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! First of all, your posts are so incredibly helpful! My husband and I are planning our 3rd trip to Europe in November. We’ve been to Barcelona, Nice, Dublin, St. Tropez, London, Paris, Rome, Florence/Tuscany, and Cinque Terre. We LOVE Italy and are thinking of doing Southern Italy but I know there are so many other options to explore. We will have 8-10+ days. We don’t mind cooler weather! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Narrowing down the destinations is just so hard when there are sooo many to choose from! Thanks so much!
Staci,
I’m always thrilled to hear that some people find this advice useful. You could do Naples and Sorrento and even Sicily in November, but the beach areas such as the Amalfi Coast and the Isle of Capri would be chilly and mostly empty in November. The beach areas even in southern Europe basically run from May through October and then most hotels and restaurants close down until the following May. Naples, Sorrento, and the main places on Sicily are going all year, of course.
The article above literally contains my top recommendations for Europe in November, so hopefully a few of the choices look interesting to you. You could do Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague, for example, and experience places that are very different from the ones you’ve visited. Or you could do Madrid, Seville, and Granada or Valencia? Spain is fairly mild in November and those are all fantastic places. I’m happy to help with more advice as you are sorting out where you want to go. -Roger
Hi, I’m headed to London for a week in November and I am looking for a suggestion for a day trip by train. I would love to visit another country, but I am not looking to go to Paris since I’ve already been there. I would consider visiting another city in England if its worth the trip, but would prefer a trip to a town in maybe France or Belgium. Thanks
Clara,
I’ve actually got quite a few suggestions for where to go from London on this other article about best Europe itinerary suggestions. The easiest options would be to stay in Britain. The best places for most visitors are Edinburgh, Bath, and/or York, and each of those is very different. Edinburgh is a wonderful city that will remind you of London in some ways, but is also uniquely Scottish in many other ways. There are high-speed trains from London that are cheap if you buy well in advance and they take about 5 or 6 hours. That would be my top pick. Oh, I just noticed that you are looking for a “day trip.” If you want to go back to London that same night then I’d definitely stay in England. If you left your hotel at, say, 8AM to take the Eurostar to Paris or Brussels, you wouldn’t get there until 11AM (partly because you have to check in 30 minutes early for the Eurostar), so it’s not ideal for a day trip.
My other article about where to go in England, Scotland, and Wales for 1 to 3 weeks might be better for choosing a day trip. One challenge is that most trains out of London are slow, with the exception of some of the Edinburgh ones. So it takes at least 2 or 3 hours to get almost anywhere, and usually longer.
From London it can actually be better and much easier to take a day trip by bus (coach). You can do a trip that will take you to Oxford, Bath, and Stonehenge in one long day. Each of those places is really interesting. If you just want to take a train to a town and then explore on your own I’d suggest Bath, which is really impressive. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Roger-
Thinking of heading to Amsterdam and possibly Belgium this Thanksgiving. We will have 7 days, flying into and out of Amsterdam(non-stop). We love Museums, architecture, food, hiking, biking and all active things. Thinking of splitting between 2 cities and then doing day trips as needed. Any 2 places you recommend? We are a family of 4-myself, husband, 16 and 13 year olds. We have been to a good part of Europe-(London, Ireland, France, Italy, Barcelona, Greece, Switzerland, Munich, Salzburg, Croatia, Prague) but not his area- does that sounds like a good plan. I understand the weather will be cool/cold and possible wet but will it still wow us? I’d be happy not to have the crowds as much of our other travel has been during the crowded summer months.
Travelmama,
That sounds like a really nice trip. Yes, it’ll be a bit chilly and possibly a bit drizzly, but Amsterdam and the better Belgian cities are gorgeous and interesting any time of year. I’d focus probably 4 days in Amsterdam itself, with probably a day trip to Delft and Rotterdam and The Hague and the Flower Market, which is a fun and popular bus trip. Then you could take a train to Bruges for your other 3 nights. Bruges is really wonderful and from there you can reach Brussels in one hour or Ghent in 30 minutes, both of which are good day trips. The main square in Brussels (called the Grand Place) is really amazing and the area around it is worth exploring (including the Manakin Pis statue), but the rest of the city is kind of a dud. Ghent is fairly similar to Bruges, but with far fewer tourists so it’s interesting to visit even though there are also fewer attractions. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Rodger,
I need some assistance. I am planning to come to London in November 2019. I planned to visit Switzerland as well, but as many forums say that November isnt the best time to travell Swiss, i am in a doubt. My total tour period will be 14 days. Can u please help me with some suggestions if Switzerland is not the best option.
