What to Do in Europe in November

Winter in Europe is a celebration, and if you’re keen on embracing the cold, there are plenty of things to do. From outdoor snow sports to traditional Christmas markets, and some of the best cities for street art, tourists are long forgotten, and Europe in November means exploring the snow-covered streets as a local would do.

Off season means travel is incredibly cheap, and it takes more than a little bit of settled snow to close these cities down.

The following are things to do in Europe in November, each from a lesser known destination’s point of view.

Zurich

There is something to be said about exploring the streets of Zurich at this time of the year. There is shopping and Swiss cuisine, as well as a range of wellness activities and winter sports from cheap hotels in the surrounding mountains, though the true attraction in Zurich during winter is the city itself.

Ice and snow transforms this city into a fairytale wonderland, and day trips are available to take in iconic Swiss locations like Rigi, Pilatus or Lucerne.

Dusseldorf

Starting 19 November 2015, Dusseldorf’s Christmas markets are the best in Germany. Traditional Christmas markets can be found all over Europe in November. Cities build public ice-skating rinks, become lost under layers of fairy lights, and locals spend long starry nights drinking mulled wine and feating on gingerbread. Though Dusseldorf hosts one of the best.

Head to Marktplatz in front of the historic town hall for traditional huts offering arts and crafts. A thousand Christmas lights hang from chestnut trees along the main boulevard where you will find some of the city’s cheapest hotels.

Cannes

November is off-season for Cannes, so this is the perfect time of year to save money visiting the French Riviera. When you visit in November you’re visiting to experience Cannes as the locals do. Hit up the Old Town without being caught up in the crowds, and snatch up a deal on a Cannes hotel.

November in Cannes means you can catch the Festival de Danse. International dance companies come together to perform spectacular routines across a variety of themes.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is Europe’s most northern capital, a chic city on the Icelandic coast known for colourful buildings, wild nightlife, excellent museums, and quirky design. Though the best thing to do in Reykjavik in November is to leave the tourist center behind and head out on a trip through the countryside.

Reykjavik is a fantastic base for winter outdoor adventure, and day trips include swimming in volcanic geothermal lagoons, ice-climbing the glaciers which make up the city’s backdrop, and taking monstrous quad bikes off-road through the tundra. Skiing and Snowboarding are also popular pastimes in Iceland during winter. Book tours from your Reykjavik hotel.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic city with castles, towers and medieval facades, and none of these attractions close down in winter even though the tourists may depart.

Make sure you see Castle of the Counts, St Bavo’s Cathedral and Prinsenhof & Lievekaai. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the cultural scene and historic places which make Ghent Belgium’s best kept secret. Accommodation is cheap during November too.