Europe is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but some European cities are extra special in November. In November, Europe is at the peak of the autumn season and approaching the winter months. The leaves on the trees are stunning shades of red, orange and yellow but starting to shred, while some of Europe’s most popular cities are at their quietest.

Cities in the North of Europe, like Paris, Berlin, Bratislava, Copenhagen and Budapest, the days are brisk but still bearable, while the end of November might start to witness some snow. Whereas, in Southern European cities, such as Lisbon, Seville and Venice, the weather is still fairly warm but not scorching hot like in the summer months.

No matter which of the best European cities you choose to visit in November, one thing is for sure – you’ll enjoy a lack of other tourists, as well as flights and accommodation at significantly reduced prices. So, go ahead and discover the best places to visit in Europe in November.

Check out our guide to the best European cities to visit in December, too.

Best places to visit in Europe in November

Seville, Spain

Seville is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, packed full of stylish squares and Moorish and Gothic architecture. It is one of the best cities in Europe to visit in November to enjoy the Andalusian pace of life and marvel at the city’s most treasured landmarks in peace and quiet. From the UNESCO palace complex Alcázar and the Cathedral of Our Lady in Seville to the Tomb of Christopher Colombus and Spain Square, there’s plenty to see and do in Seville in November. After exploring these must-see landmarks, finish off in one of the many Andalusian bars for a delicious tapas feast and an authentic glass of Spanish wine.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the most livable cities in the world and one of the best places to visit in Europe in November. During this autumn month, you’ll just catch the colourful foliage in places like Burggarten and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Schönbrunn Palace. And, if you visit at the end of November, you’ll already be able to make the most of Vienna’s Christmas markets, many of which open in the last weeks of the month. In particular, you shouldn’t miss the city’s largest Christmas market, Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, which is held in city hall square. Aside from all the markets, at the end of November in Vienna, you’ll also be able to get in the festive spirit with ice skating rinks, Ferris wheels and Christmas-themed displays.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is fast becoming the new Barcelona and one of the best places to visit in November thanks to its perfect combination of mild weather, vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and rich culture. This is also one of the quietest seasons, with the crowds disappearing after the summer months and many others waiting until December for the Christmas markets. This means you can take full advantage of the low season by exploring the much quieter streets of the Alfama – Lisbon’s historic heart. You’ll be able to see all of the city’s most loved sites in peace, including the Maritime Museum, the Time Out food market, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Sintra, as well as plenty of impressive churches, chapels and castles to explore.

Check out our three-day Lisbon itinerary.

Nice, France

As the beating heart of the French Riviera, Nice is one of the best cities in Southern Europe to visit in November. Unlike some of the other places on this list, Nice is a coastal city, allowing you to get your beach fix even in autumn as even in November the weather is still warm. It’s the ideal temperature to explore the city without the bustling crowds getting in your way. You can stroll along the city’s famous Promenade des Anglais, running parallel to the turquoise waters of the Med and Nice’s white sandy beaches, or take a trip up to the Colline due Château found in the old town.

Venice, Italy

A picture-perfect destination anytime of the year, Venice is a spectacular European city to visit in November. The winding cobblestone alleyways, meandering canals, and baroque architecture is sure to impress without the mass exodus of tourists and the scorching (and sometimes smelly) heat. One of the main attractions in Venice in November is the Madonna Della Salute Festival – a huge feast and procession of thousands of people to the Salute Church, which is held to celebrate the Virgin Mary’s intervention to end the plague in 1630. But don’t worry if you miss this – Venice has plenty more to offer in November, including the famous St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza San Marco.

Reykjavik, Iceland

The capital of Iceland and one of the best cities in Europe to visit in November, Reykjavik makes for a great trip in either the autumn or winter seasons. From the relaxing Blue Lagoon to sampling local cuisine to spotting the Northern Lights – in fact, November is one of the best months to see the aurora borealis! Make sure you also go see the Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Budapest, Hungary

Another European capital city that you should visit in November is Budapest, located on the shores of the Danube River in Hungary. Full of life and one of the cheapest places you can visit in Europe, it’s even less expensive when you choose to go in November, but no less beautiful. See the 19th century Gothic parliament building reflecting in the river at dusk is something you won’t want to miss, while the trendy wine bars and cosy cafes, art galleries and independent bookstores provide the perfect places to wind away an autumnal afternoon. Hungarians are also well-known for their thermal spa culture, with Széchenyi being Budapest’s largest thermal bath complex where both locals and tourists alike enjoy soaking in the warm water on a chilly November afternoon.

Check out our guide to the best city breaks in Europe, too.

Dublin, Ireland

The historic and charming capital of Ireland, Dublin is definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe in November – whether it’s for the beautifully coloured trees, the annual Whiskey Live event or all the amazing sites to see there. While some travellers are put off by the usual relatively expensive prices in Dublin, you’ll find that flights and accommodation are much cheaper during the autumn months. During November trip, make sure you visit Trinity College to see Kells’ book, a 9th century manuscript documenting the four Gospels of he life of Jesus Christ – it is considered Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and world’s most medieval manuscript. You can also admire the impressive St. Paul’s Cathedral and try out some of Dublin’s must-visit traditional pubs on a pub crawl. There are plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied if the autumnal weather doesn’t hold up, making it one of the best European cities to visit in November.

Prague, Czech Republic

Known for its squares, towers and bridges, it is a delight to stroll along Prague’s medieval cobblestones in the autumn breeze. During the autumn months, occasionally dusted by snow, its Gothic, baroque, and medieval buildings and churches take on an otherworldly air, making it one of the best places to visit in November in Europe. The usual throngs of tourists are pretty much gone, allowing you to glide through this magnificent city, taking in the views and seeing the sites with no distractions. During your stay, make sure you see the Old Town’s medieval attractions, including the Church of Our Lady Before Týnn and the Old Town Hall. Prague Castle and Charles Bridge are also must-sees.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava easily makes it onto our list of the best European cities to visit in November as you get to not only celebrate the autumn season but the festive season, too! While you can still admire the beautiful autumnal foliage, the Christmas festivities are just starting to take place in the city, with the Xmas markets cropping up during the second half of the month just before all the tourists arrive in December. When visiting Bratislava in November, head to the Old Town to find some of the most popular attractions and scale the Old Town Hall stairs for some of the best panoramic views across the city. Overlooking the Old Town, you’ll find the ominous-looking Bratislava Castle which looks particularly impressive with the autumn sky as its backdrop.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital, Copenhagen, truly comes to life in the autumn and winter months, with November being one of the best times to visit. With most of the crowds gone, the city is quieter and easier to explore, with shorter queues for attractions and much cheaper accommodation. But there’s still loads to do in the chillier weather – visit Freetown Christiana, get lost in Tivoli Gardens, visit some Christmas markets, take a boat tour, and grab some classic Dutch snacks. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor spots to relax in Copenhagen as well as a range of activities to keep you entertained.

Lucerne, Switzerland

One for the nature-nerds, Lucerne, in Switzerland, is one of the best places to visit in Europe in November for awe-inspiring views and absolutely stunning scenery. Located at the Northern part of Lake Lucerne, this small Swiss city is picturesque all year round, but November means fewer crowds and cool weather, perfect for exploring the surrounding mountains. You can even book day trips to Mount Titlis and Mount Pilatus from the city, with the cable car journey giving you incredible 360-degree views of the Alps. Also known for its impressive medieval architecture, the iconic Chapel Bridge, and the Lion Monument, there’s also plenty to do for those who aren’t so into climbing mountains.