Thank you
Saminda,
The destinations on the article above are my top picks for November, and you can combine a few of them with London pretty easily if you include at least a couple of flights. As for Switzerland, the summer hiking season ends around 15-October each year and many smaller hotels and restaurants close until 15-December when the ski season starts. So it’s true that November is a quiet month, but the weather is usually fairly pleasant and nearly all hiking trails are still open. It’s just not warm enough for short sleeves and there won’t be snow except for the higher peaks. One nice thing is the hotels that stay open will charge lower rates and the crowds are smaller. I’d consider going anyway.
Aside from Switzerland I would definitely visit Paris if you’ve not been before. You can get there on the Eurostar train from London in a bit over two hours. From Paris you can reach Amsterdam on a high-speed train in a bit over 3 hours. It’s usually gray and a bit gloomy weather in Amsterdam in November, but it’s actually that way most of the year and the city is lively year round so it can be a nice time to go.
If you want something a bit warmer you could take a train from Paris to Barcelona in about 6 hours, and then perhaps go to Madrid from there. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi, I am travelling to Düsseldorf in mid-November for a conference. My 18 year old wants to travel with me, travel to some other cities before the conference and stay with me during the conference week. Please can you provide some advise on where we can travel before the conference and day trips she can take alone while we are in Düsseldorf? She has already been to London, Paris and Istanbul. I am concerned with the weather that will we be able to enjoy the architecture of a city without being hindered by weather. Thanks
Fiona,
That sounds like a great opportunity. The November weather in that part of Europe tends to be drab and gray quite often, but it rarely rains very hard or for long periods at a time, so it should be good enough for a bit of sightseeing.
Düsseldorf, as you may know, is in a highly industrialized part of Germany that was mostly rebuilt after WWII, so there aren’t many super charming highlights. The obvious one is the city of Cologne, which is only about 20 minutes by train from Düsseldorf. The cathedral there is pretty amazing and the old town area surrounding it is worth most of a day. There is also Aachen about 1 hour 20 minutes away by train. My brother used to live there and the historical district is quite charming and better than staying in a Düsseldorf hotel for the day.
The best nearby highlight is Amsterdam, which is about 2 hours 20 minutes each way by train. It would be an exciting day trip, but I think it would be better if you could stay at least one night because it is one of Europe’s most amazing cities to see in person. Brussels is about the same distance away, and I strongly prefer Amsterdam of the two.
That gives you a few options and hopefully that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Is 6 days total for Rome & Paris doable in November? And what’s the best way to get from Rome to Paris?
Tom PHX,
Yes, three nights in Paris and three nights in Rome is actually ideal for someone wanting to see a lot and still move quickly. From Paris to Rome you are best off flying. The flight will be pretty cheap if you book well in advance. There are trains including overnight trains, but they are slow, expensive, and still sell out long in advance. The flight is by far the better option. -Roger
Hi. Planning a trip to France for our 25th anniversary,around 1st week of November for about 14 days.
Along with Paris, which other region do you suggest? Provence? Can you suggest places there which are accessible by bus? As we are not inclined to drive around. Which place in South of france? around Nice etc.. many thanks
Pooja,
I’d spend at least 3 or 4 nights in Paris. After that you could go in almost any direction, depending on what you want to see. The Loire Valley is fairly close to Paris and it’s famous for chateaus and estates that can be toured. Many wine fans like to head to Bordeaux for some tasting and vineyard tours.
Some people like to head to Normandy to visit Mt Saint Michel, although in November the weather won’t be ideal. Avignon is a very popular and historic smaller city that you can stop in on your way to the southern coast. Aix-en-Provence is a great base for exploring the Provence region, and it’s very close to Avignon as well.
As far as the French Riviera, I would recommend Nice as the ideal place to base yourself. Nice is a really wonderful city itself, and it’s also about a 20-minute train ride from Cannes in one direction and from Monaco in the other direction. It will be pretty uncrowded in November since it’s a popular beach town, but Nice is a fairly large city so it’s worth visiting any month of the year and I’d definitely spend at least half a day in Monaco. Those are some of the best places to add to a Paris visit and once you look into each of them I’m sure you’ll be inspired by a few of them to help you fill out the trip.
All of the places I mentioned are served by France’s high-speed rail network, or at least you can get close to all of them and then take a local train or bus. I’d highly recommend taking trains as much as possible since they are much faster and more comfortable than buses. The trick is to decide where you’ll go at least a month before you arrive and then buy your train tickets as early as possible. The train tickets start out cheap and then get more expensive as more seats are sold. So if you buy early enough the train tickets will be fairly cheap and you’ll have many departure times to choose from. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I’m planning to visit below cities in the first and second week of November. My trip starts on November 3rd in Amsterdam and and will follow the itinerary as below. Please suggest is it a good idea to visit these cities or should i look to visit something else.
Netherlands: Amsterdam / Rotterdam 2N, France: Paris 2N, Switzerland: Lucerne 2N, Engelberg, Italy: Venice, Melide, Lugano, Padova 1N, Florence, Pisa 1N, Rome 1N.
Gururaj,
Most of those cities are well worth visiting, but if you followed that itinerary you’d be spending most of your holiday on trains and in train stations. This comes up a lot so I wrote an article explaining why I strongly recommend staying 3 nights in almost any European city you visit. So hopefully you have more time or are willing to cut at least a few of the stops. I’d skip Rotterdam and just stay in Amsterdam. It’s best to visit Pisa as a half-day trip from Florence. Aside from the Leaning Tower, Pisa isn’t very interesting. I’m happy to help more as you are working on your itinerary. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks for your suggestion on Italy trip. It was really helpful. Now, we are planning for Switzerland in mid of May for 4-5 days. We’ll be flying from Stockholm to Swiss. As I could see, we can land in Zurich or Geneva but not Interlaken. Please suggest which places can be covered in this short duration. Kindly provide the full itinerary. TIA
Prathyusha,
I’m happy to help people make decisions on how to plan a trip, but I’m not a free travel agent, unfortunately. If you have 5 days I’d fly into Zurich and then spend the first 3 days in the Interlaken area and the final two days in the Lucerne area, which is only about an hour by train from Zurich Airport for your flight home. You’ll find all of the best options for these places in my main article about where to go in Switzerland. The Lauterbrunnen Valley next to Interlaken is where you’ll find the most stunning scenery, but the city of Lucerne is also beautiful and quite different. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
We are a family of 4 from California and plan to travel to Europe in August. I know it is not ideal due to heat and crowds, but school and summer camps have restricted us to those weeks. We have 9-10 days. What would be our best destination(s)?
Thanks! Dee
Dee,
Actually, August can be a great month to visit certain cities in Europe. It’s really better to avoid beach resort destinations in Europe in August because they are all completely packed, but actually Paris and Rome empty out to some degree during August because so many office workers are gone. I’d definitely put Paris on your list. With 9 days you’ve got enough time to two other places (3 nights in each city is ideal) and it would be hard to skip London (2 hours by Eurostar train from Paris) if this is your first trip to Europe. The major attractions in London are quite crowded in August, but at least it’s a good weather month and the sun doesn’t set until well after 9pm so you can see a lot.
You could also spend 3 days or so in Switzerland, and particularly in the Interlaken area.
It would be a bit simpler to visit elsewhere in Britain. Bath and York are probably the two most interesting smaller cities to visit and you’d have time for both of them. Or you could visit one or more of the wine regions in France instead. All of the beaches in France are packed in August, and some of the small country towns are popular with locals as well, but other places are less crowded so you’ve got plenty of options. I hope that at least gives you some ideas. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger