20 best places to visit in Europe in November (2024)
Looking for the best places to visit in Europe in November? I’ve handpicked the prime cities that you shouldn’t miss.
There are many great reasons to visit Europe in November. Most importantly, you’ll avoid the summer crowds, and prices are often lower.
However, the weather can be tricky and it also varies quite a bit from mild in the Mediterranean regions to chilly in Northern Europe.
Let’s take a look at the 20 best places in Europe to visit in November.
Read next: 20 best places to visit in Europe in December
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Best experiences in Europe in November
Looking for the best experiences in Europe in November? These are the best tours:
- Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik (⭐ 4.5/5)
- Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb (⭐ 5/5)
- 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour (⭐ 5/5)
The weather in Europe in November
In Europe, November is generally colder and wetter, although the weather differs quite a lot depending on the country.
In Northern Europe – like Germany, Poland, and Scandinavia – you can expect temperatures to drop as low as 2°C to -1°C, often with snow.
Southern Europe typically experiences milder conditions, with average highs ranging from 15°C to 20°C. If you prefer a milder climate, Southern Europe may be a better November destination.
20 best places to visit in Europe in November
For city lovers
1. Paris, France
In November, Paris is less crowded, and the weather is cool but bearable. A perfect time for museum hopping and cozying up at a café.
You’ll have better access to must-see spots like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre, without the long lines or packed rooms.
The city also starts putting up its Christmas lights in November, so you’ll experience a festive touch to iconic avenues like the Champs-Élysées.
👉 Best Paris tour in November – Eiffel Tower Skip The Line Summit (⭐5/5)
2. Barcelona, Spain
While it’s not beach weather in Barcelona, the temperatures are still relatively mild, and famous sites like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are less crowded.
A stroll down La Rambla is more relaxed, and you’ll still find plenty of action in the Gothic Quarter and at the Mercado de La Boqueria.
Try some of the seasonal foods like roasted chestnuts, they’re a local treat.
👉 Best Barcelona tour in November – Skip the Line: Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour (⭐ 5/5)
3. Rome, Italy
In Rome, November’s cooler weather means you can visit iconic sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican without the overwhelming summer heat and crowds.
And that’s a major bonus!
Also, you’ll have an easier time securing reservations at the best restaurants and won’t have to elbow your way through the historic streets of Trastevere.
👉 Best Rome tour in November – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour (⭐ 4.5/5)
4. Vienna, Austria
November in Vienna kicks off the ball season and the run-up to Christmas.
You can go see a classical music concert without the usual wait and explore renowned museums like the Albertina or the Kunsthistorisches with more room to breathe.
Don’t miss visiting Belvedere Palace; the gardens are striking even in the fall. For a warm-up, dive into a local café for some authentic Sachertorte and coffee.
👉 Best Vienna tour in November – Vienna walking tour (⭐ 5/5)
5. Prague, Czech Republic
In Prague, November gives you a chance to really enjoy the city without tripping over crowds. And believe me when I say that Prague is packed in the summer!
The weather is crisp but manageable, great for walking across Charles Bridge and getting that perfect castle shot without jostling for space.
Plus, you can enjoy that delicious Czech food and beer without waiting for a table.
👉 Best Prague tour in November – Visit the best of Prague tour (⭐ 5/5)
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
In Edinburgh, November means you get to explore the city’s rich history without the summer or festival crowds.
The chill in the air makes it perfect for taking in Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur’s Seat, where you’ll get panoramic views without the usual photo-bombers.
The cooler weather also gives you a great excuse to duck into a cozy pub for some Scotch whisky or hot cider.
👉 Best Edinburgh tour in November – The Scotch Whisky Experience (⭐ 4.5/5)
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam in November is much quieter with cooler temps and fewer tourists.
You won’t have to queue for hours at the Anne Frank House (⭐ 5/5) or the Rijksmuseum (⭐ 4.5/5), and you’ll have the famous “I Amsterdam” sign pretty much to yourself for photos.
This is also the perfect time for cozy café stops for Dutch apple pie or hot chocolate.
👉 Best Amsterdam tour in November – Van Gogh Museum – Exclusive Guided Museum Tour (⭐ 5/5)
For nature lovers
8. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes is amazing all year round, but just imagine the place without all the people – that’s Plitvice in the winter.
The waterfalls are still flowing, and the foliage displays a blend of autumn colors that make for great photos.
The paths are less crowded, so you can take your time exploring the interconnected lakes and boardwalks.
👉 Best Plitvice Lakes tour in November – Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb (⭐ 5/5)
9. Iceland’s Northern Lights
Visiting Iceland in November?
You’re in for a treat, as it’s one of the best months to catch the Northern Lights!
The skies are dark enough to offer a vivid display and you’re in front row for the best viewing spots.
👉 Best Iceland tour in November – Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik (⭐ 4.5/5)
10. Cinque Terre, Italy
The picturesque Cinque Terre is a year-round stunner.
However, in November the crowds thin out, so you can actually enjoy those famous hiking trails between the colorful cliffside villages.
Sure, some restaurants and shops close for the season, but the main attractions are still open and way less hectic.
👉 Best Cinque Terre tour in November – Private Cinque Terre Trekking Tour (⭐ 5/5)
11. Santorini, Greece
In Santorini, you can watch the famous sunset without elbowing through crowds.
The weather’s cooler but still pleasant, ideal for leisurely walks in Oia or Fira to take in those iconic blue-domed churches and caldera views. While it might not be beach weather, the sunset over the Aegean Sea is still a knockout.
Most restaurants and attractions remain open, and you’ll find it much easier to snag that perfect photo or a table with a view.
It’s Santorini, minus the stress.
👉 Best Santorini tour in November – Best of Santorini customized private tour (⭐ 5/5)
12. The Scottish Highlands
If you don’t mind a bit of wind and rain, you’ll like the Scottish Highlands in November.
With fewer tourists, you can explore famous spots like Loch Ness and Ben Nevis without the distractions.
The landscape gets a bit wilder, with possible snow-capped mountains making it even more dramatic.
👉 Best Scottish Highlands tour in November – 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour (⭐ 5/5)
For history and culture
13. Krakow, Poland
Oh, Krakow. One of the most lovely cities in Europe.
The weather’s a bit chilly, but that’s just another reason to dive into a café for some pierogi or a warm cup of mulled wine.
You can wander around the Wawel Castle or take your time exploring the Jewish Quarter.
👉 Best Krakow tour in November – Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine (⭐ 4.5/5)
14. Berlin, Germany
Berlin in November has a vibe that’s hard to beat. Yeah, it’s getting chilly, but that’s a perfect excuse for some currywurst and a pint of German beer.
November 9th marks the anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, and the city gets even more introspective and educational than usual.
You can hit up spots like Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery without wading through a sea of selfie sticks.
Plus, the nightlife in neighborhoods like Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain doesn’t slow down just because it’s winter.
👉 Best Berlin tour in November – Private Berlin Complete History All Day Tour (⭐ 5/5)
15. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul in November might be rainy and windy, but in return there are so many things to do indoors!
The Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque are way more comfortable for instance. Also, the Grand Bazaar is still bustling, but you won’t feel like you’re in a can of sardines.
Don’t miss a Bosphorus cruise (⭐ 5/5); the views are killer and the boat won’t be packed. And since it’s pomegranate season, you can enjoy some fresh juice as you explore.
👉 Best Istanbul tour in November – 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour (⭐ 5/5)
For festivals and events
16. Munich, Germany
Munich in the autumn is like a warm-up for the holiday season.
The Oktoberfest rush is over, and you can actually find a seat in one of those famous beer halls like Hofbräuhaus.
And if you’re up for some early holiday vibes, Munich starts rolling out its Christmas markets by the end of the month.
👉 Best Munich tour in November – Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich (⭐ 4.5/5)
17. Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania in November gives you that authentic, moody vibe that fits the region’s legends.
The crowds have thinned out, so a visit to Bran Castle, often dubbed “Dracula’s Castle,” feels a bit more eerie and intimate.
Medieval towns like Sibiu and Brasov are way less crowded, perfect for unhurried exploration and long meals in cozy Romanian taverns.
👉 Best Transylvania tour in November – Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov (⭐ 5/5)
18. Dublin, Ireland
November is the perfect month to settle into a historic pub in Dublin like The Long Hall or O’Donoghue’s for a pint of Guinness.
You can stroll along the River Liffey or explore Trinity College and the Book of Kells without feeling rushed.
👉 Best Dublin tour in November – Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way (⭐ 5/5)
For Winter sports
19. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Swiss Alps is a winter wonderland. The ski resorts are starting to open, but they’re not jam-packed yet.
Want something chill?
Take a scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch and get those jaw-dropping mountain views without the summer glare.
👉 Best Swiss Alps tour in November – Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Interlaken (⭐ 4.5/5)
20. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø in November is prime time for Northern Lights hunters.
It’s cold, sure, but that’s what those thermal suits and hearty Norwegian sweaters are for.
The city is relaxed this time of year, making it easier to explore local spots like the Arctic Cathedral or the Polaria Aquarium.
👉 Best Tromsø tour in November – Aurora Hunt Tour from Tromso (⭐ 5/5)
