Top 10 Things To Do In Austria In November: Culture, Snow & Holiday Markets

Aerial view of the Schönbrunn Palace, showcasing the best things to do in Austria in November.

November is a good month to experience Austria as it transitions into the colder season. Things to do in Austria in November range from exploring historic cities to catching the early start of ski season. You can walk through Vienna’s grand museums or Salzburg’s old streets without the usual crowds. Christmas markets begin to appear, bringing food, music, and lights to public squares. In the mountains, some ski areas open, while others offer scenic trails.

10 Best Things To Do In Austria In November

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Austria In November for your next visit to this European country:

1. Visit Schönbrunn Palace In Vienna

Image of Schönbrunn Palace, visiting it is one of the best things to do in Austria in November.

Photo: Gveret Tered / Wikimedia Commons

Schönbrunn Palace is beautiful all year, but November means fewer crowds. Visitors can explore the grand rooms, walk through the garden paths, and learn about the Habsburgs. The palace is warm inside, making it a perfect indoor activity for cold days. Audio guides and detailed displays make the history easy to follow. People enjoy the mix of art, history, and architecture. It’s one of the top things to do in Austria in November for anyone visiting Vienna. Besides, the Christmas market usually begins late in the month, adding extra charm.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Location: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, Vienna

2. Enjoy A Thermal Spa In Bad Gastein

Image of a thermal sauna and spa room, similar to the one in Bad Gastein in Austria in November.

Photo: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Bad Gastein is a lovely town in Austria known for its warm thermal waters. November is a good time to go because it is quiet before the ski season starts. You can enjoy warm pools both inside and outside while looking at the beautiful mountains. The fresh air and hot water feel nice when it is cold outside. The town also has saunas and wellness treatments to help you feel calm and happy. It is one of the famous activties if you want rest and peace.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Location: Felsentherme, Bad Gastein

3. Attend A Classical Concert In Salzburg

An image of a musician performing is one of the top things to do in Austria in November.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Salzburg is the city where the famous music composer Mozart was born with music shows all through the year. In November, the city feels calm and cosy. Some concerts happen in old and lovely places like Mirabell Palace or the Mozarteum. People enjoy listening to beautiful music in such nice places, a peaceful way to spend the evening. Tickets are usually easy to get before the show and fit all types of budgets. It is one of the famous things music lovers can do in Austria in November.

Ideal Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Timings: Evening performances (varies)
Location: Salzburg, multiple venues

4. Walk Around Hallstatt Village

An image of a stunning Hallstatt village, which is one of the best things to do in Austria in November.

Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels

Hallstatt is peaceful in November before winter tourists arrive. This small lakeside village looks magical, with light snow and quiet streets. Visitors enjoy slow walks, photo spots, and views of the mountains and lake. Some museums and shops may have shorter hours, but the calm setting feels special. It’s one of the top things to do in Austria in November for those looking for a slower pace and beautiful scenery. Even with fewer crowds, Hallstatt still feels like a storybook.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: All day (village access always open)
Location: Hallstatt, Upper Austria

5. Explore Kunsthistorisches Museum In Vienna

An Image of Kunsthistorisches Museum’s hall, one of the popular things to do in Austria in November.

Photo: Alexbartek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

November is a great time to visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. This museum has many beautiful paintings and old objects made by famous artists like Rembrandt, Raphael, and Rubens. The museum is quiet in November, so you can walk around peacefully and enjoy the lovely rooms and art. It is also warm inside, which makes it a good place to visit on a cold or rainy day. It is perfect for people who like art or calm places. Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Austria in November if you enjoy learning about history and art.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed Mondays)
Location: Maria-Theresien-Platz, Vienna

6. Warm Up With Coffee At A Viennese Café

The image of the stunning Vienna café is one of the great things to do in Austria in November.

Photo: Clayton Tang / Wikimedia Commons

November in Austria is cold, so people enjoy warm drinks and quiet places. In Vienna, old coffee houses like Café Central and Café Sacher are perfect for this. These cafés are cosy, with wooden chairs and soft lights. People go there to drink coffee, eat cake, and relax. Some like to read books or talk with friends. Others just sit and watch people walk by. These cafés are full of history and charm. Visiting them is one of the best activties if you want to enjoy a peaceful moment indoors.

Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Timings: 8 AM – 9 PM (varies)
Location: Vienna, various cafés

7. Start Christmas Shopping At Graz Christmas Market

An image of a stunning Christmas market is one of the best things to do in Austria in November.

Photo: garten-gg / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

In Graz, the Christmas season starts early. By the middle of November, the Christmas markets are open. Small wooden stalls sell simple gifts, handmade items, and warm food. People like to drink hot punch, look at pretty decorations, and enjoy light shows at the big town hall. Since the markets start early, there are not many crowds. The place feels warm and happy, even when the weather is cold. Indulge in shopping if you want to enjoy the Christmas feeling before December comes.

Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: From mid-November, 10 AM – 9 PM
Location: Hauptplatz, Graz

8. Hike In The Wachau Valley

An Image of a soothing mountain view, one of the top things to do in Austria in November.

Photo: Walter Isack (isiwal) / Wikimedia Commons

The Wachau Valley, along the Danube River, is calm and quiet in November but still very beautiful. The trees turn yellow, and the vineyards and riverside towns look lovely. You can take easy walks between small towns like Dürnstein, Spitz, and Melk. The cool weather is nice for walking, and you can stop at cosy cafés or wine shops to rest. It is a peaceful place where you can enjoy nature, learn about the area’s culture, and do some gentle walking. It is one of the best things to do in Austria in November if you enjoy quiet and pretty views.

Ideal Duration: 2 – 4 hours
Timings: Daytime hours
Location: Wachau Valley, Lower Austria

9. Visit Mozart’s Birthplace In Salzburg

An image of Mozart's birthplace visiting is one of the popular things to do in Austria in November.

Photo: Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons

Mozart was a very famous music composer, and his birthplace is now a museum. It shows his life, music, and things he used. In November, there are not many people, so you can take your time to look around. The rooms are small, and you can see old music instruments and papers he wrote on. The museum is easy to walk through and is on a nice street with many shops. It is one of the famous things to do in Austria in November for people who love music or want to learn about Mozart.

Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Getreidegasse 9, Salzburg

10. Ride The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad)

An image of stunning Ferris wheel riding is one of the top things to do in Austria in November.

Photo: Thomas Ledl / Wikimedia Commons

The historic Ferris wheel in Vienna is a lovely place to visit with nice views of the city from above. In November, there are fewer people, so it feels peaceful. The cabins are warm inside, so you can stay comfortable while enjoying the ride. It is a short ride, but you can see the rooftops and lights of Vienna in the early evening. Many people enjoy this quiet and special moment. It is great for couples, families, or people travelling alone. Riding the Ferris wheel is one of the famous things to do in Austria in November.

Ideal Duration: 30 minutes
Timings: 10 AM – 7:45 PM
Location: Prater, Vienna

There are plenty of things to do in Austria in November, from ski adventures to festive markets and cultural tours. Whether you’re wandering through Vienna’s museums or enjoying the peace of alpine towns, the season brings a special charm. You can travel at a slower pace, enjoy fewer crowds, and still see the best of the country. For a smooth, memorable trip, book your travel and stay with TripXL today.

Cover Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

November features concerts, film festivals, and indoor exhibitions across Austria. Vienna’s music scene is active year-round, and you can enjoy opera, classical performances, and museum events without the summer tourist rush.
Salzburg starts preparing for the holidays in November. You can tour Mozart’s birthplace, visit the fortress, and enjoy the start of its famous Christmas market. The city’s mix of music, history, and festive vibes makes it a great autumn spot.
Though quieter, the countryside and lake towns like Hallstatt are peaceful and scenic. Expect cool air and fewer tourists. It’s a good time for slow travel, photography, and enjoying Austria’s natural beauty without the summer crowds.
Pack layers, a warm coat, boots, gloves, and a hat. It’s cold, especially at night or in the mountains. Bring waterproof items in case of rain or snow. Cities stay walkable, but you’ll want warm, comfortable clothes.
Yes, November is a shoulder season, so it’s quieter than summer or ski season. That means better hotel prices, easier bookings, and more relaxed sightseeing. It’s a great time to enjoy Austria without the crowds.

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