Cosy November city breaks in Europe
Take some time off before the bustle of Christmas and have a relaxing stay in one of our favourite cities. November is a great time to travel as the prices haven't reached the holiday highs, but you can already get into the spirit of the season.
Amsterdam
The arrival of Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa Claus, in mid-November kicks off the Christmas season and brings a festive spark to the city. Upon his yearly return, Sinterklaas visits the markets squares and public spaces of Amsterdam to greet his fans.
On the first Saturday of November, over 70 museums open their doors until the wee hours as the Museum Night takes place. The city is buzzing, as both local art lovers and visitors wander from one museum to another. If you’re into documentary films, you should pay a visit to the world’s premier documentary film festival in mid-November with hundreds of films.
The Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the charming canals and historic streets with creative light installations from artists worldwide. Hop on a boat and see the festival from the canals, or if boats aren’t your thing, a walk along the route is just as magical.
Milan
The first thing to check out in Milan in November is the museums. As the tourist crowds are thin this is the best moment to visit the cultural sights. It might also be the only time of the year that you can see Leonardo´s Last Supper in the Santa Maria della Grazie or the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo in Castello Sforzesco without queuing for hours.
If you are in Milan at the beginning of November, you will get to celebrate important Catholic events. All Saints’ Day is celebrated on November 1 in commemoration of all Catholic saints. The next day, November 2 is also a holiday, called All Souls’ Day.
November is a month of events too. The Jazzmi jazz festival takes place in October and November and the Bookcity Milano book fair is also held in November. The Christmas fairs open at the end of November or the start of December, you can see the locations and dates here.
Geneva
Although the Christmas markets do not open until late November or early December there are still plenty of festive things to do around the city. Switzerland is known for its high-quality chocolates and what better way to get into the spirit of the holiday season than to taste your way through them? You should at least try Du Rhône Chocolatier and Läderach.
Another perfect seasonal foodie treat is fondue. The cheesy dish is a sure way to get warm in the November chills. Some of the highest-rated places to taste the dish are Buvette de Bains and Les Armures.
Also, make time to check out some of the many specialty museums in Geneva. If you are a watch lover you will love the Patek Philippe Museum. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is a great interactive experience for your whole family.
Paris
Get ready to explore Paris’ unique charm in November. With fewer tourists, the City of Light provides an opportunity for a more intimate and immersive experience. Iconic museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are less crowded and invite you to adore their masterpieces and fantastic displays. In the fresh autumn air, it’s nice to cosy up in a Parisian café or patisserie and watch the world go by.
On November 1st, France honours the dead with La Toussaint and the French visit cemeteries to pay their respects to their departed loved ones. It’s a special and sentimental time to visit the famous graves at Père Lachaise Cemetery, for example.
On the third Thursday of November, France celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Immerse yourself in the local culture by tasting this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau wine that’s produced quickly after harvest. Savouring this young and fruity wine, made from the Gamay grape, is a seasonal highlight.
Vienna
If you thought the Christmas season would only start in December, you were wrong! The celebrations start much earlier in Vienna. This means November offers seasonal spirit with far fewer crowds. The traditional Christmas lights and the lights of the giant tree on the Rathausplatz are switched on during the second half of the month. Also, most of the Christmas markets open already in November.
Vienna is the home of classical music, with concerts everywhere. But there is so much more than just Mozart! The Wien Modern festival in November highlights the work of contemporary composers and performers. The KlezMORE festival celebrates the traditional form of Jewish music with performances, readings, films, and more. Voice Mania brings A Capella singing from around the world to Vienna.
For a hidden treasure hunter, Art & Antique Fair is a must. The fair usually takes place at the end of October or the beginning of November. It takes over halls at Hofburg Palace and turns them into a playfield for antique sellers and art collectors alike.