Explore Europe’s top November destinations! From vibrant cities to serene landscapes, these 14 spots promise unforgettable experiences. Save this article today!
I lived in Europe for almost five years, and November soon became one of my favorite months because of all these reasons.
You’ll find something special for everyone in these top places to visit in Europe during November.
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a place I really love visiting in November. In summer, and even in October, there are lots of people there. But when November comes, there aren’t as many visitors, and the weather is still nice. You can walk around the old city walls without needing a big winter coat!
In November, Dubrovnik has nice weather, perfect for exploring. Even though some places close after summer, there are still plenty of shops and restaurants open for a fun visit.
Croatia is one of the safest places in Europe to travel by yourself, so you can feel happy and safe while enjoying your trip to Dubrovnik.
2. Berlin, Germany
I’ve lived in Berlin for more than five years and seen it in every season. I can say that November gives the city a special cozy feeling.
This month, there’s the JazzFest Berlin, where you can listen to live music by artists from around the world and local ones too. It’s perfect for people who love music and want to see what Berlin’s culture is like.
In November, it might be chilly outside, so you’ll need a warm coat. But people in Berlin still love their city. Cafés turn into snug places where you can watch people and sip on hot coffee.
Check out my guide to Berlin; it has lots of fun things to do all year round!
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in November feels special. The cool air and morning fog make it magical to walk across the Charles Bridge or see the big, beautiful Prague Castle. If you like spooky stories, Prague is perfect, especially with a ghost tour in the Old Town on a chilly November night!
November is a great time to enjoy the yummy food in Prague. The cold makes warm Czech meals like stews with meat and veggies taste even better. And you should definitely try Prague’s famous beer, maybe on a fun tour or in a cozy pub.
Riga, Latvia – Number 4
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is like a hidden treasure that not many people know about. This makes it a fun place to explore, especially now.
In November, Riga isn’t busy like other places, so you can enjoy it with fewer people around. There aren’t as many crowds, so it’s easier to meet the friendly locals and enjoy the city’s charm.
Riga’s cafés and restaurants are cozy places to visit in the chilly weather. You can try yummy Latvian food and maybe taste some local craft beers. As you walk around, you’ll see how people in Riga get ready for the holidays, which makes it feel extra special and real.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
November in Edinburgh is a special time. It’s one of the best cities in Europe then because it mixes the end of autumn with the start of holiday fun. The city starts to look festive, with places like The Dome on George Street glowing with Christmas lights, and the popular Christmas markets come back to life.
November in Edinburgh has lots of fun things to do. On Bonfire Night, you can watch amazing fireworks light up the sky. St. Andrew’s Day is also special, with everyone feeling proud to be Scottish during big celebrations.
There’s even an Edinburgh Gaelic Festival where you can enjoy music, learn new things, and see how much the Gaelic community means to the city.
6. Naples, Italy
Naples, Italy, feels alive and buzzing with lots of energy, cool traditions, and delicious food. In November, the city is at its truest because there aren’t as many tourists, and locals live their everyday lives.
It’s a great time to visit, with lots to see and do. The weather stays nice and warm, perfect for exploring without the hot sun or big crowds from summer.
Climb Mount Vesuvius when the sky is clear, or stroll through the old ruins of Pompeii, where you can slowly explore without lots of tourists around. Besides these famous places, Naples has yummy street food like Napoli-style pizza, rice balls called arancini, and fried pizza, ready for you to try on almost every street.
Italy is a great place to go if you’re traveling on your own for the first time. It’s an especially good choice for women who want to explore by themselves.
7. Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is a magical place to visit in November. The city looks like something from a fairy tale, with its beautiful old buildings, stone streets, and pretty canals. The colorful autumn leaves make it feel even more like a storybook.
In November, visiting Gravensteen Castle is exciting because the cool air makes it feel special. After exploring, you can enjoy a yummy Belgian waffle. It’s the best treat to have while looking at the old, beautiful sights.
8. Turkey’s Cappadocia
In Cappadocia, when the busy summer ends and the hot days become cooler, it’s still a beautiful place to see. You can explore this magical part of Turkey without the crowds, making it feel really special.
In November, you can ride a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia’s famous chimney rocks without lots of other people around. It’s also a time when hotel prices go down, so you can save money on your trip.
