way to Venice. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  2. Prathyusha says:

    Hi Roger,

    Hope you are doing good!! Your suggestions helped us a lot when we planned for our 1st Europe trip in last November where we covered Amsterdam, Belgium and Paris. Now we are planning for a vacation around Easter. We are planning to Visit Italy and Switzerland. Please suggest if we can cover both the places in 8-9 days. If not both, is it good time to travel Italy alone? If yes, could you please advise full Itenary. We’ll be flying from Stockholm to Italy. If not these both places, happy to explore other places too as per your suggestion. Thank you!!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Prathyusha,

      I’m glad my previous suggestions helped. The fastest way to do that trip would be to fly into Zurich and take a train to Interlaken and spend 2 or 3 nights there, and then take a train to Venice (changing in Milan) for about one day, and then a train to Florence or 2 days and then a train to Rome for 3 days before flying back to Stockholm. That would be quite rushed, but it would still be fun.

      That said, November isn’t the best time to visit Switzerland because it’s too cold for most hiking and not yet snowy enough for the ski season, so many smaller hotels and restaurants are closed from mid October until mid December. There are plenty that are still open so you could find a place, but it is the quiet season. I’d probably save Switzerland for another time and spend the whole 8 or 9 days in Italy, because it’s a great time to visit there. It’ll still be warm enough to enjoy but the crowds will be small and the hotels will be relatively cheap.

      I’d fly into Venice or into Milan and then take a train to Venice and spend 1 or 2 nights there. Then take a train to Florence for 3 nights and then a train to Rome for 3 nights before you fly home from there. This should help you figure out what you’d like to do. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  3. Prathyusha says:

    Hi Roger,

    As of now we have finalized Swiss, Paris and Italy. Sorry for bothering you so much. Thank you so much for your suggestions 🙂

  4. Gabby says:

    Thanks for your great insight and recommendations. I am scheduling a trip to Europe for 7-9 days, but first visiting a friend in eastern Europe for 2-3 days and then I have 5-6 days. I have been to Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria traveling with others, however this time I will be traveling alone. Do you have any recommendations in areas that are not too cold? What are your thoughts on cruises?

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Gabby,

      I think Mediterranean cruises are a great way to see many different cities in a short time. A friend of mine used to work on those cruises and she said that nearly everyone was very happy with the experience. The November weather obviously isn’t as nice as summer so I’m not sure how much fun you’ll have at the pool on the ship and that sort of thing, but since the ships arrive at around 7am each day and leave at 6pm the idea is that you’ll be exploring the cities rather than sitting by the pool anyway. And of course the Mediterranean is where you’ll find most of the warmer cities any time of year, including November.

      One challenge might be the cost of a cabin for one person though. Many cruise lines now have single cabins or very good prices for solo guests on cruises that aren’t sold out, so hopefully you can get a good deal. A few years ago a single cruiser would have to pay literally double the price to get your own cabin, and hopefully you won’t have to do that this time of year. Barcelona is one of the most popular cruise ports and it’s a great city to spend a day or two in as well. If a cruise doesn’t work out I’d probably just spend time in Spain. Barcelona and Madrid are easily worth 3 days each and they are quite different from each other. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  5. Camila says:

    Hi Roger! Congratulations for you website… it’s very nice! 🙂
    We are couple from Brazil and we have 16 days in Italy, from 10th until 26th November. We will start from Milan and will finish in Rome. Do you have any suggestions? Which cities must see? Is Italy a good ideia in November? Or is better to go to another country?
    Sorry for so many questions!!!
    Thank you for all tips!!!
    Camila

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Camila,

      I think Italy is a great choice for Europe in November. For specific itinerary suggestions have a look at my article on the best France and Italy itineraries for 2 or 3 weeks. Most of the suggestions are for Italy so you should be able to get plenty of ideas.

      I wouldn’t recommend Lake Como or the beach areas in November because those will all be very quiet and many things will be closed. But you can still visit Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast that time of year, as long as you aren’t looking for sunbathing. The Big 3 in Italy are Venice, Florence, and Rome, and you probably want to spend about 8 days in those. I think basing yourself in Sorrento for 4 days or so would also be pleasant because it allows you to do day trips to Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the Isle of Capri. If you want to add in a bit of food tourism you could visit Bologna, which many people consider as having the best food in Italy. That should give you some ideas to start with. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  6. Prathyusha says:

    Hi Roger,

    Thanks a lot for the detailed description.

    But, I am still confused. Our plan is to first visit Helsinki or Copenhagen during weekend and come back to Stockholm. After couple of days, we would start our trip. I am confused on which place to visit first. I also feel that Swiss is not worth visiting as hiking and skiing are closed now. Can we include Prague in our list? If yes, can you please suggest the itinerary for Paris, Italy and Prague. If you think Prague cannot be included in our trip, pls suggest which place to visit first from Stockholm if we are going with Paris, Italy and Swiss. I would be more happy if you suggest places other than the above which you think are worth visiting during November. Thank you!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Prathyusha,

      You can still enjoy really great hiking in Switzerland in November as long as you dress properly. It’s just that the main season ends in mid October and there are fewer visitors, which can actually be a good thing. It rarely snows in the popular hiking areas until December, so it’s still worth considering. And with more snow at the very tops of the mountains by then it can be really beautiful.

      Prague will be quite chilly in November, but it’s unlikely to have any snow (or even much rain) so you could visit if you dress warmly enough. I’d recommend 3 nights each in Paris or Prague or Rome. If you wanted to see more of Italy you could take a short train ride to Florence for 2 or 3 days and then another short train ride to Venice for 1 or 2 days. Venice has had worse flooding than normal this season so I’m not sure I’d go there this time of year. Except for the places where I mentioned train rides you’d need to fly between cities. You can take a train from Paris to Interlaken and then a train from Interlaken to Venice or Florence as well, but if you want to include Prague you’d need to fly in and out.

      And again, Copenhagen is a really gorgeous city and Helsinki is quite plain in comparison, so I’d choose Copenhagen if it’s one or the other. I’m happy to help more as you are making decisions. -Roger

  7. Prathyusha says:

    Hi Roger,

    Thank you for your response. We will be staying in Stockholm for a week as my husband is working there and we also have to come back to Stockholm after our trip. Can you please suggest any place for a weekend near to Stockholm. Helsinki or Copenhagen are in our list. If we come back to our European getaway, we also wish to visit Paris (Eiffel tower mostly), Brussels, Amsterdam as they are all near by. Prague was also in our list. But, it might not be possible for 11 days trip. Is it good option to travel Paris, Rome and Swiss. If yes, could you please advise full itenary. Thank you

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Prathyusha,

      If you have 11 days to work with (not including time spent in Stockholm) I would try to choose 3 or maybe 4 cities to visit. Paris is amazing and Amsterdam is also really worthwhile. I’m not as much of a fan of Brussels because there isn’t nearly as much to see since it’s primarily a business and government city. If you wanted to do this without flying you could go from Stockholm to Copenhagen (which is much nicer and more interesting than Helsinki) and then Amsterdam and then Paris. Prague is also fantastic, but it’s not close enough to any other of your cities to take trains, so you’d have to fly.

      Normally I encourage people to take trains instead of flights around Europe because it’s so much more of an enjoyable experience. But starting from Stockholm in mid November is not ideal for trains. The distances between cities are long and the scenery is quite dull, unfortunately. The good news is that flights are cheap and plentiful, and in many cases will actually be cheaper than the cheapest train fares to those same cities. Switzerland is arguably the most beautiful country for natural sights, mostly in and around the Alps. You can get there by train from Paris in about 6 hours. Flying from Paris to Zurich and then a train to Interlaken will take a bit more than 6 hours and you’d miss a lot of great scenery, so the train is the better option there. Obviously you’d have to fly to Rome and it’s worth it if you have the time.

      I hope this helps and I’m happy to offer more advice as you are locking in your plan. -Roger

  8. Prathyusha says:

    Hi Roger,

    It’s our 1st Anniversary. We are planning a European getaway between 16th to 27th November. I will be travelling to Sweden on Nov 9th. It is first time visit for both of us. We are looking for places which are bit warmer so that we can explore more. Please advice which places can be covered for 12 days duration and our journey will start from Stockholm. Also, please advice, if Switzerland is good place to visit during November. Thank you!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Prathyusha,

      Stockholm is a gorgeous city and you’ll enjoy it, but the days are pretty short in November because it’s so far north, and it’ll be pretty chilly. I’d recommend spending about 3 days in Stockholm and then flying somewhere in southern Europe for the remainder of the trip. Fortunately the flights within Europe are pretty affordable so you can go just about anywhere you like.

      The summer and hiking season in Switzerland ends in the middle of October and the skiing and snow season starts in mid December, so November is pretty slow in the mountains and some smaller hotels and restaurants are closed during that period. But others stay open and the crowds are small so it can be a good time to visit as long as you dress properly. Have a look at my main article on where to go in Switzerland for ideas. You can see the main highlights in the Interlaken area in 3 days or so, and 2 more days in Lucerne is enough to see the other main highlights.

      If this is your first visit to Europe I’d probably head to Italy, and you can actually take a train from Interlaken to Venice in a reasonable time along a beautiful route. November in Italy is still fairly warm and usually pretty dry so it’s a great time to be able to see the main sights without the insane crowds of summer. The standard “Big 3” trip to Italy is 3 nights in Rome, 2 or 3 nights in Florence, and 1 or 2 nights in Venice.

      Or you could go to Spain, which is even a bit warmer, but I really think Italy is more interesting for a first visit and more people there speak some English. I hope this gives you some ideas. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  9. Nav says:

    Hi Roger, thanks for your prompt response. Please advise any alternative to Amsterdam? How about some place in Switzerland or Barcelona? (considering days, cost and weather) – Nav

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Nav,

      You could spend 3 or 4 days in Switzerland and I’d focus on the Interlaken area for most or all of that. That article should help you plan something you’ll enjoy. Or you could go to Barcelona, which is definitely a great city with plenty to see. The reason I mentioned Amsterdam is that it’s a top destination AND it’s easy to travel between all of those cities on trains in a few hours or less. Flying is definitely less enjoyable and more stressful than train travel, but of course it opens up more options.

      If you choose Switzerland you could fly from London to Zurich and then take trains within Switzerland, and then take the train from there to Paris. If you choose Barcelona you could fly from London to Barcelona and then take the 6-hour train ride from there to Paris. It takes about the same amount of time as flying when you factor in airport transportation and security and all of that, but the train is more enjoyable and the scenery going through France is pretty good. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  10. Neta says:

    Hi roger,
    Im planning a European getaway between 14 to 18 of november with a 2.5 months old baby. We want to visit Amsterdam but afraid its gonna be too cold. What is your recommendation for a nice weekend in Europe?

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Neta,

      If you are only planning on going to Europe for a 4-day weekend I will assume that you are already pretty close to Europe. Amsterdam definitely will be fairly chilly in November and it gets dark pretty early that time of year as well. If you are looking for somewhere a bit warmer I’d have to say Barcelona or Lisbon might be your best bets. Barcelona has been very crowded in summers lately, but in November the crowds won’t be too bad and the weather is pretty mild. Lisbon should be even a bit warmer and it’s a wonderful city for a short visit like that. I hope this helps at least a bit. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger