Visiting Europe at any time of year is a dream come true for any traveler; the trick is to include as many of the continent’s must-see attractions and sights as possible in your schedule.
In Europe, November marks the end of the fall season and the beginning of the season of preparation for the impending winter. You shouldn’t rule out a European city break in November just because it isn’t the most popular time to travel there. To begin with, you won’t encounter nearly as many people as you would in Europe during the summer.
Despite their perennial popularity, cities like Rome and Athens see far fewer tourists in November, making it an ideal time to explore them. The sweltering heat in the height of summer is another minus for getting around on foot but that won’t happen in November.
No matter what you’re looking for in a vacation spot, you’ll find it in one of the 15 best places to visit in Europe we’ve chosen below.
1. Lucerne, Switzerland
This little Swiss city is one of the most picturesque in all of Switzerland, thanks to its location on the northern shore of Lake Lucerne.
The town is pleasant in any month, but November is ideal for sightseeing since it is less busy and the weather is mild enough to explore the nearby mountains.
The medieval buildings and the famous Chapel Bridge in Lucerne have earned worldwide city renown.
2. Granada, Spain
Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Spanish city of Granada was the last Moorish stronghold in Europe.
The city’s Islamic architecture gives it a unique and exotic vibe. Visitors are initially drawn to the Alhambra, but the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens ultimately capture their hearts.
Visit the mosque in Cordoba, go hiking in the Alpujarras, or stroll along the old Caminito del Rey trail in November when the weather is mild enough for a day excursion out of the city.
3. Cyclades Islands, Greece
Many people consider Greece’s Cyclades the most visually striking Mediterranean islands. Santorini, with its breathtaking volcanic caldera; Paros, with its peaceful settlements; and Delos, with its ancient ruins, are all within easy boating distance from the mainland.
These islands are stunning all year round due to their natural beauty, but if you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is in November.
4. Emilia Romagna, Italy
The cuisine of the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is world-famous. Travelers with a penchant for Italian cuisine will find this to be a paradise on earth.
It is the birthplace of several well-known culinary treats, including many types of cheese, ham, pasta, and vinegar. Even Italians from other regions will agree that the food of Emilia Romagna is exceptional.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Summers in Barcelona may be hot and humid due to the city’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. However, the most significant time to visit Barcelona, if you want to escape the heat and congestion, is in November, when the day’s temperature is mild and the evenings are cool.
You may go mushroom hunting, celebrate the harvest at the Chestnut Festival (La Castanyada), and attend cultural events like the Voll-Damm Jazz Festival of Barcelona, all of which take place in the fall.
6. Athens, Greece
November is one of the most significant times to visit Athens and perhaps all over the globe. Since the winter weather doesn’t start until December, the temperatures are still tolerable in early November, making it one of the warmest cities in Europe.
Because Athens is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, visiting in November could be the ideal strategy for avoiding the city’s “crowds.”
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
In November, a visit to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is a trip to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
It is the ideal starting point for an Icelandic winter trip, whether you want to relax in the Blue Lagoon or try the regional cuisine. November is a great time to visit since you may take refuge from the chill of winter in the lagoon’s warm waters.
8. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, the Hungarian capital, is one of Europe’s liveliest and least expensive cities.
Explore the beautiful historic district, unwind in a spa, and party the night away in this fantastic Eastern European metropolis.
November is packed with exciting events, from the St. Martin’s Day Wine Festival to a visit to the citadel, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the city from atop a hill overlooking the Danube and the heart of the city center.
9. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is one of the most attractive and historically significant European cities.
You may go to Trinity College to view the most well-known medieval manuscript in the world, which contains the four Gospels of Jesus Christ, take a tour of the Guinness Brewery, or engage in a whiskey tasting. You will definitely not get bored in November in Dublin.
10. Florence, Italy
This city is one of the most incredible places to visit in Europe, any time of the year. It has so much to offer in terms of culture, from artwork and architecture to trends and cuisine.
Traveling to this city is essential to sample the finest Tuscan cuisine and wine. You can spend the month of November window shopping and tasting delicious wine in the town that gave the world Gucci and Ferragamo.
11. Rome, Italy
November brings pleasant temperatures, making seeing the remains of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum more enjoyable.
Although there is never a dull moment when visiting the Vatican, November offers a respite from the heat and a chance to see the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums without having to fight through a throng of other tourists.
12. Belgrade, Serbia
To this day, Serbia is one of Europe’s least-visited countries, and its capital city, Belgrade, is mainly unknown to the general public. But there is a wide variety of fun things to do and see in this beautiful city throughout November.
Visit the charming cafés, traditional eateries, and bakeries in the Skadarlija Neighborhood for some authentic Serbian fare or try some of the country’s infamously potent rakija. But be careful, you can fall in love with Serbia.
13. Turin, Italy
The first capital of Italy is rich in history, culture, and delicious food that will please even the most jaded tourist.
Also, the weather in November is perfect for outdoor activities and makes this one of the top destinations to visit in Europe.
Hikers with experience may spend a day exploring the countryside and climbing mountains over 2,600 meters high, such as the Puta Quattro Sorelle, which is less than two hours away by train.
14. Vienna, Austria
If you want to see the end of autumn and the start of winter in Europe, you should go to Vienna, one of the world’s most pleasant towns, in November.
Belvedere Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Vienna State Opera are just a few of the stunning landmarks that call Vienna home.
15. Nice, France
The November weather in Nice is excellent for sightseeing without the swarms of tourists who arrive in summer.
Despite Nice’s many attractions, few visitors can resist the allure of a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais. This wide boulevard runs parallel to the glistening blue waters of the Mediterranean and Nice’s exotic beaches.
16. Gdansk, Poland
While most tourists to Poland prefer to travel to Krakow or Warsaw, Gdansk has much to offer in the fall.
Small and picturesque Gdansk is a port city on the Baltic Sea in northern Poland. This city will captivate you with its delicious Polish cuisine, pretty seasonal markets and colorful architecture.
You can spend a romantic evening in one of the pretty seaside restaurants, and nearby Sopot has a thriving nightlife. Although Gdansk may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of a vacation in Poland, it is undoubtedly a fantastic one.
Gdansk is also a three-city area. So there’s plenty to see and do between Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia. All three are just a short train ride away from each other!
17. Asturias, Spain
Those who have visited Asturias in northern Spain consider it a hidden gem. It is a place known for its delicious local cuisine, refreshing wines, and the fantastic alcoholic cider known as “sidra.”
Asturias is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and November is the ideal month for a trip. With nice weather and no other people around, you can take a road trip.
There are many stunning and interesting places to visit in Asturias. On the outskirts of Oviedo, the capital of the state, is one of the most prominent cultural sites. This is a beautiful city with historic buildings, an active nightlife and medieval streets.
Visit Calle Gascona for the ultimate authentic Asturian evening. On both sides of the street, you will find local eateries. Inside, eateries compete with each other for the best regional cuisine, such as the hearty stew of meat and vegetables known as Fabada Asturiana.