We will be in Venice in November and would like to spend a few
days in the Lake Como area. Knowing that it will be "off season"
is it worth it to go or will most restaurants etc. be closed. Plan B
would be going to Florence instead.

In November, weather is unpredictable all over Western Europe. Lake Como may be in bright sun or in thick fog. It may be relatively warm and calm or cold and windy. Many touristic restaurants and hotels along Lake Como will be closed, but you will still find places that are open. Local people lives there all the year round and people from Como and other towns like to have dinner at nice lake restaurants all the year round.

Florence is completely different from Lake Como. If you are interested in art and History, go to Florence in any case, if you prefer nature and hiking, consider Lake Como.

I would definitely opt for Florence at that time of year. The weather will be chilly, the days short and the area around the lakes in "off season" mode.

Actually, I would opt for Florence always.

I agree with neckervd.

We were in the Lake Como region last November and were fortunate enough to have lovely weather. We still needed med weight jackets but the afternoons were warm enough to sit outside for coffee. We rented an apartment in the historic center of Como and used it as a base to explore the lake area. There were plenty of restaurants and shops open in Como but much fewer in Bellagio.

We also had gorgeous weather while in Venice but rain our whole time in Florence. We had friends who told us to pack shorts for Rome but it turned out to be the coldest city on our trip and that was the first part of December. So as Neckervd said, the weather is totally unpredictable. On the up side, we had a 5.5 hour tour of the Vatican with a tour guide all to ourselves. She kept marveling at how much we were able to see and how few people there were.

Thanks to all ......

Karencita- sounds like you had a great trip to Como. My husband and I are looking to make a similar trip this year (early Nov) and would love restaurant recommendations if you remember any of the places that we're open while you we're there.

Thanks in advance,
Allegra