7 of the best places to visit in November

1. Krakow, Poland

It might be chilly in November, but Poland’s fairytale second city comes into its own once the summer crowds have gone. There’s the ever-charming, cobbled streets and, of course, the hearty Polish fare that’s even tastier when it’s cold outside.

Spend your city break in Krakow tucking into Polish dumplings (pierogi), warming chicken soups and enormous pork knuckles. For traditional with a twist, seek out gołąbki. These stuffed cabbage rolls served with a rich tomato sauce are usually made with meat and rice, but buckwheat and mushroom fillings are the modern spin. Try them at Kogel Mogel or Pod Aniołami, both of which get rave reviews.

If you have time, visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps and memorial sites. Tours run year-round and, at an hour away from Krakow, it’s an easy but devastating, day trip. Go with a guide to fully grasp this horrific period of history.

Don’t miss: Poland celebrates its Independence Day on 11 November with a daytime military parade along the ‘Royal Route’ (St Florian’s Gate to Wawel Castle) and a night-time singalong in the Rynek Główny town square.

2. Goa, India

Coming just after the rainy season and before the tourist rush reaches full force, November is the ideal time to get to know Goa. Expect hot days, around 28C, and invitingly warm waters that match – perfect for spending day after day on the beach.

On the topic of beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice in gorgeous Goa. Party haven, Palolem Beach, has palm-fringed sands that are more jungle than tropical, while neighbouring Calangute, Baga and Anjuna tick all the holiday boxes, offering a range of beach bars, watersports and bric-a-brac market stalls.

If you’re going on a package holiday, you’d be missing out to stick to your all-inclusive offerings. Food here is a tantalising mix of Indian and Portuguese influences – think spicy vindaloos and seafood curries, sweet xacuti and lentil-based dishes, and plenty of fried fish. Go local and tuck into it all from a street-side stall or treat yourself to a night out at one of the many fine dining establishments.

Don’t miss: Hail the ale at Goa’s three-day Beer Festival in Cansaulim from 15-18 November 2024 or indulge your inner film geek at the International Film Festival of India, which celebrates the best of Indian and International cinema. Pre-registration required.

3. Dubai, UAE

A curious urban playground, Dubai offers the perfect combination of luxury city breaks and blissful beach holidays. Plus, it’s one of the best places to visit in November for sunshine, with weather that’s hot, but not stifling, and wallet-friendly deals from a range of package holiday providers.

As for what to do, well, Dubai has the lot. Want to spend some time on the sand? Sunset Beach is free and gets you the quintessential shot of the Burj Al Arab building, while dune bashing takes you deep into the Dubai desert to tackle the endless landscape of reddish sands on a 4WD.

Prefer to splash some cash? You can’t go past Dubai Mall. With over 1,200 shops, an aquarium, an indoor ice rink and lots more, this is excess at its most fascinating – and addictive.

Don’t miss: Dubai’s event highlights include the Sephoria beauty festival on 6-8 November and the Rio-esque Butterfly Carnival on 9 November. Active types can take part in the Dubai Run on 24 November or enjoy three days of music and sports at the Emirates Dubai 7s. As well as rugby, cricket and netball matches, you can catch headliners like Stormzy and the Sugababes.

4. Gran Canaria, Spain

You can always count on the Canaries to deliver balmy days and blissful nights. This November, Gran Canaria is the pick of the bunch.

Comfortable 21C temperatures are common this time of year – perfect for enjoying some sun on one of Gran Canaria’s best beaches (there’s over 80 to choose from) and exploring away from the coast. Bring your hiking boots to venture into the Barranco de Guayadeque ravine or look upwards to Pico de las Nieves, Gran Canaria’s highest point.

If hiking isn’t your thing, hire a car and kick off an epic road trip across the island. Stops should include island capital, Las Palmas, the pretty inland village of Teror and off-the-beaten-track gems like Playa del Confital.

Petrolheads who enjoy a challenging drive should tackle the GC-60 road from Maspalomas to Tejeda – expect hairpin bends, sweeping curves and far-reaching views across the mountains along the way.

Don’t miss: Maspalomas gets a colourful glow-up from 4-10 November for its annual Winter Pride festival. Catch sickeningly good performances and DJ sets on the Yumbo main stage every night or join the Pride Walk on 9 November.

5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

If you just can’t wait to sip on mulled wine and rug up in your ugly Christmas jumper, consider an Amsterdam city break. The festive season starts early in the Dutch capital, generally around mid-November.

It kicks off on 17 November with the annual arrival of a special visitor: Sinterklaas. The Dutch answer to Santa Claus, Sinterklaas’s visit means cookies and candy for all revellers who turn up to greet him, which you can do along the city’s canals. Find more information here.

Later in the month, the Amsterdam Light Festival starts on 28 November. Running all the way through to mid-January, the popular winter event sees the city centre come alive with digital light displays and illuminations. You can experience the lights for free on a self-guided walking route or join a canal boat tour with a guide.

Of course, it’s not just about early Christmas cheer. November in Amsterdam is undoubtedly chilly, making it the perfect time to head indoors at the city’s fantastic, fascinating museums.

Don’t miss: See a different side to the Dutch capital during the three-day Spirit of Amsterdam festival, where over 30 churches, mosques, synagogues and temples transform into cultural venues for artists. There’s also the unique Winterlicht dinner experience, hosted in an island fort just 20 minutes from the city.

6. Tunisia

If you’re looking for a November holiday destination that’s close to home and has a good chance of sunshine, Tunisia is it.

This North African country on the Mediterranean is just three hours from the UK and recently scored new easyJet flights to Enfidha, the gateway to the brilliant resorts along its sandy east coast. Go in November and you’ll enjoy early-20s temperatures, both on land and in the sea, from Hammamet right down to Monastir.

Further south is the little-known Mediterranean island of Djerba – though it won’t stay off the radar for long. All whitewashed houses draped in fuchsia bougainvillea, at first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Greece. But it’s distinctly Tunisian, with a mix of Arab, Berber, Jewish and European influences in everything from its architecture to its cuisine.

If you’ve gone this far south and are up for an adventure, you’re not far from Tunisia’s chunk of the Sahara. Add a multi-day tour that takes in the sands, springs and Star Wars sets.

Don’t miss: FABRIKA Festival, on 14-18 November, is a four-day electronic musical festival in Hammamet, and the first of its kind in the country. If that’s not your scene, November is ideal for sightseeing without the crowds, so stack your itinerary with Tunisia’s must-sees.

7. Malta

Med gem Malta is a fantastic choice for some short-haul sun in November. We’re not talking scorching hot days here – temperatures are generally a mild and sunny 20C – but weather ideal for exploring its otherworldly landscapes and prehistoric sites, as well as getting into the heart of its tiny capital, Valletta.

Tick off sights such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace and St George’s Square, then find a hole-in-the-wall restaurant to enjoy the country’s feast-worthy food.

With obvious influence from Italian, Spanish, French and British cuisines, Malta’s history is written upon its plates; must-tries include stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), kapunata (similar to ratatouille) and minestra (minestrone).

November weather is perfect for walkers, though you’ll want to sail over to Gozo for the best trails. With options ranging from verdant and oh-so lush countryside to easy coastal hikes, it’s truly a rambler’s paradise.

Don’t miss: Pop culture nerds will love Malta’s Comic Con. On 9-10 November in St Julian’s, it brings together the best of the comic book world – costumes included. The Valletta Early Opera Festival is also showing a limited run of Mozart’s Il Re Pastore opera (in Italian with English subtitles).