9. Lake Bled, Slovenia
In Slovenia, November is a great time to visit Lake Bled. The air is cool and the trees around the lake are full of beautiful fall colors. In summer, lots of people come here, but in autumn, it’s like being in a magical storybook place, with fewer visitors.
The weather is cold but not too cold, just right for a nice boat ride to Bled Island. You can look at the pretty views and enjoy how quiet it is. It’s a good idea to stay in a warm cabin with a fireplace, so at night you can sit by the fire and get warm after a fun day of exploring.
Lisbon, Portugal: Number 10
In autumn, Lisbon stays sunny and nice, with weather that’s perfect for walking around. By November, there aren’t as many people, so you can enjoy the city’s charm without all the noise and rush. It’s a great chance to wander through old neighborhoods like Alfama and Mouraria or taste yummy food and drinks on a tour.
In November, the days get shorter, but the light in Lisbon is very special and bright. You can snuggle up with a coffee and a yummy pastel de nata, or munch on roasted chestnuts from a street stand while you walk around. If you love music, the Super Bock em Stock festival is a chance to hear amazing live music with artists from all over the world playing in different places around the city.
11. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is really beautiful and doesn’t cost much to visit. It’s a perfect spot for people traveling alone, especially women, and it’s a great place to go in November.
When it gets chilly, Budapest’s streets smell like yummy spices and baked treats, hinting at the holidays. Vörösmarty Square starts getting ready for the festivities, and you can visit the early Christmas market. Here, little food stalls offer tasty things like stuffed cabbages, goulash, and warm, tasty drinks.
In November, the big ice rink in City Park opens up. It’s the largest natural ice rink in Europe, perfect for skating and feeling the cool autumn breeze. Right next to the pretty Vajdahunyad Castle, it feels like a magical place to skate.
After skating, grab a warm drink from a café nearby. It makes for a perfect day in one of Europe’s most magical cities getting ready for the holidays.
12. Vienna, Austria
In November, Vienna starts to twinkle with holiday lights, even before the famous Christmas markets open. It’s nice to see how the city turns magical as it gets ready for the season, and it feels special when there aren’t too many people around.
As the city begins to sparkle with golden lights, you can smell chestnuts roasting and sausages cooking, hinting at the fun that’s coming. Walking through the early holiday markets, you can feel the cozy spirit of Vienna, even as it gets colder outside.
Vienna has lots of amazing art museums, like the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Albertina, where you can see fantastic European paintings and learn about history. If you want to try something new, the Edelstoff Design Market is a fun place to visit too!
13. The City of Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen in November is the perfect spot if you want to feel super cozy. The Danish are really good at making places feel warm and nice, and you’ll notice it everywhere as the city gets ready for the holidays.
In November, Copenhagen slowly turns bright with shiny Christmas lights, making it feel cozy and welcoming. With fewer people around, the city is quiet and calm, but you can already feel the holiday magic coming. It’s a fun time to walk around, with little shops selling tasty holiday snacks and cafés ready to warm you up from the cold outside.
In November, one exciting thing to do in Copenhagen is the Arktisk Festival, where you can learn about Arctic traditions. If you like horses, you can also watch the Hubertusjagt Horse Races in Dyrehaven on the first Sunday of the month. Lots of people come to see 160 horse riders in red jackets race.
14. The City of Reykjavik, Iceland
In November, when nights are long, it’s the perfect time to see the amazing northern lights in Iceland. Reykjavik is one of the top spots to watch this beautiful show in the sky. Even though the city has some lights, you can join a tour that takes you to darker places for a clearer view.
In November, Reykjavik is not as busy as it is in the summer, so it’s nice and calm. It’s cooler, and there might be a bit of snow, which makes the city look even prettier to explore.
If you’re feeling adventurous, November is a great time to explore the Golden Circle outside of Reykjavik or try a drive on part of the Ring Road. The weather might surprise you, but the snowy landscapes and fewer crowds make it feel really special.
Want to Explore More?
If you want to see historic places without lots of people, enjoy early holiday fun, or see the pretty fall colors, I hope this list gives you ideas for traveling in Europe in November. It’s a great time to explore Europe. The weather is cooler, there aren’t as many tourists, and there are lots of fun and cultural things to do.
Which city will you pick first for your November adventure in Europe?
